Rome (Civitavecchia)
Rome (Civitavecchia) 10/17/2024
In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history. A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins—Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Civitavecchia: Imperial Rome & The Vatican City - 8 hours
Your driver will meet you at Civitavecchia today to transfer into Rome where you will be met by your expert local guide.
Begin your tour with a visit to the imposing Colosseum. Commissioned by Emperor Vespasian, the stadium could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators who came to view the gladiatorial battles that lasted up to 100 days! Adjacent is the Arc of Constantine which, dating from AD 315, is a forerunner to many other Triumphal Arches around the world. Possibly even more impressive are the excavations of the vast Roman Forum where the remains of temples, streetscapes, palaces and homes can be found.
After lunch, travel across the Tiber River to the Vatican City. Visit the Vatican Museums, part of the Papal Residence which is estimated to contain 1400 rooms, chapels and galleries. The Museums contain an extraordinarily rich collection of precious arts, maps, sculptures and antiquities but surely the most breath-taking masterpiece is Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. At the centre of the Vatican lies the vast Basilica of St. Paul, the world’s largest church where the colourfully dressed Swiss Guard can be found. The present Cathedral is a beautiful mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, formed under the hands of masters such as Michelangelo. The stunning interior is an elaborate and detailed display of marble, mosaic, gilt and bronze.
Your tour includes express entry to the Vatican Museums, past the regular lines. The Vatican requires visitors to cover upper arms and legs to below the knee.
Highlights:
- Tour some of Rome's most iconic sites including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum
- Explore the impressive museum collections in the Vatican City and the breath-taking masterpiece that is Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
- Spend time in the Basilica of St. Paul, the largest church in the world
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to Colosseum, Imperial Forum and Vatican Museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Civitavecchia: Rome for Repeat Visitors - 8 hours
A tour designed for those who have visited Rome before, but would like to discover more of this fascinating city. Your driver will meet you at the port and bring you into Rome where your expert guide will be waiting for you.
Take a journey back in time at the church of San Clemente as you descend down three levels and through two thousand years of history. The medieval church was built over the remains of a 4th-century basilica which, in its turn, covers older buildings from the time of the emperor Nero and a sanctuary dedicated to the oriental divinity Mithras.
In the afternoon discover how Rome evolved through the 18th-century and visit the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a majestic royal residence of one of Rome’s most illustrious families. Believed to be the largest privately owned Palace in Rome, the Doria Pamphilj’s vast private art collection is still held here.
Your guide will also be delighted to make additional suggestions for your tour depending on your own personal interests. Alternatively, you may like to revisit some of your favourite places from your previous visit to Rome.
Highlights:
- Visit the church of San Clemente and discover its fascinating history
- Explore the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a majestic royal residence of one of Rome’s most illustrious families, which houses a vast private art collection
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to San Clemente and Doria Pamphilij
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Civitavecchia: Gastronomic Rome and Time at Leisure - 8 hours
Travel with your driver to Rome this morning to meet a food expert for a gastronomic walking tour of the Trastevere District, so called because it lies across the River Tiber. Trastevere was once the bohemian quarter of Rome and still retains its arty edge today. Explore the bustling market and ancient maze of streets whilst discovering the essence of Italy’s best loved food with tastings of gelato, Sicilian pastries, Jewish delicacies, meats and wine.
The remainder of the day can be spent as you wish, your vehicle and driver will remain at your disposal in Rome before returning you to Civitavecchia.
Highlights:
- Uncover Rome's bohemian quarter, along with tastings of Italy's best loved delicacies
- Car and driver at your disposal to discover Rome
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert local guide (3 hours)
- Entrance fees
- All taxes
- Food and wine tastings
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Civitavecchia: Museums of Rome - Capitoline and Borghese - 8 hours
Your driver will meet you at the port and bring you into Rome where your expert guide will meet you. Begin your tour on Capitoline Hill and visit one of the oldest museum complexes in the world; the Capitoline Museums, originally founded by Pope Sixtus IV in 1471. Capitoline Hill has been a seat of religious or political power throughout the centuries, making it the most important of the “seven hills” of Rome. It was here that the most important temple in town, dedicated to Jupiter, the king of the gods, was built. See the ruins of the Temple of Jupiter and marvel at the magnificent bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius at Campidoglio Square.
