Deluxe Kabine Deck 3
19 m²
2
Auf dieser Kreuzfahrt ist die Bordsprache ausschließlich Englisch.
Diese Kreuzfahrt gehört zu einer besonderen Auswahl von PONANT Reisen, die speziell für englischsprachige Gäste konzipiert wurden. Neben den gewohnten Elementen einer PONANT Reise, umfassen die aufgeführten Preise für diese Kreuzfahrten Transfers zum und vom Schiff, Vorträge und Diskussionen an Bord mit Weltklasse-Experten, und einen Landausflug oder eine Aktivität in jedem Hafen, bei denen die Gäste die Sehenswürdigkeiten und vieles mehr entdecken und in die unbekannte Kultur eintauchen können.
Kommen Sie an Bord zu einer Reise an die Côte d‘Azur und die Italienische Riviera, auf der Sie die reiche Geschichte und die Kultur der faszinierenden Regionen der nördlichen Mittelmeerküste erkunden.
In Barcelona beginnt die Entdeckung Südfrankreichs in Okzitanien mit der auf einem Hügel gelegenen Stadt Carcassonne (von Sète) und ihrer mittelalterlichen Zitadelle, die zum Welterbe der UNESCO gehört.
Der Alte Hafen von Marseille ist der Ausgangspunkt für einen Besuch in Aix-en-Provence, der „Stadt der tausend Brunnen“ und Heimat von Paul Cézanne, oder in Van Goghs Arles und der „Stadt der Päpste“ Avignon, Welterbe der UNESCO.
Nizza, der letzte französische Hafen in diesem Teil der Reise, bietet einen Ausflug in das nahegelegene Monte Carlo und das auf einem Berghang gelegene Dorf Èze, das mit atemberaubenden Aussichten auf die Côte d‘Azur lockt. Oder Sie fahren nach Saint-Paul-de-Vence und besichtigen die Kollektion moderner und zeitgenössischer Kunst und Skulpturen der Fondation Maeght.
Das kleine italienische Fischerdorf Portofino, heute ein beliebter Aufenthaltsort der Reichen und Berühmten, begrüßt Sie zu einem entspannten Nachmittag und Abend, an dem Sie in aller Ruhe durch die Geschäfte und Galerien bummeln und die heimische Küche probieren können.
Von Porto Venere aus können Sie die Cinque Terre entdecken. Mit ihren Küstendörfern im Herzen der Italienischen Riviera zählt die Region zum UNESCO-Welterbe. Oder Sie verbringen den Tag mit der Erkundung der romantischen Stadt Lucca, Geburtsort von Giacomo Puccini, und des mittelalterlichen Pisa mit seinem prächtigen Dom, dem Baptisterium und dem Schiefen Turm.
Von Livorno aus führt Sie ein Tagesausflug nach Florenz ins Herz der Italienischen Renaissance. Es sei denn, Sie bevorzugen einen Besuch der Etruskischen Ruinen und des Museums im nahegelegenen Volterra.
Der letzte Anlaufhafen vor dem Ende der Reise im römischen Hafen Civitaveccia bringt Sie zurück auf französischen Boden in die spektakuläre „Wächterstadt“ Bonifacio, die hoch auf den Klippen an der Südküste von Korsika thront. Hier können Sie durch mittelalterliche Gassen mit bunten Häusern bummeln oder mit einem Boot die Höhlen und Inselchen entlang der malerischen Küste von Bonifacio erkunden.
Ref : EC081023
Rein englischsprachige Reise mit direktem Austausch mit den Experten an Bord, Transfers vor und nach der Kreuzfahrt und einem inbegriffenen Landausflug oder einer Aktivität an jedem Hafen Spannende...
Kabinen
Reiseleistungen
In Ihrer Kreuzfahrt enthalten
Für mehr Sicherheit organisiert PONANT Ihre Reise vor oder nach der Kreuzfahrt. Dieses Paket ist im Preis Ihrer Kreuzfahrt enthalten.
Zusatzleistungen
Für mehr Sicherheit wählt PONANT Flüge aus und kümmert sich um Ihre Transfers für Ihre Reise sowie um Landbesuche vor und nach dem Ausschiffen.
Diese Reise könnte Ihnen auch gefallen...
*Preis pro Person auf Basis einer Doppelkabine. Dieser Preis gilt vorbehaltlich Verfügbarkeit und basiert auf der Auslastung des jeweiligen Schiffes. Die Kabinenkategorie, für die dieser Preis gilt, ist möglichweise nicht mehr verfügbar
Serviceleistungen
Prestige Suite auf Deck 6
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Peter Bobrowsky
Peter Bobrowsky is a professional archaeologist and geologist with 40 years of experience working as a consultant, scholar, teacher, and researcher across the globe. His academic achievements include almost 500 publications including 20 technical books such as the Encyclopedia of Natural Hazards, Encyclopedia of Engineering Geology, and The Landslide Handbook – the latter written for the general public has been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Japanese; and induction as an International Fellow of the Explorers Club of New York and Fellow of the Geological Society of America. He is the recipient of numerous awards including most notably the Eugene Shoemaker Communications Award for Best Book (2009), the Edward B. Burwell Jr. Award for Engineering Geology (2011), the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), and the James Harrison Outstanding Achievement Award (2020).
Dr. Bobrowsky has a prominent history of international positions and appointments in particular Secretary General of the International Union of Geological Sciences, an NGO representing some one million earth scientists around the world, President of the Canadian Quaternary Association, President of the Geological Association of Canada, and President of the International Consortium on Landslides.
A popular global public speaker for the past 25 years, he remains a much sought after and well-liked lecturer for the Smithsonian since 2004. His multi-disciplinary background and extensive travel to over 110 countries contribute to his unique, informative, and enthusiastic speaking style. A born extrovert with an easy going manner, Peter strives to understand and explain the crucial links between a diverse and dynamically changing Earth and the evolution of changing societies through history.
He divides his time between travel adventures and home life near Sidney by the Sea on Vancouver Island.
Mary O'Neill
Mary O'Neill is an accredited art appraiser who lectures regularly on all aspects of art history in Washington, DC. She has joined several Smithsonian Journeys voyages, acting as our art expert in destinations from Mexico to Europe and the Middle East. Mary has published articles in several national publications, includingSmithsonian Magazine's cover story for September 2001,Virtue and Beauty: The Renaissance Image of the Ideal Woman.
Language spoken: English
Photo credit : ARR
Vorbehaltlich des Widerrufs im Falle von höherer Gewalt
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
For men:
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
For men:
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT Aktivitäten
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys ist das Reiseprogramm der Smithsonian Institution, eine bedeutende US-amerikanische Forschungs- und Bildungseinrichtung, das aus 21 Museen, dem National Zoological Park, Bildungszentren, Forschungseinrichtungen, Kulturzentren und Bibliotheken besteht. Die Kreuzfahrten in gemeinsamer Kooperation stützen sich auf die Ressourcen von Smithsonian, die auf eine 175-jährige Geschichte zurückblicken, und bieten bemerkenswerte Experten und Erfahrungen. Diese Reisen beziehen insbesonders die lokalen Kulturen mit ein und tauchen tiefer in die Geschichte, Küche, Sprache, Umwelt und Tierwelt eines Reiseziels ein. Seit mehr als 50 Jahren ist Smithsonian Journeys in der Kultur verwurzelt und konzentriert sich auf das Eintauchen und Entdecken von Kulturen - mit dem Ziel, Gäste zu inspirieren und zu einem tieferen Verständnis der Orte beizutragen.
