Guest Speaker 
Superior Stateroom
21 m2
3
- Last staterooms
From the French Riviera to Italian shores
Nice - Civitavecchia (Rome)
Dates:
4/5/2023
to
10/5/2023
days
nights on board
Board Le Lyrial for a 7-day cruise to discover the wonders of the French and Italian shores. Departing from the Côte d’Azur, enjoy a taste of la dolce vita.
Setting sail from Nice, your ship will make its way to Calvi, at the heart of the Balagne region on the Isle of Beauty, Corsica. Between steep peaks and sublime beaches with turquoise waters, you will experience a wild and authentic Corsica.
You will sail on to Portofino. Built in a natural harbour protected by a pine forest, it is a picturesque and lively port that has successfully retained its authenticity and traditions.
Your cruise will continue along the Tuscan shoreline to Livorno, a port city famous for its Renaissance fortifications. The Little Venice district, as it is known, offers a picturesque setting in which to enjoy fish and seafood.
You will then stop at Portoferraio, a small corner of paradise on the island of Elba, where Napoleon spend many days in exile, before sailing on to Porto Santo Stefano, a town built along a hillside and surrounded by a 17th century fortress.
You will continue to sail along the Italian coast to Civitavecchia, the final stop on your trip to these lands brimming with history.
Ref : LY040523
Your itinerary
A cruise from Nice to Civitavecchia (Rome) via Corsica, the Italian Riviera and Tuscany. Discover Calvi and its citadel on the Isle of Beauty (Corsica). Visiting Portofino, a quiet fishing village with...
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Your trip in detail
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A cruise from Nice to Civitavecchia (Rome) via Corsica, the Italian Riviera and Tuscany.
- Discover Calvi and its citadel on the Isle of Beauty (Corsica).
- Visiting Portofino, a quiet fishing village with colourful houses.
- The island of Elba and Portoferraio, where Napoleon was exiled.
- Porto Santo Stefano, a small confidential port on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Ports of Call & Excursions
4 May 2023 - Nice
Embarkation 4/5/2023 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 4/5/2023 at 7:00 pm
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasent place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.
5 May 2023 - Calvi, Corsica
Arrival 5/5/2023 midday
Departure 5/5/2023 late afternoon
Nestled on a rocky spur in the north-west of Corsica, the port of Calvi offers its whiteness between two sapphire-coloured bays. Capital of the Balagne region, the Genoese city benefits from an exceptional natural setting between the abrupt relief of the central chain, fertile hills and long sandy beaches. From the promontory of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra chapel, built in the 19th century on the ruins of a 15th century sanctuary, you will not miss the sublime panorama of the seaside, the mountains and the Calvi citadel. A little further west, you will have the opportunity to discover with the peninsula of Revelatta, a wilder and more preserved part of Corsica.
6 May 2023 - Portofino
Arrival 6/5/2023 early morning
Departure 6/5/2023 late evening
Close to the Cinque Terre, Portofino is the jewel of the Ligurian Riviera. This "small village that stretches like a half moon around a silent basin", described by Guy de Maupassant, is today a pretty, lively little port that has managed to preserve the authenticity of its maritime traditions, which have been recognised since Ancient times. Built in the hollow of a small natural cove sheltered by the pine forest, the village is at the heart of a protected maritime reserve. The shimmering colours of its house fronts and the exceptional location of this village have inspired many authors and artists. You will also see the Portofino lighthouse, immaculate in its green setting. Perched on the Punta del Capo, it watches over the peninsula and its postcard setting.
7 May 2023 - Livorno
Arrival 7/5/2023 early morning
Departure 7/5/2023 evening
On the ligurian coast, Livorno invites us to Tuscany, a charming region offering archaeological vestiges, Renaissance treasures, undulating landscapes and a pleasant way of life. When the Medicis arrived in the 16th century they developed the city, which became one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. Cosmopolitan and multireligious, Livorno has welcomed many immigrants and is a wonderful example of cultural diversity. Built during that period, Fortezza Vecchia and Fortezza Nuova attest to the city’s power. At the foot of the new fort, Nuova Venezia is an enchanting district with small canals and streets to stroll along to discover a few architectural treasures, such as the magnificent Santa Caterina da Siena church in the Tuscan baroque style.
8 May 2023 - Portoferraio, Elba
Arrival 8/5/2023 early morning
Departure 8/5/2023 late afternoon
In the elbow of a creek on the northern coastline of Elba Island, a small corner of paradise awaits in the form of Portoferraio. As you approach its coastlines, you will make out the powerful and majestic contours of its Medici fortresses. Napoleon Bonaparte spent many of his 300 days in exile here. The Palazzina dei Mulini, his first imperial residence, whose gardens offer outstanding views of the sea, is a must-see. Historical treasures are followed by another kind of treasure, namely white sand beaches, and equally tempting local specialities including gurguglione and rice with cuttlefish ink.
9 May 2023 - Porto Santo Stefano
Arrival 9/5/2023 early morning
Departure 9/5/2023 late afternoon
In Southern Tuscany, Porto Santo Stefano, a charming seaside resort located on the Monte Argentario peninsula, is renowned for its enchanting setting. Nestling on the side of a hill, the small town offers beautiful sandy beaches with crystal-clear water and a picturesque town centre. Stroll around its steep alleyways lined with coloured houses and discover La Rocca, a Spanish fortress built in the 17th century to protect the town against pirate attacks. There, you can enjoy a stunning view over the port and the Gulf of Talamone.
10 May 2023 - Civitavecchia (Rome)
Arrival 10/5/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 10/5/2023 at 8:00 am
Built on an Etruscan site, between the Tyrrhenian sea and the Monti della Tolfa, Civitavecchia respires the dolce vita. This very modern and easy going town combines art and history with panache. You can also visit superb historical sites like Fort Michelangelo or the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Just 80 kilometres from Rome, the town is a beautiful first step to the Italian capital.
Walking tour of Calvi
From the pier, meet your guide and start your walking exploration along the town's narrow lane and the ancient ramparts.
This tour will give you the opportunity to learn more about Calvi's history, from its beginning as a fishing village to its century as a Genoese stronghold, until its current status as a picturesque vacation getaway.
