5-night A Mediterranean Prelude To EXPLORA III

Genoa: Genoa for Families - 8 hours

This morning you will be met by your English-speaking guide for a full day excursion to Genoa. Today you will immerse yourselves into the water world of this city! Your visit will start in the largest and most innovative sea museum of the Mediterranean, the Galata Museum, with a 10,000 sqm area set in a stone-and-glass building. It outlines the evolution of the maritime town’s port using an approach which is not exclusively scientific, in that it gives ample space to interactive and multimedia-related aspects. One of the museum’s gems is the faithful reconstruction of a 17th-century Genoese galley (being 40m long) placed upon its original slipway.

Besides the more traditional halls (about Colombo, Andrea Doria, and so forth), visitors can explore the Arsenal rooms, see the Darsena armoury, go aboard a 19th-century brigantine, finally going through a Cape Horn tempest recreated through virtual reality. Among the other exhibitions you can find the Waterfront Plan (“Affresco”) by Renzo Piano and the panoramic terrace MIRAGenova.

Visit the famous Aquarium, Europe’s largest marine park: 71 tanks, 800 species, and over 10,000 specimens set against the incomparable backdrop of the Gulf of Genoa. The tour (approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes) unfolds through the spectacular scenery of a myriad of sights of the Old Port of Genoa – the Aquarium is indeed located on the old wharf of Ponte Spinola – and through 40 large tanks, in addition to 19 open ones which use the space of a real ship called “Nave Italia”, allowing people to actually touch the fish by hand.

The reproduction of the original natural habitats of the individual species at the Genoa Aquarium is also wonderful: not only marine fauna but also reptiles, amphibians, and generally rainforest and freshwater animals.

Highlights:

• Visit the Galata Museum
• Europe’s largest marine park
• Old Port of Genoa

Genoa: Portofino Walking Tour - 5 hours

Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a walking tour of Portofino. This exclusive portal town is the perfect base for a stroll up in to the local cyprus lined hills, so capture some of the breath-taking coastal views. Visit the Castello di San Giorgio, built in the 1500s as a defence 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:
 

Marseille Shore Excursion - Marseille - 8 hours

Marseille Shore Excrusion - Alpilles - 8 hours

Marseille Shore Excursion - Chateauneuf du Pape - 8 hours

Marseille - Shore Excursion - Green Provence Tour - 8 hours -

Marseille - 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 Port
-  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
 

Marseille - Half Day Tour - 4 hours

Marseille Shore Excursion. The oldest city of France yet elected European Capital of Culture in 2014, Marseille is continuously changing and offering a contrast between tradition and modernity. Worldwide known for its old port, turquoise calanques and typical provencal markets, do not miss the visit of the third city of France!
 

Marseille - Full Day Tour - 8 hours

Marseille Shore Excursion. The largest and most populous commune in France after Paris, centre of the third largest metropolitan area in France.
 

St Tropez: Highlights of St Tropez - 4 hours

St Tropez is one of a handful of place names known around the world, and for many, the very mention of the name conjures up images of the ultimate hedonistic jet-set resort. Set on the lovely blue water of the Bay of St Tropez, this modern version of a medieval town is most popular for the line of yachts along the quay, and the facing line of terrace cafés, divided by a parade of strolling tourists and slowly cruising expensive cars.
Take the time to explore the narrow little streets and markets. In the Place aux Herbes, the fishermen sell their catch and local farmers their fruit and vegetables. The real heart of the town is the Place des Lices. Here, the locals play boules under the shade of plane trees surrounded by some fine restaurants. If shopping for luxury items is your thing, all the major French and Italian designers have boutiques in St Tropez.

Highlights:

• Explore St Tropez's narrow streets and markets, where fishermen sell their fresh catch

France: French Riviera cruise to St. Tropez

Experience the timeless allure of St. Tropez, the iconic playground of the international jet set since the 1960s. Stroll through the charming streets of this Provençal village, soaking in its unique blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. Admire the gleaming yachts moored along the picturesque harbor, a testament to the town’s glamorous reputation. Then, unwind on the pristine 4.5-kilometer sandy stretch of Pampelonne Beach, where you can enjoy lunch tailored to your tastes— whether at a relaxed seaside spot or a trendy beach club. This scenic escape combines glamour, nature, and relaxation in one unforgettable experience.

Duration: Full day

Inclusions: Skipper, soft drinks on board, use of towels and snorkeling gear. Included extras: Boat/ superhawk 43.

Disclaimer: Due to renovation works planned at Nice Harbor, accessibility may be affected. We advise you to be prepared for potential changes in your boat tour departures. Beaulieu-sur-Mer will serve as an alternative departure point when access to Nice or Villefranche is restricted. Kindly note that specific conditions and the boat name are yet to be confirmed *

VilleFranche- Shore Excursion - Discovery of Saint-Paul de Vence, Haut de Cagnes & Gourdon - 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 Saint Paul de vence, Haut de Cagnes & Gourdon.
 