Afterwards, explore the museums, extended over two buildings; the Palazzo dei Conservatori, where you can view splendid frescoes portraying the history of Rome and the Pinacoteca (Picture gallery), and Palazzo Nuovo, where you can admire the wonderful sculptures. Finally visit the ancient Tabularium whose monumental arches overlook the Forum.
Continue up along the Via Veneto to the elegant Villa Borghese, accompanied by your local expert guide and private vehicle. Surrounded by a leafy parkland, the villa was originally designed as a palace of pleasure and entertainment to house Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s incredible collection of antiquities, paintings and custom pieces. Today the collections of sculpture and paintings are among the most important in Italy. Admire the stunning Caravaggio canvases, Titian's enigmatic ‘Sacred and Profane Love’ and the striking sculptures by Bernini and Canova during this fabulous visit. Return to Civitavecchia from here.
Highlights:
- Travel out to Capitoline Hill and visit one of the oldest museum complexes in the world
- Visit Villa Borghese, home to a collection of sculptures and paintings that are among the most important in Italy
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to the Capitoline Museums and Villa Borghese
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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10/17/2024 |
10/17/2024 |
Portoferraio, Elba
Portoferraio, Elba 10/18/2024
Pine-scented forests and miles of sandy beach await your arrival on the tranquil island of Elba. Enjoy a glass of local Moscato with the fresh catch of the day before pondering your next move. Perhaps you’ll visit the nearby countryside with its small fishing villages and dramatic mountain passes. Or see the calming beauty of Tuscan Archipelago National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Or maybe you’ll decide to walk to the nearest beach and dip your toes into the warm Mediterranean.
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10/18/2024 |
10/18/2024 |
Cannes
Cannes 10/19/2024
Spend a day wandering among the rich and famous in the chic epicenter of the French Riviera — a world of exclusive boutiques, palm-fringed boulevards, sun-drenched beaches, and elegant sidewalk cafés. Be sure to visit the Avenue of the Stars, where you can place your hands in the prints of international celebrities. An optional escorted walking tour guides you through the best of this extraordinary and stylish city.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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France: French Riviera Excursion - 4 hours
Highlights
Your driver/guide will pick you up at the port and take you for an overview exploration of the towns of Nice and Cannes.
Cannes: Embellished by palm trees and fine sandy beaches the town is famous for its cafés and terraces, elegant shops, and deluxe hotels. Here, you will discover the film festival and conference center among many things. Cannes is without a doubt one of the most famous and glamorous resorts of the French Riviera.
Nice: Located close to the Alps, on the French Riviera, the city of Nice in France is opulent and ignores winter. It offers beautiful sights with its blue sea, promenade des Anglais walk, its historical city center with its many colorful façades, and extravagant villas and palaces. The city has its own 'Art de Vivre' that is personified by the bustling markets, its Mediterranean cuisine, inspired artists that have left their print, art galleries and luxury hotels and café
What’s included?
- 4-hours with an expert local guide/driver
- Transportation
What isn’t included?
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France: French Riviera Excursion - 4 hours
Highlights
Your driver/guide will pick you up at the port and take you for an overview exploration of the towns of Nice and Cannes.
Cannes: Embellished by palm trees and fine sandy beaches the town is famous for its cafés and terraces, elegant shops, and deluxe hotels. Here, you will discover the film festival and conference center among many things. Cannes is without a doubt one of the most famous and glamorous resorts of the French Riviera.
Nice: Located close to the Alps, on the French Riviera, the city of Nice in France is opulent and ignores winter. It offers beautiful sights with its blue sea, promenade des Anglais walk, its historical city center with its many colorful façades, and extravagant villas and palaces. The city has its own 'Art de Vivre' that is personified by the bustling markets, its Mediterranean cuisine, inspired artists that have left their print, art galleries and luxury hotels and café
What’s included?
- 4-hours with an expert local guide/driver
- Transportation
What isn’t included?
-
Cannes - Half Day Tour - 4 hours
Cannes Shore Excursion. You will visit the glamourous Cannes, famous for the Cannes Film Festival.
9.00 am or 2:00 pm: Be met at your boat and drive to Cannes.
