On arrival at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and make your way to the arrival's hall to meet our AE Expeditions representative and be transferred to our group hotel. Please visit our hospitality desk in the hotel lobby to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who will share information regarding your itinerary in Nice and pre-embarkation procedures. After receiving your AE Expeditions cabin tags for your luggage, please clearly label the tags with your name and ship cabin number to assist our crew in delivering your luggage to your cabin.
Relax into the ‘riviera vibe’ today, with the reminder of your day leisure.
Accommodation: Nice Hotel (or similar)
As one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic cities, Nice grants us a millionaire's access to the French Riviera today with our ‘Your Choice’ morning experiences offering a selection of excursions fit for a VIP. Indulge in a little boutique shopping, take a dip in ‘the Med’ or linger over a lunch of French treats this afternoon, before we gather for a welcome drink to celebrate the start of our journey.
To most travellers the name Promenade des Anglais is synonymous with the stretch of shoreline connecting Antibes to Nice. Named after the wealthy English upper class who placed Nice at the top of their Grand Tour bucket list, the Promenade des Anglais follows the Mediterranean coast past an array of Belle Epoque hotels, Art Deco apartments and umbrellaed beaches. At the limit of the ruling House of Savoy, the people of the riviera voted to join France in the 1860s rather than the new Kingdom of Italy, making this region a unique blend of both cultures. The unique light, relaxed lifestyle and extravagant parties attracted as many artists and literary elite of the 20th century as it had attracted aristocrats the century before. From Monet, Chaplin and Valentino in Antibes to Bonnard at Le Cannet, and Picasso – to just about everywhere – it became the place to be seen for the avant-garde. This pocket of sunshine and decadence still attracts artists, authors and actors, who paint its vistas, write its stories and come to Cannes to be idolised.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
Option 1 – Morning experience: Walking Nice
Our guided walk through the Old Town leads us along cobblestone streets, where our host regales us with tales of French delights including the vibrant Cours Saleya, renowned for its bustling flower market since 1861. Here, a mix of locals and tourists converge to revel in a dazzling array of flowers ‒ from elaborate bouquets to single blooms, each infused with unforgettable scents and colours. Don’t miss Queen Victoria’s cherished chocolate shop, offering historical confections and aromatic delicacies. The Old Town buzzes with French flare, creating a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere where every shop tells a story of tradition, flavour, and the warm hospitality of Nice.
Option 2 – Morning experience: The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
This experience showcases Nice’s decadent past, with a focus on the region’s most exclusive enclave. We follow the Basse Corniche along the coastline to the private knoll of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Synonymous with the word ‘exclusive’, Cap Ferrat is the home to generations of wealth. With a phone book full of famous names, a few standout – Rothschild being one. The imitation Renaissance-style palazzo of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild must be seen to be believed. Surrounded by exotic, Provençal, Japanese and Florentine gardens, it was built in 1905 by Baroness Beatrice Rothschild to showcase her passion for all things art. Without an heir, the Baroness bequeathed the seven hectares of land and some 5,000 works of art to the Academy of Fine Arts, giving ‘commonfolk’ the chance to immerse themselves in her lifestyle, if only for a morning.
Option 3 – Morning experience: Picasso's Riviera Retreat
Pablo Picasso, as vibrant, colourful and surreal as his works, is one of the most captivating figures in art history. Spanish by birth, his heart found a home on the French Riviera and its enchanting hinterland. The two months Picasso spent at Antibes’ Castle Grimaldi marks one of his most prolific periods, where painting and socialising became a daily rhythm. Amid the post-war exuberance, Picasso thrived in the Riviera’s lively atmosphere, surrounded by friends, admirers, and a devoted 23-year-old girlfriend, all of whom adored him.
Explore Picasso’s masterpieces at Castle Grimaldi, where his creativity flourished, before enjoying free time to wander the waterfront streets of Antibes. Browse its colourful shops, and admire the ancient city walls, or stroll the marina at Port Vauban, where luxury yachts gleam in true riviera style.
Accommodation: Nice Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Reception (drinks and canapes)
We depart Nice mid-morning for a scenic drive to the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence. Our journey follows the Mediterranean coast, where we hear stories of the movies and moguls who’ve made this coastline famous, before heading inland to the magical hilltop enclave of Saint-Paul de Vence, where the vibrant colours and artistic heritage of Picasso, Modigliani, Dufy, and Matisse run rich as its history. Marc Chagall, who returned from exile during World War II and lived in the village for 19 years, rests in the local cemetery, adding to the artistic prestige of the area. Here, our local guide will introduce you to tales of the renowned artists who were drawn to this quintessential Provençal village, before there’s time for you to explore at your own pace.
Mid-afternoon we return to Nice and board Douglas Mawson, where we enjoy a welcome dinner as we sail the French coastline towards the Italian Riviera.
The port of La Spezia is our base to explore the series of towns collectively known as the Cinque Terre; considered as works of art in their own right.
Literally translated as ‘the five lands’, these villages span a series of coastal ravines and rugged ridges along a nine-mile stretch of the Ligurian coast. The steep coastal landscape of the Cinque Terre has afforded residents an idiosyncratic lifestyle for centuries, as they staved off pirates, fought off floods and resisted invasions. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore retain their authentic determination, preserving individual dialects, traditional trades and communal ties. Almost inaccessible until the 1870s, the Cinque Terre represent a microcosm of Italian coastal life: sun, sea, fine food and wine, and a relaxed charm — guaranteed to put a smile on the face of any traveller.
We board our private ferry for a picturesque journey to these scenic coastal villages. As we glide along the shoreline, our local guide shares the rich history and character of each charming waterfront hamlet. Once ashore, there’s time to explore and soak in the atmosphere at your own pace.
When Italian women give birth they use the phrase, dare alla luce, which literally means to ‘give to the light.’ It is no coincidence that the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, widely acknowledged as having dragged Europe from the dark days of the Middle Ages into the light, was closely associated with the Renaissance or ‘The Rebirth’. Rising from the ruins of the Roman Empire, Tuscany flourished into a wealthy trading and banking centre becoming Europe’s first capitalist state. The Duchy’s ruling family, the Medicis, sponsored its artistic scene with fervour. Artists transitioned from tradespeople to celebrities overnight, with da Vinci playing lute at their private parties and Michelangelo befriended by men who would become popes. The ruling classes commissioned works of art such as Donatello’s Penitent Magdalene, Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Raphael’s Madonna del Cardellino. Throughout the Duchy, art was showcased in piazzas, scattered throughout the streets and placed at the townhall steps. A form of propaganda and a sign of power for all to see.
A selection of ‘Italian classics’ highlight the wonders of Tuscany on our ‘Your Choice’ experiences today.
From Michelangelo to Leonardo di Vinci and Bonanno Pisano to Amerigo Vespucci, your day will be filled with their designs, artworks and architectural icons.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
Option 1 – Morning experience: Pisa – more than a leaning tower
Renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower, Pisa offers far more than a quirky architectural icon. Once a powerful maritime republic, it flourished on Mediterranean trade and naval strength. Pisa’s golden age in the 11th and 12th centuries brought immense wealth, although that was not to last as the Arno River silted up, cutting the city off from the sea and dimming its influence. This prosperity funded the creation of the precinct known as Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Romanesque Cathedral, baptistery, and the famous bell tower. Its early designers, the Pisano family, helped shape the precinct’s artistic legacy, blending architectural styles that influenced generations of Tuscan artists, even though the Leaning Tower began tilting soon after construction started, its shallow foundation and soft subsoil unable to support the weight. Adding extra floors only worsened the lean, but the flaw became Pisa’s most enduring symbol. We travel to Pisa by coach, then hop aboard a tourist train that takes us straight to the Piazza. You’ll have time to explore at your leisure, soaking in the history and artistry of Pisa before returning to the ship for lunch.
Option 2 – Full-day experience: San Gimignano
When filmmakers look to Italy for locations, they often stop at the Tuscan gem of San Gimignano. Tea with Mussolini, A Portrait of a Woman, Gladiator, Life is Beautiful, The English Patient and Under the Tuscan Sun all feature scenes shot here. San Gimignano itself is a work of art. The town’s medieval architecture serves as a backdrop for everything Tuscan, with artisan shopfronts displaying everything that is superb about Italian food, and cafes offering the best Italian cuisine. Even its streets and cobblestone alleys wind in a way that makes every corner worthy of exploration. And did we mention its towers? It is the town’s 14 remaining medieval towers proudly rising above its skyline, which preserve the town’s feudal appearance and confirm San Gimignano as the superlative of Tuscan towns. Our local guide offers us an introductory walk, before time to explore at our own pace allows us to browse the abundant ‘foodie shopfronts’, choose a tower to climb or simply sit in a cafe and watch the world go by – Tuscan style.
Option 3 – Full-day experience: The Rebirth of Florence
Accessible to all who visit, Florence’s works of art are scattered throughout its streets as statues, fountains, chapels and bell towers — all overlooked by Brunelleschi’s magnificent domed cathedral. Even the gelato is sculpted in Florence!
Carved from a single slab of marble, Michelangelo’s David is the ultimate Renaissance man, commissioned as the centrepiece for the city’s main square. Today it sits in its own gallery, but a replica at its original location tells its story almost as well. Our locally guided tour walks us through a day in the life of Renaissance Florence as we tread the streets where the early artists plied their trade, sought wealthy patrons and huddled in backstreet studios to learn from the masters. This introductory tour is followed by free time for you to enjoy the city at your will. Visit the markets of San Lorenzo to purchase souvenirs, leather goods and Florentine fashion. Explore the interior of the second largest cathedral in Europe: Florence Duomo. Visit a gallery or linger over an authentic Florentine dish at your own pace.
Originally named Domiziana by its wealthy Roman inhabitants, the marina town of Porto Santo Stefano has rebuilt many of its colourful terraced homes after 95 per cent of the town was destroyed by heavy bombing in World War II. Today, the gentle waters of the Mediterranean lap at a popular promenade and a harbour of leisure craft, providing a calmer atmosphere. Today’s ‘Your Choice’ experiences offer time to enjoy Port Santo Stefano at your leisure, before we bid farewell to our crew over a special dinner and set sail south, following the coast toward Rome.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences.
Option 1 – Morning experience: Tuscan landscapes and Orbetello
Equally as iconic as Tuscany’s villas, artworks, and wines, are the pencil-straight pine trees that line the winding roads of Tuscany, stretching gracefully across rolling hills and undulating landscapes. If you’ve ever wondered how the pines look so perfectly positioned, wonder no more. This morning, our horticulturist will reveal the answer during a guided tour of the aptly named Botanical Dry Garden. Home to over 1,500 Mediterranean plants and tree species, the garden thrives with little or no irrigation, making it an ideal model for sustainable landscaping in the Tuscan climate. This innovative project also features an art space, where contemporary artworks are thoughtfully placed among the flora. Join a guided tour with our expert botanical host, choose to wander at your leisure, take photos, or even walk barefoot through this peaceful and inspiring garden.
On our way back to the ship, we’ll stop briefly at the lagoon-bound village of Orbetello where you’ll have free time to explore this salt-lake town. Perhaps browse the shops or enjoy a local treat, like a scoop of authentic gelato.
We return to the ship for lunch, with the afternoon free to explore Porto Santo Stefano, one of the most charming marina towns along the Tuscan coast.
Option 2 - Half-day experience: Magliano in Toscana paired with a farm-to-plate vineyard lunch
Nestled amidst sprawling fields of olive trees and endless acres of vineyards, the medieval charm of Magliano beckons travellers to savour an unhurried glimpse of authentic Tuscany. Originally two separate villages, Montiano and Perata united to fortify themselves against the encroaching Sienese Republic, who having conquered the villages, fused them into the fortified haven of Magliano, encircled by formidable city walls that still stand. Perched atop one of the region's gentle rolling hills, this quaint village remains a hidden gem, unaffected by mainstream tourism, offering a true immersion into the Tuscan way of life.
We’ll hear stories from a local guide during our scenic drive and spend time strolling its streets independently, before being enticed by the vine-covered hills to a nearby winery, where we enjoy a quintessential farm-to-table experience. Here, we'll indulge in Tuscan delicacies, infusing our palates with an eclectic mix of flavours.
After breakfast onboard, we disembark and transfer to Rome for our two-night stay.
On arrival in Rome, our first stop is the charming Roman suburb of Trastevere. Known for its narrow-cobbled streets, vibrant piazzas, and authentic Roman character, Trastevere offers a glimpse into local life, with medieval churches, artisan shops, and lively cafés tucked around every corner. After an introduction to Trastevere by your local guide, there's free time to try a Roman treat at a local trattoria, discover a hidden treasure or simply soak up the atmosphere of the popular part of Rome.