HIGH LIGHTS

• Saint Paul de Vence, built on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by its ramparts built on the order of Francois 1^st, St Paul is certainly one of the most beautiful villages in Provence.
• Then enjoy a visit of Haut de Cagnes, a medieval quarter full of tiny streets, stairs, little restaurants and old houses that gradually descend down and blend with the modern lower city.
• Gourdon clings to the summit of a breathtakingly steep cliff at a height of 760 m and offers an unobstructed view of the Gorges du Loup and the Mediterranean. Clustered behind an imposing castle surrounded by gardens that were designed by Le Nôtre, the old houses have been well preserved and restored in this lively village where craftspeople are a driving force.

VilleFranche - Shore Excursion - Discovery of Nice, Eze & Monaco - 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 Nice, Eze & Monaco.

HIGHLIGHTS 

• Nice, the fifth largest city in France, acts as a magnet attracting people from all over the world, for a multitude of reasons. Elegant and simple, Nice's charm comes from its exceptional climate as well as its beauty. Even in the winter the café terraces are filled with people happily drinking and contemplating the ultra-famous Promenade des Anglais.  Always in flower this wonderful walk follows along the bay, looking out onto the Baie des Anges and the beaches on one side, and on the other such luxury hotels as the Negresco.

• From Nice, take the Corniche road to Eze, a medieval village perched like an eagles nest on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
• Monaco, one of those magic glamorous places that have a worldwide reputation, is situated on the French Riviera between Cap d'Ail and Menton, just a few kilometers from the Italian Riviera 

Livorno: Cycling Lucca's Medieval Walls - 5 hours

• Walking tour through the streets of Lucca, a beautifully preserved Tuscan town
• Cycle along the city walls, admiring the incredible views 

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert English-speaking guide in Lucca (3 hours)
• Bicycle rental
• All taxes

Day in Florence - 8 hours

• Introduction of basic history of Florence and visit of the David
• See the famous Ponte Vecchio.
• Leisure time for shopping at the famous leather and jewelry stores.

• Private deluxe sedan or van 
• Private English speaking guide 
• Admission to view the David
• Clients are picked up and dropped off at the Port 

• Meals
• Gratuities

Pisa and Lucca - 8 hours

• Private deluxe sedan or van and private English speaking guide in Lucca
• Clients are picked up and dropped off at the Port

Livorno - Pisa & Florence - 9 hours

Meet your private English-speaking driver at the pier side of Livorno port.

Enjoy a pleasant drive (30 minute) on board of our new luxury Mercedes van to your first stop in the university town of Pisa.
Here you will have time to visit the famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its famous Leaning Tower, the Baptistery and the Cathedral.

You may also decide to upgrade your tour by adding a guide for a 2-hour tour, which allows you to climb the famous Tower without waiting and queuing.

Please note that children must be 8 years old to access the Tower.

As you approach Florence after a relaxing drive (1 hour) through the Tuscan countryside and up the Viale dei Colli stop at the stunning terrace of Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy the most impressive views of the city before continuing down into its heart.

After a lunch at leisure you will be met by your private English-speaking guide to begin a wonderful walking tour through Piazza Santa Croce, the impressive Piazza del Duomo (S. Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the Baptistery and Giotto's Bell tower), Piazza della Signoria (Palazzo Vecchio), Piazza della Repubblica and the elegant Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge).
You may also decide to upgrade your tour by adding a no-line reservation to visit either the Accademia or the Uffizi.

Please note that on Mondays, the Accademia and the Uffizi are closed.

We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Livorno Port.

Highlights:

• Pisa - Piazza dei Miracoli, Leaning Tower, Baptistery and the Cathedral (Optional and upon a fee: 2 hour guide at disposal and no-line reservation to climb the Leaning Tower)

• Florence - Piazzale Michelangelo, Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica and Ponte Vecchio (Optional and upon a fee: no-line reservation to visit Accademia or the Uffizi)

Tour Duration: 9 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning  

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:

• Luxury Mercedes minivan at disposal for the entire day
• English-speaking driver at disposal for the entire day
• 4 hour English-speaking guide in Florence
• No-line reservation for the Leaning Tower of Pisa (optional)
• No-line reservation for Accademia or Uffizi (optional)

Exclusions:

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Livorno: Chianti Countryside & Wine Tasting - 8 hours

Meet your guide and driver at the pier side of Livorno for a full day of discovery in the Chianti region of Tuscany.  Hill-towns gaze across the countryside from on high, many encircled by Etruscan walls and slender cypress trees. As you travel along the winding roads, soak up the rich panorama comprising beautiful rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves. Admire the charming hamlets and farmhouses as well as fortified villas and castles that symbolise colourful history of the region during the Middle Ages. Travel through San Casciano, Badia a Passignano, Montefioralle, Greve and Castellina on your way to the Casanova Winery.  Here you will be met by your guide for a tour of the vineyards and, of course, tastings of their fine red wines.
After lunch at your leisure, continue to the picturesque medieval town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its surviving towers where you may wish to see the Collegiata containing 15th-century frescoes, the Palazzo del Popolo containing Renaissance paintings or simply wander the narrow cobbled streets. 