Vorbehaltlich des Widerrufs im Falle von höherer Gewalt
Einschiffung 08.10.2023 von 16:00 bis 17:00
Abfahrt 08.10.2023 um 18:00
Die Stadt Barcelona zwischen Meer und den Bergen Montjuïc und Tibidabo bietet ihren zahlreichen Besuchern eine perfekte Mischung aus Traditionen und Modernität. Die „Stadt der Wunder“ ist ein wahres Freilichtmuseum. Sie birgt eine erstaunlich breitgefächerte Palette an Kunstschätzen und Museen, die von Relikten aus der Römerzeit über mittelalterliche Viertel bis hin zu zahlreichen avantgardistischen Elementen aus dem 20. Jahrhundert reicht. Im Laufe der Jahre drückten bedeutende Künstler wie Picasso, Miró oder Gaudí, dessen architektonische Werke in der Stadt zum größten Teil als Weltkulturerbe der UNESCO eingestuft wurden, der Stadt ihren Stempel auf. Bummeln Sie auf der berühmten Flaniermeile Las Ramblas und kosten Sie die typisch mediterrane Süße des Lebens in der katalanischen Hauptstadt.
Ankunft 09.10.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 09.10.2023 am frühen Abend
Die Hafenstadt Sète, von den Einheimischen wegen ihrer vielen Kanäle liebevoll „Venedig des Languedoc“ genannt, ist ein beliebter Urlaubsort mit Stränden und einem blühenden Kunsttreiben. Sie ist auch der Ausgangspunkt für Ausflüge zu den nahegelegenen Schätzen Okzitaniens, darunter Nîmes mit einem hervorragend erhaltenen römischen Amphitheater und den wunderschönen Jardins de la Fontaine aus dem 18. Jahrhundert. Auch die Städte Narbonne und Carcassonne sind leicht zu erreichen und bilden eine Einführung in die Geschichte und Kultur dieser Region. In Narbonne können Sie den Palais des Archevêques und das Archäologische Museum besuchen und in Carcassonne die beeindruckende mittelalterliche Zitadelle, ein UNESCO-Welterbe.
Ankunft 10.10.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 10.10.2023 am späten Nachmittag
Marseille, der älteste Hafen Frankreichs, ist die Stadt, die PONAT als ihren Firmensitz gewählt hat. Umgeben von mediterranen Calanques offenbart die Stadt ihre wilde und authentische Schönheit, die aus tausend Einflüssen und Kulturen entstanden ist. Im Alten Hafen gehen Sie an den Orten spazieren, die der von den Griechen gegründeten Stadt entsprechen. Er wird von der Basilika Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde mit einer erstaunlichen neobyzantinischen Architektur überragt. In der Nähe der Kais lädt der Place de Lenche, der sich an der Stelle der antiken Agora befindet, perfekt zu einer Pause in einem der lebhaften Cafés ein. Im Labyrinth enger Gassen mit farbenfrohen Häusern verschmilzt er mit dem nur einen Steinwurf entfernten Stadtteil Panier.
Ankunft 11.10.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 11.10.2023 abends
Nizza, die Hauptstadt der Côte d'Azur, erstreckt sich entlang der Baie des Anges und wird von zahlreichen Hügeln und Bergen vor dem Wind geschützt. Sie können es sicherlich kaum erwarten, die Promenade des Anglais zu sehen, wo Sie es sich auf einem der blauen Stühle mit Blick auf das Ufer gemütlich machen können. Der Schlosshügel ist auch ideal für einen schönen Spaziergang. Dies ist der Eingang zur Altstadt mit ihren geschäftigen Märkten und regionalen Produkten entlang der Hauptstraße Cours Saleya.
Ankunft 12.10.2023 mittags
Abfahrt 12.10.2023 am späten Abend
In der Nähe der Cinque Terre ist Portofino das Juwel der ligurischen Riviera. Dieses von Guy de Maupassant beschriebene „kleine Dorf, das sich wie ein Halbmond um ein stilles Becken erstreckt", ist heute ein lebendiger kleiner Hafen. Portofino hat es geschafft, ihre seit der Antike bekannten traditionellen maritimen Methoden zu bewahren. Das in einer kleinen, von einem Kiefernhain geschützten Bucht liegende Dorf bildet das Herz eines außergewöhnlichen Meeresnaturschutzgebietes. Die schillernden Farben seiner Fassaden und die malerischen Treppen haben viele Autoren und Künstler inspiriert. Sie werden auch den Leuchtturm von Portofino sehen, der in seiner grünen Umgebung makellos ist. Auf der Punta del Capo gelegen, wacht er über die Halbinsel.
Ankunft 13.10.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 13.10.2023 am frühen Abend
Ankunft 14.10.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 14.10.2023 am späten Nachmittag
An der ligurischen Küste ist Livorno das Tor zur Toskana, eine Region, die für ihre archäologischen Stätten, ihre Schätze der Renaissance, ihre malerischen Hügellandschaften und ihre Lebenskunst bekannt ist. Die Ankunft der Medici im 16. Jahrhundert fällt mit dem Aufschwung der Stadt zusammen, die sich zu einem der wichtigsten Mittelmeerhäfen entwickelte. Ein kosmopolitischer und multireligiöser Ort, der kulturelle Vielfalt perfekt verkörpert. Die in dieser Epoche erbauten Festungen Fortezza Vecchia und Fortezza Nuova sind Zeitzeugen seiner Bedeutung. Am Fuße des neuen Forts erstreckt sich das zauberhafte Quartier Nuova Venezia mit kleinen Kanälen und Gässchen, die zum Flanieren und zum Entdecken der architektonischen Stätten einladen, zum Beispiel zu einem Besuch der wunderschönen Kirche Santa Caterina im toskanischen Barockstil.
Ankunft 15.10.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 15.10.2023 am späten Nachmittag
Ankunft 16.10.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Ausschiffung 16.10.2023 um 07:00
Die zwischen dem Tyrrhenischen Meer und den Tolfabergen auf einer etruskischen Stätte erbaute Stadt Civitavecchia strahlt Dolce Vita aus. Als moderne Stadt mit hoher Lebensqualität verbindet sie Kunst und Geschichte. So können Sie prachtvolle historische Stätten wie das Fort Michelangelo oder die Kathedrale des Heiligen Franziskus von Assisi besichtigen. Die ungefähr 80 km von Rom entfernte Stadt ist ein schönes Eingangstor zur italienischen Hauptstadt.
Carcassonne, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, is well worth the 80-mile drive from Sète through the hills of Languedoc. One of the architectural wonders of the world, this marvelously well-preserved city is an archetype of the citadels of the Middle Ages.
