Golden Coasts of Italy & France

Your unforgettable yacht cruise begins in the coastal city of Nice, nestled along the chic French Rivera. Here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and begin your voyage through the Western Mediterranean. Please book your flight to arrive into Nice prior to 06:00 PM.

A shining jewel of the Côte d’Azur, the legendary beach resort town of Saint-Tropez is one of the most famous holiday destinations in Europe. From the soft white sand beaches lapped by turquoise water to the jetsetter beach clubs, decadent dining and luxury designer boutiques, glamorous Saint-Tropez is the ultimate French Riviera experience. For history buffs, learn more about the fascinating story of Saint-Tropez at the Musée dHistoire Maritime, or peruse the incredible modern art inside a former chapel at the Annonciade.

Officially known as the Principality of Monaco, the sovereign city-state of is renowned worldwide for its opulence and glamour, boasting high-end casinos, a yacht-lined harbour, the prestigious Grand Prix motor racing event and exclusive Monte Carlo quarter. This gem of the Côte dAzur is also home to Monaco’s royal household, several museums and numerous cultural events hosted throughout the year, celebrating anything from music and dance to theatre and the visual arts. 

Welcome to Santa Margherita Ligure, an Italian resort town revealing panoramic views and revered for its timeless elegance and style. For those seeking la dolce vita, you’ll find it in abundance here. Stroll the Santa Margherita promenade, or the pebbly beachfront, admiring the gleaming yachts and sailing boats. Explore a beautiful Baroque church or sample, freshly caught, succulent red shrimps.  Later in the morning, you’ll sail on to Portofino. Set along the Italian Riviera, Portofino boasts a rich gastronomic scene, a picturesque harbour and narrow streets lined with charming, pastel-hued houses, high-end boutiques and seafood restaurants.

Along the Ligurian coast of Italy’s northwest shores, Porto Venere presents an ancient town with a romantic history, thanks to its penchant for attracting famous poets and artists over the centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts wonderful swimming spots, beloved amongst others, by the iconic poet Lord Byron, who regularly bathed and meditated here in the early 1800s. One of Porto Veneres most striking features is its gothic-style Church of St. Peter, dating back to the 12th century, perched atop a rocky headland overlooking the sparkling sea. 

Early in the morning, you’ll sail onwards to Tuscany and Marina di Carrara. This lovely seaside village is famous for the, pale and premium Italian marble that is mined and quarried from the nearby mountains, used to create some of the world’s most important artistic wonders, such as the iconic statue, Michelangelo’s David. These shimmering mountains of the purest marble contrast beautifully with the coastal scenery of Marina di Carrara. 

Along the western coast of Tuscany, the bustling city of Livorno boasts a modern seaport, but is best known for its scenic beauty, picturesque views of the azure Mediterranean Sea and delicious fresh seafood. The citys culinary scene is not surprisingly heavily influenced by its seaside location, tempting with signature dishes such as cacciucco, a traditional fish stew thats a must-try for every visitor.

According to local legend, Calvi, set on the beautiful island of Corsica, is where the intrepid 15th century explorer, Christopher Columbus, was born. While historians may debate this, the natural beauty and rich culture of Calvi is undisputed. Calvis gorgeous beach is a crescent-shaped bay of powdery white sand fringed by maritime pines, while the town has evolved as Corsica’s ‘culture capital’, hosting several music festivals over the idyllic summer months.

Perched atop a narrow limestone peninsula on the French Island of Corsica, Bonifacio reveals breathtaking views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Take a step back in time, exploring Bonifacio’s atmospheric Old Town, a fortified medieval citadel filled with quaint narrow streets and historic structures. Be sure to visit The Staircase of the King of Aragon (Escalier du Roi dAragon), a steep flight of steps carved into the cliffside, which leads down to the clear, blue-green sea.

Enjoy a morning sail to Porto Cervo, a favoured playground for yachting enthusiasts as well as the rich and famous. Its impressive marina is filled with gleaming mega yachts and famous as the host of prestigious sailing competitions, such as the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.  Despite its reputation for luxury, Porto Cervo hasn’t however, lost its unmistakable Sardinian charm.

Within Italy’s romantic Tuscany region, you’ll find Porto Ercole a laid-back harbour town with a picturesque bay dotted with luxury yachts and bobbing fishing boats. This stunning historic town is worth exploring for its maze of narrow laneways, stone houses and several important landmarks, including old fortresses, Forte Filippo, Forte Stella, and La Rocca – built during Spanish domination in the 16th century.

Your luxurious yacht cruise returns to Italian shores and concludes in Civitavecchia, the main seaport for the dynamic capital of Italy, Rome. Here you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your holiday. Please book your flight to depart out of Rome after 11:00 AM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.