Once a small fishing village, Cannes is now a glamorous and expensive seaside town considered to be one of the social hubs of Europe. During the festival, fans can see actors, celebrities, and directors up close and in person on the famous steps of the Palais des Festivals at the end of La Croisette. You can check out the beauty and architecture of Le Suquet, with its cobbled streets and breathtaking views, or sit at street side tables and enjoy the favoured hobby of people watching up and down the lovely marina.
Your guide will escort you to visit the city main points of interest:
Old town— The usual narrow winding streets filled with restaurants and souvenir shops. The view from the castle ruins at the top is excellent.
Covered Market (Marché Forville)— For a spectacular eating and viewing food experience, no other market in Cannes beats this for scale and variety. The market itself is at the west end of rue Meynardiers, one of the Cote's best gourmand streets.
Palais des Festivals— Down La Croisette is the famous Palais des Festivals, where stars of the screen gather and watch films screened during the festival. Irresistible not to pose for a photograph on the 22 steps leading up to the entrance.
Port— Admire the yachts of the rich and possibly famous - though true mega-yachts will be found at the International Yacht Club down the coast in Antibes.
La Croisette— Cannes catwalk beside the sea, it is the center of the city's tourist activity and known for its luxury hotels and boutique shops.
1:00 pm or 6:00 pm: return to Nice.
Tour Duration: 4 hours.
Tour can operate: Any Day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate.
Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes
Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner
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10/19/2024 |
10/19/2024 |
Toulon
Toulon 10/20/2024
This port city is a major naval base and well as popular harbor for fishing boats and ferries. Place de La Liberte is Toulon’s main square and the hub of the city. Nearby is the Genie de La Navigation, an imposing marble statue from 1847. Try not to miss the Museum of Natural History for Toulon and Var, with a surprising diversity of 978 birds and 250 mammals found in this area. And take the cable car that shuttles people up and down Mont Faron.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Toulon - Shore excursion Aix en Provence - 8 hours -
Meet your private English speaking driver guide at the main exit of your ship and depart for Aix en Provence.
Aix is surrounded by countryside full of authentic Provencal houses and traditional French style gardens. The name Aix comes from the source discovered when the city was founded in 123b.c. by the Romans. Aix was the capitol of Provence in the 15th century, wealthy merchants and local dignitaries helped turn this city into the Florence of Provence as we know it today. One can find all the beauty of the noble Provence of the17th and 18th centuries that include handsome houses and private mansions of the upper class, city squares’ bursting with flowers, ancient fountains and shaded narrow streets.
Discerning shoppers might instead choose the elegant boutiques in the quartier Mazarin, richest and most exclusive quarter of what is a considerably wealthy town.
Lunch is at your leisure; your guide will suggest the best place to have lunch depending on your taste and requirements.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package Include
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Hotel.
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- Entrance fee to Cézanne workshop
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
All day, all year - except during French Bank holidays - rate on request for those dates
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Toulon - Shore Excursion - Green Provence - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of the Green Provence
HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy a visit and wine tasting at Le Clos du Pavillon estate.
At this 7ha estate, 4ha of which are used to produce the grapes, a great respect for nature rules the estate. A place is like no other, where the tradition has remained since the 16th century. Production is not mechanized and everything is done manually from the budding to the harvest. This respect and love for wine make fruit flavored wines with its own
- Enjoy lunch at Abbaye de la Celle. (To be paid on site)
A charming restaurant in the heart of in the wine country, located in the shadow of a 12th century royal Abbey, which hosted the good and the great of this world...
- After lunch, enjoy a wine tasting at Chateau Margui.
A new gem in the Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC, that has produced wine for centuries, Margüi fell into oblivion in 1970. Coming back to life in year 2000, it quickly expressed its impetuous personality: 2003, Château Margüi's first vintage, turned out to be very successful.
- End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- 2 private wine tasting
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates
- All day, all year - except during French Bank holidays - rate on request for those dates
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Toulon Shore Excursion Marseille & Private Calanques Cruise - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide at the main exit of your ship and depart for Marseille including the MuCEM, a museum devoted to European and Mediterranean civilizations.
