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| 20th20 | MayMay | 202525 | Nice, France, embark on the Scenic Eclipse | | |
| United with France only since 1860, Nice has its own history and atmosphere, which dates back 230,000 years. It was on Colline du Château (now château-less) and at the Plage des Ponchettes, in front of the Old Town, that the Greeks established a market-port in 350 BC and named it Nikaia, which would become Marseilles' chief coastal rival. The Romans established themselves a little later on the hills of Cimiez (Cemenelum), already previously occupied by Ligurians and Celts, and quickly overshadowed the waterfront port. After falling to the Saracen invasions, Nice regained power as an independent state, becoming an important port in the early Middle Ages.So cocksure did it become that in 1388, Nice, along with the hill towns behind, effectively seceded from the county of Provence, under Louis d'Anjou, and allied itself with Savoie. Thus began its liaison with the House of Savoy, and through it with Piedmont and Sardinia, it was the Comté de Nice (Nice County). This relationship lasted some 500 years, tinting the culture, architecture, and dialect in rich Italian hues.By the 19th century Nice was flourishing commercially, locked in rivalry with the neighboring shipping port of Genoa. Another source of income: the dawning of tourism, as first the English, then the Russian nobility, discovered its extraordinary climate and superb waterfront position. A parade of fine stone mansions and hotels closed into a nearly solid wall of masonry, separated from the smooth-round rocks of the beach by what was originally named Camin deis Anglés (the English Way), which of course is now the famous Promenade des Anglais. This magnificent crescent, which is seeking UNESCO recognition, is one of the noblest in France. Many of Nice's most delightful attractions—the Cours Saleya market, the Old Town streets, the Hotel Negresco, and the Palais Masséna—are on or close to this 10-km (6-mile) waterfront, making it the first stop for most visitors, while the redevelopment of Nice's port, around the other side of the Colline du Château, makes it easier for amblers who want to take in the Genoese architecture or peruse the antiques at the Puces de Nice, now part of the Promenade des 100 Antiquaires, along Quai Papacino. Nice also has the distinction of the "Family Plus" label, with free strollers, play areas, and restaurants with child-friendly activities. Welcome to France and the bustling city of Nice, one of the most famous ports of the Côte d’Azur. It offers an intriguing blend of French and Italian cultures. You’ll be welcomed on board your Discovery Yacht by the Captain and the crew, meet your butler and settle into your spacious verandah suite. Enjoy a late departure from Nice tonight with the opportunity for a sunset stroll along the grand Promenade des Anglais, arguably the most famous stretch of seafront in France or toast to the start of your journey of wonder at the Sky Deck Bar. Please book your flight to arrive into Nice prior to 02:00 PM. |
| 21st21 | MayMay | 202525 | Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy | | |
You’ll call into two neighbouring ports today, tucked into a quiet curve of the Ligurian Coast. Santa Margherita is one of the more relaxed towns along the Italian Riviera. Pretty pastel buildings line the shore, hundreds of fishing boats sit in the marina, and the imposing 16th century castle looks out over it all. At the end of the peninsula is Portofino, one of Italy’s most famous resort towns. There’s ample time to explore luxury boutiques, swim in the turquoise bay, and look out for celebrities at the exclusive bars. Freechoice:
Santa Margherita walking tour: Stroll along the sea front promenade with its brightly coloured houses. Then discover the Basilica di Santa Margherita d'Antiochia.
Hiking to Portofino and join the ship in Portofino: From the village of Nozarego, hike along a Mediterranean clifftop path to Portofino, with a picnic along the way.
Brown Castle visit: Explore Brown Castle in Portofino before continuing to the San Giorgio church, a 12th century marvel rebuilt in 1950.
