One of the finest ways to gain an in-depth appreciation of Calvi is to stroll its historic streets in the company of a knowledgeable guide. Your 90-minute walk includes a wealth of sights including the Tour du Sel, a medieval lookout post, standing under the shadow of the citadel. Beyond the narrow passageways off quay Landry lies rue Clemenceau, which brims with restaurants and souvenir shops. Standing beside a small square nearby is the pink Ste-Marie-Majeure Church, whose spindly bell tower rises elegantly above the cafés along the quay. From beside the church, steps connect with boulevard Wilson, a wide modern street leading to place Christophe-Colomb, the entry point to the citadel. Beyond the ancient citadel’s gateway, you confront the imposing 13th-century former governor’s palace of Caserne Sampiero. As this castle is currently used for military purposes, it is closed to the public. However it is possible to follow the citadel’s ramparts, connecting three immense bastions. From each bastion the views across the sea, the Balagne and the Cinto Massif are magnificent. Within the walls, houses are tightly packed along the tortuous stairways and narrow passages converging on the place d'Armes. The 13th-century cathedral of St-Jean-Baptiste dominates this square, as it lies on the promontory’s highest point. Its chunky ochre edifice was rebuilt in the 16th century in the form of a Greek cross. Perhaps its greatest treasure is the Christ des Miracles, a crucifix that was brandished at marauding Turks during a 16th century siege, reputedly saving the day. To the north of place d'Armes stands La Maison Colomb, the shell of a building adorned with a plaque stating (based on somewhat tenuous evidence) that it was the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Although this house was destroyed by Nelson's troops, a statue was erected in 1992 by way of recompense to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus's "discovery" of America. Before returning to the ship, you have 45 minutes for independent exploration.

One of the finest ways to absorb the colorful flavor and vibrant atmosphere of Cannes is to explore its myriad attractions on foot, accompanied by an informative guide. Head first to Cannes Old Town (Le Suquet), overlooking the original harbor and surrounded by the Tour Sarrasine’s mighty ramparts. After visiting La Castre Museum you will continue to the Forville Market and Rue Meynadier. This pedestrianized thoroughfare is vibrant with local color and home to gourmet cheese makers, delicatessens and a variety of local crafts. While strolling Rue d’Antibes, you will glimpse a tempting array of retail showcases including perfumeries, jewelers, florists, ready-to-wear clothing outlets, confectioners and tea shops. The Croisette unfurls like a fresco in a symphony of colors from the Palais des Festivals, (home of the famous annual Cannes Film Festival) in the west, to the Port Pierre Canto in the east. The boulevard loudly proclaims its elegance, with luxury hotels and designer-name shops. After walking around the Film Festival Palace, you will pause for refreshments at a local café. You may then choose to continue exploring on your own, or walk back to the ship with your guide.

Here is a delightful journey to Les Arcs, the capital of the Côtes de Provence wine industry, in a renowned region of southern France. From Cannes take a 1-hour journey through the Esterel Massif to Les Arcs, location of La Maison des Vins, (the House of Wines). This traditionally styled building has a pastel yellow stucco exterior with a wide stone terrace overlooking an attractive reflecting pool and cascading fountain. The large tasting room features a wall of wines where the bottles are illuminated from behind to emphasize their different colors. An informative wine specialist will welcome you into a designated area and provide a precise description of various wine varieties. Learn about the history, geography and production of the wines, as well as how to serve, evaluate, smell, taste and fully enjoy them. This introduction will be followed by a delicious tasting of several varieties, accompanied by bread or crackers. Time will be provided to explore the Maison, or perhaps make a purchase for your own private stock from the expansive collection. Your wine adventure will continue with a 1-hour stop at the family-owned Le Domaine de Saint Martin for an additional tasting before making a 45-minute return journey to the ship.

Antibes was founded by Greek merchants in the 5th century and is one of France’s oldest cities. From Cannes you will take a 45-minute drive along the coast en route to this historic destination. On arrival, your walking exploration begins in the city’s old quarter, with its maze of small, flower-bedecked streets featuring both Roman and Medieval sections. Imposing 16th century ramparts overlook the Mediterranean, nurturing the heart of the Old Town. After time for independent exploration, you will enter a shop set inside a 9th century vaulted cellar incorporating a Roman well. Here you will be invited to taste regional delicacies including tapenade, accompanied by a glass of the famous “absinthe,” a wormwood-based alcoholic beverage that was the favorite of many 19th century French artists. There will be time to browse among the olive oil and other local delicacies available for sale before rejoining your coach for the return to Cannes.

Enjoy stunning views of Cannes and the surrounding Côte d’Azur as your helicopter pilot will show you the highlights of this beautiful region of France.A private transfer will take you to and from the Cannes Mandelieu Airport (approximately 35 minutes each way). Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Cannes from the air!