Highlights:
While in Marseilles, you’ll discover la Canebière, the historic high street and city's main thoroughfare at the end of which you’ll find le Vieux Port (Old Port) Marseille’s natural harbor and popular site to visit. Explore the Palais Longchamp which houses chateau d’eau, Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum Natural History. You’ll also visit the Marseille Cathedral and Panier Hill and then onto Notre Dame de la Garde located on the highest natural point in Marseille. From here you will you have the most beautiful view of the harbor and its two forts that stand on by its entrance, Saint-Jean and Saint-Nicolas.
You will then go down towards La Corniche, picturesque seaside roadway that meanders along the Mediterranean coast to Cassis
After lunch at your leisure, you will enjoy a cruise in the calanques in the afternoon on a small private boat with English speaking skipper. The calanques were formed by rivers flowing into the sea, submerged eons ago by the rising level of the Mediterranean.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- 03h private cruise on the calanques on a small luxury yacht, with English speaking skipper, soft drinks and snorkeling material
- Entrance fee to Marseilles MUCEM
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance and personal expenses
|
10/20/2024 |
10/20/2024 |
Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo 10/21/2024
Glide into port in one of Europe’s most exclusive harbors. Mingle with other privileged yachtsmen or step ashore and start walking. The glittering Grand Casino, legendary for its exotic setting on screen and off, is a must see, as is the royal family’s palace and the tomb of Philadelphia-born Princess Grace in the Cathedral.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Monaco: Glamorous Cote d’Azur – 8 hours
Spend a day exploring the principality of Monte Carlo and the mountains and coast that surround it. Start with a drive along the famous Corniche road to Eze, a medieval village perched dramatically on the clifftop, 1,400 feet above the Mediterranean Sea and affording splendid panoramic views along the coast. Learn more about Eze and you wander through narrow winding streets, hidden courtyards, archways and tiny boutiques.
Afterwards, drop back down to sea level and the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to walk around the beautiful Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, set in stunning private gardens. Béatrice de Rothschild commissioned the villa and filled it with a breath-taking collection of porcelain, artwork and furniture during her life. After your tour you will be privately transferred back to your cruise ship.
Highlights:
- Take in panoramic views of the Riviera from the medieval clifftop village of Eze
- Admire the breath-taking private gardens and porcelain collection at the beautiful Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local driver-guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Monaco & Eze - Full Day Tour - 8 hours
Monaco & Eze Shore Excursion
9:00 am: Be met at the pier of your boat.
Enjoy a walking tour of Monaco to view the Prince’s palace, the cathedral, Princess Grace's tomb, and to learn more about the history of this mythical city. Afterwards, visit the heart of Monte-Carlo with its Casino and the Hôtel de Paris. This tiny capital (nicknamed “the Rock”) is built into the mountainside and spreads down to the shores of the Riviera. There are sumptuous boutiques with the latest fashions, palatial luxury hotels, and very chic restaurants. You can visit the Prince's Palace, which was built on the site of a 13th-century Genovese fortress. Admire the splendor of the 16th-century Italian Gallery, the Louis XV lounge, and the 17th-century Palatine Chapel. Time permitting you could also visit the Oceanographic Museum that was inaugurated by Prince Albert I in 1910. Inside you will discover an amazing collection of marine life.
Drive on to the perched, medieval village of Eze that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The fortified castle’s ruins, sitting on a narrow, rocky peak, still crown this ancient village. The beach in the "baie d'Eze" is easily accessible and is shaded by pine-trees that grow down almost to the water's edge. To reach the entrance, take the small, rocky path and admire the splendid view of the gardens that surround the Château de la Chèvre d'Or. You will be seduced by the marvels of Eze: Small, narrow roads, archways and superbly restored stone houses, shady squares and refreshing ancient fountains. The numerous artisans’ boutiques are hard to resist. The two lookout towers at the entrance, the doorway and the gunboat are all listed as historic monuments.
5:00 pm: Return to your hotel.
Tour Duration: 8 hours.
Tour can operate: Any Day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate.
Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes
Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner
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Monaco & Nice - Full Day Tour - 8 hours
Monaco & Nice Shore Excursion. This excursion is perfect for those who wish to discover the chic French Riviera: in Monte-Carlo, you will get a glimpse of the glamorous Riviera and get closer to the myth of the Actress-Princess: Grace Kelly! Pursue this excursion with the beautiful city of Nice on the Riviera. You will be impressed by the colors of its market and during this afternoon you could visit Matisse Museum showing an important collection of the painter.
9:00 am: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship.
