French and Italian Riviera

Upon arrival in Nice, transfer to the hotel. Gather with fellow travelers this evening for a welcome cocktail and canapes reception.

This morning, set out on a walking tour of Nice, strolling along the iconic Coulée Verte and making our way through the winding alleys of Old Nice. Sample some of the region’s fine vintages at a special tasting before enjoying a typical Niçois lunch. Next, visit the Musée Marc Chagall to see a collection of Chagall’s stained-glass pieces, a selection of his biblical-inspired paintings, and other masterpieces. Continue to the pier to embark Le Ponant, our home for the rest of the journey.

After breakfast, disembark the ship and set out on foot to explore Ajaccio, the “Imperial City.” Walk past the Town Hall with its stately façade and admire the statues of Napoleon that adorn Place des Palmiers and Place De Gaulle. Stop in Ajaccio Cathedral, where Napoleon was baptized in 1771, and visit Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon’s birthplace. At the Fesch Museum, tour the galleries with the museum’s director and see its Imperial Chapel, the final resting place of several members of the Bonaparte family.

Board a small boat in Bonifacio for a cruise along the dramatic coastline, taking in panoramic views of the citadel and old town, perched atop sheer limestone cliffs. Look for the seabirds, including falcons, shearwaters, and swifts, that inhabit the many marine caves dotting the shore. In the Lavezzi Islands, a pristine marine sanctuary and one of Corsica’s two protected marine reserves, we learn about current efforts to conserve the ecology of these unique granite islets. Cruise past Cavallo Island and Pointe de Sperone on our way back to Le Ponant for lunch. Our lecture program continues as we cruise toward Italy this afternoon.

We divide into two smaller groups for the day’s exploration of Elba. Both groups return to the dock for lunch aboard the ship or in town, and then alternate activities in the afternoon.

• Porto Azzurro: Nestled along a deep natural inlet on the island’s eastern coast, Porto Azzurro is framed by stunning blue waters and dominated by the 17th-century Fort San Giacomo, a striking star-shaped fortress built by the Spanish. After a walking tour of the city, head to Villa San Martino, the summer residence of Napoleon Bonaparte.

• Marciana Marina: Drive to Elba’s northwestern shore to explore Marciana Marina with its 11th-century fortress, the Pisan Tower, and colorful Il Cotone district where narrow lanes are lined with pastel-hued houses. Next, we enjoy a special wine tasting at Cecilia Winery, a family-run estate founded in 1990 by Giuseppe Camerini, a Milanese engineer, industrialist, and artist with a passion for viticulture.

Disembark in Livorno this morning and drive to nearby Pisa, home to magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli containing the Leaning Tower of Piza, a stunning Romanesque cathedral, the world’s largest baptistery, and the Camposanto, final resting place of important sarcophagi dating to Late Antiquity. Continue to Lucca, birthplace of famed composer Giacomo Puccini, where we enjoy a lunch of traditional Lucchese cuisine. Afterward, embark on a walking tour to delve into the city’s vast history. Stroll the towering Renaissance walls, see the Romaneque cathedral, and take in the medieval buildings that line Piazza dell’Anfiteatro and Piazza San Michele.

After breakfast, board a small boat for a cruise along the Italian Riviera. Take in the dazzling views of Portofino’s legendary coastline on our way to picturesque Santa Margherita. Go ashore to see its historic downtown and the 14th-century Basilica of Santa Margherita di Antiochia. Continue to Rapallo to stroll its narrow, winding streets before returning to Le Ponant for lunch as we sail to Genoa. There, stroll down Via Garibaldi to the Palazzi dei Rolli for a pesto demonstration set in a historical palace. Afterward, enjoy the freshly made pesto paired with Genovese focaccia and a glass of local white wine.

Go ashore for a scenic drive along the Moyenne Corniche, one of the most picturesque roads in Europe, to Èze. Take a guided walk through the narrow, cobbled lanes of the well-preserved town center and spend time in the Jardin Exotique d’Èze, a lush clifftop garden featuring rare succulents and Mediterranean flora. Continue on to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for a visit to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Filled with art and antiques spanning several eras and styles, the former winter residence of Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild sits on 14 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens.

After a final breakfast on board, transfer to the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport for flights returning home.