17-night Tyrrhenian Treasures, Greece & Dalmatian Delights Cruise

Nice - Shore Excursion - Discovery of Saint-Paul de Vence, Haut de Cagnes & Gourdon - 8 hours

Nice 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 

Nice Shore Excursion - Discovery of Grasse, Cannes & Antibes - 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 Grasse, Cannes & Antibes.
 
HIGHLIGHTS 

• Grasse Rising from the hills above the Mediterranean is the city of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, surrounded by the charming Provencal landscape and villages of the Pays de Grasse, the regional name for this breathtaking and tranquil countryside. This 17th and 18th century town is large and extremely interesting, with tiny streets that wind between the buildings, up and down ancient steps, passing through arched tunnels and sometimes opening out onto large squares.
• Cannes was nothing more than an unimportant fishing village 150 years ago. Since then it has become an elegant city known round the world and attracts an international clientele.
• Antibes is the proper name of this ancient town, but it's commonly referred to as Trompe l'Oeil wall mural at Juan Antibes - Juan-les-Pins.

Nice - Full Day Tour - 8 hours

Nice Shore Excursion. This excursion will give you a wonderful glance at the beautiful city of Nice on the Riviera. You will be impressed by the colors of its market and during the afternoon you could visit Matisse Museum showing an important collection of the painter.
 

Nice & Cannes - Full Day Tour - 8 hours

Nice and Cannes Shore Excursion. This excursion is perfect for those who wish to discover the chic French Riviera: in Nice, you will be impressed by the colors of its market and during the afternoon pursue this excursion with the beautiful city of Cannes, famous for hosting every year the Film Festival.

9:00 am: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship.

Drive to Nice. Everything is emphasized in Nice; the bright sunlight makes the colors flash. 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. Enjoy lunch at leisure in a typical restaurant.

During the afternoon, drive to Cannes. 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. Covered Market (Marché Forville)— For a spectacular eating and viewing food experience, no other market in Cannes beats this for scale and variety. 

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. 

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
 

Nice, Villefranche & St Jean Cap Ferrat - Half Day Tour - 4 hours

Nice, Villefranche and St Jean Cap Ferrat Shore Excursion. You will be impressed by Nice’s lights and colors. In Villefranche you will have the opportunity to see the Chapelle Saint-Pierre which was restored by Jean Cocteau. Then, visit St. Jean Cap Ferrat, an exceptional site on the Mediterranean coast.
 

9:00 am or 2:00 pm: Be met at the foot of your cruise ship or your hotel.

Everything is emphasized in Nice. In this natural, rocky setting, the sun highlights the yellow shades of flowers and the ochre-colored houses. 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 that is 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. In the morning, the Cours Saleya has daily flower and food markets. There are scores of stands, and you will find everything from professional merchants with their well-displayed wares to farmers that offer their fresh produce and live fowl on folding tables. Low buildings border the length of Cours Saleya, separating it from the sea.

Continue on to Villefranche and visit the Chapel Saint Pierre. This old "Norman" style chapel, devoted to St-Pierre, the patron saint of fishermen, was completely restored and decorated by Jean Cocteau. The artist wanted to decorate the chapel and make it into a place of worship, dedicated to the fishermen from Villefranche, Beaulieu and St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Jean Cocteau wanted his artwork to evoke certain episodes in the Saint's life in a way that would be comprehensible to all.

Time permitting, continue your trip and drive towards St. Jean Cap Ferrat, an exceptional site on the Mediterranean coast. Its tranquility and warm climate make it a well-known vacation spot.  

1:00 pm or 6:00 pm: Return to your ship or to your hotel.
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

Nice: Picturesque Towns of the Cote d’Azur – 8 hours

No visit to the stunning Cote d'Azur would be complete without a visit to Nice's wonderful Old Town and the charismatic village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Begin with a warm welcome from your driver-guide who will be delighted to discuss the local culture, history and lifestyle of the area. Discover the historic atmosphere of Nice's Old Town whilst taking in the aromas of its bustling market.

Continue on a scenic journey to the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This charming village, with its bohemian atmosphere, is a mecca for artists and here you have time for lunch at leisure (payable locally). Later this afternoon, stop at the wonderful Rosary Chapel, considered by Henri Matisse to be his finest work. After your tour you will be privately transferred back to your cruise ship.