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 2 guests. Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 6 guests your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 2 guests your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 6 guests Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Eze has been described as an “eagle’s nest” because of its clifftop location over 1,400 feet above sea level. Contrast this enchanting village with the stately grandeur of a seaside palazzo in exclusive coastal Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Following a 30-minute drive along the Moyenne Corniche you will begin a guided walking exploration of Eze along narrow streets and past recently restored medieval houses. Enjoy superb panoramas of the Italian and French coasts from this high vantage point during your 1¼-hour stay. Back aboard the coach you will continue to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, one of the Côte d’Azur’s most exclusive destinations. The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild was constructed in the early 1900s and lies on a promontory overlooking the sea surrounded by splendid gardens. During your 1¼-hour stay, there will be time to appreciate the gorgeous views of Villefranche and Beaulieu sur Mer bays before refreshments will be served in the panoramic Tea Room. From the Villa there is a 45-minute return drive to the ship.

The romantic Principality of Monaco is a small sovereign city-state surrounded on three sides by its neighbor France. Your sightseeing tour will begin by heading directly to Monte Carlo along a portion of the Grand Prix circuit. An elevator whisks you to the Grand Casino, the most prominent and famous building on Casino Square, which is surrounded by the Hotel de Paris and the Café de Paris. A panoramic drive reveals enchanting views of Monaco and its surroundings before you arrive in Monaco Old Town. At Monaco Rock, elevators and escalators take you up to the Old City. Accompanied by a guide, you will then stroll up the hill along charming narrow streets past the Oceanographic Museum and the Cathedral containing the tombs of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III. After visiting the interior of the Prince’s Palace, you will have approximately one hour of leisure time before descending from the rock and returning directly to the ship.

Emperor Napoleon I was exiled on the island of Elba for 300 days beginning in May 1814. Trace the history of that fascinating bygone era on this look at one of his two island residences, both of which are now museums. Depending on the day of the week, you may either visit his town residence (Villa dei Mulini), or his country residence (Villa San Martino). Guests visiting the Villa San Martino country home see the Room of the Doves, whose ceiling is adorned with a painting depicting two doves linked by a knotted ribbon that tightens as they fly further away. By way of contrast, the Egyptian Room has a circular ceiling painting featuring a ring of Zodiac signs. Other points of interest include Napoleon’s bedroom, dressing room and study as well as the villa’s beautifully manicured gardens. (Please note, there is an uphill walk of around 900 feet along a smooth surface to reach this villa.) Alternatively (depending on the day of the week) you may visit the Villa dei Mulini town residence, to explore Napoleon’s study, reception hall, bedroom and library. (Please note, there is an uphill walk of around 900 feet along cobbled and uneven surfaces to reach this villa.) A pause at the Porto Azzuro resort area provides a brief and relaxing interlude before your direct return to your yacht.

Combine a visit to the enchanting village of Porto Azzuro with wine tasting at a vineyard once frequented by Emperor Napoleon. After leaving the busy capital of Portoferraio, your 30-minute drive will feature magnificent views of Lacona and Laconella Bays as well as Golfo Stella as you pass rocky beaches and high cliffs. Ahead lies Porto Azzuro, which boasts an ancient medieval fortress and picturesque fisherman’s harbor. You will have free time to browse among its many tempting shops. Back aboard the coach you will continue to the Azienda Agricola La Chiusa estate, whose vineyard directly overlooks Portoferraio. This estate hosted Napoleon Bonaparte on two separate occasions. As the vineyard prides itself on quality over quantity, its vines are always pruned very short. During your 1½-hour stay there will be an explanation of wine production at the farmhouse before you will have the opportunity to sample the extra virgin olive oil and taste the wine. After enjoying time at leisure you will take the 30-minute return drive to your yacht at Portoferraio.

Start your walk from the pier with your guide, viewing the elegant shops and boutiques that surround the charming piazzetta along the way. You will walk by the church to the hiking path. The itinerary of the hike can vary depending on your guide, on the weather and path conditions and on the tourists in your group. The first half of the tour is mostly an uphill walk if your tour goes towards Cappelletta, San Sebastiano and Olmi, to reach Molini. You will pass elegant villas nestled among rich tropical vegetation and olive trees. If your tour starts heading towards Paraggi, you will walk along the coastline and then hike up towards Acquaviva and Molini, where an old olive oil mill has been restored, now housing a little museum, a café, and toilets. The path leads the way through the Mediterranean flora, vineyards and olive groves. Vegetation hugs the medieval dwellings and the cliffs drop off to the crystal-clear sea, making this one of the most fascinating locations of the Riviera. Continue walking on to S. Anna and Nozarego and finally you will arrive at the main promenade of Santa Margherita Ligure. Santa Margherita’s colors, the arrangement of its characteristic houses, its rich villas and great hotels have painted around its bay something similar to a magical reflection. Pause for refreshment at a café and then you will return to Portofino by minivan, or you may choose to remain in Santa Margherita to stroll around on your own and go back to Portofino by taxi, public ferry or public bus.