A guided walking tour of the city, surrounded by 2 miles of city walls, 52 towers, and 2 concentric outer defensive walls, includes the Basilica of Saint Nazaire, the Jean-Deschamps theatre, the ancient walls themselves, and the spectacular entrance gates to the city, the Porte d'Aude and the Porte Narbonnaise. You will also see the Canal Du Midi, itself another World Heritage site, built by Louis XIV as part of the network of waterways meant to connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The guided tour ends with a visit to Château Comtal, the 12th-century castle built by the Viscounts of Carcassonne.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy some free time exploring the shops and boutiques of this bustling city before returning to Sète and your ship.
Inbegriffen
Although Sète is a major port, it is nestled in a region of protected wetlands along the coast of Languedoc. This excursion is a leisurely cruise aboard a local boat meandering through these historic waterways.
Drive along the coastal road to Grau d'Agde, where your cruise begins by sailing up the Herault River and through the city of Agde, where you will sail by dock works and be able to see Laurens Castle and Saint Etienne Cathedral along the shore. Once beyond the city, you will navigate two sets of locks and cruise along a small stretch of the Canal du Midi (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), built by Louis XIV in an effort to link the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Sail through the nature preserve of wetlands, teeming with birdlife, to enter Etang de Thau, a large saltwater lagoon where oysters and mussels are farmed.
Disembark in Marseillan for the drive back to Sète.
Inbegriffen
Home to one of Europe's oldest universities (early alumni include Petrarch, Nostradamus, and Rabelais) and the oldest medical school on the continent, Montpellier remains an important center of education and has a reputation for being at the cutting edge of medical research.
Your walking tour of this youthful and vibrant city includes the terraced Promenade du Peyrou, lined with elegant townhouses built in 17th- and 18th-centuries with views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the emblematic Place de la Comèdie, one of the largest and busiest pedestrian squares in Europe. Here you will find two monuments closely identified with Montpelier: the Italianate Opéra Comèdie, built in 1888; and Étienne d'Antoine's 1790 statue of the Three Graces. You will also have time at leisure to browse on your own.
During your visit to Montpellier's Chateau de Flaugergues, you will tour the interior of this typical folie, one of the buildings through which successful families of the 18th century displayed their wealth, noting its monumental staircase and 17th-century Brussels tapestries. In the carefully manicured gardens that surround the chateau, you are welcome to taste a selection of the wines produced by the estate.
Inbegriffen
Avignon, located about 50 miles northwest of Marseille, rose to prominence in the 14th century, when a succession of Popes from 1309 to 1377 moved the Holy See here, largely to escape the political turmoil prevalent in central Italy at the time. To this day, the architecture of the city is dominated by these seven decades of papal rule.
Your walking tour of the lovely streets and squares of Avignon's old town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, focuses on the Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace ever built, and includes, as well, the Place du Palais, the Petit Palais, and Bell Tower Square. As you explore the sumptuously decorated chambers, chapels, and passages of the Palace and the 15-foot-thick ramparts that surround it, you will come to understand something of the wealth and power of the medieval papacy—a power that ruled over Avignon until 1791, when France reclaimed it during the Revolution.
After a light lunch at a local restaurant, continue to nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where you will be treated to a tasting of the region’s famous wines, paired with bread and local snacks. Chateauneuf wines were made here long before Popes added their title to name of the village. But the wealth and commerce attracted to the region because of the Pope's presence helped to spread word of the magnificent wines produced here along the Rhône.
Inbegriffen
This excursion is a wonderful introduction to the charnms of Provence through the varied lenses of an ancient city on the banks of the Rhone and a medieval village in the Alpilles mountains.
Begin with a drive in the Provençal countryside, through lush vineyards, orchards, and cypress trees, to Arles, once a Roman provincial capital and one of the premier centers of Gallo-Roman art in France. Your guided walking tour through the Old Town includes the Romanesque Church of St. Trophime, renowned for its glorious carvings, the Hotel de Ville, and Forum Square-a favorite meeting place for centuries. As you make your way along the narrow streets, you may be reminded of Van Gogh, who produced more than 200 paintings during the time he lived here. Also visit the Roman amphitheater, designated, along with other mounments in the city, as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1981. The amphitheater is the most impressive of these monuments and is still in use for concerts and for bullfights.
After lunch, drive into the mountiains northwest of Arles to Les Baux, perched on a rocky outcropping with commanding views of the surrounding region. Its easily fotrified position made Les Baux a nearly impregnable stronghold and was used as such by a string of petty tyrants, insurrectionists, and kidnappers until Cardinal Richelieu ordered its destruction in 1632. In the 20th century, the ruins of the village were 'rediscovered' and Les Baux was resurrected as an example of medieval life. It has since earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Enjoy a walking tour through the town, followed by time at leisure to explore, browse, and shop on your own.
Inbegriffen
Begin your discovery of two of southern France's most popular cities with a panoramic tour of Marseille aboard a luxury motorcoach. Driving through this bustling and proudly multicultural city, pass by the Cathèdral La Major, a massive neo-Byzantine structure built in the 19th-century, on the way to the picturesque Old Port, guarded by Fort Saint-Jean, built by Louis XIV. Nearby is the award-winning MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations). Passing by iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde, the impressive Basilica that sits atop the highest point in the city, enter the Corniche Kennedy, a three-mile boulevard on the Marseille coast named for America's 35th president.
Travel to Aix-en-Provence, the first Roman settlement in Gaul, noting the town's elegant 18th- and 19th-century architecture as you arrive. A walking tour of the city center includes a stroll along the tree-lined Cours Mirabeau, the Baroque Hotel de Ville, and the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur, built on the site of the ancient Roman forum. Time at leisure to explore on your own is followed by the return to the ship in Marseille.
Inbegriffen
This excursion introduces you to two of the most unforgettable places you will encounter during your time on the French Riviera—the medieval village of Eze and the Villa Ephrussi Rothschild—both of which overlook the sea and both of which feature extraordinary gardens.
"Stunning" doesn't begin to do justice the views as you drive along the Moyenne Corniche into the hills east of Nice to arrive at Eze, where you enjoy a guided walking tour of this carefully maintained village of centuries-old stonework, wrought-iron street lamps, and colorfully painted shutters. Near the top of the village, take some time to explore the award-winning Jardin Exotique d'Eze, showcasing a variety of exotic succulents from around the world as well as local species, and take in the remarkable views that stretch as far as the Gulf of St. Tropez. Before leaving Eze, you will have time to browse the shops and galleries that line the winding streets leading back to your coach.
The drive back down the Moyenne Corniche leads to a coastal road and the small peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, among the most exclusive locations on the Cote d'Azur and site of the Villa Ephrussi Rothschild. The villa itself and the gardens surrounding it were built in the early 20th century under the direction of Baroness Beatrice Rothschild, who used it as her winter residence, decorating it with exquisite art from a variety of periods. Wander here among the 14-acre garden arranged by themes (French, Spanish, Exotic, and so on) while also enjoying the views over two bays—Villefranche to the west, and Beaulieu-sur-Mer to the east.
