French & Italian Rivieras plus Monaco Grand Prix Option

Welcome to France and the bustling city of Nice, one of the most famous ports of the Côte d’Azur. It’s been a popular tourist destination since the 1700s and offers an intriguing blend of French and Italian cultures, thanks to its location close to the border.  Scenic Eclipse will be waiting for you alongside the multi-million dollar superyachts in the marina. You’ll be welcomed on board by your expert crew, meet your personal butler and have time to settle into your spacious verandah suite.  Enjoy a late departure from Nice tonight, giving you the chance for a sunset stroll along the grand Promenade des Anglais, arguably the most famous stretch of seafront in France. Or seek out one of the chic jazz bars that are clustered around Cathedral Square.  Please book your flight to arrive into Nice prior to 02:00 PM.

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 destination designed solely 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 ample 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. 

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 look 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, began their life in these very mountains.  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 sun go down over the water with a glass of Tuscan wine in hand. 

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. Then wander the checkerboard tiles of the grand Terrazza Magascani along the waterfront, gelato in hand.

Saint-Tropez was once a sleepy fishing village. But in the mid-1950s, French screen siren Brigitte Bardot and the film And God Created Woman transformed it into the chicest travel hotspot for the international jet set. Today, it still retains all the glitz and glamour, alongside impossibly 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. Sample the city’s namesake dessert at the original La Tarte Tropézianne café, which has been serving the signature brioche filled with lemon and vanilla cream since 1955. Enjoy a late departure tonight and see Saint-Tropez come alive after dark. Join the beautiful people at open-air bars along the waterfront or stylish rooftop cocktail bars with spectacular views and listen for the sounds of live music and keep an eye out for visiting celebrities.

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. The old town dates to the 14th century, creamy apartment buildings tumble down to the shoreline and hidden stairways weave between it all. This is a tender port, so Scenic Eclipse will wait just offshore as you are ferried 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. You’ll arrive in port on the day of the famed Monaco Grand Prix, the iconic Formula 1 race that winds through the streets of nearby Monte-Carlo. Today you can choose to attend the famous Grand-Prix at your own leisure and cost. Be sure to purchase these in advance.

Take things slowly for your last full day on board Scenic Eclipse. Perhaps 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 late May, the city will be wrapping up the famous 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. 

Your Scenic Eclipse cruise ends in Monte Carlo. After a final delicious breakfast, you will disembark and be transferred to the airport for your onward journey or return flight home. Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 12:00 PM. 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.