French & Italian Rivieras with Corsica

Your unforgettable cruise begins in Civitavecchia, the main seaport and gateway for Rome, the ancient capital of Italy.  Here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and begin your voyage along the glamorous French and Italian rivieras.

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. Calvi’s beach presents 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.

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 city’s culinary scene is not surprisingly, heavily influenced by its seaside location, tempting with signature dishes such as ‘cacciucco’, a traditional fish stew that is a must-try for every visitor.

Further along the Tuscan coast, you’ll arrive in Marina di Carrara. This lovely seaside village is famed for the premium, pale Italian marble that is mined and quarried from the nearby mountains and used to create some of the world’s most important artistic wonders, such as the iconic, Michelangelo’s David. These shimmering mountains of purest marble contrast beautifully with Marina di Carrara’s coastal scenery.

We set sail early in the morning for the Italian Ligurian coast and Porto Venere. This ancient town and UNESCO World Heritage Site harbours a romantic history, thanks to its penchant for attracting famous poets and artists over the centuries. The wonderful swimming spots here were beloved, amongst others, by the legendary poet, Lord Byron, who regularly swam and meditated here in the early 1800s. One of Porto Venere’s most striking features is its gothic-style Church of St. Peter, perched atop a rocky headland overlooking the sparkling sea.

Welcome to Santa Margherita Ligure, an Italian resort town presenting panoramic views and revered for its timeless elegance and style. For those seeking ‘La dolce vita’, you’ll find it here in abundance. 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. Nestled 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.

Officially known as the Principality of Monaco, the sovereign city-state of Monaco 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 d’Azur 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.

Your unforgettable yacht cruise concludes in Cannes, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your holiday.