Highlights:

• Discover the historic atmosphere of Nice's Old Town and the bohemian charm of the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence
• Make a stop at the wonderful Rosary Chapel, considered by Henri Matisse to be his finest work

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local driver-guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

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

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

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

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

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

Giardini Naxos: Greek Taormina Walking Tour - 3 hours

• Take in the incredible views from the town of Taormina, which overlooks the Bay of Naxos
• Wonder through Taormina's charming streets and visit the Greek Theatre

• Luxury car or minivan transfers between Giardini Naxos and Taormina
• An expert English-speaking guide throughout (3 hours)
• Entrance fees to the Greek Theatre
• All taxes

Giardini Naxos: Syracuse & Ortigia Island - 8 hours

• Explore the beautiful city of Syracuse
• Visit the Greek theatre at Neapolis, one of the most important examples of ancient theatre architecture in the world
• Discover the charming island of Ortigia

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert English-speaking guide throughout (8 hours)
• Entrance fees to the Neopolis Site
• All taxes

Giardini Naxos: Catania and Piazza Armerina - 8 hours

• Explore the city of Catania,including the morning fish market and the many buildings in the city built using the lava stones of Etna.
• Explore central Sicily and the town of Piazza Armerina, where you will visit the site of Villa Romana del Casale

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert English-speaking guide throughout (8 hours)
• Entrance fees to the Villa Romana del Casale
• All taxes

Giardini Naxos: Greek Taormina Walking Tour - 3 hours

• Take in the incredible views from the town of Taormina, which overlooks the Bay of Naxos
• Wonder through Taormina's charming streets and visit the Greek Theatre

• Luxury car or minivan transfers between Giardini Naxos and Taormina
• An expert English-speaking guide throughout (3 hours)
• Entrance fees to the Greek Theatre
• All taxes

Giardini Naxos: Syracuse & Ortigia Island - 8 hours

• Explore the beautiful city of Syracuse
• Visit the Greek theatre at Neapolis, one of the most important examples of ancient theatre architecture in the world
• Discover the charming island of Ortigia

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert English-speaking guide throughout (8 hours)
• Entrance fees to the Neopolis Site
• All taxes

Giardini Naxos: Catania and Piazza Armerina - 8 hours

• Explore the city of Catania,including the morning fish market and the many buildings in the city built using the lava stones of Etna.
• Explore central Sicily and the town of Piazza Armerina, where you will visit the site of Villa Romana del Casale

• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert English-speaking guide throughout (8 hours)
• Entrance fees to the Villa Romana del Casale
• All taxes

Piraeus: The Ancient City of Athens - 8 Hours

Dominated by the remarkable Parthenon, which has stood for over 2,000 years, Athens is a city of major architectural and archaeological treasures. At Piraeus Port you will receive a warm welcome from your guide and driver who provides a captivating insight into the city’s history and culture during your full day tour.

For most, the highlight of a visit to Athens is the world famous Acropolis and the Parthenon. Dedicated to the Goddess Athena, it is one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world. This afternoon, delight in the mesmerising display of eclectic Greek and Oriental art at the Benaki Museum. Complete your day with a drive past the Panethenaic Stadium, the pure marble masterpiece that served as the original site for the modern Olympics. At the end of the tour you are privately transferred back to your cruise ship.

Highlights:

• Ascend the Acropolis to the Parthenon, one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world
• Tour the Benaki Museum

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  All taxes

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

Piraeus: Cape Sounion - 5 hours

Meet your guide as you disembark your cruise ship in Piraeus and venture along the scenic coast to Cape Sounion where you visit the ancient ruined Temple of Poseidon. This temple is believed to date from the 5th century BC and was built to honour Poseidon, who ranked second only to Athena herself in terms of power. The Temple enjoys an impressive position, high on the cliffs, and has, over the centuries, been marked by many travellers’ carved signatures, including that of Lord Byron. After touring the site, you return to your cruise ship in Piraeus.

Highlights:

• Venture along the coast to Cape Sounion to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon