SATURDAY /July 12 - Embark
Monte Carlo, Monaco
The principality of Monaco or more precisely, its capital of Monte Carlo, has for a century been a symbol of supreme glamour. Once considered the playground of royalty and still the center for the wintering wealthy, Monaco’s dazzling hotels and glitzy grand casino continue to draw chic crowds. As we embark late afternoon, enjoy your first taste of the luxurious SeaDream experience onboard. Enjoy a gourmet dinner and a champagne and caviar welcome along with the dazzling harbor filled by mega-yachts and the world-famous casinos of Monte Carlo.
SUNDAY / July 13
Portofino, Italy
Located in Liguria, Portofino is considered among the most exquisite small fishing villages and resort towns in the world. This lush and beautiful Italian village spills down the hill to the harbor and is one of the most picturesque Mediterranean ports.
While in Portofino, take in any of the amazing shops or our recommendation -- walk the charming trail fifteen minutes up to the famous Hotel Splendido for a delicious and authentic Italian lunch and famous Peach Bellinis. Tour nearby Santa Margherita, take a boat back to have a pizza or cappuccino at one of the outdoor cafes or restaurants in the harbor or simply relax, read or people watch.
MONDAY / July 14
Poltu Quatu, Island of Sardinia, Italy
Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the Italian island of Sardinia boasts 1800 kilometers of serene and beautiful coastline and is one of the most popular destinations for lovers of swimming, snorkeling and all aquatic sports. Enjoy the most transparent, aquamarine waters in the Mediterranean Sea. Swim in this crystal clear sea and explore the diverse species of marine flora and sea life. Invaded for thousands of years, the Sardinians have just recently developed their Costa Smeralda (“Emerald Coast”) towns made famous by the Aga Kahn in the 1960’s and celebrated in James Bond’s movies. Enjoy touring nearby towns or simply relish the rejuvenating pleasures these waters provide.
TUESDAY / July 15
Bonifacio, Island of Corsica, France
The dramatic entry to this fantastic medieval port town is punctuated by an entire village constructed into spectacular limestone cliffs. Bonificio skirts the southern tip of the island of Corsica, France, which is surprisingly, the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean. Bonifacio is split into two sections with the old town above and the harbor town below. The harbor entrance rests at the end of a fjord-like inlet that is a natural harbor now lively with cafes, restaurants and boutiques, as well as many ships and boats that line the marina. One can climb the (moderately) challenging hike up to the old town and beyond to the citadel or go by taxi. Built by Genoese conquerors in the 12th century this served to protect the town well into the 20th century. It is famous for harboring Napoleon as a captive. You will enjoy the most fantastic scenic morning as we sail through the Maddalena Archipelago and enter the harbor that can only be reached through this 1.5 kilometer channel. This is a photographer’s paradise.
WEDNESDAY / July 16
Calvi, Corsica
Calvi, the jewel of the north-western tip of Corsica impresses with its diverse beauty. At the foot of an imposing Genoese citadel sits a marina filled with life. This quintessential resort town is filled with colorful scenery, people and landscape. Those who enjoy sun and sea will be in their element exploring any of the serene, magnificent sandy beaches. The climate is considered consistently fabulous, and fortunately the island remains rather undiscovered affording more luxury in privacy.
THURSDAY / July 17
Cassis, France ( & Aix-en-Provence)
You can’t get much more picture-postcard perfect than this! As one of the prettiest ports in Provence, Cassis is a medieval fishing village rebuilt on ruins of the 18th century and filled with the colorful, signature pastels of Provence. The charming open-air artists market punctuates the beautiful countryside leading to nearby Aix-en-Provence -- the city of art -- and a city of light and activity that is home to many art schools and several universities. Aix’s rich history and renowned old town is ringed by a circle of boulevards and squares protected by a wall with 39 towers. Enjoy Cours Mirabeau, the beautiful tree-lined avenue, its wonderful art galleries, markets, shops, terrace cafés and renowned cuisine (Le Grillon and Les Deux Garcons among others) or discover a rare volume in one of the nearby infamous bookshops. If you sit at only one French sidewalk café outside of Paris, it should be here, where the air is warm, the light sublime and the summer sidewalk alive. No wonder Monet lived here.
FRIDAY / July 18
St Tropez, France
On the French Riviera also known as the Cote d’Azur, St. Tropez has the hottest Riviera beaches. Whether you prefer family beach atmosphere or the wild and crazy party beaches, you will enjoy the wide selection of options. St. Tropez also has a rich, artistic heritage. The famous harbor cafes fill in summer with any number of interesting, creative and “beautiful people”. The shopping is considered “haute chic and super!” There is a small art museum along with fantastic nightlife epitomizing absolute perfection in French Riviera style!
SATURDAY / July 19
Monte Carlo, Monaco – Disembark
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