Follow your guide to the entrance of the citadel, perched on a rocky hill overlooking the port. Walk through the drawbridge and stop to enjoy the panoramic view on the red rooftops and the crystal-clear sea. You will continue to the Place d'Armes and then to the Cathedral Saint Jean Baptist, set at the highest point of the promontory. The cathedral founded in the 13th century was partially destroyed during the Turkish siege in 1553, and rebuilt in a form of Greek cross.
Your walk will then take you to the home of Calvi's most famous resident, Christopher Colombus who is believed to be born in Calvi. After viewing the exterior of this fabled building, pass the 13th century Caserne Sampiero, formerly the Governor's palace which now serves as military barracks.
Make your way to the Oratoire Saint Antoine where you can admire the Italian fresco, then stroll along the city's ramparts and wander through the lower town. A bustling section of the town sitting at a foot of the ramparts, The Quay Landry features a lovely marina and a café lined promenade.
Either you will return to the ship with your guide or you will continue to explore the town on your own.
- This tour involves approximately 1.8 miles (3 km) of walking on cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The visits are outside only.
Total : €40
According to availability, price per passenger.
Old villages of Balagna
During this tour, you will admire the Corsica’s main appeal: its scenery, passing by the winding road from one picturesque village to another.
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your discovery of the hinterland of the Balagne region. You will travel along a scenic road to Lunghignano, with a stop for a visit of a donkey-driven olive oil mill complete with an olive oil tasting.
Onward enjoy the views from Col de Salvi and Cateri, with its flowered balconies, and overall from Sant Antoninu perched on the top of the hill, where you will have a stop.
Drive down through Lavatoggio and Lumio before returning to Calvi.
- Please note that the villages are popular in the summer months and that heavy traffic can be expected, which may cause delays. The coach will park next to the church, which is just below the village. If passengers want to stroll in Sant Antoninu, they must climb to the city from the carpark. The steps up to the village of Sant Antoninu are steep and uneven and care should be taken. This tour involves approximately 1 km (0.6 mile) of walking on uneven and cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. A minimum of 20 participants is required to guarantee the tour.
Total : €65
According to availability, price per passenger.
Snorkeling at Revellata peninsula
Located at the gates of Calvi, Revellata Point, a rocky promontory that juts out into the sea over a length of 2.5 km, helps to define the very beautiful, wild coastline that extends to the south of the town. Its size, its wild nature, its spectacular cliffs, and the contrast it forms with the high mountains that dominate the plain of Calvi, make it a unique element of the Balagna landscape.
From the pier, meet your guide and walk to the beach shack reception, from where you will start your snorkelling experience to discover the marine life of Revellata.
From here, you will receive all the necessary equipment and a briefing will be given by the instructor. He will provide all the necessary details about the activity, from the organization on the boat, to the bathing areas and safety rules.
Once ready, you will board the boat directly from the beach and sail towards Revellata. Located on the edge of a listed Natura 2000 site and sheltered from the wind and waves, this area is a must see, if you want to discover the breath-taking underwater world of the peninsula. You might observe gorgonians, red coral, groupers, and morays, amongst many other species.
Back at the shack, you will be able to relax and take a hot shower, as well as enjoying local snacks during the debriefing, which will be focused on the fauna observed.
Finally, you will walk back to your ship.
- This tour involves a short walking distance on flat floor. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. The snorkeling equipment will be provided, including masks, snorkel and wetsuit. The observation of fauna and flora is not guaranteed. The snack is included in your tour.
Total : €120
According to availability, price per passenger.
Canyoning at the Fango valley
From the pier, meet your guide and start your 30-minute scenic drive to the Fango valley. Located in the Balagna region, this valley is part of the Corsican Regional Natural Park and is home to one of the largest and oldest holm oak forests in Europe. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1977, the Fango valley biosphere reserve is also a Natura 2000 site.
You will reach the canyon, named “The Hamlet of Tuarelli”, and dive into the heart of this natural universe, which will bring a welcome coolness in the middle of a hot summer day.
You will be accompanied by professionals who will give you all the necessary explanations and equipment to practise canyoning. During this experience, you will be invited to swim, jump, and walk around the river. Safety and fun are the key words during this half-day. The course is accessible even to beginners and jumps are optional.
After this sporty and refreshing moment, you will drive back to Calvi and your ship.
- This tour is not accessible to children under 8 years old. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes, comfortable sneakers and protect yourself from the sun. Wetsuits, helmets, and harness will be provided. The excursion is limited to 7 participants.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.
Portofino walking tour
Through the centuries, Portofino functioned primarily as a fishing village and, occasionally, as a small naval port. Today, it is a classy resort-village. Portofino's miniscule bay is neatly packed with pricey yachts, common boats and, as a vestige of its past, some fishing boats.
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and start your panoramic walking tour. If you don't bring your camera to Portofino, you will regret it. The town is striking with its brightly colored antique buildings hovering over sparkling blue water. And the surrounding luxuriant green hillsides of the Portofino Promontory are equally stunning.
Your walk heads up to the right as you face the harbour. You will enjoy a path through one of the largest concentrations of flora and fauna in the Mediterranean. For some fantastic views of the entire bay and the Tigullian Gulf, you will walk up the hill to the Church of San Giorgio. Perched high above the town, this church contains relics of St. George brought over by crusaders from the Holy Land. From here you will walk to another great lookout point at the Punto del Capo, the Portofino lighthouse.
Afterward, you will take the way back to the pier.
- This tour involves walking 2.5 miles (4 km) on flat and cobblestone ground and sloping floor. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Internal visits of the Church of San Giorgio and Portofino lighthouse are not included.
Total : €40
According to availability, price per passenger.
Lucca and Pisa
From the pier, board your coach to Lucca, 45-minute drive. Lucca is the most civilized of Tuscany's cities, a stately grid of Roman roads snug behind a mammoth belt of tree-topped battlements. It is home to Puccini and hosts an elegant landscape of churches and palaces, delicate facades, and Art Nouveau shop fronts on wide promenades.
You will first visit the highlights of Lucca with your local guide. The walls are what make Lucca, and they comprise a city park more than 2,5 miles (4 km) long but only about 59 feet (18 m) wide, filled with avenues of plane, chestnut, and ilex trees planted by Marie-Louise Bourbon in the 19th century.
