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Romantic Rivieras  – Itinerary

Variety Voyage

THE ROMANTIC RIVIERAS- NICE TO NICE CRUISE ITINERARY FRANCE-ITALY-CORSICA & MONTE CARLO

14, 21, 28 Jul; 4, 11, 18, 25 Aug; 01 Sep 2012

NICE
Embarkation 3 pm - Short sailing to St Tropez
ST. TROPEZ
St. Tropez is a glamorous playground for the wealthy, but anyone can spend an afternoon at a sidewalk café, watching the spectacle unfold. The south of France played a role in the history of modern painting, its clear light inspiring artists, so that even today many live and work here. For mesmerizing views, head up to the 16th century Citadel. Or stroll the old town, overflowing with restaurants, trendy boutiques, and galleries. Late in the evening we leave St. Tropez and cross to Corsica. Overnight at sea to Corsica.
ILE ROUSSE
With its palm trees and promenades, Ile Rousse has more common with the French Riviera than with Corsica. The beach is a short walk from the port and near the Paoli Square, the heart of the city. Your optional walking excursion will take you to the covered market, to the Church of Immaculate Conception. Later we will reach Ile de la Pietra by a causeway. The afternoon optional half day excursion will take you to Calvi and to some of most striking "fortress" like villages of the Haute Balagne as well as Calenzana, Montemaggiore and Pigna. Overnight at sea to Bonifacio.
BONIFACIO
Excursion Highlights: Stroll down the narrow, twisting lanes of this lovely walled cliff-top medieval town past ancient buildings where native son Napoleon walked when he commanded the local garrison in 1973. Visit stunning churches like Ste. Marie-Majeure, a 12th-century structure with a fountain that collects rainwater, and the old market. Overnight at sea to Elba Island.
ELBA
We reach the island of Elba in the morning. Elba was settled by the Greeks in the 10th century BC, and later became known as the home to the exiled Napoleon Bonaparte. Your optional excursion includes a visit to the Palazzina dei Mulini, the home he shared with his sister in 1814 and much more can be seen in the villa of San Martino and the Demidoff Museum. The excursion also includes a stop at a local winery. After lunch we cross over to mainland to Portovenere.
PORTOVENERE
Late evening arrival in Portovenere. Overnight in port
PORTOVENERE
Today your optional full day excursion brings you to Cinqueterre, five villages clinging to the Ligurian cliffs on the west coast of Italy at nearly the same distance from one another - Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. See these sites as the ancient mariners had - from the sea. Depart from the pier northward and marvel at the views as you approach the beautiful coast with villages suspended above the sea, almost defying gravity. Five picturesque locations of pastel-colored houses and terraced vineyards alive with the aroma of olive trees. Arrive at the village of Vernazza, where you disembark the vessel for a guided walking tour of this 1st-century village. Notice the richness of its architecture, which evinces a wealthier standard of living than that of other villages. Following your tour, free time is afforded to browse the local shops or enjoy a cafe. The next stop, the most westerly village and Cinque Terre's beach town, Monterosso. The town is divided into two distinct parts, San Cristoforo Hill, and the old maritime village protected by a rock spur. At sea to Portofino.
PORTOFINO
Picture a tiny town of pastel houses lining the shore of a small harbor full of sleek yachts, crowned by a castle and backed by verdant hills dotted with villas. Throw in charming waterside restaurants specializing in seafood, and a national park with miles of hiking trails among chestnut and olive groves, where you can work off the pasta that in Italy is just the first course, between the antipasto and the main. Now you know why this quaint little fishing village became a playground of the rich and famous. Our optional walking excursion will show the insights of this beautiful little town. Late at night we leave Portofino for an overnight sailing to Monte Carlo.
MONTE CARLO
Today we reach Monte Carlo or Monaco, land of the rich and famous and of the Grimaldi reigning family, its F1 race and its Palaces. Our morning excursion will start with a drive along the famous Grand Corniche with its stunning views of Monaco and the Old City then stroll through this marvellous quarter and its pink Grimaldi Palace where a section of the Prince’s quarters is open to the public. After lunch, the excursion to the colourful and no less famous villages of Grasse, St Paul de Vence and Eze, home of the greatest painters in history is not to be missed. Overnight in Monte Carlo.
MONTE CARLO
Early morning sailing to Nice.
NICE
Disembarkation 9 to 10 am

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