DETAILS
Nice, Monte Carlo, Cannes, Cinque Terre, Lucca, Florence—names that evoke glamorous seaports, sun-drenched beaches, rich masterpieces of art and architecture, picturesque villages, and medieval history; in short, the quintessential Mediterranean journey. Delight in a three-night stay on the French Riviera and a relaxed four-night cruise aboard the Sea Cloud II. Late April and early May are an ideal time to visit the region, and sailing aboard the Sea Cloud II perfectly combines historic elegance with modern luxury.
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- Pricing from
- $6,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Apr 25, 2025 - May 3, 2025
Optional Post-Tour Extension in Tuscany
Extend your stay with five days at Borgo Scopeto Wine & Country Relais, a 10th-century estate spread across 4,200 acres in the Tuscan countryside near Siena. Excursions include a visit to the exclusive Marchesi di Antinori Estate, with a private visit of the cellars. Enjoy a truffle hunting experience followed by a cooking class, and explore Torre Campatelli in San Gimignano during a private, after-hours visit.
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John Meffert
John Meffert, consultant on Heritage Conservation Services, has a long tradition with the National Trust. He has served as the Director for our Southern Office and was the director of the Preservation Society of Charleston, the oldest nonprofit organization in the United States, responsible for preserving the historic resources of Charleston, S.C. John has delighted many study tour groups with his lectures and insights on preservation, and receives rave reviews as study leader.
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After final payment deadline all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. NOTE: Neither the
National Trust Tours nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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days 1-2
Depart U.S.
Depart home on overnight flights to Nice, France, arriving April 26. Transfer to nearby Cannes and check in to Hotel Carlton. Enjoy a restful afternoon at leisure, then meet your fellow travelers at a private welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
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day 3
Antibes / Saint-Paulde-Vence
This morning, choose between two guided excursions: 1) The nearby Picasso Museum and a walking tour of Old Town Antibes, including its ramparts along the sea; 2) The fortified village and artists’ mecca of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, followed by the the Maeght Foundation and its impressive sculpture garden and collection of modern and contemporary art. Following lunch at the hotel, enjoy a welcome orientation and introductory lecture. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the area around the hotel or the rest of the Côte d’ Azur on your own.
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day 4
Côte d’ Azur / Monaco
This morning, choose between two excursions: 1) Scenic Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a picture-perfect village jutting into the sea atop a small peninsula highlighted by the lovely garden and architectural masterpiece of Villa Ephrussi, followed by the quaint village of Èze, perched on a rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean and an afternoon at leisure; 2) Monaco, including the Old Town with the State Apartments of the Prince’s Palace and the
Opera Gallery, followed by free time in Monte Carlo. -
day 5
Nice/Embark
After a morning at leisure, drive to Nice and choose between two excursions: 1) See the Marc Chagall Museum, which curiously opened during his lifetime, and 2) Visit the Matisse Museum, housing a large number of his works as well as pieces from his private collection that inspired some of his most famous paintings and sculptures. Late this afternoon, embark the Sea Cloud II in Nice and bid adieu to France as you sail toward Italy.
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day 6
Porto Venere / Cinque Terre, Italy
Enjoy the thrilling experience of cruising under sail (weather permitting), then anchor off Porto Venere and experience the Cinque Terre. Perched between steeply terraced vineyards and the Ligurian Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected marine area is characterized by tiny villages and hidden coves. Enjoy a wine tasting and dinner at a local trattoria.
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day 7
Livorno / Florence or Lucca
Dock in Livorno for a choice of full-day tours, each featuring a gourmet local lunch: 1) Florence, with a guided city walk to see the iconic landmarks of the historic center as well as the Duomo complex and a visit to the Florence American Cemetery 2) Lucca, birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini and treasure chest of Tuscany’s ancient trade in silk, with a stroll around the elliptical central piazza made up of medieval buildings outlining the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, as well as time to stroll around sections of the ancient city walls, now a parklike promenade. Return to the Sea Cloud II in the evening for dinner on board.
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day 8
Portoferraio / Elba
This morning, following in the footsteps of the Argonauts and Napoleon, call at the tropicalesque Isle of Elba. Take a panoramic drive with superb views over the coastline, visit Napoleon’s summer residence during his exile on the island from 1814 to 1815, and stop for a wine tasting at a 17th-century country wine estate, with vineyards nestled among ancient olive trees. Return to the ship for lunch, with a leisurely afternoon of cruising and final opportunity to experience the ship under sail. Gather this evening for the captain’s farewell reception and dinner.
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day 9
FLORENCE / DISEMBARK
Disembark and transfer to the Florence airport for flights home or begin the optional extension in Tuscany.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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Be prepared with the National Trust Travel Plan
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