Enjoy a walking tour of Monaco to view the Prince’s palace, the cathedral, Princess Grace's tomb, and to learn more about the history of this mythical city. Afterwards, visit the heart of Monte-Carlo with its Casino and the Hôtel de Paris. Monaco is situated on the Cote d'Azur, between Cap d'Ail and Menton, only a few kilometers from the Italian Riviera. This tiny capital (nicknamed “the Rock”) is built into the mountainside and spreads down to the shores of the Riviera. Admire the splendor of the 16th-century Italian Gallery, the Louis XV lounge, and the 17th-century Palatine Chapel. Do not miss the Oceanographic Museum that was inaugurated by Prince Albert I in 1910. Inside you will discover an amazing collection of marine life. Enjoy lunch at leisure in a typical restaurant.
During the afternoon, go to Nice. The green pines happily rub shoulders with the blue of the Mediterranean Sea and that of the sky. It is easy to see why the Côte d’Azur fascinates so many people. Many of the artists, painters, writers, sculptors and musicians who contributed to the city’s fame, have museums here, dedicated to their works. You will view the luxurious Belle Époque-style residences, including the fabulous Négresco palace, built on the sea front. The Négresco, whose dome can be admired from the Promenade des Anglais, is the finest example of Belle Époque architecture. Visit the Russian Church (not available on Sunday mornings). Enjoy a walking tour of the old town. The streets, with names that evoke ancient guilds, such as “goldsmith” or “bankers,” are full of boutiques and shoppers.
5:00 pm: Return to your ship or to your hotel.
Tour Duration: 8 hours.
Tour can operate: Any Day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate.
Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes
Entrance fees to the Prince's Palace: €10
Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner
|
10/21/2024 |
10/21/2024 |
Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo 10/22/2024
Glide into port in one of Europe’s most exclusive harbors. Mingle with other privileged yachtsmen or step ashore and start walking. The glittering Grand Casino, legendary for its exotic setting on screen and off, is a must see, as is the royal family’s palace and the tomb of Philadelphia-born Princess Grace in the Cathedral.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
-
Monaco: Glamorous Cote d’Azur – 8 hours
Spend a day exploring the principality of Monte Carlo and the mountains and coast that surround it. Start with a drive along the famous Corniche road to Eze, a medieval village perched dramatically on the clifftop, 1,400 feet above the Mediterranean Sea and affording splendid panoramic views along the coast. Learn more about Eze and you wander through narrow winding streets, hidden courtyards, archways and tiny boutiques.
Afterwards, drop back down to sea level and the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to walk around the beautiful Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, set in stunning private gardens. Béatrice de Rothschild commissioned the villa and filled it with a breath-taking collection of porcelain, artwork and furniture during her life. After your tour you will be privately transferred back to your cruise ship.
Highlights:
- Take in panoramic views of the Riviera from the medieval clifftop village of Eze
- Admire the breath-taking private gardens and porcelain collection at the beautiful Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local driver-guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
-
Monaco & Eze - Full Day Tour - 8 hours
Monaco & Eze Shore Excursion
9:00 am: Be met at the pier of your boat.
Enjoy a walking tour of Monaco to view the Prince’s palace, the cathedral, Princess Grace's tomb, and to learn more about the history of this mythical city. Afterwards, visit the heart of Monte-Carlo with its Casino and the Hôtel de Paris. This tiny capital (nicknamed “the Rock”) is built into the mountainside and spreads down to the shores of the Riviera. There are sumptuous boutiques with the latest fashions, palatial luxury hotels, and very chic restaurants. You can visit the Prince's Palace, which was built on the site of a 13th-century Genovese fortress. Admire the splendor of the 16th-century Italian Gallery, the Louis XV lounge, and the 17th-century Palatine Chapel. Time permitting you could also visit the Oceanographic Museum that was inaugurated by Prince Albert I in 1910. Inside you will discover an amazing collection of marine life.
Drive on to the perched, medieval village of Eze that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The fortified castle’s ruins, sitting on a narrow, rocky peak, still crown this ancient village. The beach in the "baie d'Eze" is easily accessible and is shaded by pine-trees that grow down almost to the water's edge. To reach the entrance, take the small, rocky path and admire the splendid view of the gardens that surround the Château de la Chèvre d'Or. You will be seduced by the marvels of Eze: Small, narrow roads, archways and superbly restored stone houses, shady squares and refreshing ancient fountains. The numerous artisans’ boutiques are hard to resist. The two lookout towers at the entrance, the doorway and the gunboat are all listed as historic monuments.
