Great Solo Traveller Prices - Premium Ship: Single Supplement from only $2,830
CroisiCruise: NIS_PP
8 Days
Cruise on MV La Belle des Oceans
Nice | Livorno | Portoferraio | Alghero | Porto Cervo | Porto Santo Stefano | La Spezia | Nice
In the heart of Tuscany, Italian ingenuity came to life from the 12th to 14th centuries as the precursor to the Renaissance. The streets, squares, palaces, and churches in Florence and Lucca reflect the beauty, charm, and authenticity born from the movement. Outside the city, experience dazzling Tuscan vineyards and countrysides carpeted with olive and cypress trees. Discover the pink limestone streets of Portoferraio on Elba. Continue to the Maddalena Archipelago in Sardinia, cruising past granite rocks and hidden beaches with turquoise waters. The Costa Smeralda shores offer views of jagged banks alternating with peaceful bays. Your last stop is the unforgettable Cinque Terre and its colorful homes suspended over the open sea.
THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE
- Gala dinner and evening : Welcome cocktail
- All meals included : Refined European cuisine, with table service for lunch & dinner
- Drinks included : With meals
- Open bar : Including Cocktails, Mocktails, Regional wines, Beer, Spirits & Soft drinks (excluding premium list)
- Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
- Headsets included for excursions
- Official welcome from the captain and crew
- Onboard activities
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees included
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
- Exclusive itinerary along the Italian coastline
- Journey through the Maddalena Archipelago, an unworldly paradise
- DISCOVER:
- The most beautiful cities in Tuscany: Florence, Lucca, and Siena
- Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, with its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery
- Portoferraio and its historical center on Elba
- The Italian Riviera and charming Portofino harbor
- Itinerary
- Important Information
Day 1: Nice
Passengers are welcome to board the ship at 5:00 p.m. The best place to say au revoir to France is from the Sun Deck. As LA BELLE DES OCEANS casts off, you'll get a great view of Nice and its lovely cityscape. You will be introduced to the crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner on board. Ennjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 2: Livorno
Join the excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: In the morning, visit Lucca—the City of 100 Churches. Lucca is one of Italy's most fascinating and best-preserved medieval cities. The city has meticulously cared for its historic and cultural heritage so well, visitors find themselves in a virtual time capsule within its streets, squares, and churches. Set out to discover the remarkable center and its main monuments, including the exterior of the Basilica of San Frediano and San Michele in Foro's notable facade. You'll then visit the Saint Martin of Tours Cathedral, whose construction and, therefore, styles span almost 1,000 years. The cathedral's most precious possessions are the Holy Face of Lucca and Ilaria del Carretto's splendid tomb sculpted by Jacopo della Quercia.
In the afternoon explore the Tuscan countryside. Overflowing with medieval cities, vineyards, and quaint villages, it is hard not to fall under Tuscany's spell. Amazing scenery unfurls across the hills—starting at the highest peaks and cascading down to the sea. Each season brings dramatic views, from the verdant summer and stretches of sunflower fields to the romantic, almost melancholic, fall colors as trees prepare for winter. During this tour, you will visit a winery for a tasting of Chianti, Italy's most distinguished wine.
DISCOVERY: Spend the day in utterly irresistible Florence (lunch included, approximately 10 hours, including 4 hours of round-trip travel). Treat yourself to a guided tour of the magnificent city center to learn about Florence's exceptional artistic history. The visit includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, whose dome dominates the rooftops in the city center; Giotto's Campanile's white, green, and pink marble exterior; and the bronze doors on the Baptistery of San Giovanni. And of course, you'll get to cross through the famous arch bridge Ponte Vecchio—brimming with crafts, souvenirs, and boutiques. The tour will finish up at the Piazza della Signoria, the hub of Florence's political and social life since the 14th century, where the Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi take center stage. Use your free time in the afternoon to discover the city at your own pace. We highly recommend strolling through the trendy Oltrarno neighborhood or exploring San Niccolò, whose old city walls transport you to another time.