Highlights:

Casanova Winery
San Gimignano

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:

• Luxury car or minivan at disposal during the tour
• An English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees to the Casanova winery

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Livorno: Best of Florence & Pisa - 8 hours

Your English-speaking driver will meet your at Livorno pier today for the journey through Tuscany to Florence where your expert local guide will be waiting for you. As you stroll through the narrow streets, take in the lovely piazzas, churches and palaces before visiting Florence’s most famous landmark; the splendid Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore).

At the Galleria dell' Accademia, the world’s most celebrated statue awaits you. Marvel at Michelangelo's exquisite David; a colossal 17-foot nude inspired by the biblical hero renowned for heroically killing the giant Goliath. Wander along the enchanting medieval streets until you emerge out onto the open Piazza della Signoria; the centre of political life in Florence since the 14th-century.

After lunch at leisure, return to Livorno stopping briefly in Pisa to admire the famous Leaning Tower.

Highlights:

• Florence's Duomo
• Galleria dell'Accademia
• Piazza della Signoria
• Leaning Tower of Pisa

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert English-speaking guide in Florence (3 hours)
• Entrance fees to the Galleria dell'Accademia

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Livorno - Pisa & Lucca - 8 hours

Meet your private English-speaking driver at the pier side of Livorno port.

Virtually every guide book to Italy will show you a picture of the leaning tower of Pisa, but the great surprise when you get there is that it is merely the belfry for the most magnificent cathedral complex, with a stunning baptistery and walled cemetery. Though the sea has now receded, in medieval times, Pisa was a great maritime republic, rivalling Genoa and Venice and this superb ensemble, known as the ‘field of miracles’ was a religious hub worthy of its status. The cathedral has a beautiful pulpit, sculpted by Giovanni Pisano and a mosaic, Christ in Majesty, completed by Cimabue in 1302. After years of work to stop the tower from falling down, you can once again ascend to the top and will be very aware of the ‘lean’, as you wind your way up.

Please note that children must be 8 years old to access the Tower.

After lunch (not included), make your way to Lucca, the most perfect completely walled city and birthplace of the composer, Puccini. It is known as the town of 99 churches and you will visit the S.Martino Cathedral and the beautiful San Michele. The Piazza Anfiteatro follows the exact lines of the Roman amphitheatre, indeed, you can still see some of the arches and columns. The surrounding countryside is full of olive groves and Lucca is known for producing some very fine olive oils.

We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Livorno Port.

Highlights:

• Pisa - Piazza dei Miracoli, Leaning Tower, Baptistery and the Cathedral (Optional and upon a fee: 2 hour guide at disposal and no-line reservation to climb the Leaning Tower)

• Lucca - the walls, Duomo, Roman Amphitheater, Guinigi Tower (Optional and upon a fee: 2-hour guide at disposal)

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning  

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:

• Luxury Mercedes minivan at disposal for the entire day
• English-speaking driver at disposal for the entire day
• No-line reservation for the Leaning Tower of Pisa (optional)

Exclusions:

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Gastronomic and historical tour in Pisa countryside - 8 hours

Civitavecchia: Imperial Rome & The Vatican City - 8 hours

• 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

• 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

Civitavecchia: Rome for Repeat Visitors - 8 hours

• 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

• 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

Civitavecchia: Gastronomic Rome and Time at Leisure - 8 hours

• Uncover Rome's bohemian quarter, along with tastings of Italy's best loved delicacies 
• Car and driver at your disposal to discover Rome

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert local guide (3 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes
• Food and wine tastings

Civitavecchia: Museums of Rome - Capitoline and Borghese - 8 hours

• 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

• 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

Rome and the Vatican City: 8-9 hours

• Great way to see major sites of Rome in a day
• Major sites covered such as the Coliseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Vatican city
• Reservations for the Vatican museum - no waiting

• Deluxe car or van and private English speaking guide for the day
• Entrance tickets
• Clients are picked up and dropped off at the Port

• Meals not included
• Gratuities
• Items of personal nature

Cardinals’ Villas and Parks - 8 Hours

The area around Viterbo, north of Rome, became a retreat for popes and cardinals during troubled times in Rome. Happily for us, they have left a legacy of beautiful villas and gardens, designed in one of Italy’s finest periods, the Renaissance and consequently models for the rest of Europe to copy. One of the finest villas is the Palazzo Farnese at Caprarola, a huge edifice, standing at the top of the town’s steep main street. Surrounding the palace are two magnificent gardens, a south-facing summer terrace and an east-facing winter terrace, each with appropriate plants and design. After lunch in a traditional local restaurant (not included), you will visit the Villa Lante in Bagnaia, another splendid Renaissance palace and built by Vignola, the architect of the Palazzo Farnese and considered to be his finest creation. Here though, it is the gardens that take pride of place and epitomise the Mannerist period of the Renaissance. The final visit of the day will be to the Sacro Bosco di Bomarzo, the sacred Bomarzo wood, otherwise known as the monster Park; it consists of the most amazing and often bizarre sculptures, many carved from the local rock, scattered through the woods.

Pricing: Please Inquire

Duration: 8 hours