5:00 pm: Return to your hotel.
Tour Duration: 8 hours.
Tour can operate: Any Day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate.
Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes
Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner
-
Monaco & Nice - Full Day Tour - 8 hours
Monaco & Nice Shore Excursion. This excursion is perfect for those who wish to discover the chic French Riviera: in Monte-Carlo, you will get a glimpse of the glamorous Riviera and get closer to the myth of the Actress-Princess: Grace Kelly! Pursue this excursion with the beautiful city of Nice on the Riviera. You will be impressed by the colors of its market and during this afternoon you could visit Matisse Museum showing an important collection of the painter.
9:00 am: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship.
Enjoy a walking tour of Monaco to view the Prince’s palace, the cathedral, Princess Grace's tomb, and to learn more about the history of this mythical city. Afterwards, visit the heart of Monte-Carlo with its Casino and the Hôtel de Paris. Monaco is situated on the Cote d'Azur, between Cap d'Ail and Menton, only a few kilometers from the Italian Riviera. This tiny capital (nicknamed “the Rock”) is built into the mountainside and spreads down to the shores of the Riviera. Admire the splendor of the 16th-century Italian Gallery, the Louis XV lounge, and the 17th-century Palatine Chapel. Do not miss the Oceanographic Museum that was inaugurated by Prince Albert I in 1910. Inside you will discover an amazing collection of marine life. Enjoy lunch at leisure in a typical restaurant.
During the afternoon, go to Nice. The green pines happily rub shoulders with the blue of the Mediterranean Sea and that of the sky. It is easy to see why the Côte d’Azur fascinates so many people. Many of the artists, painters, writers, sculptors and musicians who contributed to the city’s fame, have museums here, dedicated to their works. You will view the luxurious Belle Époque-style residences, including the fabulous Négresco palace, built on the sea front. The Négresco, whose dome can be admired from the Promenade des Anglais, is the finest example of Belle Époque architecture. Visit the Russian Church (not available on Sunday mornings). Enjoy a walking tour of the old town. The streets, with names that evoke ancient guilds, such as “goldsmith” or “bankers,” are full of boutiques and shoppers.
5:00 pm: Return to your ship or to your hotel.
Tour Duration: 8 hours.
Tour can operate: Any Day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Physical Activity Level: Moderate.
Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes
Entrance fees to the Prince's Palace: €10
Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner
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10/22/2024 |
10/22/2024 |
Portofino
Portofino 10/23/2024
With its golden ochre and terracotta buildings, designer shops, and chic cafés, Portofino represents the height of Italian artistry and sophistication. Sip a cappuccino along the fabled marina or enjoy a day of shopping in one of the town’s tempting little boutiques. As you look out over the harbor from the famous Hotel Splendido, it’s hard not to admire the sleek, streamlined beauty of your Windstar ship.
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10/23/2024 |
10/23/2024 |
Portovenere
Portovenere 10/24/2024
Stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites beckon you. Select an optional excursion to Pisa, known for its bell tower with its unintended tilt. Tour the beautiful city of Florence, or the historic San Gimegnano. Or step back into Tuscany’s rustic tradition to visit the charming villages of Cinque Terre (Five Lands) by boat.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Portovenere/La Spezia: The Village of Portofino - 6 hours
Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a walking tour of this charming picturesque coastal town. Portofino is one of Italy’s most romantic spots on the coast. This exclusive town is the perfect base for a stroll up into the cyprus lined hills, to capture some of the breathtaking coastal views. Visit the Castello di San Giorgio, built in the 1500s as a defense against the Turks. From here you can continue to the Punta del Capo and the Faro, an old lighthouse, where views are spectacular. Back in the central Piazzetta, visit the Divo Martino church where you can admire works by Maragliano.
Highlights:
- Stroll into the Cyprus-lined hills that surround Portofino, for breath taking coastal views
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert local guide (3 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes
Exclusions:
• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities
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Portovenere/La Spezia: Highlights of Pisa & Lucca - 6 hours
This morning meet your English-speaking driver for a sightseeing tour by private vehicle to Pisa and Lucca. Upon arrival in Pisa, meet your local English-speaking guide for a two-hour walking tour, which will include the Piazza dei Miracoli and the famous Leaning Tower.
