This Mediterranean sea cruise takes in the French Riviera, Italy's Amalfi Coast, and remote Mediterranean islands by land and yacht. Experience Monte-Carlo, and board your 60-passenger motor-sailing yacht to discover the islands of Lipari, Ponza, Stromboli, Corsica, Sicily, Elba and Malta. See fortified medieval towns, ornate cathedrals, ancient castles, and the incredible cliff-side drive along the Amalfi Coast. Feel like a jetsetter pulling into ports aboard Le Ponant, designed to access the small harbors and remote destinations that large ships can’t maneuver.
Day 1: Arrive in Nice / Monte-Carlo
Tour begins: 6:30 p.m. at Fairmont Monte Carlo. Your Mediterranean sea cruise includes a transfer from Nice Cote d'Azur Airport to the Fairmont Monte Carlo in Monaco. Meet your travel companions this evening at the welcome reception and dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Monte-Carlo magic
Experience the glamour of Monaco today as you get a royal taste of what life is like on the chic French Riviera during a guided morning tour. Spend the remainder of the day exploring as you wish; your hotel is steps from the Monte-Carlo Casino, where lady luck favors the fortunate few!
Meals: Breakfast
• Day 3: St. Paul-de-Vence / Embark ship
Visit the medieval hill town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a long-time artists’ magnet, before journeying to Nice for a brief city sightseeing tour. Meander through the maze of streets in Old Town, see the Promenade des Anglais along the seafront, and discover the daily flower market in Cours Saleya. Board your yacht, Le Ponant, for the start of your 7-night Mediterranean Sea cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
• Day 4: The island of Elba
Aboard Le Ponant in the Mediterranean Sea cruise to the picturesque island of Elba and the secluded harbor of Portoferraio. Today you'll learn about the secluded, isolated life of Napoleon Bonaparte, who spent a brief exile on the island in 1814 prior to his daring escape. There's local entertainment aboard the ship today.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 5: Hidden Bonifacio
Sail into the nearly hidden Corsican port of Bonifacio with a deep, narrow harbor sitting at the base of sheer limestone cliffs - a highlight of your Mediterranean Sea cruise. The fortified 12th-century town is built on the top of the cliffs with great views of the sea. Tour the walled fortress, explore medieval lanes, and see the former barracks of the French Foreign Legion.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 6: Island life in Ponza
Stop to explore Ponza, the largest island in Italy’s Pontine Archipelago. The island features dramatic coves and cliffs, while the main town features yellow and pink houses, and a harbor full of fishing boats. Sail for Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 7: The Amalfi Coast to Ravello
Go ashore today to set out on the mountainous route along the Amalfi Coast, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. After a stop in the town of Amalfi, arrive in stunning Ravello, perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. Visit Villa Rufolo, the former residence of several popes, where you'll get some pretty spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea below.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 8: Sailing the Aeolian Isles
Sail to Lipari, the largest of the seven Aeolian Islands. On your shore excursion, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour with free time to explore. Sail by the island of Stromboli, and see if its active volcano will provide a natural show.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 9: Taormina on Sicily
Admire the view as you sail toward Taormina, a terraced town clinging to high cliffs on the east coast of Sicily with Mt. Etna towering in the distance. Stroll the Corso Umberto, Old Town’s main pedestrian street lined with cafés and pâtisseries.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Malta memories / Disembark ship
Sail into the dramatic Grand Harbor of Valletta on Malta, founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, and disembark Le Ponant for the end of your Mediterranean Sea cruise. Tour the medieval walled city of Mdina, and take a coastal drive around St. Julian’s Bay. A highlight of your Valletta walking tour is the art treasure-filled Co-Cathedral of St. John, one of the world’s finest examples of Baroque architecture. Share favorite tour highlights at the farewell reception and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11: Ciao Mediterranean
Your incredible Mediterranean Sea cruise ends in Malta. A transfer is included to Malta International Airport; you should allow 2 1⁄2 hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
*****All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
This tour is also offered Northbound
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