Near the north end of Via Fillungo, you will admire a series of houses which were built during the Middle Ages into the remains of a 1st or 2nd century AD. Roman amphitheatre, which had been used for centuries as a quarry for raw materials to raise the city's churches and palaces. The outline of the stadium was still visible in the 1930s when Duke Ludovico asked local architect Lorenzo Nottolini to rearrange the space and bring out the ancient form better.
Then, you will discover Piazza San Michele, the centre of the town, crammed with cafés and shops and the church of San Michele in Foro, as beautiful as a 12th century Romanesque church. It boasts a Pisan-inspired façade of blind arches with lozenges and colonnaded arcades. It is smack in the centre of town - on top of the ancient Roman forum, in fact, hence the name. Finally, you will enjoy the outside view of the façade of Lucca's Duomo is an excellent and eye-catching example of the Pisan-Lucchese Romanesque school of architecture.
After enjoying a fine lunch at Cantine Bernardini 1586, you will get back to your coach and take the 30-minute drive to Pisa.
Since the beginning of tourism in Mediterranean region, Pisa has been known for just one thing – the Leaning Tower – a freakishly beautiful building whose impact no amount of prior knowledge can blunt. Yet it is just a single component of the city’s amazing religious core – the Campo dei Miracoli – where the Duomo, Baptistery and Camposanto complete an unrivalled quartet of medieval masterpieces. Here, you will enjoy a walking tour in the beautiful city with your local guide before getting back to your coach and join your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 3,7 miles (6 km) of walking on cobblestoned streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). The walking tour in Pisa does not include internal visit of the monuments.
Total : €135
According to availability, price per passenger.
Discover Livorno
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and start your walking tour of Livorno.
Livorno sits on the westernmost edge of Tuscany, with its grand harbor opened onto the Ligurian Sea. The founding of this town was one of the most important cultural events of the Renaissance. Conceived by Buontalenti, the most important architect of the time, Livorno was a renowned city in the 16th century and became a model for many other urban areas of the world.
Firstly, you will walk in the heart of the town, and explore the quarter called “New Venice” for its labyrinth of tiny streets and canals crossed by bridges. Then, you will reach Piazza della Repubblica which is one of the largest squares in Livorno. On each side of the square, facing each other, two statues stand: the Lorraine grand dukes Ferdinand III and Leopold II, created respectively by Francesco Pozzi and Emilio Santarelli. The Cisternino also overlooks the square, a neoclassical style building built in the first half of the 19th century for the city's water supply. From here, you will admire the two beautiful fortresses of the town: Fortezza Vecchia (old fortress) and Fortezza Nuova (new fortress). The old fortress is the symbol of Livorno. While walking, you will learn more about the history and the architecture of Livorno.
Afterward, you will walk back to the pier with your guide.
-
This tour involves walking 2,5 miles (4 km) on mostly flat ground. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : $40
According to availability, price per passenger.
Medieval Lucca
From the pier, board your coach to Lucca, 45-minute drive. Lucca is the most civilised of Tuscany's cities, a stately grid of Roman roads snug behind a mammoth belt of tree-topped battlements. It is home to Puccini and hosts an elegant landscape of churches and palaces, delicate facades, and Art Nouveau shop fronts on wide promenades.
Lucca is enclosed by massive red brick walls, which help to give the city its special character by shutting out traffic and the modern world. Within these walls, Lucca is a peaceful city of narrow lanes, preserving intact its ancient Roman street plan. The walls are what make Lucca, and they comprise a city park more than 2 ½ miles (4 km) long but only about 59 feet (18 m) wide, filled with avenues of plane, chestnut, and ilex trees planted by Marie-Louise Bourbon in the 19th century.
Then, you will discover Piazza San Michele, the centre of the town, crammed with cafés and shops and the church of San Michele in Foro, as beautiful as a 12th century Romanesque church. It boasts a Pisan-inspired façade of blind arches with lozenges and colonnaded arcades. It is smack in the centre of town - on top of the ancient Roman forum, in fact, hence the name. Finally, you will enjoy the outside view of the façade of Lucca's Duomo is an excellent and eye-catching example of the Pisan-Lucchese Romanesque school of architecture.
Next, you will head to the Piazza Anfiteatro, formerly the ancient Roman Amphitheatre. Today, it is enclosed by medieval houses that were built up against the walls of the amphitheatre. Its perfectly preserved shape reminds us that Lucca was founded by the Romans in 180 B.C. The outline of the stadium was still visible in the 1930s when Duke Ludovico asked local architect Lorenzo Nottolini to rearrange the space.
From here, you will continue to the Church of San Frediano (outside visit), which is adorned with a striking façade and a 13th-century mosaic. The guided portion of your visit concludes at Via Fillungo, Lucca’s principal shopping street, which winds its way through the heart of the city towards the Roman Amphitheatre.
Following your walking tour, some free time is made available for exploring the area on your own and browsing the shops at your leisure before re-boarding your coach for the return drive to the port.
- This tour involves approximately 3 miles (5 km) of walking on cobblestoned streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
Marciana Marina and Capoliveri
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Marciana Marina. Marciana Marina, which is wedged between the coast and the imposing steep slopes of Monte Capanne, is home to picturesque districts, small granite streets and pastel-coloured houses. At the entrance of the harbour is the Torre Saracena, an 11th-century tower. Upon your arrival, some free time will be allotted to explore the area at your leisure. Your guide will first give you a short historical and cultural introduction of this gem before letting you explore the town by yourself.
Then, you will board your coach for another 45-minute drive to Capoliveri. Perched on a 1,355-foot-high (413-metre-high) hilltop, Capoliveri is adorned with medieval architecture and the town centre boasts a wealth of history and charm. The Capoliveri coasts are among the most beautiful on the island, and feature overhanging cliffs, crystal-clear bays and superb views over the gulfs of Lacona and Campo. From here, you will enjoy a short guided-tour before being allowed to stroll along the narrow, picturesque streets and archways, or ‘chiassi’, browse the small boutiques, or stop for traditional cuisine and fine wine.