After lunch at leisure transfer to Lucca, a graceful and beautifully preserved town whose lovely streets are lined with old houses. Today enjoy Lucca from a different perspective with a bike ride around the city walls. Still intact with impressive ramparts, the walls took from around 1500 to 1650 to complete and now accommodate leafy parks and promenades lined with Chestnuts and Umbrella Pines. You will be transferred to a central piazza in Lucca where you will meet your local guide and pick up your bicycles and from here you will ride up onto the giant walls to enjoy the enchanting views down over the palazzo gardens and historic centre and out to the Apuane Alps.
Take a break for refreshments at San Colombano, a recently restored café in an unrivalled position astride the city walls above the San Martino Cathedral.
Highlights:
- Walk through Pisa past the famous Leaning Tower
- Cycle around Lucca's impressive ramparts, providing enchanting views over the palazzo gardens and historic centre
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert local guide (4 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes
Exclusions:
• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities
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Portovenere/La Spezia: Forte Dei Marmi - 6 hours
Today you will be picked up and transferred to Forte dei Marmi which is a popular seaside town in northern Tuscany. The town takes its name from the fortress that rises in the middle of the main square, built under Grand Duke Peter Leopold, who was to become Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor, in 1788.
Here you can enjoy the beautiful sandy beach, go for a swim or go shopping.
Highlights:
- Relax on the sandy beach at Forte dei Marmi, go for a swim or peruse the shops
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• Entrance fees
• All taxes
Exclusions:
• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities
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Portovenere/La Spezia: Picturesque Cinque Terre - 8 hours
As you disembark at the Portovenere port, meet your English-speaking guide and private driver for a full-day excursion of the Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre (‘Five Lands’) is built along the steep coastal cliffs of Liguria. At one time only accessible by sea, its vineyards and fishing villages are still strongly attached to their old customs and traditions. Visit Vernazza, a beautiful village consisting of tall, colourful houses and a church clustered together at the head of a sheltered cove. Manarola is a fishing village set amidst terraced vineyards where you can take a walk to see the coast and other neighboring villages. You may also wish to visit Riomaggiore, a medieval village set in a narrow valley with an interesting backdrop consisting of the strange black rock strata of this region. You will pause for a leisurely lunch along the way (to be paid locally).
Highlights:
- Visit Vernazza, a beautiful village consisting of tall, colourful houses and the fishing village of Manarola
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert local guide (8 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes
Exclusions:
• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities
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10/24/2024 |
10/24/2024 |
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Rome (Civitavecchia) 10/25/2024
In this enchanting city the past and present intersect in perfect harmony. Casually intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are the trappings of a modern metropolis: Skyscrapers,cafes, boutiques selling designer footwear. But of course what you seek first in the heart of Rome is its breathtaking history. A good place to begin is the Vatican, with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael are just a few of those on display, any one of which is worth hours of contemplation. Then the ancient ruins—Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus. And of course the Trevi Fountain for the obligatory coins promising your return to the Eternal City.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Civitavecchia: Imperial Rome & The Vatican City - 8 hours
Your driver will meet you at Civitavecchia today to transfer into Rome where you will be met by your expert local guide.
Begin your tour with a visit to the imposing Colosseum. Commissioned by Emperor Vespasian, the stadium could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators who came to view the gladiatorial battles that lasted up to 100 days! Adjacent is the Arc of Constantine which, dating from AD 315, is a forerunner to many other Triumphal Arches around the world. Possibly even more impressive are the excavations of the vast Roman Forum where the remains of temples, streetscapes, palaces and homes can be found.
After lunch, travel across the Tiber River to the Vatican City. Visit the Vatican Museums, part of the Papal Residence which is estimated to contain 1400 rooms, chapels and galleries. The Museums contain an extraordinarily rich collection of precious arts, maps, sculptures and antiquities but surely the most breath-taking masterpiece is Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. At the centre of the Vatican lies the vast Basilica of St. Paul, the world’s largest church where the colourfully dressed Swiss Guard can be found. The present Cathedral is a beautiful mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, formed under the hands of masters such as Michelangelo. The stunning interior is an elaborate and detailed display of marble, mosaic, gilt and bronze.