Inbegriffen
A short drive from the port brings you to the center of Nice, the unofficial capital of the French Riviera. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the highlights of this ancient city, founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BCE and coming under the sway of successive civilizations and empires until it was permanently annexed by France in 1860. As you explore the lively Old Town, you will get a sense of what has attracted so many artists to the city, perhaps most famously, Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall.
Your tour comes to an end at Cave Bianchi, the oldest wine cellars in Nice, where you will be introduced to the wine production of the region and have the chance to taste three different local wines, accompanied by small canapés with cheese. After the tasting, enjoy some time at leisure to explore Nice on your own, perhaps shopping, or simply basking in the Niçoise way of life.
Inbegriffen
Built between its lovely bay and a wooded headland and hills, Portofino was once a fishing village, but is now a glamorous resort, its small marina packed with expensive yachts. The waterfront is lined with multicolored pastel buildings, canopied outdoor cafes, and a quay often filled with strolling young lovers. Its surrounding hills are dotted with bougainvillea-garnished villas owned by the rich and famous.
Your guided tour follows an attractive walking path through one of the densest concentrations of decorative fauna in the Mediterranean. Fantastic views of the entire bay and the Ligurian Sea present themselves as you will walk up the hill to the Church of San Giorgio. Perched high above the town, this church contains relics of St. George brought from the Holy Land by crusaders returning to their homes. From here you may continue the walk to the Punto del Capo, the Portofino lighthouse, for still more stunning views, before returning to the ship.
Inbegriffen
Lucca is unusual, perhaps unique, among walled cities in that the ramparts that enclose it are one of its defining characteristics and an enduring resource for communal activity. Arriving after an hour and a half of driving through scenic Tuscan countryside, you will be struck, first, by the sheer size of the 16th- and 17th-century walls that completely surround the historic center of the city. They have a circumference of 3 miles, stand 40 feet high, and are topped with a tree-lined footpath that is in constant use for picnics, playgrounds, and evening strolls.
Once inside the walls, your expert guide will lead you on a walking tour, beginning with the Basilica of San Frediano, said to have been founded by a bishop of that name in the 6th century. It is famous for the large mosaic on its facade depicting Christ the Redeemer ascending to heaven. Just across from the church is Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the site of a Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century AD. The remains of the Roman structure are now incorporated in the buildings that border the piazza, giving it a distinctive elliptical shape.
Your path through the labyrinthine streets of the medieval city passes the Romanesque Cathedral of San Martino, believed to have been decorated in part by Nicola Pisano, before culminating in the Piazza San Michele, the historic center of the city. Enjoy some time at leisure before sitting down to lunch at a local restaurant.
It is a 30-minute drive from Lucca to Pisa, where your guide will accompany you to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) and allow you to explore this area of wonderful art and architecture on your own, perhaps beginning with the world-famous Leaning Tower. Visit the Duomo, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, the Romanesque Baptistery, and the Monumental Cemetery, at your own pace and following your own interests. After about an hour and a half of this self-guided tour, meet up with your guide and return to Livorno.
Inbegriffen
The Cinque Terre are five fishing villages situated on isolated, cliff-bound inlets of the Ligurian Sea. Remote and rustic, they are justly famed for their seclusion and for the distance from worldly cares that their isolation entails.
Meet your guide at the pier in Porto Venere and board a local motorboat to begin your cruise along the coastline to the furthest north, and largest, of the five villages and the only one with a proper beach—Monterosso al Mare. Here you will be free to explore on your own. Walk along the seaside promenade, visit the Capuchin convent set on the hill that divides the old town from the more modern, or simply take in the views of the sea and the surrounding hills covered with vineyards and olive groves. When you reboard your private boat, set sail for nearby Vernazza.
With its narrow streets and small squares, Vernazza is arguably the most charming of the five towns. Because it is the only of the Cinque Terre with a natural harbor, it became wealthier than its neighbors—as evidenced by its elaborate arcades, loggias, and marblework. The village's pink, slate-roof houses and colorful squares contrast with the remains of the medieval Genoese fort and castle in the old town.
Inbegriffen
Florence is universally acknowledged as the cradle of the Italian Renaissance and is a virtual living museum of art and architecture—a piazza, or building, or sculpture, designed by Brunelleschi, or Michelangelo, or Alberti seemingly around every corner. This full day excursion offers an opportunity to see many of the most important of them.
Arriving in Florence after a drive through the Tuscan countryside, meet your expert guide at the Galleria dell ’Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David. Commissioned in 1501 by the Opera Del Duomo and originally placed in the public square in front of the Palazzo della Signoria, Michelangelo's masterpiece was moved indoors in 1873 to protect it from the weather. The statue has been revered throughout the ages as one of the Renaissance's greatest achievements.
In the Piazza del Duomo, you will find Brunelleschi's Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the 4th largest church in Europe, as well as the octagonal Baptistery of St. John and Giotto's Bell Tower, designed in 1334. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, famous for its outdoor sculpture gallery and for the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio, which still serves as Florence’s town hall.
The last stop on your guided tour will be the Basilica of Santa Croce, built by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1294 for the Franciscan order. Santa Croce is something of a Pantheon for the illustrious citizens of Florence, housing the graves of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo Galilei, and Rossini, among many others.
After lunch at one of Florence's many fine restaurants, enjoy some time at leisure to browse on your own before returning to Livorno and your ship.
Inbegriffen
From Livorno, a drive of about an hour through the Tuscan countryside brings you to the city of Volterra, whose original Etruscan walls are still visible today. On arrival, you will be joined by your expert local guide for a walking tour of the city center.
Reflecting its rich history, Volterra's old town is a mix of Roman and medieval buildings. Begin your tour with the 13th-century Palazzo dei Priori, Tuscany's first town hall. Its simple facade and fortress-like crenellations served as a model for other similar structures throughout the region, including Florence's Palazzo Vecchio. Volterra's town leaders still meet here in the palace's Sala del Consiglio.
Moving from the political center of the city to the religious, visit Volterra's Duomo and Baptistery, both of which are invaluable examples of Romanesque art and architecture. A highlight of the Duomo (officially, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta) is the group of five brightly painted wooden sculptures from the 13th century that portray the Deposition of Christ from the Cross. The 16th-century pulpit in the middle of the nave is adorned with fine 14th-century sculpted panels, attributed the Pisano family, while the Baptistery features both a small marble baptismal font carved by Andrea Sansovino in 1502 and a much larger one from the 18th-century.
The Etruscan Museum, the last stop on your guided tour, is one of the earliest public museums in Europe, founded by Mario Guarnacci, an avid collector of antiquities, when he donated his collection to “the citizens of the city of Volterra” in 1761.
After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy ample time at leisure to explore Volterra on your own and perhaps to shop for some alabaster, for which Volterra has been famous since Etruscan times.