- This excursion involves a moderate amount of walking of approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
Porto Azzurro and Napoleon's Villa
From the pier, board your coach for your half-day tour around the island of Elba. After a 30-minute drive to Porto Azzurro, you will be able to discover the town with your local guide. Porto Azzurro is one of the most picturesque and relaxing seaside resorts on Elba. Situated along a deep inlet on the eastern side of the island, Porto Azzurro is dominated by the early 17th century star-shaped Fort of San Giacomo, or “Forte Longone”.
You will then return to your coach and continue to Portoferraio, where you will enjoy a guided walking tour through the town en-route to the Villa Dei Mulini, the former winter residence of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Although Napoleon’s exile on Elba was brief, he left behind a considerable cultural and historical heritage. During your visit to Villa Dei Mulini, you will discover paintings and other artefacts of this period. The garden is home to a copy of Canova’s Galatea and a statue of Minerva and offers a spectacular view of the Tuscan coast.
Finally, you will return to your coach and drive back to your ship.
- This tour involves walking 1.9 mile (3 km) on flat and cobblestones streets, with many steps to reach the Villa Dei Mulini (100 steps down to the port and 10 steps at the villa). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The order of sights may vary.
Total : €80
According to availability, price per passenger.
Western Elba
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Marciana Marina. Marciana Marina, which is wedged between the coast and the imposing steep slopes of Monte Capanne, is home to picturesque districts, small granite streets and pastel-coloured houses. At the entrance of the harbour is the Torre Saracena, an 11th-century tower. Upon your arrival, some free time will be allotted to explore the area at your leisure. Your guide will first give you a short historical and cultural introduction of this gem before letting you explore the town by yourself.
Then, you will board your coach for a 2-hour drive to Marina di Campo. On the way, you’ll enjoy a panoramic drive, passing by Chiessi, Fetovaia and Cavoli, including a photo stop.
Upon your arrival, you will visit Marina di Campo. This old fishing town is highlighted by approximately 1.2 miles (about 2 km) of pinewood-lined golden beaches, a beautiful promenade along the sea and splendid accommodations, making it among the most popular tourist centres on the island. You will then re-board your coach for the approximately 30-minute drive back to the port.
- This excursion is mainly a panoramic tour of Elba where you will stay in the bus. This tour is suitable for passengers with reduced/limited mobility. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes and shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
Porto Azzuro & Rio nell'Elba by e-bike
From the pier, you will meet your guide and choose your e-bike, receiving all necessary information about how to use it at its best.
Your sporty adventure begins towards Porto Azzurro. You will ride onto Provincial road and you will get to the town of Porto Azzurro after crossing the island's inland and passing the Gulf of Mola. Here, you will enjoy some free time in the old Spanish capital of Porto Azzurro, with its 1603 fortress still used as a prison. Today, the fortified Spanish port is one of the island's major resort cities, but you can catch a whiff of the past in the shop fronts and bustle of the old quarter around Via d'Alarcon.
Your stroll continues towards Rio nell’Elba, an ancient Elba’s borough. Its origins date back to the Bronze Age. Destroyed in 1534 by Barbarossa, the pirate; it was later rebuilt by the Appiani’s family. Rio nell'Elba is perched on the slopes of Mount Capannello, 178 meters above sea level and at the bottom of Mount Strega. In the middle of the mining area, Rio nell'Elba has one of the richest history and tradition of Elba island that your guide will share with you.
Rio nell’Elba was an important mining center, thanks to its iron mines dating back to the Etruscan times, until their recent closure around 1970. Classified "World Meritage Provisional List of Geological Sites" by UNESCO, the mining areas of Rio and Mount Calamita, are known as the most prestigious geological monuments on the planet.
After this first glimpse of the inland part of the isalnd, you will reach the coast and continue towards the beach of Bagnaia, the longest (300 m) and best equipped beach on this part of the coast. Lying in the heart of a completely natural with lush mountains all around and the Volterraio Castle to the south-east.
Finally, you will return to Portoferraio passing in front of Schiopparello, another beautiful beach on this part of the coast offering breathtaking view of Portoferraio on the horizon, making it among one of the most beautiful on the island.
At the end of your e-bike tour, you will return to the port and your ship.
- This excursion involves extensive distance by e-bike, around 25 miles (40 kms). The participants must be in good physical conditions and able to ride an e-bike on their own. We recommend you wear comfortable sport shoes and clothes and protect yourself from the sun. This excursion is limited to 14 participants. An 8 seats van will follow the group during the entire tour to assist in case of eventual accidents or any guests who would need a break.
Total : €170
According to availability, price per passenger.
Panoramic Argentario and Porto Ercole
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and board your coach for the 40-minute panoramic drive to Porto Ercole. Here, you will start your walking tour of Porto Ercole, a lovely seaside resort located on the Argentario promontory.
The first inhabitants of Porto Ercole were fishermen and still today, walking along the small port, one encounters old sea wolves intent on repairing fishing nets. You will cross the Pisan door and take a walk in the heart of the village among alleys, squares overlooking the sea and stairways that will lead you to the church and then to the Rocca. You will walk along the promenade, where bars and restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea alternate with shops created from what once were fishermen's warehouses. You can still observe the construction sites dedicated to the repair work on the boats, and the landing of fish from the returning fishing boats.
In addition to the natural beauty, you will have the opportunity to admire the charm of the imposing Spanish fortresses that were built in the 16th century: Forte Filippo, the Rocca and Forte Stella.
On the way back to the port of Porto Santo Stefano, you will take a short detour to the convent of the Passionist Fathers, at the summit of Monte Argentario. At an altitude of 273 meters you will enjoy the splendid panorama that can be admired from the square. The convent, surrounded by generous vegetation, was built in the late 1700s at the behest of St. Paul of the Cross. The Passionist Fathers promote the memory of Christ's Passion, live in community and lead a life of study, prayer and missionary activity.
- This tour involves walking approximately 2.5 km, sometimes uphill and downhill, with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The inside visit of the convent is not included. Order of sights may vary.
Total : €45
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Tarot Garden and panoramic drive
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your 45-minute drive to The Tarot Garden, in Southern Tuscany.
You will visit this unique garden, which was built by the internationally famous French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle in the second half of the last century and displays some huge and beautiful sculptures which depict the 22 Major Arcana of the Tarots cards.