Your tour includes express entry to the Vatican Museums, past the regular lines. The Vatican requires visitors to cover upper arms and legs to below the knee.
Highlights:
- Tour some of Rome's most iconic sites including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum
- Explore the impressive museum collections in the Vatican City and the breath-taking masterpiece that is Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
- Spend time in the Basilica of St. Paul, the largest church in the world
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to Colosseum, Imperial Forum and Vatican Museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Civitavecchia: Rome for Repeat Visitors - 8 hours
A tour designed for those who have visited Rome before, but would like to discover more of this fascinating city. Your driver will meet you at the port and bring you into Rome where your expert guide will be waiting for you.
Take a journey back in time at the church of San Clemente as you descend down three levels and through two thousand years of history. The medieval church was built over the remains of a 4th-century basilica which, in its turn, covers older buildings from the time of the emperor Nero and a sanctuary dedicated to the oriental divinity Mithras.
In the afternoon discover how Rome evolved through the 18th-century and visit the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a majestic royal residence of one of Rome’s most illustrious families. Believed to be the largest privately owned Palace in Rome, the Doria Pamphilj’s vast private art collection is still held here.
Your guide will also be delighted to make additional suggestions for your tour depending on your own personal interests. Alternatively, you may like to revisit some of your favourite places from your previous visit to Rome.
Highlights:
- Visit the church of San Clemente and discover its fascinating history
- Explore the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a majestic royal residence of one of Rome’s most illustrious families, which houses a vast private art collection
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to San Clemente and Doria Pamphilij
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Civitavecchia: Gastronomic Rome and Time at Leisure - 8 hours
Travel with your driver to Rome this morning to meet a food expert for a gastronomic walking tour of the Trastevere District, so called because it lies across the River Tiber. Trastevere was once the bohemian quarter of Rome and still retains its arty edge today. Explore the bustling market and ancient maze of streets whilst discovering the essence of Italy’s best loved food with tastings of gelato, Sicilian pastries, Jewish delicacies, meats and wine.
The remainder of the day can be spent as you wish, your vehicle and driver will remain at your disposal in Rome before returning you to Civitavecchia.
Highlights:
- Uncover Rome's bohemian quarter, along with tastings of Italy's best loved delicacies
- Car and driver at your disposal to discover Rome
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert local guide (3 hours)
- Entrance fees
- All taxes
- Food and wine tastings
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Civitavecchia: Museums of Rome - Capitoline and Borghese - 8 hours
Your driver will meet you at the port and bring you into Rome where your expert guide will meet you. Begin your tour on Capitoline Hill and visit one of the oldest museum complexes in the world; the Capitoline Museums, originally founded by Pope Sixtus IV in 1471. Capitoline Hill has been a seat of religious or political power throughout the centuries, making it the most important of the “seven hills” of Rome. It was here that the most important temple in town, dedicated to Jupiter, the king of the gods, was built. See the ruins of the Temple of Jupiter and marvel at the magnificent bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius at Campidoglio Square.
Afterwards, explore the museums, extended over two buildings; the Palazzo dei Conservatori, where you can view splendid frescoes portraying the history of Rome and the Pinacoteca (Picture gallery), and Palazzo Nuovo, where you can admire the wonderful sculptures. Finally visit the ancient Tabularium whose monumental arches overlook the Forum.
Continue up along the Via Veneto to the elegant Villa Borghese, accompanied by your local expert guide and private vehicle. Surrounded by a leafy parkland, the villa was originally designed as a palace of pleasure and entertainment to house Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s incredible collection of antiquities, paintings and custom pieces. Today the collections of sculpture and paintings are among the most important in Italy. Admire the stunning Caravaggio canvases, Titian's enigmatic ‘Sacred and Profane Love’ and the striking sculptures by Bernini and Canova during this fabulous visit. Return to Civitavecchia from here.
Highlights:
- Travel out to Capitoline Hill and visit one of the oldest museum complexes in the world
- Visit Villa Borghese, home to a collection of sculptures and paintings that are among the most important in Italy
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to the Capitoline Museums and Villa Borghese
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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10/25/2024 |
10/25/2024 |
The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