Portofino walking tour with gelato: Take a guided tour of Portofino, visit the San Giorgio church and stop at the Portofino village for a delicious gelato. |
| 21st21 | MayMay | 202525 | Portofino, Italy | | |
| One of the most photographed villages along the coast, with a decidedly romantic and affluent aura, Portofino has long been a popular destination for the rich and famous. Once an ancient Roman colony and taken by the Republic of Genoa in 1229, it’s also been ruled by the French, English, Spanish, and Austrians, as well as by marauding bands of 16th-century pirates. Elite British tourists first flocked to the lush harbor in the mid-1800s. Some of Europe's wealthiest drop anchor in Portofino in summer, but they stay out of sight by day, appearing in the evening after buses and boats have carried off the day-trippers.There's not actually much to do in Portofino other than stroll around the wee harbor, see the castle, walk to Punta del Capo, browse at the pricey boutiques, and sip a coffee while people-watching. However, weaving through picture-perfect cliffside gardens and gazing at yachts framed by the sapphire Ligurian Sea and the cliffs of Santa Margherita can make for quite a relaxing afternoon. There are also several tame, photo-friendly hikes into the hills to nearby villages.Unless you're traveling on a deluxe budget, you may want to stay in Camogli or Santa Margherita Ligure rather than at one of Portofino's few very expensive hotels. Restaurants and cafés are good but also pricey (don't expect to have a beer here for much under €10). |
| 22nd22 | MayMay | 202525 | Carrara, Italy | | |
Marina di Carrara sits on the coast, tucked between sandy beaches and forested mountains. Today, you can set up in a beach chair beneath a striped umbrella at one of the many beach clubs that line the shore. Or take a shuttle into Carrara town, where everything from fountains to cathedrals to pavements are made from their signature stone. With a late departure, make the most of the town’s western aspect and watch the sunset over the water from your private verandah and preffered drink in hand. Freechoice:
4x4 Marble Quarries Exploration: Visit the Apuane Mountains and trek to its marble quarries, where you’ll learn about the extraction and treatment process for Carrara marble. Enjoy lunch with Lardo di Colonnata crouton.
Lucca by E-bike: Explore Lucca’s town centre by e-bike, an ideal cycling trail that includes Giacomo Puccini’s statue, Piazza San Michele and San Michele Church, the ancient Roman forum and the bustling Piazza Anfiteatro.
Pietrasanta and Forte dei Marmi: A half-day journey to Pietrasanta, a medieval town known as “the Athens of Italy”. Your guide will then take you to Forte dei Marmi, an iconic sea village. |
| 23rd23 | MayMay | 202525 | Livorno, Italy | | |
| Livorno is a gritty city with a long and interesting history. In the early Middle Ages it alternately belonged to Pisa and Genoa. In 1421 Florence, seeking access to the sea, bought it. Cosimo I (1519–74) started construction of the harbor in 1571, putting Livorno on the map. After Ferdinando I de' Medici (1549–1609) proclaimed Livorno a free city, it became a haven for people suffering from religious persecution; Roman Catholics from England and Jews and Moors from Spain and Portugal, among others, settled here. The Quattro Mori (Four Moors), also known as the Monument to Ferdinando I, commemorates this. (The statue of Ferdinando I dates from 1595, the bronze Moors by Pietro Tacca from the 1620s.)In the following centuries, and particularly in the 18th, Livorno boomed as a port. In the 19th century the town drew a host of famous Britons passing through on their grand tours. Its prominence continued up to World War II, when it was heavily bombed. Much of the town's architecture, therefore, postdates the war, and it's somewhat difficult to imagine what it might have looked like before. Livorno has recovered from the war, however, as it's become a huge point of departure for container ships, as well as the only spot in Tuscany for cruise ships to dock for the day.Most of Livorno's artistic treasures date from the 17th century and aren't all that interesting unless you dote on obscure baroque artists. Livorno's most famous native artist, Amedeo Modigliani (1884–1920), was of much more recent vintage. Sadly, there's no notable work by him in his hometown.There may not be much in the way of art, but it's still worth strolling around the city. The Mercato Nuovo, which has been around since 1894, sells all sorts of fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, and fish. Outdoor markets nearby are also chock-full of local color. The presence of Camp Darby, an American military base just outside town, accounts for the availability of many American products.If you have time, Livorno is worth a stop for lunch or dinner at the very least. At the third-largest port in Italy, Scenic Eclipse will be a highlight between the giant freighters and passenger cruise ships when it pulls into Livorno this morning. This colourful port town is one of Italy’s most cosmopolitan cities. It’s also the gateway to the spectacular Tuscany region. Wander through the 17th-century Venezia Nuova, threaded with canals and connected by bridges. Soak up the flavours of the bustling Central Market, the second-largest indoor market in Europe, where stalls sell fresh vegetables, seafood, charcuterie, cheese and much more. Then, wander the grand Terrazza Magascani along the waterfront, gelato in hand. Freechoice:
The best of Florence: Visit Florence for a guided tour of the Cathedral square, Ponte Vecchio and Santa Croce square before lunch at a local restaurant.
Highlights of Pisa: Explore Pisa, home of the Leaning Tower. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the tower square and the nearby Pisa Baptistery and Cathedral.
Truffle hunting at the Tuscan farmhouse: Hunt for the tasty prize in the Tuscan woods. Afterwards, enjoy an organic meal at the Tuscan Farm.
San Gimignano & Wine tasting: Take a tour of the medieval hillside town of San Gimignano, followed by lunch and a sampling of local wines. |
| 24th24 | MayMay | 202525 | Saint-Tropez, France | | |
| At first glance, it really doesn't look all that impressive. There's a pretty port with cafés charging €5 for a coffee and a picturesque old town in sugared-almond hues, but there are many prettier in the hills nearby. There are sandy beaches, rare enough on the Riviera, and old-fashioned squares with plane trees and pétanque players, but these are a dime a dozen throughout Provence. So what made St-Tropez an internationally known locale? Two words: Brigitte Bardot. When this pulpeuse (voluptuous) teenager showed up in St-Tropez on the arm of Roger Vadim in 1956 to film And God Created Woman, the heads of the world snapped around. Neither the gentle descriptions of writer Guy de Maupassant (1850–93), nor the watercolor tones of Impressionist Paul Signac (1863–1935), nor the stream of painters who followed (including Matisse and Bonnard) could focus the world's attention on this seaside hamlet as did this one sensual woman in a scarf, Ray-Bans, and capris. Vanity Fair ran a big article, "Saint Tropez Babylon," detailing the over-the-top petrodollar parties, megayachts, and Beyoncé–d paparazzi. But don't be turned off: the next year, Stewart, Tabori & Chang released an elegant coffee-table book, Houses of St-Tropez, packed with photos of supremely tasteful and pretty residences, many occupied by fashion designers, artists, and writers. Once a hangout for Colette, Anaïs Nin, and Françoise Sagan, the town still earns its old moniker, the "Montparnasse of the Mediterranean." Yet you might be surprised to find that this byword for billionaires is so small and insulated. The lack of train service, casinos, and chain hotels keeps it that way. Yet fame, in a sense, came too fast for St-Trop. Unlike the chic resorts farther east, it didn't have the decades-old reputation of the sort that would attract visitors all year around. For a good reason: its location on the south side of the gulf puts it at the mercy of the terrible mistral winter winds. So, in summer the crowds descend and the prices rise into the stratosphere. In July and August, you must be carefree about the sordid matter of cash. After all, at the most Dionysian nightclub in town, a glass of tap water goes for $37 and when the mojo really gets going, billionaires think nothing of "champagne-spraying" the partying crowds—think World Series celebrations but with $1,000 bottles of Roederer Cristal instead of Gatorade. Complaining about summer crowds, overpricing, and lack of customer service has become a tourist sport and yet this is what makes St-Tropez—described by the French daily newspaper Le Figaro as the place you can see "the greatest number of faces per square meter"—as intriguing as it is seductive. Saint-Tropez, once a quiet fishing village, became a glamorous travel destination in the 1950s, thanks to Brigitte Bardot and the film And God Created Woman. Today, it still retains all the glitz and glamour, alongside glittering blue seas, stunning beaches and a bohemian art scene. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the old fishing quarter of La Ponche, and revel in the abstract architecture and sunlit landscapes that inspired great artists and filmmakers. With a late departure, see Saint-Tropez come alive after dark. Freechoice:
Walking tour of Saint-Tropez: Take a guided tour of the charming village of Saint Tropez and its iconic landmarks.
Grimaud and Port Grimaud: Explore Port Grimaud and the village of Grimaud, with winding alleyways, pastel houses and a monumental fountain.
Visit to Domaine Rayol Gardens: Take a guided tour of this beautiful natural protected site and enjoy a “pause gourmande”.