In the early afternoon, we continue to the Vatican City for a guided visit to one of Christianity’s most iconic landmarks: St. Peter’s Basilica. Once the site of Emperor Nero’s brutal spectacles, the Vatican Hill was transformed into sacred ground by Constantine, Rome’s first Christian emperor, who declared it 'the hill of the martyrs.' Today, this sovereign city-state, which was granted independence from Italy in 1929, houses the heart of the Catholic Church.
Towering above it all is St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in Christendom and a breathtaking example of Renaissance architecture. Designed in part by Michelangelo, who at age 72 created the majestic dome, the basilica rises above what is believed to be the tomb of St. Peter, the first apostle and first Pope. Admire Michelangelo’s moving Pietà, Bernini’s grand baldachin, and the sheer scale and spiritual gravitas of this revered site. (Note: As today is Sunday, the Vatican Museums are closed. Additionally, during Mass, access within St. Peter’s Basilica is restricted. For this reason, our visit to the Vatican is scheduled for the afternoon.)
Accommodation: Rome Hotel
Meals: Breakfast onboard
An intriguing tale of historical drama and legendary myths make Rome a popular topic in a game of trivia. Scandalous and sanguine, Roman lifestyle swung from democratic to autocratic, slavery to liberation, paganism to Christianity. The Roman empire’s public relations machine flaunted its sovereignty with triumphant arches and fluted columns, monolithic mausoleums, statue-filled stairways and masterfully engineered temples. Enhanced by the wealth of the Catholic Church, the city added to its opulence and grandeur with baroque fountains, obelisk-centred piazzas and Christendom’s domed cathedrals. The story of ancient Rome’s insurmountable empire, its dramatic demise and the rise of the powerful Catholic Church is one of Europe’s most compelling stories.
A tour of Rome is a highlight of any visit to Italy, especially for those whose homeland isn’t blessed with such a wealth of history. Imperial relics rekindle the era when Rome’s population of one million surpassed any other city worldwide. Our local guides merge the city’s past and present through their stories on every street corner, along every alley and in every piazza.
Choose a shorter, comprehensive tour to see a slice of Roman life, or lace up your walking shoes and experience Rome from street level on a locally guided walking tour. In the afternoon, enjoy some time for independent exploration before we gather this evening for a Farewell reception.
Personalise your exploration with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences
Option 1 - Morning experience: Highlights of Rome
Rome reveals its tale as we tour its major sights on this morning experience. We encounter the Colosseum and Roman Forum, viewing them from a nearby terrace at the Capitoline Museum, while our guide inspires us with stories of Rome’s past. Gifted to the people of Rome as a museum to house the generous number of sculptures and statues left scattered throughout the city, the Capitoline Museum was the brainchild of Pope Sixtus IV. We have free time in the museum to browse its collection at our own pace while we piece together the city’s past through its numerous artworks, before our journey continues with a drive towards the Trevi Fountain. Surrounded by a pedestrian zone, a visit to the world’s most famous fountain offers not only a timeless photo opportunity but also the chance to ensure your return to Rome, just don’t forget to toss in a coin! Afterwards, we return to our vehicle and head back to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon or continue exploring the wonders of the Eternal City at your own pace. (Note: some sights on this tour may be viewed only from the vehicle, depending on the local conditions on the day.)
Option 2 – Half day experience: Roaming Rome
Lace up your walking shoes, slip on a hat and splash on sunscreen to join this comprehensive locally guided tour. Established in an era when few Romans owned transportation, the centre of historical Rome is ideal for walking. With every square foot offering a fascinating fact, we are spoiled for choice by the wealth of sites we experience. Architectural highlights include ancient landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Trajan’s Column, all viewed from the expansive terrace of the Capitoline Museums, before we pause at Piazza Venezia to admire the grand Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, then continue to the artistic masterpiece of the Trevi Fountain. Our journey concludes at one of Rome’s most enchanting gathering places: Piazza Navona. Each site tells its own story, as our expert guides bring the past to life with tales of emperors, gladiators, plebeians, Renaissance artists, popes, and legionaries who once called Rome home. (Note: some sights on this tour may be viewed only from the vehicle, depending on local conditions on the day.)
Accommodation: Rome Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Reception (drinks and canapes)
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
