Splendours of Sicily, Italy and the French Riviera

Your Mediterranean voyage begins in one of Europe’s most captivating small capitals. Valletta, crowned European Capital of Culture in 2018, packs an extraordinary density of history, art and atmosphere into its compact, World Heritage-listed streets. Baroque palaces, cobblestone laneways, lively cafe terraces and a thriving contemporary arts scene make for a memorable arrival city. Step aboard Scenic Eclipse II this afternoon, where the Captain and crew will warmly welcome you. Meet your butler, settle into your spacious suite, and join fellow guests at the Sky Bar to toast the start of an unforgettable voyage.

Please note: flights must arrive into Valletta prior to 2:00 PM.

Meals: Dinner

Scenic Eclipse II anchors off Giardini Naxos this morning, where the waters below the Taormina cliff are as clear and turquoise as anywhere in the Mediterranean. Taormina itself sits 200 metres above the sea on a terrace of ancient Greek rock, its Teatro Antico dating to the 3rd century BC and offering the most dramatic theatrical backdrop in Sicily: Mount Etna, still active and frequently smoking, fills the stage behind the ancient columns. The Freechoice excursion programme today covers the theatre, the medieval town centre with its Via Corso Umberto and the lemon-scented Palazzo Corvaja, and the optional cable car descent to Giardini Naxos beach for swimming in water of exceptional clarity. May is Sicily’s finest month, warm without the summer heat and with the wildflowers still visible on the hillsides below the town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Perched on cliffs that plunge into the deep blue of the Mediterranean, Sorrento is one of Italy’s most beloved coastal destinations – the birthplace of limoncello liqueur and the gateway to the spectacular Amalfi Coast. The scent of lemon and orange groves perfumes the air as you wander peaceful alleyways lined with pastel-coloured buildings and grand villas. This is a place of genuine, unhurried Italian beauty – where a long lunch in the shade of a citrus grove feels like the most natural thing in the world.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As Scenic Eclipse II arrives in Civitavecchia, the magnificent Forte Michelangelo stands as a testament to the region’s rich maritime heritage – and beyond it, one of the world’s great cities awaits. Today is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the Eternal City. Choose from Scenic Freechoice excursions ranging from the ancient wonders of the Colosseum and Vatican to a leisurely stroll through Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the cobbled streets of Trastevere. End the day with an authentic Italian espresso or gelato before returning to Scenic Eclipse II for a night of world-class dining and relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bastia is the vibrant gateway to the island of Corsica – a city whose very name derives from the Genoese bastion built here in the 14th century, which now houses the fascinating Musee de Bastia. The old town divides into two distinct characters: Terra Vecchia, clustered around the lively harbour, and Terra Nova, tucked within the high-walled citadel above. At the heart of it all, the charming Place Saint-Nicolas – a wide, tree-lined square edged with outdoor cafes – is the perfect place to pause, observe and absorb the rhythms of Corsican life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Few places in the world deliver on their promise quite like Portofino. Vibrant, jewel-coloured buildings line the shore of a crystal-clear bay, framed by lush pine-covered hills – a scene so perfectly composed it barely seems real. Thanks to a late departure, there is ample time to explore luxury boutiques, swim in the turquoise waters, savour impeccably fresh seafood and soak up the exclusive atmosphere of the iconic Piazzetta. La dolce vita, in its most distilled and beautiful form.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Step into the world’s most glamorous principality – where sleek superyachts fill the harbour, haute couture boutiques line the boulevards and Michelin-starred dining is simply the norm. Wander through Monaco’s elegant Old Town, visit the opulent Prince’s Palace and marvel at the architectural masterpiece of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, designed by the same hand that gave Paris its Opera Garnier. Every view, every street, every moment in Monaco is an invitation to indulge in the extraordinary.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A city synonymous with glamour, prestige and the art of living well, Cannes is the French Riviera at its most iconic. Stroll the legendary Boulevard de la Croisette, lined with designer boutiques, grand hotels and sun-drenched beaches. Explore the charming hilltop district of Le Suquet, where cobbled streets open onto breathtaking views across the bay. Visit the Palais des Festivals, home to the world-famous Cannes Film Festival – and raise a final glass to a voyage that has delivered the Mediterranean in all its glory.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your voyage concludes in one of the most celebrated cities of the Cote d’Azur. After a final indulgent breakfast on board, disembark in Nice and transfer to the airport, carrying with you the memories of eight extraordinary nights along the most beautiful coastlines in the world.

Please note: onward flights from Nice should be booked to depart no earlier than 12:00 PM

Meals: Breakfast