The garden was the result of the wish to express Niki's idea of a “small Eden where man and nature meet each other”. She took inspiration from the beautiful Park Güell by Antoni Gaudì in Barcelona, Spain. She created and personally built great statues for the garden and worked at this colossal work for over 17 years, collaborating with many important contemporary artists, including Jean Tinguely her husband.
The sculptures represent the artist's personal view of the symbolic and esoteric Tarots cards, one of her passions. The Empress is probably the most representative sculpture: portrayed as a large woman-sphinx. This artistic house was also where Niki lived while working in the garden.
After your visit, you will board your coach for a 45-minute panoramic drive to the Argentario promontory, ending in Porto Santo Stefano, a very charming village. While comfortably sitted on your bus you will learn some history facts and admire the rich landscapes, that make this territory even more fascinating.
Then, you will get back to your coach and drive back to your ship.
- This excursion involves a walking distance of approximately 1.3 miles (2 km), on uneven paths in the garden. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €75
According to availability, price per passenger.
Wine tasting and panoramic drive
From the pier, you will board your coach and take the 30-minute drive to La Parrina Estate.
Tenuta la Parrina is one of the oldest historic farms that lies between the low hills of the Tuscan Maremma in a spectacular landscape with olive trees, vineyards and fields of golden grain. The estate is spread on an area of about 200 hectares, 60 of which are destined to vineyards, 40 to fruit production, 20 to the horticultural, 22 to the olive plants, and the remaining are divided between arable land and growing nurseries.
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided visit of the estate, followed by wine tasting accompanied by local products. You will have the opportunity to see how to make a wine, starting with the grape harvest, through the vinification and aging and ending with bottling. La Parrina DOC wines are produced in the basement of the estate since 1971. The cellar is certainly a tribute to the land, because it is the instrument with which they produce quality wines, but it is also the physical location in which they give the opportunity to their guests to come into direct contact with the production philosophy.
After your visit, you will board your coach for a 1-hour panoramic drive to the Argentario promontory, ending in Porto Santo Stefano, a very charming village. While comfortably sitted on your bus you will learn some history facts and admire the rich landscapes, that make this territory even more fascinating.
You will finally be back to your ship.
- The tour involves walking on flat and gravel ground during the visit of the estate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Walking distance is at guest’s discretion.
Total : €80
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Lyrial
First introduced in 2015 and the fourth ship in the Sisterships series, Le Lyrial is the very embodiment of this new generation of intimately sized cruise ships. Its exterior and interior lines, all sober understatement and refinement, make it a yacht of a rare and innovative kind.
For the interior decoration, we took inspiration from the tones and colours of our destinations and used a palette made up of blues, from the soft, luminous grey-like tones of the polar ice to the vivid notes and turquoises of Mediterranean inlets and coves.
Up to 244 Guests
122 staterooms & suites
145 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
10/5/2023 - DIRECT TRANSFER FROM THE PORT OF CIVITAVECCHIA TO ROME FIUMICINO AIRPORT
€50
Find out moreWalking tour of Calvi
From the pier, meet your guide and start your walking exploration along the town's narrow lane and the ancient ramparts.
This tour will give you the opportunity to learn more about Calvi's history, from its beginning as a fishing village to its century as a Genoese stronghold, until its current status as a picturesque vacation getaway.
Follow your guide to the entrance of the citadel, perched on a rocky hill overlooking the port. Walk through the drawbridge and stop to enjoy the panoramic view on the red rooftops and the crystal-clear sea. You will continue to the Place d'Armes and then to the Cathedral Saint Jean Baptist, set at the highest point of the promontory. The cathedral founded in the 13th century was partially destroyed during the Turkish siege in 1553, and rebuilt in a form of Greek cross.
Your walk will then take you to the home of Calvi's most famous resident, Christopher Colombus who is believed to be born in Calvi. After viewing the exterior of this fabled building, pass the 13th century Caserne Sampiero, formerly the Governor's palace which now serves as military barracks.
Make your way to the Oratoire Saint Antoine where you can admire the Italian fresco, then stroll along the city's ramparts and wander through the lower town. A bustling section of the town sitting at a foot of the ramparts, The Quay Landry features a lovely marina and a café lined promenade.
Either you will return to the ship with your guide or you will continue to explore the town on your own.
- This tour involves approximately 1.8 miles (3 km) of walking on cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The visits are outside only.
Total : €40
According to availability, price per passenger.
Old villages of Balagna
During this tour, you will admire the Corsica’s main appeal: its scenery, passing by the winding road from one picturesque village to another.
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your discovery of the hinterland of the Balagne region. You will travel along a scenic road to Lunghignano, with a stop for a visit of a donkey-driven olive oil mill complete with an olive oil tasting.
Onward enjoy the views from Col de Salvi and Cateri, with its flowered balconies, and overall from Sant Antoninu perched on the top of the hill, where you will have a stop.
Drive down through Lavatoggio and Lumio before returning to Calvi.
- Please note that the villages are popular in the summer months and that heavy traffic can be expected, which may cause delays. The coach will park next to the church, which is just below the village. If passengers want to stroll in Sant Antoninu, they must climb to the city from the carpark. The steps up to the village of Sant Antoninu are steep and uneven and care should be taken. This tour involves approximately 1 km (0.6 mile) of walking on uneven and cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. A minimum of 20 participants is required to guarantee the tour.
Total : €65
According to availability, price per passenger.
Snorkeling at Revellata peninsula
Located at the gates of Calvi, Revellata Point, a rocky promontory that juts out into the sea over a length of 2.5 km, helps to define the very beautiful, wild coastline that extends to the south of the town. Its size, its wild nature, its spectacular cliffs, and the contrast it forms with the high mountains that dominate the plain of Calvi, make it a unique element of the Balagna landscape.
From the pier, meet your guide and walk to the beach shack reception, from where you will start your snorkelling experience to discover the marine life of Revellata.
From here, you will receive all the necessary equipment and a briefing will be given by the instructor. He will provide all the necessary details about the activity, from the organization on the boat, to the bathing areas and safety rules.
