During calls on two Sardinian ports, experience the diverse wonders of this Italian island, from the extensive Nuragic ruins protected by UNESCO to the glamorous beaches of the Costa Smeralda. Then sail for Livorno to enjoy two days exploring medieval Tuscan villages and vineyards before spending a day in the colorful seaside harbor of Portofino on the Italian Riviera.

Departure: 10th October 2024

Itineraries

Day 1 (Embark)

Time : 12:00 am

Valletta, Malta

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Valletta is a diminutive city packed with history. Sailing into the harbor is an experience in itself, as the dome and spire of competing churches rise above the cluster of limestone façades and formidable ramparts. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, Valletta is architecturally Baroque in character, with Mannerist, neoclassical and modern elements as well. It’s easy to navigate the city on foot and take in sights such as the City Gate, National Museum of Archaeology, Grand Master’s Palace and St. John's Co-Cathedral, which houses the famous Caravaggio painting The Beheading of St. John. Gardens are plenty, including the Upper Barrakka, which offer panoramic views. In the Maltese countryside, megalithic temples reveal the island’s prehistoric past, and the surrounding waters are also worth exploring, particularly the gorgeous sea caverns of the Blue Grotto.

Day 2

Time : 9:00 am

Sailing Time

With a day at sea, enjoy the unique opportunity to unplug and relax into the unhurried life on board. Enjoy a workout with a view at the gym, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, watch the sky transform at sunset from The Observation Lounge, or find an intimate alcove in The Living Room and lose yourself in a favorite book.

Day 3

Time : 7:00 am

Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy

With more than 1,000 miles of coastline featuring stunning beaches to contrast with its dramatic mountainous interior, Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Cagliari is the island’s ancient and present-day capital, having emerged from a long and storied past that has shifted culturally, politically and artistically over its 5,000 years of ever-changing rule. With its imposing twin towers of San Pancrazio and Elefante, the hilltop Castello district reigns high over the town below, and the ancient cobblestone streets invite you to explore the remarkably well-preserved plazas, cathedrals and palaces. From the Roman amphitheater to the Punic necropolis to the Museum of Archaeology, the Cagliari of yesterday is on display everywhere you look, while the Cagliari of today is as lively and significant as ever with its art nouveau architecture, vibrant beaches and delicious local cuisine.

Day 4

Time : 8:00 am

Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy

Porto Cervo’s magnificent yacht marina is the swish centerpiece of Sardinia’s dazzlingly beautiful Costa Smeralda. This stylish port, founded in the 1960s by the Aga Khan, has since become a playground for the rich and famous and a vacation spot of choice for the international jet setter. Celebrities like to flock here to enjoy the resort’s high-end charms, so it’s no surprise that it’s the summer headquarters for the Italian paparazzi. Relax like a superstar on the beach at Cappricioli, only a 10 minute cab ride away, or head to the Promenade du Port, which is at the heart of Porto Cervo’s stylish social life. There you’ll find the finest boutiques, galleries and gourmet restaurants. Shop in designer stores or sip on a cool glass of Champagne at the elegant Zamira Lounge.

Day 5

Time : 8:00 am

Livorno, Italy

Medieval hilltop towns spread out across the undulating countryside where tall, slender cypresses march like sentinels past rolling vineyards. Iconic names like Chianti, Brunello and Vino Nobile are celebrated the world over, but the art and architecture of Tuscany may be the region’s biggest draw. Just a few hours from Livorno, you can visit Florence: the cradle of the Renaissance, beloved by great thinkers like Dante and Galileo, and utterly captivating. Wandering the streets and museums, you’ll meet da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, Donatello and many other great masters of the Renaissance. Or set out to explore the other medieval towns that are sprinkled across the hills of Tuscany and prized for their own essential beauty: Pisa, Siena, Lucca, San Gimignano … any town will do.

Day 6

Time : 7:00 am

Livorno, Italy

Medieval hilltop towns spread out across the undulating countryside where tall, slender cypresses march like sentinels past rolling vineyards. Iconic names like Chianti, Brunello and Vino Nobile are celebrated the world over, but the art and architecture of Tuscany may be the region’s biggest draw. Just a few hours from Livorno, you can visit Florence: the cradle of the Renaissance, beloved by great thinkers like Dante and Galileo, and utterly captivating. Wandering the streets and museums, you’ll meet da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, Donatello and many other great masters of the Renaissance. Or set out to explore the other medieval towns that are sprinkled across the hills of Tuscany and prized for their own essential beauty: Pisa, Siena, Lucca, San Gimignano … any town will do.

Day 7

Time : 9:00 am

Portofino, Italy

This postcard-perfect destination, with its pastel-colored houses encircling the port, may be one of the most photographed in all of Italy. If you can take your eyes off the scenery, there is much to explore in and around Portofino. The 12th-century Church of St. George and the medieval Castello Brown both afford spectacular views of the harbor. A long, scenic hike or a short boat ride takes you to the restored 11th-century abbey in San Fruttuoso. Northwest of Portofino lies Genoa, filled with museums, palaces and the grand Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Portofino is also only an hour away from famous Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site of five colorful villages built into the cliffs overlooking the sea.

Day 8

Nice, France

Set between the beautiful Baie des Anges and the Alps, the sunny capital of la Côte d’Azur has long been admired for its beauty and sophistication. One of France’s oldest cities, Nice blends its urban verve with plenty of seaside charm, a fantastic local food scene and a heritage that’s steeped in pretty Italianate influences. In the narrow streets of Vieille Ville you’ll find charming piazzettas, cozy cafés, traditional stores and a famous flower and grocery market. Take a stroll in the Place Massena, the city’s impressive 19th century main square, or head to the iconic Promenade des Anglais, which showcases Belle Epoque grandeur alongside its lively beach scene. Take a seat at one of the promenade’s bistros and dine on some superb ‘cuisine niçoise’.

Discover curated experiences designed to ensure each moment ashore is uniquely rewarding. No matter which you choose, each excursion has been created to provide an exceptional travel experience. For those who prefer the freedom and flexibility of independent travel, the Concierge Ashore can transform tours into a private experience or craft an entire bespoke event just for you.

The Shore Collection excursions are available for booking 120 days prior to embarkation. The excursions listed below are intended as a guide for activities that may be available in each port, however, excursions are capacity controlled and may not be available on all voyages. Please check back regularly as more excursions will be added as they become available.

Gibraltar – Nice