Alluring Rivieras: Cote d’Azur & Italian Coastline

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. 

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After a late night in Monte-Carlo, have your butler bring coffee to your suite so you can enjoy it on the verandah as you pull into Cannes.Welcome to the cinematic capital of the world. On your arrival in early May, the city will be just a couple of weeks out from the launch of the Cannes Film Festival, and every street and square is abuzz with movie magic. Film stars and millionaires will descend on the city, berthing their superyachts alongside Scenic Eclipse in the colourful marina. Browse the latest haute-couture collections at the breezy boutiques, relax on a striped sunlounger set up 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 really a place to relax and soak up the champagne lifestyle that plays out alongside the sparkling Mediterranean every day.

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You’ll call at 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, a place where people still live and work rather than a spot designed for tourists. 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. Wander the narrow streets this morning and feel immersed in history.Just a few kilometres away at the end of the peninsula is Portofino, one of Italy’s most famous resort towns. Postcard-perfect and oozing Mediterranean charm, Portofino is a place to soak up la dolce vita. Brightly coloured buildings sit against crystal-clear water with lush pine-covered hills in the distance. Another late departure means there’s plenty of time to explore the luxury boutiques, swim in the turquoise bay, dine on exquisitely fresh seafood and look out for celebrities at the exclusive bars set around the Piazzetta.

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).

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You may never had heard of the town of Marina di Carrara, but you’ll be familiar with its most famous export. Towering behind the town, the Apuan Alps looks as though they are covered in snow; in fact, it’s world-famous Carrara marble that’s been quarried here for more than 2,000 years. Many of Italy’s most famous works of art, like Michelangelo’s David and Pieta sculptures, began life in these very mountains.Marina de 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 sun go down over the water with a glass of Tuscan wine in hand.

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.

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As the third-largest port in Italy, Scenic Eclipse will be dwarfed by giant freighters and passenger cruise ships when it pulls into Livorno this morning. This colourful port town has been welcoming sailors and traders from all over the world for more than 400 years, making it one of Italy’s most cosmopolitan cities. It’s also the gateway to the spectacular Tuscany region, famous for its rolling hills, incredible cuisine and fascinating artistic heritage, and the closest port to Florence and Pisa.Wander through the 17th century Venezia Nuova, which feels like a mini Venice with its small islands threaded with canals and connected by bridges. Soak up the flavours of the city at the bustling Central Market, the second-largest indoor market in Europe, where hundreds of stalls are selling fresh vegetables, seafood, charcuterie, cheese and much more.Tonight, once the rest of the tourists have moved on, wander the checkerboard tiles of the grand Terrazza Magascani along the waterfront. Indulge your sweet tooth with a gelato from one of the many gelaterias you’ll find here.

Elba is the Tuscan archipelago’s largest island, but it resembles nearby verdant Corsica more than it does its rocky Italian sisters, thanks to a network of underground springs that keep it lush and green. It’s this combination of semitropical vegetation and dramatic mountain scenery—unusual in the Mediterranean—that has made Elba so prized for so long, and the island’s uniqueness continues to draw boatloads of visitors throughout the warm months. A car is very useful for getting around the island, but public buses stop at most towns several times a day; the tourist office has timetables.

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After another late night, ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite this morning so you can admire your next destination from your verandah. Today, Scenic Eclipse will dock in the centre of Portoferraio, looking out at the famous 16th century Medici Fortress.One of the oldest towns on Elba Island, Portoferraio dates to the time of the ancient Greeks, though the modern town was largely built by the Medici’s in the 1500s. It oozes Tuscan charm, and is a favourite among beach-lovers and history buffs alike. Take a dip at Spiaggia di Capo Bianco, a beach on the northern edge of town covered with small white pebbles and fronting impossibly clear water. Explore the historic streets to see Palazzina dei Mulini, one of Napoleon’s official residences during his exile here, the impressive Archeological Museum, and the ruins of the Roman Villa della Linguella.Relax with another late night in port and toast the sunset with a glass of Aleatico, a sweet red dessert wine that’s a local delicacy.

Corsica’s northern capital, Bastia, is the centre of commerce and industry and a thriving freight and passenger port. Commerce, more than tourism, is its main focus, providing employment for many Corsicans. Bastia’s industrial sprawl, however, is offset by its aged charm. The presence of an overwhelming Italian atmosphere adds to the city’s attraction. Two distinct areas comprise the city: Terra Vecchia, the old quarter, consisting of haphazard streets, flamboyant Baroque churches and lofty tenements, with their crumbling golden-grey walls set against a backdrop of fire-darkened hills; and the more orderly Terra Nova, the historic district favoured by prominent doctors, lawyers and architects. The city dates from Roman times, when a base was set up at Biguglia to the south. Under the Genoese, Bastia was the island’s capital for four centuries and of major importance for the export of wine to the Italian mainland. They built a fortress (bastiglia), which gave the town its name. The Genoese also were responsible for laying the foundation for the area’s prosperity by planting vines, olives, chestnut trees and other experimental crops. This resulted in an energetic and enterprising region, still a characteristic of today’s northern Corsica. Although Napoleon had appointed Ajaccio the capital of the island in 1811- initiating a rivalry that still exists – Bastia established a stronger trading position with mainland France. As a result, the Nouveau Port was created in 1862 to cope with the increasing traffic with France and Italy. Bastia’s economic prominence and a German division based here during World War II accounted for severe bombing attacks. Many buildings were destroyed, including much of the old governor’s palace. Of the two largest towns on the island, Ajaccio and Bastia, the latter boasts a more genuine Corsican character. Visitors can experience an authentic feel of island life by wandering through the maze of narrow streets of Bastia’s old quarter and by exploring its fortifications. Don’t miss the vast Place Saint-Nicolas just north of the old quarter; it is the focal point of the city. Open to the sea and lined with shady trees and sidewalk cafes, it is a perfect place for people watching and for taking in the local ambiance. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at the port of Bastia. The city’s focal point, Place Saint-Nicolas, is a distance of 650 feet (200 metres) to walk. Taxis are generally available at the pier but it is highly recommended to book in advance if you want to be sure to get one. It is recommended to establish the fare before leaving the port. Shopping The main shopping streets, Boulevard Paoli and Rue Cesar Campinchi, are less than one half miles (500 metres) from the port terminal. Handicrafts and the area’s specialties such as honey, wine and liqueurs may be of interest. Most shops are open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Shops are closed for the day on Sundays and some shops may also close Monday mornings (some souvenirs shops may open Sundays during the high season of July-August). The local currency is the euro. Cuisine A variety of restaurants offer a good choice of eating possibilities. Some of the best restaurants are found around the Vieux Port and on the Quai des Martyrs. French cuisine and seafood feature prominently on menus as well as such Corsican specialties as wild boar, charcuterie and aziminu, a local version of bouillabaisse. Evidence of Bastia’s strong Italian influence is apparent in the numerous pizza and pasta places in the Nouveau Port area. For outdoor dining and people watching, cafes around lively Place Saint-Nicolas are a perfect place. Other Sites Oratoire de Saint-Roch Located in the Terra Vecchia quarter, the chapel is a Genoese Baroque extravaganza built in 1604. The walls are covered with finely carved wooden panelling and the organ is magnificent with its decoration of gilt and wooden sculpture. Oratoire de L’Immaculee Conception Although its exterior is rather austere, the flamboyant interior of this 17th-century church with gilt and marble ceiling, frescoes and crystal chandeliers creates an ambiance of an opera house. Vieux Port Site of the original Porto Prado, the area around the Vieux Port is the most appealing part of town. Its soaring houses seem to bend inwards towards the water. Once busy with Genoese traders, the building of the ferry terminal and commercial docks have reduced much of the action at Vieux Port. Terra Nova As the administrative core of old Bastia, Terra Nova displays a distinct air of affluence. Its most impressive building is the 14th-century Governor’s Palace. During the Genoese heyday the governor and the bishop lived here, entertaining foreign dignitaries and hosting massive parties. Private arrangements for independent sightseeing may be requested through the Tour Office on board, subject to the availability of English-speaking guides.

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France’s second busiest cruise port (after Calais) and one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, Bastia is the gateway to the island of Corsica. It’s a dynamic city that feels genuinely ‘lived in’.The name Bastia comes from the word ‘bastion’, which is tied to the Genoese fortress that was built here in the 14th century. It now houses the interesting Musee de Bastia, which traces the town’s history from early Roman times. The old town is split into two parts; Terra Vecchia around the harbour and Terra Nova in the high-walled citadel above. The narrow laneways are lined with a number of impressive churches, grand public buildings and charmingly jumbled apartment buildings. Place Saint-Nicolas is at the heart of the town, a charming square lined with outdoor cafes. Watch the world go by with a coffee or glass of wine.

Italy’s vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de’ Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.

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This morning, you will arrive in Civitavecchia, the sea port for the Italian capital city of Rome. After a final delicious breakfast, farewell your crew and take away memories of a truly unforgettable cruise.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.Please book your flight to depart out of Rome after 12:00 PM.