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Lucca is unusual, perhaps unique, among walled cities in that the ramparts that enclose it are one of its defining characteristics and an enduring resource for communal activity. Arriving after an hour's drive through scenic Tuscan countryside, you will be struck, first, by the sheer size of the 16th- and 17th-century walls that completely surround the historic center of the city. They have a circumference of 3 miles, stand 40 feet high, and are topped with a tree-lined footpath that is in constant use for picnics, playgrounds, and evening strolls.
Once inside the walls, your expert guide will lead you on a walking tour, beginning with the Basilica of San Frediano, said to have been founded by a bishop of that name in the 6th century. It is famous for the large mosaic on its facade depicting Christ the Redeemer ascending to heaven. Just across from the church is Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the site of a Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century AD. The remains of the Roman structure are now incorporated in the buildings that border the piazza, giving it a distinctive elliptical shape.
Your path through the labyrinthine streets of the medieval city passes the Romanesque Cathedral of San Martino, believed to have been decorated in part by Nicola Pisano, before culminating in the Piazza San Michele, the historic center of the city. Enjoy some time at leisure before sitting down to lunch at a local restaurant.
It is a 30-minute drive from Lucca to Pisa, where your guide will accompany you to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) and allow you to explore this area of wonderful art and architecture on your own, perhaps beginning with the world-famous Leaning Tower. Visit the Duomo, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, the Romanesque Baptistery, and the Monumental Cemetery, at your own pace and following your own interests. After about an hour and a half of this self-guided tour, meet up with your guide and return to Livorno.
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On this excursion, discover Sartène, the medieval hilltop fortress described by French novelist Prosper Mérimée as "the most Corsican of Corsican towns."
Begin with a scenic drive along Corsica's western coast, where the contrast between the beaches to your left and the rugged mountains of huge granite boulders and dense vegetation to your right could not be clearer. On the way to Sartene, pause at L'Oasis du Lion de Roccapina, a silhouette of a lion carved in red granite rock high up on a mountain overlooking the beach of Roccapina-Murtoli.
The village of Sartène itself is situated atop a rocky promontory dominating the surrounding countryside. Heavily fortified (some of the houses are literally carved out of the rock face), the town for much of its history was the scene of brutal fighting with Saracen pirates in the 10th century, Pisan and Genoese invaders in the later Middle Ages, and private feuds and vendettas throughout. Your guide on a walking tour will point out important sites in these various struggles as you explore the Old Town, the Place de la Libération, a 16th-century Genoese tower, and the Church of St Maria, which houses the hood, chain and cross carried by local penitents during the Good Friday Procession. Enjoy time at leisure for independent exploration before returning to Bonifacio.
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The Lavezzi Islands are an archipelago of small granite isles and reefs in the middle of the Strait of Bonifacio, about 6 miles southeast of the town. The islands are known for their extraordinarily clear waters and excellent snorkeling.
Your cruise aboard a local boat begins along the coastline of Bonifacio, as you see the citadel and the upper town from an angle that makes the buildings above appear as though they are about to topple into the sea. Weather and sea conditions permitting, the boat will navigate the narrow passage that leads to the Grotte du Sdragonatu (Dragon's Cave), a single huge chamber in the granite with a hole in the roof that resembles the outline Corsica.
Cruise by the Isle of Lavezzi, from which the archipelago gets its name. Home to white sand and shell beaches and several rare species of wild flower, including yellow-horned poppy and white sea daffodil, the island is has been a protected natural reserve since 1982.
The ship will sail close to the private island of Cavallo and past the Pointe de Sperone as it returns to harbor and to the marina in Bonifacio.
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Once ashore, board a wheeled mini-train that will take you up to the oldest part of the city and provide an overview of Bonifacio. Drive through the Bosco quarter, home to St. Francis convent, and pass by the mariners' cemetery, with strangely fascinating mausoleums built in a jumble of architectural styles. On a clear day you may be able to see the Italian island of Sardinia, a mere 7 miles away, before coming to the church of St Dominique, built in 1270—an example of gothic architecture, which is rare on Corsica.
Your visit continues on foot through tiny, narrow streets bordered by tall granite houses. Pass the church of St. Marie Majeure, a mixture of Romanesque and Baroque styles dating to the 14th century; Two Emperors Street, where both Charles V and Napoleon Bonaparte spent a few days at very different times; the Place des Armes; and the Jardins des Vestiges. The walk comes to an end at the old market, overlooking the 230-feet-high cliffs on top of which Bonifacio is perched.
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Lektor
An Bord Ihres Schiffes bieten Ihnen ausgewählte Lektoren kulturelle und historische Einblicke, damit Sie noch mehr über Ihr Reiseziel erfahren können: den Ursprung der lokalen Traditionen, die Geschichte symbolischer Orte, berühmte Persönlichkeiten und historische Helden... Die Experten begleiten Sie während der gesamten Kreuzfahrt, an Bord und bei den Ausflügen an Land, um ihr Know-how und ihre Einsichten mit Ihnen zu teilen.
Unsere Zusatzleistungen
Catalonia enjoys one of the richest cultural heritages in Spain. This specially designed programme introduces you to two very different elements of that heritage: the 12th-century Benedictine monastery on Montserrat and the modernist city of Barcelona.
Day 1 – Barcelona, Spain
Arrive in Barcelona, where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Almanac Barcelona. Check-in time is 3:00PM. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and to offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration. Join fellow travellers this evening for a welcome reception at the hotel. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 – Barcelona | Montserrat
After breakfast, meet your guide for an excursion to the astonishing Monastery of Montserrat. A scenic drive through the countryside north of Barcelona brings you to a chain of serrated limestone mountains, where you board a cog railway for the steep climb up the mountain to the Benedictine monastery on a terrace near the summit. Your guided tour includes the ornate basilica, whose highlight is a wooden statue of the Virgin that has attracted pilgrims since the 12th century. You will also visit the museum, displaying pieces of art collected in the last century and containing important works of Monet, Rusiñol, Casas, and Picasso. Lunch will be served in the restaurant located in what were once the monastery's stables before you return to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure with time for independent exploration. Dinner is on your own.
Day 3 – Barcelona, Spain | Embark
After breakfast at the hotel, join an excursion to the monuments and neighborhoods that define the extraordinary personality and vitality of Barcelona. Begin in the heart of the city with a visit to Antoni Gaudí's iconic Sagrada Familia. Begun in 1884 and still unfinished, this monument of spirituality awes and inspires visitors from around the world. Your guided tour will introduce you to Gaudí's vision and to the ongoing effort to achieve it. A short drive brings you to the Block of Discord to view Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Puig i Cadafalch’s Casa Amatller, icons of modernist Barcelona. After enjoying lunch, a leisurely stroll along elegant Passeig de Gràcia brings you to Barrio Gótico, the oldest part of the city. Explore this enchanting neighbourhood of narrow streets, home to Barcelona's great 14th-century Cathedral and Plaça Sant Jaume. End at the pier to embark your ship in the late afternoon.