The ship will cast off for the island of Elba.
Day 3: Portoferraio
This morning, the excursion proposed for both packages is a guided tour of Portoferraio. The third-largest Italian island is known for two things: The variety of its landscapes and as the first island of exile for Napoleon Bonaparte. After his forced abdication in 1814, Napoleon lived on the island for 300 days before escaping. Our tour will begin on foot at the historic center of Portoferraio, whose pink streets come from the limestone slabs used to pave them. Your guide will bring you to the Palazzina dei Mulini, Napoleon's official residence—now a museum housing furniture, paintings, and memorabilia once belonging to the former emperor.
In the afternoon, cruise towards Sardinia with a tasting of a traditional Sardinian liqueur on the Sun Deck. Take advantage of a quiet moment to catch some rays poolside or enjoy a treatment in the wellness salon. More active passengers can keep in shape in the fitness center, and history buffs can attend the presentation in the lounge.
Day 4: Alghero(2)
Spend the morning cruising. Pass alongside the Maddalena Archipelago, a small corner of Sardinian paradise comprising 60 or so rocky islets and seven larger islands. The 111 miles (180 km) of coastline contain marvelous granite boulders, crystal-clear waters, and heavenly beaches. The kaleidoscope of Mediterranean Sea colors from deep blue to emerald green is a true feast for the eyes. Later, there will be a presentation in the lounge.
The excursion proposed for both packages this afternoon is a guided tour of Alghero, with the region's most beautiful medieval center and fortifications. The city belonged to Catalonia for several centuries before joining the Duchy of Savoy in 1720. The streets still carry Catalonian names, and round, Aragonese towers still stand at the city's strategic points along the coastline. Stroll on the cobblestone streets, through medieval gates, and beside age-old Spanish bastions in the historical city center with your tour guide.
The ship will cruise through the night.
(2) Depending on mooring availabilities and weather conditions, Porto Torres could replace the port of call programmed for Alghero, Olibia for Porto Cervo, and/or Piombino for Porto Santo Stefano.
Day 5: Porto Cervo (2)
This morning, the excursion proposed are:
CLASSIC: Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda. In the summer, Porto Cervo is the trendiest hangout in the Costa Smeralda—especially the harbor, often filled to the brim with luxury yachts. Ramble through the streets and see all the important sites with your tour guide. Then, set out for a panoramic excursion along Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda—the Emerald Coast—to take in the beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, and the scenery dotted with cliffs, bays, and coves. Stop for a photo op in Baja Sardinia and spend some free time taking in the splendid views of Arzacherna and the Maddalena Archipelago.
DISCOVERY: La Maddalena. Starting at the charming port-town of Palau, your first stop will be Maddalena Island in the Maddalena Archipelago, a seven-island national park sculpted by the waves. The archipelago was declared the first national park in Sardinia in 1994 and has been on a tentative list for consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. There will be some free time this afternoon or join the proposed excursion to hit the beaches at Spiaggia del Principe - a beautiful, white sand cove - or Spiaggia Capriccioli, surrounded by lush Mediteranean brush and olive and pine trees.
The ship will cruise towards Porto Santo Stefano overnight.
(2) Depending on mooring availabilities and weather conditions, Porto Torres could replace the port of call programmed for Alghero, Olibia for Porto Cervo, and/or Piombino for Porto Santo Stefano.
Day 6: Porto Santo Stefano(2)
Today's proposed excursions are:
CLASSIC: Day trip to Siena, the city set on three hills (approximately 9 hours, including 4 hours of round-trip travel). While the city center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the surrounding environment contains the best Italy has to offer. Siena looks much like it did back between the 12th and 15th centuries. Your guide will take you down the small, shaded streets to the heart of the city—the Piazza del Campo, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe and the starting point for the annual Palio horse race. You'll visit the cathedral, an impressive Gothic work that is also one of the most important in Italy. In the afternoon, explore the streets lined with 14th-century tower houses, Gothic castles, and churches.
