Cruise La Belle des Oceans: Mediterranean Arts & Splendours: Corsica, Sardinia and the scents of Italy - Exceptional stopovers from Napoleon to the Medici: Rome, Pisa, Naples, Castelsardo and Ajaccio (port-to-port package) departing from Port Vendres

Port Vendres, located on the French Mediterranean coast close to the Spanish border, is a charming port town. It offers a blend of natural beauty and history, with forts and historic monuments. The port is bustling with fishing boats and pleasure craft. The town is also known for its wine and seafood cuisine. The surrounding hills and vineyards offer opportunities for hiking and wine tasting.

Sailing days are the ideal opportunity to take advantage of the facilities available. Depending on the ship, you'll have access to pools, whirlpools, spas, gyms and theaters, ensuring relaxation and entertainment for all.

The port:

The port of Ajaccio, in the heart of Corsica, is just 1 kilometer from the city center. Accessible by a short walk, this Mediterranean port welcomes you with a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea and a typically Corsican atmosphere.

What to visit in Ajaccio

Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, is rich in history. Visit the Maison Bonaparte, now a museum, or stroll along the Cours Napoléon. Don't miss Ajaccio Cathedral and the Musée Fesch for a cultural touch to your stopover.

What to visit in the surrounding area

The area around Ajaccio offers natural wonders such as the Îles Sanguinaires, perfect for a memorable sunset. The Scandola nature reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also accessible for a day trip.

Porto Torres, located on the island of Sardinia in Italy, is a historic town with Roman roots. Visit the ruins of the ancient settlement of Turris Libisonis and the church of San Gavino, famous for its Byzantine mosaics. The town is also a starting point for exploring the Asinara National Park. The surrounding beaches, such as Balai beach, offer crystal-clear waters and fine sand.

The port of Cagliari, located on the island of Sardinia in Italy, is an enchanting stopover for cruise travelers. Just 2 kilometers from the historic center, it offers excellent accessibility, allowing visitors to easily reach the city's treasures. Whether on foot, by bus or cab, discovering Cagliari begins as soon as you arrive at the port, located in the heart of the Mediterranean.

What to visit in Cagliari

Your visit to Cagliari immerses you in a captivating blend of Mediterranean history and culture. Be sure to visit the Citadelle of Museums, a cultural complex housing archaeological and artistic treasures. Cagliari Cathedral, an architectural gem, is also well worth a visit. Stroll through the historic Castello district, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea. For a more natural experience, the Poetto beach, a stretch of white sand, is an ideal escape from the heart of the city.

What to visit in the area

Around Cagliari, the exploration continues. Neptune's grotto, accessible by boat or via a staircase carved into the cliff, is a natural wonder not to be missed. The small town of Nora, with its seaside archaeological site, offers a fascinating glimpse into Sardinia's ancient history. For hiking enthusiasts, the Molentargius Regional Nature Park is an oasis of flora and fauna, and the perfect place to observe flamingos in their natural habitat.

Sailing days are the ideal opportunity to take advantage of the facilities available. Depending on the ship, you'll have access to pools, whirlpools, spas, gyms and theaters, ensuring relaxation and entertainment for all.

The port:

The port of Naples, one of Italy's largest, is located in the heart of the city, just one kilometer from the historic center. This proximity makes for a quick and easy transition for cruisers wishing to explore Naples. Transportation options include cabs, buses, or even a pleasant walk, offering immediate access to the city's bustle and cultural richness.

What to visit in Naples

Naples, a city with a rich and complex history, is famous for its impressive architecture and delicious cuisine. Explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its Baroque churches, ancient palaces and picturesque alleyways. Visit the Duomo di San Gennaro, Naples' famous cathedral, and the Palazzo Reale. Don't miss the chance to taste authentic Neapolitan pizza in one of the many traditional pizzerias. For a touch of culture, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples houses one of the most important collections of art and artifacts from Greco-Roman antiquity.

What to visit in the surrounding area

The area around Naples offers sites of exceptional beauty and historical importance. The ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, offer a fascinating insight into life in Roman antiquity. Vesuvius itself, accessible by a winding road, offers spectacular views over the Bay of Naples. The Amalfi Coast, with picturesque villages such as Positano and Amalfi, is a paradise for lovers of spectacular coastal scenery. For an island experience, the island of Capri, a short ferry ride away, is a must, with its breathtaking scenery and famous Grotta Azzurra.

Port :

The port of Civitavecchia, the main cruise port for Rome, is around 80 kilometers from the Italian capital. To get to Rome, options include the train, with a journey time of around 1h20, and shuttle services from the port of Civitavecchia to the main Termini and Vatican stations. To explore downtown Civitavecchia, local shuttles are available, providing easy access to attractions close to the port. This Mediterranean stopover is an ideal starting point for discovering the treasures of the Eternal City.

What to visit in Civitavecchia?

Civitavecchia, a historic port city, offers many interesting sites close to the port. Explore the Michelangelo Fortress, a Renaissance bastion with panoramic sea views. Stroll along the Lungomare, the lively waterfront, for an authentic local experience. Civitavecchia's National Archaeological Museum, housed in a former spa building, showcases local archaeological finds, reflecting the region's rich history.

What to visit in the area?