Once ready, you will board the boat directly from the beach and sail towards Revellata. Located on the edge of a listed Natura 2000 site and sheltered from the wind and waves, this area is a must see, if you want to discover the breath-taking underwater world of the peninsula. You might observe gorgonians, red coral, groupers, and morays, amongst many other species.
Back at the shack, you will be able to relax and take a hot shower, as well as enjoying local snacks during the debriefing, which will be focused on the fauna observed.
Finally, you will walk back to your ship.
- This tour involves a short walking distance on flat floor. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. The snorkeling equipment will be provided, including masks, snorkel and wetsuit. The observation of fauna and flora is not guaranteed. The snack is included in your tour.
Total : €120
According to availability, price per passenger.
Canyoning at the Fango valley
From the pier, meet your guide and start your 30-minute scenic drive to the Fango valley. Located in the Balagna region, this valley is part of the Corsican Regional Natural Park and is home to one of the largest and oldest holm oak forests in Europe. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1977, the Fango valley biosphere reserve is also a Natura 2000 site.
You will reach the canyon, named “The Hamlet of Tuarelli”, and dive into the heart of this natural universe, which will bring a welcome coolness in the middle of a hot summer day.
You will be accompanied by professionals who will give you all the necessary explanations and equipment to practise canyoning. During this experience, you will be invited to swim, jump, and walk around the river. Safety and fun are the key words during this half-day. The course is accessible even to beginners and jumps are optional.
After this sporty and refreshing moment, you will drive back to Calvi and your ship.
- This tour is not accessible to children under 8 years old. We recommend you wear your swimsuit under your clothes, comfortable sneakers and protect yourself from the sun. Wetsuits, helmets, and harness will be provided. The excursion is limited to 7 participants.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.
Portofino walking tour
Through the centuries, Portofino functioned primarily as a fishing village and, occasionally, as a small naval port. Today, it is a classy resort-village. Portofino's miniscule bay is neatly packed with pricey yachts, common boats and, as a vestige of its past, some fishing boats.
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and start your panoramic walking tour. If you don't bring your camera to Portofino, you will regret it. The town is striking with its brightly colored antique buildings hovering over sparkling blue water. And the surrounding luxuriant green hillsides of the Portofino Promontory are equally stunning.
Your walk heads up to the right as you face the harbour. You will enjoy a path through one of the largest concentrations of flora and fauna in the Mediterranean. For some fantastic views of the entire bay and the Tigullian Gulf, you will walk up the hill to the Church of San Giorgio. Perched high above the town, this church contains relics of St. George brought over by crusaders from the Holy Land. From here you will walk to another great lookout point at the Punto del Capo, the Portofino lighthouse.
Afterward, you will take the way back to the pier.
- This tour involves walking 2.5 miles (4 km) on flat and cobblestone ground and sloping floor. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Internal visits of the Church of San Giorgio and Portofino lighthouse are not included.
Total : €40
According to availability, price per passenger.
Lucca and Pisa
From the pier, board your coach to Lucca, 45-minute drive. Lucca is the most civilized of Tuscany's cities, a stately grid of Roman roads snug behind a mammoth belt of tree-topped battlements. It is home to Puccini and hosts an elegant landscape of churches and palaces, delicate facades, and Art Nouveau shop fronts on wide promenades.
You will first visit the highlights of Lucca with your local guide. The walls are what make Lucca, and they comprise a city park more than 2,5 miles (4 km) long but only about 59 feet (18 m) wide, filled with avenues of plane, chestnut, and ilex trees planted by Marie-Louise Bourbon in the 19th century.
Near the north end of Via Fillungo, you will admire a series of houses which were built during the Middle Ages into the remains of a 1st or 2nd century AD. Roman amphitheatre, which had been used for centuries as a quarry for raw materials to raise the city's churches and palaces. The outline of the stadium was still visible in the 1930s when Duke Ludovico asked local architect Lorenzo Nottolini to rearrange the space and bring out the ancient form better.
Then, you will discover Piazza San Michele, the centre of the town, crammed with cafés and shops and the church of San Michele in Foro, as beautiful as a 12th century Romanesque church. It boasts a Pisan-inspired façade of blind arches with lozenges and colonnaded arcades. It is smack in the centre of town - on top of the ancient Roman forum, in fact, hence the name. Finally, you will enjoy the outside view of the façade of Lucca's Duomo is an excellent and eye-catching example of the Pisan-Lucchese Romanesque school of architecture.
After enjoying a fine lunch at Cantine Bernardini 1586, you will get back to your coach and take the 30-minute drive to Pisa.
Since the beginning of tourism in Mediterranean region, Pisa has been known for just one thing – the Leaning Tower – a freakishly beautiful building whose impact no amount of prior knowledge can blunt. Yet it is just a single component of the city’s amazing religious core – the Campo dei Miracoli – where the Duomo, Baptistery and Camposanto complete an unrivalled quartet of medieval masterpieces. Here, you will enjoy a walking tour in the beautiful city with your local guide before getting back to your coach and join your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 3,7 miles (6 km) of walking on cobblestoned streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). The walking tour in Pisa does not include internal visit of the monuments.
Total : €135
According to availability, price per passenger.
Discover Livorno
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and start your walking tour of Livorno.
Livorno sits on the westernmost edge of Tuscany, with its grand harbor opened onto the Ligurian Sea. The founding of this town was one of the most important cultural events of the Renaissance. Conceived by Buontalenti, the most important architect of the time, Livorno was a renowned city in the 16th century and became a model for many other urban areas of the world.
Firstly, you will walk in the heart of the town, and explore the quarter called “New Venice” for its labyrinth of tiny streets and canals crossed by bridges. Then, you will reach Piazza della Repubblica which is one of the largest squares in Livorno. On each side of the square, facing each other, two statues stand: the Lorraine grand dukes Ferdinand III and Leopold II, created respectively by Francesco Pozzi and Emilio Santarelli. The Cisternino also overlooks the square, a neoclassical style building built in the first half of the 19th century for the city's water supply. From here, you will admire the two beautiful fortresses of the town: Fortezza Vecchia (old fortress) and Fortezza Nuova (new fortress). The old fortress is the symbol of Livorno. While walking, you will learn more about the history and the architecture of Livorno.
Afterward, you will walk back to the pier with your guide.