Here’s a tempting opportunity to visit charming and remote Italian coastal fishing villages that are not easily accessible other than by boat. After a 20-minute cruise, your first stop will be in the little bay of San Fruttuoso Village, the ancient residence of the Doria family. Its splendid natural surroundings are enhanced by the architectural beauty of its church and 10th century abbey. The imposing cliffs encircling the inlet, a small beach and lush Mediterranean vegetation, combined with the almost unreal absence of vehicles, creates a truly unique and enjoyable ambiance. Pause to savor the enchanting views as your boat remains in the bay for 10 minutes. Heading further up the coast you will reach Camogli, a typical small fishing village that was formerly the site of bustling shipyards that helped build one of the world’s greatest merchant fleets. Camogli’s original medieval setting was centered around a local parish church constructed on an island that was once completely detached from the mainland. Today, it is connected to the mainland by a square surrounded by colorful buildings including one of the Italian coast’s most beautiful Baroque churches. During your 1½-hour stay, there will be time for a guided tour followed by free time. Back aboard your private boat, tasty focaccia bread and local wine will be served during the 45-minute return cruise to Portofino.

Our first class motor boat picks up guests directly from Portovenere pier and takes them towards the scenic terraces of Cinque Terre. Enjoy the seaside perspective of the lovely bays, the houses on the sea rocks, the romantic “Via dell’Amore “ (Lovers way) and the incredible vineyards where the famous white wine “ Schiacchetrà “ is produced. Sailing past the villages of Manarola and Corniglia, the boat will stop at Rio Maggiore, where the guests will visit the village and then walk along the Love Path to reach Manarola, next village. Explore Manarola, people watch, indulge in Italian Gelato or wine tasting and then sail back to Portovenere.

Begin with a comfortable motor coach ride to Pisa. From the parking you will walk up to the spectacular Piazza dei Miracoli where you will see the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, the outside of the Baptistry and the historical churchyard. Your guide will explain the history of Pisa and the unforgettable Leaning Tower, which was closed for quite some time due to restoration work and now it is opened again (although you will not enter the tower on the tour). Interestingly, the Leaning Tower was originally designed as a bell tower to the cathedral. It was begun in 1174 and finally finished in 1350. Its 294 steps lead to a top platform. Unless modern engineering can halt its tilt, experts speculate that the building will fall in the next two centuries. Pisa was once a famous sea-trading republic and an archrival of nearby Genoa, and its Cathedral was built in 1063 to commemorate victory over the Saracens that same year. Its interior pillars were brought back from Muslim lands during the campaigns. You will see Cimabue’s superb 13th-century mosaics embellishing the half-dome. You will also have free time to shop and take pictures before you will meet again your escort , walk back to the parking for the return drive. Please note that on the May, July and September calls, since buses are not allowed to come down to Portovenere, guests will stop at La Spezia and will board the public boat to Portovenere.

About two and a half hours away by "autostrada", Italy's version of the expressway, lies Florence, justly called "La Bella". The city is divided by the Arno River which crosses Florence to meet with the biggest Tuscan river, the Mugnone, on the northeast part of town. Florence reached its peak during the Renaissance, and is today Italy's undisputed cultural center for arts as well as major fashion center for Europe. Today the day is completely yours to stroll the Ponte Vecchio and visit the "Cathedral," "Giotto's Bell Tower" at the Piazza del Duomo. Feast your eyes on the riches of art and architecture in the many museums and public squares, and dine at your leisure in one of the many famous bistros or cafes. Return to your coach for the return drive to portovenere ** ALTHOUGH AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING ESCORT IS PROVIDED ON THE MOTORCOACH TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AND OFFER SUGGESTIONS FOR SITES TO SEE IN FLORENCE, THIS TOUR SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TRANSPORTATION ONLY, AS YOUR ACTIVITIES, ANY ENTRANCE FEES, OR MEALS ARE AT YOUR OWN PACE AND EXPENSE. MAPS OF FLORENCE WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE ESCORT

This tour is perfect for those who would like to visit Rome but do not feel like walking the cobblestoned streets of the Eternal City. You will meet the local guide in Civitavecchia and board a coach for Rome. You will start the Orientation Tour with the Ostiense Gate, the amazing Pyramid of Caio Cestio, built in 12 B.C., and the Baths of Caracalla, the second largest spa in ancient Rome. Then you will head to the Circus Maximus, which could welcome 320,000 spectators who watched chariot races there. Visit the Colosseum, constructed in only eight years, where over 70,000 spectators could take a seat and leave the building in only a few minutes through its 80 entries. Your tour also includes Via Veneto, which became popular in the 1960s as the heart of the “Dolce Vita” of Fellini’s Cinema, Castel Sant’ Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica and Square. The dome of the basilica was designed by Michelangelo. Your drive will continue to St. Paul’s Basilica Outside the Walls, where you will have free time to explore on our own. The coach will wait for you in the vicinity.