Your hotel:
Hotel Almanac Barcelona, located on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, is a new (opened in 2018) boutique hotel in Barcelona’s city centre, featuring 91 rooms and suites. It is only a few steps from Passeig de Gràcia, where you can find stylish shopping, restaurants, bars, and museums. The hotel itself houses a restaurant and a rooftop bar, a wellness and fitness centre, and a rooftop pool.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Hotel contact information:
Hotel Almanac Barcelona
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 619-621
08007 Barcelona
Spain
Telephone: +34 93 018 7000
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 970 €
Carcassonne, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, is well worth the 80-mile drive from Sète through the hills of Languedoc. One of the architectural wonders of the world, this marvelously well-preserved city is an archetype of the citadels of the Middle Ages.
A guided walking tour of the city, surrounded by 2 miles of city walls, 52 towers, and 2 concentric outer defensive walls, includes the Basilica of Saint Nazaire, the Jean-Deschamps theatre, the ancient walls themselves, and the spectacular entrance gates to the city, the Porte d'Aude and the Porte Narbonnaise. You will also see the Canal Du Midi, itself another World Heritage site, built by Louis XIV as part of the network of waterways meant to connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The guided tour ends with a visit to Château Comtal, the 12th-century castle built by the Viscounts of Carcassonne.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy some free time exploring the shops and boutiques of this bustling city before returning to Sète and your ship.
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Although Sète is a major port, it is nestled in a region of protected wetlands along the coast of Languedoc. This excursion is a leisurely cruise aboard a local boat meandering through these historic waterways.
Drive along the coastal road to Grau d'Agde, where your cruise begins by sailing up the Herault River and through the city of Agde, where you will sail by dock works and be able to see Laurens Castle and Saint Etienne Cathedral along the shore. Once beyond the city, you will navigate two sets of locks and cruise along a small stretch of the Canal du Midi (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), built by Louis XIV in an effort to link the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Sail through the nature preserve of wetlands, teeming with birdlife, to enter Etang de Thau, a large saltwater lagoon where oysters and mussels are farmed.
Disembark in Marseillan for the drive back to Sète.
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Home to one of Europe's oldest universities (early alumni include Petrarch, Nostradamus, and Rabelais) and the oldest medical school on the continent, Montpellier remains an important center of education and has a reputation for being at the cutting edge of medical research.
Your walking tour of this youthful and vibrant city includes the terraced Promenade du Peyrou, lined with elegant townhouses built in 17th- and 18th-centuries with views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the emblematic Place de la Comèdie, one of the largest and busiest pedestrian squares in Europe. Here you will find two monuments closely identified with Montpelier: the Italianate Opéra Comèdie, built in 1888; and Étienne d'Antoine's 1790 statue of the Three Graces. You will also have time at leisure to browse on your own.
During your visit to Montpellier's Chateau de Flaugergues, you will tour the interior of this typical folie, one of the buildings through which successful families of the 18th century displayed their wealth, noting its monumental staircase and 17th-century Brussels tapestries. In the carefully manicured gardens that surround the chateau, you are welcome to taste a selection of the wines produced by the estate.
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Avignon, located about 50 miles northwest of Marseille, rose to prominence in the 14th century, when a succession of Popes from 1309 to 1377 moved the Holy See here, largely to escape the political turmoil prevalent in central Italy at the time. To this day, the architecture of the city is dominated by these seven decades of papal rule.
Your walking tour of the lovely streets and squares of Avignon's old town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, focuses on the Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace ever built, and includes, as well, the Place du Palais, the Petit Palais, and Bell Tower Square. As you explore the sumptuously decorated chambers, chapels, and passages of the Palace and the 15-foot-thick ramparts that surround it, you will come to understand something of the wealth and power of the medieval papacy—a power that ruled over Avignon until 1791, when France reclaimed it during the Revolution.
After a light lunch at a local restaurant, continue to nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where you will be treated to a tasting of the region’s famous wines, paired with bread and local snacks. Chateauneuf wines were made here long before Popes added their title to name of the village. But the wealth and commerce attracted to the region because of the Pope's presence helped to spread word of the magnificent wines produced here along the Rhône.
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This excursion is a wonderful introduction to the charnms of Provence through the varied lenses of an ancient city on the banks of the Rhone and a medieval village in the Alpilles mountains.
Begin with a drive in the Provençal countryside, through lush vineyards, orchards, and cypress trees, to Arles, once a Roman provincial capital and one of the premier centers of Gallo-Roman art in France. Your guided walking tour through the Old Town includes the Romanesque Church of St. Trophime, renowned for its glorious carvings, the Hotel de Ville, and Forum Square-a favorite meeting place for centuries. As you make your way along the narrow streets, you may be reminded of Van Gogh, who produced more than 200 paintings during the time he lived here. Also visit the Roman amphitheater, designated, along with other mounments in the city, as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1981. The amphitheater is the most impressive of these monuments and is still in use for concerts and for bullfights.
After lunch, drive into the mountiains northwest of Arles to Les Baux, perched on a rocky outcropping with commanding views of the surrounding region. Its easily fotrified position made Les Baux a nearly impregnable stronghold and was used as such by a string of petty tyrants, insurrectionists, and kidnappers until Cardinal Richelieu ordered its destruction in 1632. In the 20th century, the ruins of the village were 'rediscovered' and Les Baux was resurrected as an example of medieval life. It has since earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Enjoy a walking tour through the town, followed by time at leisure to explore, browse, and shop on your own.
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Begin your discovery of two of southern France's most popular cities with a panoramic tour of Marseille aboard a luxury motorcoach. Driving through this bustling and proudly multicultural city, pass by the Cathèdral La Major, a massive neo-Byzantine structure built in the 19th-century, on the way to the picturesque Old Port, guarded by Fort Saint-Jean, built by Louis XIV. Nearby is the award-winning MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations). Passing by iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde, the impressive Basilica that sits atop the highest point in the city, enter the Corniche Kennedy, a three-mile boulevard on the Marseille coast named for America's 35th president.
Travel to Aix-en-Provence, the first Roman settlement in Gaul, noting the town's elegant 18th- and 19th-century architecture as you arrive. A walking tour of the city center includes a stroll along the tree-lined Cours Mirabeau, the Baroque Hotel de Ville, and the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur, built on the site of the ancient Roman forum. Time at leisure to explore on your own is followed by the return to the ship in Marseille.
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This excursion introduces you to two of the most unforgettable places you will encounter during your time on the French Riviera—the medieval village of Eze and the Villa Ephrussi Rothschild—both of which overlook the sea and both of which feature extraordinary gardens.
"Stunning" doesn't begin to do justice the views as you drive along the Moyenne Corniche into the hills east of Nice to arrive at Eze, where you enjoy a guided walking tour of this carefully maintained village of centuries-old stonework, wrought-iron street lamps, and colorfully painted shutters. Near the top of the village, take some time to explore the award-winning Jardin Exotique d'Eze, showcasing a variety of exotic succulents from around the world as well as local species, and take in the remarkable views that stretch as far as the Gulf of St. Tropez. Before leaving Eze, you will have time to browse the shops and galleries that line the winding streets leading back to your coach.
