10 NIGHTS / 12 DAYS
Day 1: Canada – Nice (France)
Flight with a good itinerary.
Day 2: Nice
Arrival at the airport in Nice. You will be greeted by our local representatives after exiting the customs and transferred to your hotel in Nice. The rest of the day is free for you to start your exploration of this stunning seaside city.
Day 3: Nice – Antibes – Cannes – Grasse & more
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will enjoy a full-day tour of the gorgeous Côte d'Azur and charming Provence. Driving along the Mediterranean Sea, you will reach the port of Antibes with its luxurious yachts, the ramparts, the old town and its narrow streets, the very famous Cap d’Antibes which is one of the most exclusive area of the French Riviera. You will then walk along the famous “Croisette” boulevard in Cannes where the world's greatest actors have left their print during the renowned Cannes Film Festival.
The bus will then take the route to Grasse, where you will have a guided visit of the perfume factory or free time to explore the old town. Continuation to Gourdon, the most amazing medieval village of the Riviera offering outstanding views from its old castle, and Tourrettes-sur-Loup, the capital of violets where you will feel like in a movie set in medieval times. Finally, you will discover Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the jewel of Provence, where many painters and actors have settled permanently for its artistic atmosphere. Evening at leisure in Nice. (Breakfast)
Day 4: Nice – Monaco by night
Following breakfast, free time to continue your exploration of Nice. Located between the Alps and the sea, the capital and largest city of the Côte d'Azur will charm you with its mix of old-world opulence, year-round sunshine and vibrant street life.
Tonight, get ready for a night to remember! After a short stop in the quietness of Monaco's old town in the Palace area, you will enjoy a nice drive on the famous Formula 1 circuit. You will then have plenty of time to enjoy the extravagance of Monte-Carlo. You can go gamble at the world-class Casino of Monte-Carlo (passport required), walk around the city or have dinner in one of the many exquisite restaurants of Monaco. (Breakfast)
Day 5: Nice
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure. In the morning, make your way to the Cours Saleya flower and food market to tickle your taste buds. Street vendors are offering a large variety of colorful Mediterranean products that you will find in traditional receipes of the local cuisine at one of the small restaurants in town.
In the afternoon around 4:30 PM, transfer to the port of Nice to board the cruise ship. After comfortably settling into your cabins, you will be introduced to the crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner and evening activities on board while sailing toward Corsica. (Breakfast-Dinner)
Day 6: Ajaccio
The morning will be spent cruising. Take the time to relax and admire the red cliffs and maquis underbrush in the Scandola Nature Reserve and the Gulf of Girolata. You can also attend a lecture about the natural beauty found on and around this Mediterranean island. As the ship enters its first Corsican port, join the crew on the deck for a tasting of traditional myrtle liqueur and a pastry.
In the afternoon, optional excursion ($) to Ajaccio and the îles Sanguinaires. Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, has a rich and historical past. You will visit the city’s main sites, including the high court building, the bronze monument to Napoleon and his brothers, and the Place d’Austerlitz, where legend tells of Napoleon often visiting as a child to see the statues of the glorious soldiers in battle. You will continue on to experience the captivating beauty found on the outlying îles Sanguinaires. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 7: Ajaccio – Calanques of Piana
Optional full-day excursion ($) to the Calanques of Piana and Porto (including lunch). These sheer cliffs and rock sculptures seem to jet up from the water and radiate a red hue along the coastline. Then you'll discover the village of Cargèse, picturesque fishing port and Porto, a jewel of Corsica. Tonight’s meal and entertainment will have genuine Corsican flair! (Breakfast-Dinner)
Day 8: Bonifacio
In the morning, optional guided tour ($) of Bonifacio. Bonifacio is rich with a history that unfolds in front of you along its small streets and paths, thousand-year-old fortress, and sturdy stone homes perched high above the sea waves. The descent (and subsequent ascent) of King of Aragon’s Stairway will provide some of the best views on the trip (187 steps).
Enjoy a free afternoon on your own or opt for an optional excursion ($) to the nature reserve on the Archipelago of Lavezzi. The islands are scattered with sculpted granite boulders and impressive cliffs. In the evening, you'll have dinner at a traditional bistro in the heart of the Corsican inland. You'll be welcomed by the fireplace or under the immense cork oat trees by the owners, who will explain the history of their island with some funny references. Dinner—a delicious, in-season composition made of local products —will be accompanied by Corsican music and songs. Navigation toward Porto Vecchio. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 9: Porto Vecchio
In the morning, optional guided tour ($) of Porto Vecchio, a coastal town which has become a popular destination for the rich and famous. The old town includes the ruins of a 16th-century citadel and gorgeous views of the marina. You can also spend some time on your own and head to one of the beautiful island beaches. The afternoon will be spent cruising to Bastia. There will be a lecture in the lounge. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 10: Bastia
Full-day optional excursion ($) to Cap Corse (including lunch). Located to the north of Bastia and Saint-Florent, Cap Corse is a 25-mile long promontory with several attractive fishing villages, a gorgeous coastline, and a couple of good beaches. You'll enjoy local wine tasting, cold-cuts, and cheese before returning on board to cruise towards L'Ile Rousse. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 11: L’Ile Rousse
In the morning, optional tour ($) of Calvi and its citadel. You'll discover a large marina and immense bay surrounded by a breathtaking landscape and often snow-capped mountains. You'll head toward Notre-Dame de la Serra to get a magnificent view of the gulf. The symbol of the town of Calvi, the citadel was built during the Genoese occupation. You can also spend some free time and head to one of the gorgeous white-sand beaches located nearby.
Afternoon crossing the Mediterranean toward Nice. As you bid goodbye to Corsica, join the crew on the Sun Deck for a cocktail and take in one last glimpse of the beauty of the island. Gala evening while the ship will sail through the night. This is the night we like to dress up, although no dress code is imposed. The crew, all in their dress uniform, are presented to the passengers who are invited to have a pre-dinner drink with the captain. That evening, the chef will serve a banquet paying a special tribute to the world of French gastronomy. Dancing follows this gala dinner in the lounge bar. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 12: Nice - Canada
Last breakfast on board before disembarkation around 9:00 AM. Transfer between the port and the airport of Nice for your flight home. (Breakfast)
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