Duration
17 Nights
Journey Type
Sailing from France
Ports
17 Ports
12 October
Setting sail from Nice
Nice enjoys a marvellous setting on one of the most glorious stretches of the Côte d'Azur, the sweeping Bay of Angels, so it's no wonder that tourists have been flocking here since the 19th century. A stroll along the waterfront Promenade des Anglais, flanked by palm trees on one side and the dazzling blue of the Mediterranean on the other, is the quintessential Niçois experience, and one we'll never tire of. Do try and make some time to explore the old town as well though; it's a maze of wonderfully winding streets, some of which may be barely wide enough to squeeze through after that hearty seafood lunch!
Our tip
Buy a Nice Riviera Pass from the tourist office which gets you free access to many museums and historical places both in and around Nice, not to mention a ride on the open-topped bus!
13 October
France: Menton
14 October
Italy: Portofino
This tiny village on the Ligurian coast must be one of the most photographed spots in Italy, and no wonder; brightly coloured houses cling to the hillside overlooking a delightfully picturesque little harbour, where fishing boats gently bob alongside luxury yachts.
15 October
Italy: Portoferraio (Elba)
The island of Elba, just off the Tuscan coast, is where Napoleon Bonaparte was famously forced to live in exile between 1814-15. It’s hard to feel too sorry for him, though; the views from his plush Villa dei Mulini, situated high above the town of Portoferraio, are quite spectacular.
16 October
France: Calvi
The Corsican port of Calvi is a popular summer destination for both sun-seeking tourists and the yachts of the super-rich, with a swanky harbour and five miles of beautiful beach. The town is said by some to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and the skyline is dominated by the imposing 15th century Genoese citadel.
17 October
France: Bonifacio
Bonifacio sits atop brilliant white limestone cliffs on the southern tip of Corsica, with the harbour down below filled with fishing boats and glitzy yachts. The town's history as a Genoese stronghold, along with its proximity to Sardinia, means that the Italian influence is strong here.
18 October
Italy: Porto Ercole
19 October
Italy: Rome (Civitavecchia)
One of the world’s great cities, Rome continues to dazzle and delight visitors with a potent mix of architectural marvels, continent-defining history and buzzing nightlife. The Colosseum, the Vatican and the Forum are among the big ticket items, with the crowds to match, though in truth you will find history around almost every corner.
20 October
Italy: Gaeta
Little known outside of Italy, Gaeta is something of a hidden gem, set on the coast between Rome and Naples. Seven lovely beaches and a friendly atmosphere make this a popular destination for local sun-seekers, and points of interest include an imposing castle and a Roman mauseoleum dating back to the first century BC.
21-22 October
Italy: Sorrento
The lovely town of Sorrento, draped across rugged cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, has been charming visitors since the days of the Grand Tour. The Renaissance palaces and many craft shops make Sorrento an attractive destination in its own right, and it’s also a jumping off point for Capri, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
22 October
Italy: Salerno
Salerno is the capital of the Campania region, an attractive city at the eastern end of the Amalfi Coast. The historic centre and beautiful seafront promenade are well worth exploring, and the ruins at nearby Paestum make for an interesting day trip.
23 October
Italy: Palermo
Palermo is an acquired taste; noisy, chaotic and rather grimey in places. But there’s something quite intoxicating about the crumbling facades and the bustling markets, and the Arabesque style of many of the buildings hints at Sicily’s historical role as a stepping stone between Europe and North Africa.
24 October
Italy: Porto Empedocle
Porto Empedocle, on the south west coast of Sicily, is the gateway to Agrigento and the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples. The temples are all that is left of the city of Akragas, one of the most impressive Ancient Greek sites outside of Greece itself.
25 October
Malta: Valletta
Malta’s tiny capital, established by the Knights of St John, packs in an awful lot of history considering its diminutive size. The atmospheric old streets, bathed in Mediterranean sunshine, are full of attractive honey-golden buildings, along with an impressive selection of bars and restaurants.
26 October
Italy: Catania
Busy, noisy and a little bit scruffy, Catania is Sicily’s second city, poised perilously in the shadow of Mount Etna. In recent years gentrification has taken hold, and the city’s many beautiful palazzi and baroque churches have been restored to their former glory. Eating out here is also a real treat.
27-28 October
Italy: Naples
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre of Naples rewards exploration, and in addition to the many cultural treasures waiting to be unearthed Neapolitans are rightly proud of their food; this is where you’ll find the best pizza in Italy. The city also acts as a gateway to the fascinating remains of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the beautiful Amalfi coast.
29 October
Arriving in Rome (Civitavecchia)
One of the world's great cities, Rome continues to dazzle and delight visitors with a potent mix of architectural marvels, continent-defining history and buzzing nightlife. As the saying goes, the city wasn't built in a day, and if you want to make the most of Rome you'll need to spend at least a couple of nights here. The Colosseum, the Vatican and the Forum are among the big ticket items, with the crowds to match, though in truth you will find history around almost every corner.
Don't miss
The Via Appia - this ancient Roman road is now part of a national park, and closed to car traffic on Sundays. Take a picnic, stroll, and visit the extraordinary catacombs.
Your home from home
Emerald Azzurra and Sakara are the first ships in the Emerald yacht fleet, carrying just 100 lucky travellers in sleek and stylish surroundings.
What we love
Enjoy small ship cruising in style, with comfortable staterooms and suites (most with private balcony), an à la carte restaurant, infinity-style pool, al fresco Sky Bar, wellness area and a marina at the back of the yacht, allowing you to hop straight into the water and have fun with a host of water toys.
Capacity | 100 Guests |
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Crew | 64 Staff |
Style |
Intimate and informal, with an emphasis on relaxed, al fresco living and exploration ashore. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Where to stay in Nice
A Mundy favourite is the famous Negresco on the Promenade des Anglais, something of a museum in its own right.
See more of southern France
Travel out of Nice into Provence and visit the lovely villages such as Eze and St Paul de Vence.
Extend your stay in Rome
There are so many great hotels but we particularly love the Campo de’ Fiori, for its great location in the centre of everything.
Beat the queues
Get a private guide to help you jump the queues into the Vatican who can whizz you through the galleries to see the essentials and ensure your best view of the Sistine Chapel.