Gassin and Wine tasting tour: Stroll the narrow streets of the picturesque Provence village of Gassin and enjoy a tasting at a local winery.
Hiking tour: With a guide, traverse a four-mile coastal trail offering breathtaking views over 3-4-hours. |
| 25th25 | MayMay | 202525 | Villefranche-sur-Mer, France | | |
| Villefranche-Sur-Mer is located on the Côte d’Azur in Provence – known for its fields of lavender and warm weather – and is highly appreciated for its 14th Century architecture. Tucked in a deep bay between Nice and the Cap Ferrat peninsula, Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the hidden gems of the Côte d’Azur. This is a tender port where your Discovery Yacht will wait just offshore as you are transferred right into the centre of town. Enjoy a full day to spend in Villefranche-sur-Mer, where you can explore the town or make the short trip into Nice to discover its many museums, historical sites and galleries. A late-night departure allows you ample time to wander along the waterfront to discover its cosy wine bars and glamorous rooftop cocktail spots. Freechoice:
Eze & Nice with wine tasting & cheese: Stop at Eze for fantastic views before continuing to Nice for a panoramic city tour. Then visit Old Nice and enjoy a wine and cheese tasting.
Tour of Nice: Enjoy a walking tour of Nice. Then visit Old Nice for a walk on the elegant promenade of Cours Saleya.
Pesto workshop & visit to St. Paul: Visit Grasse for a pesto workshop. Afterwards, head to the walled village of St. Paul de Vence.
Formula One & Top Car Museum tour: Take a guided tour of the Monaco F1 Grand Prix circuit and explore Prince Rainier III’s classic car collection. Optional Upgrade
2025 F1 Monaco Grand Prix Experience (extra expense, must be pre-booked)
Today, you have the option to attend the renowned Monaco Grand Prix at your own pace. |
| 26th26 | MayMay | 202525 | Cannes, France | | |
| Cannes is pampered with the luxurious year-round climate that has made it one of the most popular resorts in Europe. Cannes was an important sentinel site for the monks who established themselves on Île St-Honorat in the Middle Ages. Its bay served as nothing more than a fishing port until in 1834 an English aristocrat, Lord Brougham, fell in love with the site during an emergency stopover with a sick daughter. He had a home built here and returned every winter for a sun cure—a ritual quickly picked up by his peers. Between the popularity of Le Train Blue transporting wealthy passengers from Calais, and the introduction in 1936 of France's first paid holidays, Cannes became the destination, a tasteful and expensive breeding ground for the upper-upscale.Cannes has been further glamorized by the ongoing success of its annual film festival, as famous as Hollywood's Academy Awards. About the closest many of us will get to feeling like a film star is a stroll here along La Croisette, the iconic promenade that gracefully curves the wave-washed sand coastline, peppered with chic restaurants and prestigious private beaches. This is precisely the sort of place for which the French invented the verb flâner (to dawdle, saunter): strewn with palm trees and poseurs, its fancy boutiques and status-symbol grand hotels—including the Carlton, the legendary backdrop to Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief —all vying for the custom of the Louis Vuitton set. This legend is, to many, the heart and soul of the Côte d'Azur. On your last day on board your Discovery Yacht, you will sail into Cannes, the cinematic capital of the world. Upon your arrival in late May, the famous Cannes Film Festival will be winding up, and every street and square is abuzz with movie magic. Browse the latest haute-couture collections at the breezy boutiques, relax along the narrow beach, or sip cocktails at one of the endlessly chic beachside bars. There’s plenty of history and culture to be found in this coastal enclave, but it's truly a place to unwind and enjoy the glamorous lifestyle by the sparkling Mediterranean. Freechoice:
Cannes by foot: Take a guided tour to the church of Le Suquet. Visit Fortville, a colourful produce market, and stroll la Promenade de la Croisette.
Visit to a Perfumes factory & picnic lunch: Visit Grasse, the Capital of Perfume. Take an exclusive tour of a perfume factory, then enjoy a picnic at a nearby country house.
Delights of Cannes: Explore the Old Town of Cannes and take a guided tour of Croissant Boulangerie Patisserie Le Saint Antoine and a tapenade workshop.