DISCOVERY: Morning tour of Porto Santo Stefano. Stroll through the charming city center and visit the Fortezza Spagnola (Spanish Fortress). Built by Spain in the second half of the 16th century, the fortress is part of the city's foundation. Once construction was finished, Spanish and Italian families began to set up house in Porto Santo Stefano. During Napoleon's reign, the French reinforced the structure to better resist British ship attacks. From the top of the fortress, you can see the other watchtowers dotting the landscape.
In the afternoon, hit the beaches at Feniglia.(5) It is located in the protected nature reserve of Dune Feniglia, between the lagoon of Orbetello and the hill of Ansedonia. There is a little natural wealth between sea lily, juniper, helichrysum, tamarisk and rosemary.
In the afternoon, hit the beaches at Feniglia.(5) It is located in the protected nature reserve of Dune Feniglia, between the lagoon of Orbetello and the hill of Ansedonia. There is a little natural wealth between sea lily, juniper, helichrysum, tamarisk and rosemary.
Later, there will be a presentation in the lounge and tonight there will be a festive gala evening.
(2) Depending on mooring availabilities and weather conditions, Porto Torres could replace the port of call programmed for Alghero, Olibia for Porto Cervo, and/or Piombino for Porto Santo Stefano.
(5) The beach excursions listed are examples and can be changed at any time during the cruise because of crowds.
Day 7: La Spezia
The proposed excursions today are:
CLASSIC: The Italian Riviera (approximately 9.5 hours). Visit the seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure, located among verdant luxury on a beautiful bay. Spend some time along the most famous stretch of the Riviera. The excursion includes a boat tour from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino.(3) Arriving from the sea, you'll have a great view of the particularly photogenic harbor in the village that has become "the place to be." Return to Santa Margherita Ligure by boat and have lunch in a restaurant. In the afternoon, stop off at beautiful Sestri Levante, a once quiet fishing spot becoming increasingly popular. The Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fairy Tales cradle this city dotted with colorful, pastel facades.
DISCOVERY: The Cinque Terre by train (approximately 9 hours).(4) Full-day excursion to absorb the emblematic scenery in the Cinque Terre and the spectacular, colorful fishing villages along the Italian Riviera. Discover Manarola, considered the most charming village in the Cinque Terre. Built on a cliff high above the sea, its homes cascade downhill to the small port. Leave for Monterosso by train for a visit to the largest of the five Cinque Terre towns and have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, continue by train towards Vernazza to stroll in the village and discover the large square surrounded by brightly colored homes and a port filled to the brim with all sorts of boats. The train will bring you back to La Spezia, where you will return to the ship on foot.
Begin to cruise to Nice.
(3) If the weather does not permit the 15-minute crossing to Portofino, we will visit Camogli or Chiavari instead.
(4) The excursions in the Cinque Terre are not recommended for people with difficulties walking. For example, the return to the ship from the train station at the end of the day includes a 1.25-mile walk (2 km). Likewise, Italian infrastructures are rarely adapted for persons with reduced mobility.
Day 8: Nice
One last breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.
INCLUSIONS:
- Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day
- Onboard drinks included (except for drinks from the special lists)
- Double-occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom
- Assistance from the onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
- Welcome cocktail
- Gala dinner
- Onboard entertainment
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees
- Classic Sightseeing Package
EXCLUSIONS:
- Drinks from our special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
- Cancellation and baggage insurance
- Optional excursions (must be reserved and paid for on board or at travel agency)
- Transfers/travel to and from departure/arrival points
- Personal expenses
Warning: Navigational obligations and weather conditions can disrupt the itinerary, and in certain cases, intermediate stops may be canceled. If this happens, CroisiEurope will do our best to find the best solution according to passenger expectations. For safety reasons, the company and/or the captain of the ship are the only authorities who can modify the cruise itinerary.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.