The drive back down the Moyenne Corniche leads to a coastal road and the small peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, among the most exclusive locations on the Cote d'Azur and site of the Villa Ephrussi Rothschild. The villa itself and the gardens surrounding it were built in the early 20th century under the direction of Baroness Beatrice Rothschild, who used it as her winter residence, decorating it with exquisite art from a variety of periods. Wander here among the 14-acre garden arranged by themes (French, Spanish, Exotic, and so on) while also enjoying the views over two bays—Villefranche to the west, and Beaulieu-sur-Mer to the east.
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A short drive from the port brings you to the center of Nice, the unofficial capital of the French Riviera. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the highlights of this ancient city, founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BCE and coming under the sway of successive civilizations and empires until it was permanently annexed by France in 1860. As you explore the lively Old Town, you will get a sense of what has attracted so many artists to the city, perhaps most famously, Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall.
Your tour comes to an end at Cave Bianchi, the oldest wine cellars in Nice, where you will be introduced to the wine production of the region and have the chance to taste three different local wines, accompanied by small canapés with cheese. After the tasting, enjoy some time at leisure to explore Nice on your own, perhaps shopping, or simply basking in the Niçoise way of life.
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Built between its lovely bay and a wooded headland and hills, Portofino was once a fishing village, but is now a glamorous resort, its small marina packed with expensive yachts. The waterfront is lined with multicolored pastel buildings, canopied outdoor cafes, and a quay often filled with strolling young lovers. Its surrounding hills are dotted with bougainvillea-garnished villas owned by the rich and famous.
Your guided tour follows an attractive walking path through one of the densest concentrations of decorative fauna in the Mediterranean. Fantastic views of the entire bay and the Ligurian Sea present themselves as you will walk up the hill to the Church of San Giorgio. Perched high above the town, this church contains relics of St. George brought from the Holy Land by crusaders returning to their homes. From here you may continue the walk to the Punto del Capo, the Portofino lighthouse, for still more stunning views, before returning to the ship.
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Lucca is unusual, perhaps unique, among walled cities in that the ramparts that enclose it are one of its defining characteristics and an enduring resource for communal activity. Arriving after an hour and a half of driving through scenic Tuscan countryside, you will be struck, first, by the sheer size of the 16th- and 17th-century walls that completely surround the historic center of the city. They have a circumference of 3 miles, stand 40 feet high, and are topped with a tree-lined footpath that is in constant use for picnics, playgrounds, and evening strolls.
Once inside the walls, your expert guide will lead you on a walking tour, beginning with the Basilica of San Frediano, said to have been founded by a bishop of that name in the 6th century. It is famous for the large mosaic on its facade depicting Christ the Redeemer ascending to heaven. Just across from the church is Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the site of a Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century AD. The remains of the Roman structure are now incorporated in the buildings that border the piazza, giving it a distinctive elliptical shape.
Your path through the labyrinthine streets of the medieval city passes the Romanesque Cathedral of San Martino, believed to have been decorated in part by Nicola Pisano, before culminating in the Piazza San Michele, the historic center of the city. Enjoy some time at leisure before sitting down to lunch at a local restaurant.
It is a 30-minute drive from Lucca to Pisa, where your guide will accompany you to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) and allow you to explore this area of wonderful art and architecture on your own, perhaps beginning with the world-famous Leaning Tower. Visit the Duomo, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, the Romanesque Baptistery, and the Monumental Cemetery, at your own pace and following your own interests. After about an hour and a half of this self-guided tour, meet up with your guide and return to Livorno.
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The Cinque Terre are five fishing villages situated on isolated, cliff-bound inlets of the Ligurian Sea. Remote and rustic, they are justly famed for their seclusion and for the distance from worldly cares that their isolation entails.
Meet your guide at the pier in Porto Venere and board a local motorboat to begin your cruise along the coastline to the furthest north, and largest, of the five villages and the only one with a proper beach—Monterosso al Mare. Here you will be free to explore on your own. Walk along the seaside promenade, visit the Capuchin convent set on the hill that divides the old town from the more modern, or simply take in the views of the sea and the surrounding hills covered with vineyards and olive groves. When you reboard your private boat, set sail for nearby Vernazza.
With its narrow streets and small squares, Vernazza is arguably the most charming of the five towns. Because it is the only of the Cinque Terre with a natural harbor, it became wealthier than its neighbors—as evidenced by its elaborate arcades, loggias, and marblework. The village's pink, slate-roof houses and colorful squares contrast with the remains of the medieval Genoese fort and castle in the old town.
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Florence is universally acknowledged as the cradle of the Italian Renaissance and is a virtual living museum of art and architecture—a piazza, or building, or sculpture, designed by Brunelleschi, or Michelangelo, or Alberti seemingly around every corner. This full day excursion offers an opportunity to see many of the most important of them.
Arriving in Florence after a drive through the Tuscan countryside, meet your expert guide at the Galleria dell ’Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David. Commissioned in 1501 by the Opera Del Duomo and originally placed in the public square in front of the Palazzo della Signoria, Michelangelo's masterpiece was moved indoors in 1873 to protect it from the weather. The statue has been revered throughout the ages as one of the Renaissance's greatest achievements.
In the Piazza del Duomo, you will find Brunelleschi's Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the 4th largest church in Europe, as well as the octagonal Baptistery of St. John and Giotto's Bell Tower, designed in 1334. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, famous for its outdoor sculpture gallery and for the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio, which still serves as Florence’s town hall.
The last stop on your guided tour will be the Basilica of Santa Croce, built by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1294 for the Franciscan order. Santa Croce is something of a Pantheon for the illustrious citizens of Florence, housing the graves of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo Galilei, and Rossini, among many others.
After lunch at one of Florence's many fine restaurants, enjoy some time at leisure to browse on your own before returning to Livorno and your ship.
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From Livorno, a drive of about an hour through the Tuscan countryside brings you to the city of Volterra, whose original Etruscan walls are still visible today. On arrival, you will be joined by your expert local guide for a walking tour of the city center.
Reflecting its rich history, Volterra's old town is a mix of Roman and medieval buildings. Begin your tour with the 13th-century Palazzo dei Priori, Tuscany's first town hall. Its simple facade and fortress-like crenellations served as a model for other similar structures throughout the region, including Florence's Palazzo Vecchio. Volterra's town leaders still meet here in the palace's Sala del Consiglio.
Moving from the political center of the city to the religious, visit Volterra's Duomo and Baptistery, both of which are invaluable examples of Romanesque art and architecture. A highlight of the Duomo (officially, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta) is the group of five brightly painted wooden sculptures from the 13th century that portray the Deposition of Christ from the Cross. The 16th-century pulpit in the middle of the nave is adorned with fine 14th-century sculpted panels, attributed the Pisano family, while the Baptistery features both a small marble baptismal font carved by Andrea Sansovino in 1502 and a much larger one from the 18th-century.
The Etruscan Museum, the last stop on your guided tour, is one of the earliest public museums in Europe, founded by Mario Guarnacci, an avid collector of antiquities, when he donated his collection to “the citizens of the city of Volterra” in 1761.
After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy ample time at leisure to explore Volterra on your own and perhaps to shop for some alabaster, for which Volterra has been famous since Etruscan times.