-
This tour involves walking 2,5 miles (4 km) on mostly flat ground. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : $40
According to availability, price per passenger.
Medieval Lucca
From the pier, board your coach to Lucca, 45-minute drive. Lucca is the most civilised of Tuscany's cities, a stately grid of Roman roads snug behind a mammoth belt of tree-topped battlements. It is home to Puccini and hosts an elegant landscape of churches and palaces, delicate facades, and Art Nouveau shop fronts on wide promenades.
Lucca is enclosed by massive red brick walls, which help to give the city its special character by shutting out traffic and the modern world. Within these walls, Lucca is a peaceful city of narrow lanes, preserving intact its ancient Roman street plan. The walls are what make Lucca, and they comprise a city park more than 2 ½ miles (4 km) long but only about 59 feet (18 m) wide, filled with avenues of plane, chestnut, and ilex trees planted by Marie-Louise Bourbon in the 19th century.
Then, you will discover Piazza San Michele, the centre of the town, crammed with cafés and shops and the church of San Michele in Foro, as beautiful as a 12th century Romanesque church. It boasts a Pisan-inspired façade of blind arches with lozenges and colonnaded arcades. It is smack in the centre of town - on top of the ancient Roman forum, in fact, hence the name. Finally, you will enjoy the outside view of the façade of Lucca's Duomo is an excellent and eye-catching example of the Pisan-Lucchese Romanesque school of architecture.
Next, you will head to the Piazza Anfiteatro, formerly the ancient Roman Amphitheatre. Today, it is enclosed by medieval houses that were built up against the walls of the amphitheatre. Its perfectly preserved shape reminds us that Lucca was founded by the Romans in 180 B.C. The outline of the stadium was still visible in the 1930s when Duke Ludovico asked local architect Lorenzo Nottolini to rearrange the space.
From here, you will continue to the Church of San Frediano (outside visit), which is adorned with a striking façade and a 13th-century mosaic. The guided portion of your visit concludes at Via Fillungo, Lucca’s principal shopping street, which winds its way through the heart of the city towards the Roman Amphitheatre.
Following your walking tour, some free time is made available for exploring the area on your own and browsing the shops at your leisure before re-boarding your coach for the return drive to the port.
- This tour involves approximately 3 miles (5 km) of walking on cobblestoned streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
Marciana Marina and Capoliveri
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Marciana Marina. Marciana Marina, which is wedged between the coast and the imposing steep slopes of Monte Capanne, is home to picturesque districts, small granite streets and pastel-coloured houses. At the entrance of the harbour is the Torre Saracena, an 11th-century tower. Upon your arrival, some free time will be allotted to explore the area at your leisure. Your guide will first give you a short historical and cultural introduction of this gem before letting you explore the town by yourself.
Then, you will board your coach for another 45-minute drive to Capoliveri. Perched on a 1,355-foot-high (413-metre-high) hilltop, Capoliveri is adorned with medieval architecture and the town centre boasts a wealth of history and charm. The Capoliveri coasts are among the most beautiful on the island, and feature overhanging cliffs, crystal-clear bays and superb views over the gulfs of Lacona and Campo. From here, you will enjoy a short guided-tour before being allowed to stroll along the narrow, picturesque streets and archways, or ‘chiassi’, browse the small boutiques, or stop for traditional cuisine and fine wine.
- This excursion involves a moderate amount of walking of approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
Porto Azzurro and Napoleon's Villa
From the pier, board your coach for your half-day tour around the island of Elba. After a 30-minute drive to Porto Azzurro, you will be able to discover the town with your local guide. Porto Azzurro is one of the most picturesque and relaxing seaside resorts on Elba. Situated along a deep inlet on the eastern side of the island, Porto Azzurro is dominated by the early 17th century star-shaped Fort of San Giacomo, or “Forte Longone”.
You will then return to your coach and continue to Portoferraio, where you will enjoy a guided walking tour through the town en-route to the Villa Dei Mulini, the former winter residence of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Although Napoleon’s exile on Elba was brief, he left behind a considerable cultural and historical heritage. During your visit to Villa Dei Mulini, you will discover paintings and other artefacts of this period. The garden is home to a copy of Canova’s Galatea and a statue of Minerva and offers a spectacular view of the Tuscan coast.
Finally, you will return to your coach and drive back to your ship.
- This tour involves walking 1.9 mile (3 km) on flat and cobblestones streets, with many steps to reach the Villa Dei Mulini (100 steps down to the port and 10 steps at the villa). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The order of sights may vary.
Total : €80
According to availability, price per passenger.
Western Elba
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to Marciana Marina. Marciana Marina, which is wedged between the coast and the imposing steep slopes of Monte Capanne, is home to picturesque districts, small granite streets and pastel-coloured houses. At the entrance of the harbour is the Torre Saracena, an 11th-century tower. Upon your arrival, some free time will be allotted to explore the area at your leisure. Your guide will first give you a short historical and cultural introduction of this gem before letting you explore the town by yourself.
Then, you will board your coach for a 2-hour drive to Marina di Campo. On the way, you’ll enjoy a panoramic drive, passing by Chiessi, Fetovaia and Cavoli, including a photo stop.
Upon your arrival, you will visit Marina di Campo. This old fishing town is highlighted by approximately 1.2 miles (about 2 km) of pinewood-lined golden beaches, a beautiful promenade along the sea and splendid accommodations, making it among the most popular tourist centres on the island. You will then re-board your coach for the approximately 30-minute drive back to the port.
- This excursion is mainly a panoramic tour of Elba where you will stay in the bus. This tour is suitable for passengers with reduced/limited mobility. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes and shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
Porto Azzuro & Rio nell'Elba by e-bike
From the pier, you will meet your guide and choose your e-bike, receiving all necessary information about how to use it at its best.
Your sporty adventure begins towards Porto Azzurro. You will ride onto Provincial road and you will get to the town of Porto Azzurro after crossing the island's inland and passing the Gulf of Mola. Here, you will enjoy some free time in the old Spanish capital of Porto Azzurro, with its 1603 fortress still used as a prison. Today, the fortified Spanish port is one of the island's major resort cities, but you can catch a whiff of the past in the shop fronts and bustle of the old quarter around Via d'Alarcon.