Wine tasting at Chateau St Martin: Escape to the Chateau St Martin in Taradeau. Discover its exceptional history and sample wonderful local wines. |
| 27th27 | MayMay | 202525 | Monte-Carlo, Monaco, disembark the Scenic Eclipse | | |
| On one of the best stretches of the Mediterranean, this classic luxury destination is one of the most sought-after addresses in the world. With all the high-rise towers you have to look hard to find the Belle Époque grace of yesteryear. But if you head to the town's great 1864 landmark Hôtel de Paris—still a veritable crossroads of the buffed and befurred Euro-gentry—or enjoy a grand bouffe at its famous Louis XV restaurant, or attend the opera, or visit the ballrooms of the casino, you may still be able to conjure up Monaco's elegant past. Prince Albert II, a political science graduate from Amherst College, traces his ancestry to Otto Canella, who was born in 1070. The Grimaldi dynasty began with Otto's great-great-great-grandson, Francesco Grimaldi, also known as Frank the Rogue. Expelled from Genoa, Frank and his cronies disguised themselves as monks and in 1297 seized the fortified medieval town known today as Le Rocher (the Rock). Except for a short break under Napoléon, the Grimaldis have been here ever since, which makes them the oldest reigning family in Europe. In the 1850s a Grimaldi named Charles III made a decision that turned the Rock into a giant blue chip. Needing revenue but not wanting to impose additional taxes on his subjects, he contracted with a company to open a gambling facility. The first spin of the roulette wheel was on December 14, 1856. There was no easy way to reach Monaco then—no carriage roads or railroads—so no one came. Between March 15 and March 20, 1857, one person entered the casino—and won two francs. In 1868, however, the railroad reached Monaco, and it was filled with Englishmen who came to escape the London fog. The effects were immediate. Profits were so great that Charles eventually abolished all direct taxes. Almost overnight, a threadbare principality became an elegant watering hole for European society. Dukes (and their mistresses) and duchesses (and their gigolos) danced and dined their way through a world of spinning roulette wheels and bubbling champagne—preening themselves for nights at the opera, where such artists as Vaslav Nijinsky, Sarah Bernhardt, and Enrico Caruso came to perform. Along with the tax system, its sensational position on a broad, steep peninsula that bulges into the Mediterranean—its harbor sparkling with luxury cruisers, its posh mansions angling awnings toward the nearly perpetual sun—continues to draw the rich and famous. One of the latest French celebrities to declare himself "Monégasque," thus giving up his French passport, is superchef Alain Ducasse, who said that he made the choice out of affection for Monaco rather than tax reasons. Pleasure boats vie with luxury cruisers in their brash beauty and Titanic scale, and teams of handsome young men—themselves dyed blond and tanned to match—scour and polish every gleaming surface. As you might expect, all this glitz doesn't come cheap. Eating is expensive, and even the most modest hotels cost more here than in nearby Nice or Menton. As for taxis, they don't even have meters so you are completely at the driver's mercy (with prices skyrocketing during events such as the Grand Prix). For the frugal, Monaco is the ultimate day-trip, although parking is as coveted as a room with a view. At the very least you can afford a coffee at Starbucks. The harbor district, known as La Condamine, connects the new quarter, officially known as Monte Carlo with Monaco-Ville (or Le Rocher), a medieval town on the Rock, topped by the palace, the cathedral, and the Oceanography Museum. Have no fear that you'll need to climb countless steps to get to Monaco-Ville, as there are plenty of elevators and escalators climbing the steep cliffs. But shuttling between the lovely casino grounds of Monte Carlo and Old Monaco, separated by a vast port, is a daunting proposition for ordinary mortals without wings, so hop on the No. 1 bus from Saint Roman, or No. 2 from the Jardin Exotique - Both stop at Place du Casino and come up to Monaco Ville. Your voyage ends in the breathtaking Monte Carlo. The most famous district in the world’s second-smallest country, Monaco, it attracts high-rollers and prodigious wealth with luxurious high-rise hotels, designer boutiques and beautiful people at every turn. After breakfast, farewell the crew and new friends who shared this incredible journey with you. You'll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey or return flight home, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime. Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 12:00 PM. ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions. Helicopter and submersible are not able to operate in France.
#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. |
