DETAILS
We combine a three-night luxury hotel stay on the French Riviera with a relaxed four-night cruise aboard the Sea Cloud II from Nice to Livorno, with port calls in Portovenere (for the Cinque Terre), the Isle of Elba, and Livorno (for choice of a day trip to Lucca or Florence). The short distances
along this route allow for two half-days under sail, one at the start of the voyage and one at the end, to maximize the special experience of cruising aboard this majestic windjammer. May is the perfect time of year, with verdant gardens and landscapes awash with blossoms, and moderate
temperatures.
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- Pricing from
- $6,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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May 7, 2026 - May 15, 2026
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 on Friday, May 8. Transfer to nearby Cannes and check in to the glamorous Hotel Carlton, an icon of the French Riviera since 1913. Recently restored to its Belle Époque grandeur, the hotel blends iconic elegance with modern luxury. Settle into your refined accommodations before meeting your fellow travelers at a private welcome reception and dinner in the hotel’s elegant dining room.
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day 3
Cannes/Antibes / Saint-Paulde-Vence/Grasse
Begin today with a welcome orientation before setting out with local guides on one of three excursion options: 1) Picasso Museum and Walking Tour of Old Town Antibes. In 1946, Picasso worked for two months in a studio at the Grimaldi Castle, now home to the Picasso Museum, which features several of his works along with an extensive collection representing 20th and 21st-century art. You will also have free time to explore the Old Town of Antibes. 2) Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Matisse Chapel, and Maeght Foundation. Start at the Matisse Chapel, where every detail was designed by Matisse, and continue to the fortified village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, visiting the Maeght Foundation with its sculpture garden and collection of modern and contemporary art. 3) The garden of Villa Fort France in Grasse. A botanical masterpiece, the garden was originally created in the 1930s by British writer Lady Fortescue and later lovingly restored by Valérie de Courcel. This “Remarkable Garden” oƯers a breathtaking blend of Mediterranean and exotic plants, carefully arranged across terraced landscapes. Continue to the Domaine de Manon, a fourth-generation family-owned flower farm, renowned for cultivating exceptional fragrant flowers, primarily for the Christian Dior perfume house. The evening is yours to enjoy independently, with plenty of dining and entertainment options to choose from in Cannes.
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day 4
Côte d’ Azur / Menton / Saint Honorat Island
From the Carlton Cannes, venture out for a day of discovery, traveling through scenic landscapes on the way to one of three distinct guided experiences. 1) Biot and the Fernand Léger Museum. Visit the medieval hilltop village of Biot for a glassblowing demonstration at a local artist’s workshop. After lunch, continue to the Fernand Léger Museum, dedicated to the modern art pioneer who lived and worked in the village. 2) The Clos du Peyronnet is a remarkable garden located in Menton, developed by William Waterfield, who was deeply passionate about horticulture and botanical diversity. Continue to the Serre de la Madone, a beautiful garden created by British horticulturist Lawrence Johnston in the early 20th century. 3) Travel by boat to the small Île Saint-Honorat, just oƯ the coast from Cannes. Enjoy a wine tasting followed by lunch and time to explore the island by
foot during a guided tour. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the area at your own pace, strolling along the Boulevard de la Croisette and taking in your last evening in Cannes. -
day 5
Nice / Monaco / Embark
Leave the Carlton Cannes behind and set oƯ on a day of discovery with three journeys to choose from. 1) The Marc Chagall Museum: Visit the Marc Chagall National Museum in Nice, dedicated to the renowned Russian-French artist known for his vibrant, dreamlike works. Located in a tranquil park, the museum houses the largest public collection of Chagall’s paintings, including his famous biblical series, as well as stained glass, ceramics, and tapestries. The serene atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings oƯer the perfect backdrop to appreciate the depth and color of his artistic vision. 2) Monaco, including the Old Town. Witness the changing of the guard and visit the State Apartments of the Prince’s Palace, where stunning Italian Renaissance frescoes await. 3) Visit a garden featuring the award-winning designer James Basson’s work, specializing in sustainable,
ecological gardens. Late this afternoon, embark the Sea Cloud II in Nice and bid adieu to France as you sail toward Italy. Enjoy your first dinner aboard the elegant and iconic Sea Cloud II. -
day 6
Porto Venere / Cinque Terre, Italy
Start your morning on deck, watching sailors ascend the riggings to raise the sails. Enjoy the thrilling experience of cruising under sail (weather permitting) as we head to Italy, then anchor oƯ 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. This afternoon, choose between three carefully curated afternoon excursion options. 1) Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the alleys of the colorful fishermen’s village of Portovenere. Visit the splendid Church of St. Peter, which towers from the promontory of the Bocche, and enjoy the breathtaking view from this evocative spot. Then, transfer to Manarola, the first of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre, clinging to cliƯs above the Mediterranean. 2) Enjoy an exclusive visit with the owner of the Caneva Gardens, a picturesque and serene green space located in the town of Sarzana. These gardens, which are rich in history and charm, are known for their lush landscapes, scenic walking paths, and beautiful ornamental plants. Continue to the Villa Marigola a historic villa oƯering stunning views of the Gulf of Poets, overlooking the sparkling waters of the Ligurian Sea. This evening, delight in dinner at a trattoria in Porto Venere to savor local dishes and wines.
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day 7
Livorno / Florence or Lucca
After docking in Livorno, embark on a full day of exploration, with three exceptional touring options to choose from, each oƯering delightful trattoria gourmet lunch experiences. 1) Drive to Florence and take a guided walking tour of the historic center. In Piazza della Repubblica, discover the city’s origins as a Roman settlement. Wander through narrow streets, pass the fortified houses and towers that marked the medieval town, and emerge onto the open Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence since the Middle Ages. Continue to see the Duomo and the iconic Ponte Vecchio. After lunch at a traditional trattoria, drive up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a photo stop with stunning views of the historic center. On the way back to Livorno, stop at the Florence American Cemetery, a memorial site for the WWII soldiers who died liberating Italy. 2) Explore Lucca, the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini and a treasure chest of Tuscany’s ancient silk trade. Stroll around the elliptical central piazza, made up of medieval buildings outlining the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, as well as the Cathedral of San Martino, which houses extraordinary artwork, including the Holy Face, the funeral monument to Ilaria del Carretto by Jacopo della Quercia, and the Madonna Enthroned and Saints altarpiece by Domenico Ghirlandaio. Visit a textile workshop where artisans use traditional tools to create intricate fabrics. 3) Visit Villa Reale di Marlia, a magnificent historic villa located near Lucca. This grand estate, dating back to the 16th century, is renowned for its exquisite architecture, lush gardens, and rich history. The villa features elegant rooms, decorated with beautiful frescoes and antique furnishings, reflecting the aristocratic lifestyle of its past owners.
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day 8
Portoferraio / Elba
Spend the morning following in the footsteps of the Argonauts and Napoleon, call at the tropical Isle of Elba. Take a panoramic drive with superb views of 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 a leisurely afternoon of cruising and a final opportunity to experience the ship under sail. Gather this evening for one final celebration at 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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