YACHTING THE RIVIERA - ROME TO NICE
Based on the Windstar Cruise Fleet
Rome - Portoferraio - La Spezia - Portofino - Monte Carlo – Cannes - St. Tropez - Nice
Live the dream of the Italian and French Rivieras. It feels like you’re on your own private yacht in a yachtsman’s paradise. From the tiny villages of Cinque Terre to the chic style of Monaco and Cannes, let Windstar show you the legendary ports of the world’s most privileged yachts. Sparkling cities, ancient treasures, tranquil beaches, stunning coastlines.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1 ROME, ITALY
Benvenuto a Roma! This most engaging of international cities has it all: ancient monuments like the Colosseum and Forum, time-honoured sites such as the Spanish Steps and Pantheon, artistic masterpieces like the Pietà and Sistine Chapel in Vatican City — plus fabulous restaurants and beautiful people everywhere you look. This is a city for walking, watching, and being endlessly delighted.
DAY 2 PORTOFERRAIO, ITALY
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 maybe you’ll decide to walk to the nearest beach and dip your toes into the warm Mediterranean.
DAY 3 LA SPEZIA, ITALY
The charming little port town of La Spezia is just minutes away from some beautiful sites such a Pisa. Lucca and Cinque Terra. The streets are full of bergamot trees, and the lovely beach borders beautiful gardens. Not surprisingly, La Spezia has some cozy trattorias showcasing the standard Ligurian delicacies of wine, bread and pesto sauce.
DAY 4 PORTOFINO, ITALY
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 harbour from the famous Hotel Splendido, it’s hard not to admire the sleek, streamlined beauty of your Windstar yacht.
DAY 5 MONTE CARLO, MONACO
Glide into port in one of Europe’s most exclusive harbours. 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.
DAY 6 CANNES, FRANCE
Spend a day in the epicentre 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 famous international celebrities. This is the perfect place to kick back in the sun and treat yourself to an afternoon of people watching!
DAY 7 ST. TROPEZ, FRANCE
Small but chic, St. Tropez is a lively town whose beaches are legendary, both for their beauty and for the beauties on them. Follow the narrow lanes from the waterfront, and you’ll arrive at the oldest part of St. Tropez, where twisting narrow streets open onto tiny squares and fountains. Great views can be had from the 16th century Citadel, but the most interesting views are from a chair in a sidewalk café: sit on the terrace and watch the fascinating, flirtatious French Riviera pass by.
DAY 8 NICE, FRANCE
With its flower-lined streets, flourishing markets, and interesting museums (the Musée Chagall and Musée Matisse are highlights), Nice is a charming introduction to the spirit of the Riviera. Pull up a chaise bleu on the wide sunny Promenade des Anglais and watch the world sail by. Or stop for bouillabaisse, a specialty of the area, in a local restaurant.