Rome, within easy reach of Civitavecchia, is a must, with its historic monuments and artistic treasures. Visit the Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire, and the Vatican, with St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, home to the famous Sistine Chapel. Stroll through the picturesque alleys of Trastevere and explore the ruins of the Roman Forum. In addition to Rome, Civitavecchia's surroundings offer other attractive destinations. Tarquinia, famous for its Etruscan tombs and archaeological museum, is a fascinating cultural getaway. The gardens of Villa Farnese in Caprarola, a Renaissance masterpiece, offer a glimpse of Italian garden art.

The port:

The port of Portoferraio, Italy's main gateway to Elba, is located directly in the town. This proximity gives visitors easy access on foot to Portoferraio's historical and cultural treasures. The port, surrounded by impressive fortifications and bathed by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, offers a spectacular setting in which to begin your discovery of the island.

What to visit in Portoferraio

Portoferraio, with its rich historical heritage, is a charming town to explore. Visit Napoleon's house, where he lived during his exile in Elba. The Medicean Fortress, a complex of fortifications overlooking the town, offers panoramic sea views. The historic center, with its narrow streets and ancient buildings, is ideal for a stroll. For diving and swimming enthusiasts, the beaches around Portoferraio, such as Spiaggia delle Ghiaie, are renowned for their beauty and crystal-clear waters.

What to visit in the area

The island of Elba offers a multitude of activities and sites to discover. Explore the island's other picturesque villages, such as Marciana and Capoliveri, each with its own unique character. For hiking enthusiasts, the Tuscan Archipelago National Park offers trails through magnificent scenery. The island's beaches, such as Cavoli and Fetovaia, are perfect for relaxing and soaking up the Mediterranean sun. For a cultural experience, visit the island's iron mines, testimony to its industrial past, or board a boat for an excursion around the island, discovering hidden coves and spectacular views.

Port :

The port of Livorno, one of the most important on the Tyrrhenian Sea, is an essential stopover on the Tuscan coast. Located just 2 kilometers from the historic center, it's easily accessible on foot, by bus or cab, making it easy to explore this city rich in history and culture.

What to visit in Livorno

Livorno, with its charming blend of history and modernity, offers many attractions. The Fortress Vecchia and Fortress Nuova, witnesses to the city's military past, are well worth a visit for history buffs. The Venezia Nuova district, with its canals and ancient buildings, is reminiscent of the Venice of northern Italy. Don't miss the Mercato Centrale, a gourmet's paradise, where you can sample local specialties. For a touch of culture, the Museo Fattori boasts an impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque art.

What to visit in the area

Livorno's surroundings offer a wide range of sites to explore. Pisa, with its famous leaning tower and rich architectural heritage, is just 20 minutes away by train. The charming town of Lucca, surrounded by its imposing ramparts, offers a glimpse of medieval Tuscany. For a unique experience, a visit to the vineyards of the Chianti region, where you can taste some of Italy's finest wines, is a must. Finally, for beach lovers, the Tuscan coast, with its crystal-clear waters and charming coastal villages, is an ideal destination for a relaxing day out.

Port :

The port of Livorno, one of the most important on the Tyrrhenian Sea, is an essential stopover on the Tuscan coast. Located just 2 kilometers from the historic center, it's easily accessible on foot, by bus or cab, making it easy to explore this city rich in history and culture.

What to visit in Livorno

Livorno, with its charming blend of history and modernity, offers many attractions. The Fortress Vecchia and Fortress Nuova, witnesses to the city's military past, are well worth a visit for history buffs. The Venezia Nuova district, with its canals and ancient buildings, is reminiscent of the Venice of northern Italy. Don't miss the Mercato Centrale, a gourmet's paradise, where you can sample local specialties. For a touch of culture, the Museo Fattori boasts an impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque art.

What to visit in the area

Livorno's surroundings offer a wide range of sites to explore. Pisa, with its famous leaning tower and rich architectural heritage, is just 20 minutes away by train. The charming town of Lucca, surrounded by its imposing ramparts, offers a glimpse of medieval Tuscany. For a unique experience, a visit to the vineyards of the Chianti region, where you can taste some of Italy's finest wines, is a must. Finally, for beach lovers, the Tuscan coast, with its crystal-clear waters and charming coastal villages, is an ideal destination for a relaxing day out.

The port:

In general, cruise ships over 180 m in length calling at Nice, the pearl of the Côte d'Azur in the Mediterranean, drop anchor in the Villefranche-sur-Mer roadstead, a naturally protected bay offering a spectacular setting. Villefranche-sur-Mer is around 6 kilometers from Nice and is linked to the city by regular train, bus and cab services. The Port of Nice, home to the more intimate cruise ships, is adjacent to the city center and benefits from direct connections via tramway and bus lines, providing quick and easy access to Nice's main attractions and lively Mediterranean ambience.

What to visit in Nice

Explore Nice for its unique blend of culture, history and natural beauty. The Promenade des Anglais, lined with pebble beaches and cafés, is the ideal place for a relaxing stroll. Discover the charm of Vieux Nice, with its lively alleyways, colorful markets and historic churches. For a breathtaking view of the Baie des Anges, climb to the Colline du Château. Art lovers will be delighted by the collections of the Musée Matisse and the Musée Marc Chagall.

What to visit in the surrounding area

Around Nice, destinations abound. Villefranche-sur-Mer, with its picturesque bay and ancient village, is a gem to discover. Luxurious Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, with its sumptuous villas and exotic gardens, is just a few minutes away. Grasse, the world capital of perfume, offers a unique olfactory experience. Monaco, with its glamour and elegance, is a fascinating getaway, famous for its casino and Formula 1 Grand Prix.