Your stroll continues towards Rio nell’Elba, an ancient Elba’s borough. Its origins date back to the Bronze Age. Destroyed in 1534 by Barbarossa, the pirate; it was later rebuilt by the Appiani’s family. Rio nell'Elba is perched on the slopes of Mount Capannello, 178 meters above sea level and at the bottom of Mount Strega. In the middle of the mining area, Rio nell'Elba has one of the richest history and tradition of Elba island that your guide will share with you.
Rio nell’Elba was an important mining center, thanks to its iron mines dating back to the Etruscan times, until their recent closure around 1970. Classified "World Meritage Provisional List of Geological Sites" by UNESCO, the mining areas of Rio and Mount Calamita, are known as the most prestigious geological monuments on the planet.
After this first glimpse of the inland part of the isalnd, you will reach the coast and continue towards the beach of Bagnaia, the longest (300 m) and best equipped beach on this part of the coast. Lying in the heart of a completely natural with lush mountains all around and the Volterraio Castle to the south-east.
Finally, you will return to Portoferraio passing in front of Schiopparello, another beautiful beach on this part of the coast offering breathtaking view of Portoferraio on the horizon, making it among one of the most beautiful on the island.
At the end of your e-bike tour, you will return to the port and your ship.
- This excursion involves extensive distance by e-bike, around 25 miles (40 kms). The participants must be in good physical conditions and able to ride an e-bike on their own. We recommend you wear comfortable sport shoes and clothes and protect yourself from the sun. This excursion is limited to 14 participants. An 8 seats van will follow the group during the entire tour to assist in case of eventual accidents or any guests who would need a break.
Total : €170
According to availability, price per passenger.
Panoramic Argentario and Porto Ercole
From the pier, you will meet your local guide and board your coach for the 40-minute panoramic drive to Porto Ercole. Here, you will start your walking tour of Porto Ercole, a lovely seaside resort located on the Argentario promontory.
The first inhabitants of Porto Ercole were fishermen and still today, walking along the small port, one encounters old sea wolves intent on repairing fishing nets. You will cross the Pisan door and take a walk in the heart of the village among alleys, squares overlooking the sea and stairways that will lead you to the church and then to the Rocca. You will walk along the promenade, where bars and restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea alternate with shops created from what once were fishermen's warehouses. You can still observe the construction sites dedicated to the repair work on the boats, and the landing of fish from the returning fishing boats.
In addition to the natural beauty, you will have the opportunity to admire the charm of the imposing Spanish fortresses that were built in the 16th century: Forte Filippo, the Rocca and Forte Stella.
On the way back to the port of Porto Santo Stefano, you will take a short detour to the convent of the Passionist Fathers, at the summit of Monte Argentario. At an altitude of 273 meters you will enjoy the splendid panorama that can be admired from the square. The convent, surrounded by generous vegetation, was built in the late 1700s at the behest of St. Paul of the Cross. The Passionist Fathers promote the memory of Christ's Passion, live in community and lead a life of study, prayer and missionary activity.
- This tour involves walking approximately 2.5 km, sometimes uphill and downhill, with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The inside visit of the convent is not included. Order of sights may vary.
Total : €45
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Tarot Garden and panoramic drive
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your 45-minute drive to The Tarot Garden, in Southern Tuscany.
You will visit this unique garden, which was built by the internationally famous French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle in the second half of the last century and displays some huge and beautiful sculptures which depict the 22 Major Arcana of the Tarots cards.
The garden was the result of the wish to express Niki's idea of a “small Eden where man and nature meet each other”. She took inspiration from the beautiful Park Güell by Antoni Gaudì in Barcelona, Spain. She created and personally built great statues for the garden and worked at this colossal work for over 17 years, collaborating with many important contemporary artists, including Jean Tinguely her husband.
The sculptures represent the artist's personal view of the symbolic and esoteric Tarots cards, one of her passions. The Empress is probably the most representative sculpture: portrayed as a large woman-sphinx. This artistic house was also where Niki lived while working in the garden.
After your visit, you will board your coach for a 45-minute panoramic drive to the Argentario promontory, ending in Porto Santo Stefano, a very charming village. While comfortably sitted on your bus you will learn some history facts and admire the rich landscapes, that make this territory even more fascinating.
Then, you will get back to your coach and drive back to your ship.
- This excursion involves a walking distance of approximately 1.3 miles (2 km), on uneven paths in the garden. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €75
According to availability, price per passenger.
Wine tasting and panoramic drive
From the pier, you will board your coach and take the 30-minute drive to La Parrina Estate.
Tenuta la Parrina is one of the oldest historic farms that lies between the low hills of the Tuscan Maremma in a spectacular landscape with olive trees, vineyards and fields of golden grain. The estate is spread on an area of about 200 hectares, 60 of which are destined to vineyards, 40 to fruit production, 20 to the horticultural, 22 to the olive plants, and the remaining are divided between arable land and growing nurseries.
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided visit of the estate, followed by wine tasting accompanied by local products. You will have the opportunity to see how to make a wine, starting with the grape harvest, through the vinification and aging and ending with bottling. La Parrina DOC wines are produced in the basement of the estate since 1971. The cellar is certainly a tribute to the land, because it is the instrument with which they produce quality wines, but it is also the physical location in which they give the opportunity to their guests to come into direct contact with the production philosophy.
After your visit, you will board your coach for a 1-hour panoramic drive to the Argentario promontory, ending in Porto Santo Stefano, a very charming village. While comfortably sitted on your bus you will learn some history facts and admire the rich landscapes, that make this territory even more fascinating.
You will finally be back to your ship.
- The tour involves walking on flat and gravel ground during the visit of the estate. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Walking distance is at guest’s discretion.
Total : €80
According to availability, price per passenger.
DIRECT TRANSFER FROM THE PORT OF CIVITAVECCHIA TO ROME FIUMICINO AIRPORT
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Civitavecchia/Rome
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port of Civitavecchia by our local English-speaking representative.
Then you will depart the pier by coach for Leonardo da Vinci International Airport of Rome, also called Rome Fiumicino Airport escorted by our English-speaking representative in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight (about 1.30 at drive).
Your programme includes:
- Transfer as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking escort.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local escort.
- Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents. In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : €50
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.