Inbegriffen
Lucca is unusual, perhaps unique, among walled cities in that the ramparts that enclose it are one of its defining characteristics and an enduring resource for communal activity. Arriving after an hour's drive through scenic Tuscan countryside, you will be struck, first, by the sheer size of the 16th- and 17th-century walls that completely surround the historic center of the city. They have a circumference of 3 miles, stand 40 feet high, and are topped with a tree-lined footpath that is in constant use for picnics, playgrounds, and evening strolls.
Once inside the walls, your expert guide will lead you on a walking tour, beginning with the Basilica of San Frediano, said to have been founded by a bishop of that name in the 6th century. It is famous for the large mosaic on its facade depicting Christ the Redeemer ascending to heaven. Just across from the church is Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the site of a Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century AD. The remains of the Roman structure are now incorporated in the buildings that border the piazza, giving it a distinctive elliptical shape.
Your path through the labyrinthine streets of the medieval city passes the Romanesque Cathedral of San Martino, believed to have been decorated in part by Nicola Pisano, before culminating in the Piazza San Michele, the historic center of the city. Enjoy some time at leisure before sitting down to lunch at a local restaurant.
It is a 30-minute drive from Lucca to Pisa, where your guide will accompany you to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) and allow you to explore this area of wonderful art and architecture on your own, perhaps beginning with the world-famous Leaning Tower. Visit the Duomo, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, the Romanesque Baptistery, and the Monumental Cemetery, at your own pace and following your own interests. After about an hour and a half of this self-guided tour, meet up with your guide and return to Livorno.
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On this excursion, discover Sartène, the medieval hilltop fortress described by French novelist Prosper Mérimée as "the most Corsican of Corsican towns."
Begin with a scenic drive along Corsica's western coast, where the contrast between the beaches to your left and the rugged mountains of huge granite boulders and dense vegetation to your right could not be clearer. On the way to Sartene, pause at L'Oasis du Lion de Roccapina, a silhouette of a lion carved in red granite rock high up on a mountain overlooking the beach of Roccapina-Murtoli.
The village of Sartène itself is situated atop a rocky promontory dominating the surrounding countryside. Heavily fortified (some of the houses are literally carved out of the rock face), the town for much of its history was the scene of brutal fighting with Saracen pirates in the 10th century, Pisan and Genoese invaders in the later Middle Ages, and private feuds and vendettas throughout. Your guide on a walking tour will point out important sites in these various struggles as you explore the Old Town, the Place de la Libération, a 16th-century Genoese tower, and the Church of St Maria, which houses the hood, chain and cross carried by local penitents during the Good Friday Procession. Enjoy time at leisure for independent exploration before returning to Bonifacio.
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The Lavezzi Islands are an archipelago of small granite isles and reefs in the middle of the Strait of Bonifacio, about 6 miles southeast of the town. The islands are known for their extraordinarily clear waters and excellent snorkeling.
Your cruise aboard a local boat begins along the coastline of Bonifacio, as you see the citadel and the upper town from an angle that makes the buildings above appear as though they are about to topple into the sea. Weather and sea conditions permitting, the boat will navigate the narrow passage that leads to the Grotte du Sdragonatu (Dragon's Cave), a single huge chamber in the granite with a hole in the roof that resembles the outline Corsica.
Cruise by the Isle of Lavezzi, from which the archipelago gets its name. Home to white sand and shell beaches and several rare species of wild flower, including yellow-horned poppy and white sea daffodil, the island is has been a protected natural reserve since 1982.
The ship will sail close to the private island of Cavallo and past the Pointe de Sperone as it returns to harbor and to the marina in Bonifacio.
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Once ashore, board a wheeled mini-train that will take you up to the oldest part of the city and provide an overview of Bonifacio. Drive through the Bosco quarter, home to St. Francis convent, and pass by the mariners' cemetery, with strangely fascinating mausoleums built in a jumble of architectural styles. On a clear day you may be able to see the Italian island of Sardinia, a mere 7 miles away, before coming to the church of St Dominique, built in 1270—an example of gothic architecture, which is rare on Corsica.
Your visit continues on foot through tiny, narrow streets bordered by tall granite houses. Pass the church of St. Marie Majeure, a mixture of Romanesque and Baroque styles dating to the 14th century; Two Emperors Street, where both Charles V and Napoleon Bonaparte spent a few days at very different times; the Place des Armes; and the Jardins des Vestiges. The walk comes to an end at the old market, overlooking the 230-feet-high cliffs on top of which Bonifacio is perched.
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This program is specially designed to orient you to the treasures of Rome and to introduce you to some of its most important monuments.
Day 1 – Disembark |Civitavecchia | Rome
After breakfast aboard, join your guide for the 90-minute drive into Rome, where your exploration of the Eternal City begins with a panoramic tour of its major monuments—the Caracalla Baths, Tiberina Island, Circus Maximus, St. Angelo Castle, and Villa Borghese Park. Then, leaving the coach behind, follow your guide on a walking tour of some of the most famous piazzas and fountains in Rome, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Navona Square.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your tour of Rome's ancient ruins, as your guide explains their relation to twelve centuries of cultural, political, and religious history. Your final stop will be at the Colosseum, an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome, where you will enjoy VIP access to the floor of the arena where gladiators, Christians, and wild beasts once battled to the death before an audience of more than 50,000 spectators.
Rejoin your coach for the short ride to the historic Sina Bernini Bristol, your home for the next two nights. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.
Day 2 – Rome
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a specially crafted tour of the Vatican. Begin your discovery of this center of Catholic Christianity in the Vatican City Gardens, open only to VIP visitors. The gardens contain a variety of fortifications and monuments, dating from as early as the 9th century and set among vibrant flower beds, topiary, green lawns, and forest. See the Vatican Radio Station and the Academy of Science, and enjoy a singular view of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel from the rear.
Briefly visit the Vatican Museums before entering the world-famous Sistine Chapel, where you will see Michelangelo's fresco of The Creation of Adam. Continue to the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, where Michelangelo's Pieta and the beautifully carved Bernini Pulpit are among the many works of art on display.
The rest of day is yours to explore the city on your own or to enjoy the amenities of the hotel. Lunch and dinner are independent and at your leisure.
Day 3 – Rome | Home
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
Located in heart of Rome, the historic Sina Bernini Bristol is one of the most renowned 5-star hotels in the Eternal City. Once the hotel of choice for Russian Tsars, Princes of Wales, the Rockefellers, and the Vanderbilts, the Bernini Bristol enjoys a privileged location between Piazza Barberini and Via Veneto, just a few minutes’ walk from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. The bedrooms are well appointed in classic and contemporary style. Each room features an Italian marbled tile bathroom, satellite TV, a safe, minibar, and hairdryer. The hotel has a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, as well as a spa and fitness center.
Your program includes:
Your program does not include:
Please note:
Hotel contact information:
Sina Bernini Bristol
Piazza Barberini 23,
00187 Rome
Italy
Telephone: +39 855-516-1090
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 950 €