French Riviera And Cruise In The Mediterranean Sea

VIP welcome to Nice airport and transfer to your hotel.

Dinner on your own at the hotel’s restaurants. We book for you.

HOTEL HYATT REGENCY – Hotel 5***** (deluxe room sea view).  The Hyatt Regency Nice “Palais de la Méditerranée” is an iconic 5-star hotel located on the famous “Promenade des Anglais”, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. This Art Deco gem combines historical charm with modern elegance, creating an ideal setting for luxury stays. The spacious rooms and suites, including family suites designed to comfortably accommodate families, offer generous space and stunning views of either the sea or the mountains.

The hotel features two pools: a heated outdoor pool, perfect for relaxing while enjoying the panoramic view, and an indoor pool for year-round swimming in a sheltered environment. The restaurant Le 3e serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and the bar lounge with a terrace is the perfect spot to unwind with a cocktail.

Guests can also take advantage of a well-equipped fitness center, a sauna, and meeting rooms for business stays. Located in the heart of Nice, this hotel is the ideal starting point to explore the city and the French Riviera in a sumptuous and refined setting.

Breakfast.

Accompanied by your guide, this morning will be dedicated to discovering the city. We’ll start the day with a visit to the Cours Saleya Market, a vibrant and colorful outdoor market offering a wide variety of fresh products, flowers, and local specialties. We’ll stroll through the aisles where you’ll be tempted by the scents and flavors of Provence. Then, we’ll delve into the history of Old Nice, wandering through its picturesque alleys lined with pastel-colored buildings. We’ll admire the charming architecture and soak up the lively atmosphere of this historic neighborhood.

Lunch on your own during the tour (option to reserve a restaurant before the trip as there’s a risk of restaurants being fully booked on the day of your visit). We recommend the restaurant “chez Davia”.  This charming establishment has been run by the same family since 1953. Initially imagined by Davia, the grandmother, it was taken over in 1985 by Alda, the mother, who is now retired. Since 2016, it’s been Pierre Altobelli, the third generation, who, after an impressive career in Michelin-starred restaurants in France and Asia, prepares delicious Niçoise recipes. Everything here is carefully curated, with products chosen with great attention. Enjoy these dishes in a delightful retro bistro setting, preserved in its original state. An absolute favorite. We book for you. 

The afternoon will be dedicated to discovering Grasse, the French capital of perfumery.

After a guided walk through the old town with its Italian and Provençal atmosphere, we will head to the Fragonard perfumery for a 1.5-hour workshop where everyone will create their own perfume with the guidance of a master perfumer. At the end of this workshop, you will leave with your creation in a personalized 100ml elegant bottle.

This service includes a guided tour of the “La Fabrique des Fleurs” factory. The tour invites you to discover the key stages of perfume making, supported by the most modern production tools. The visit to the packaging workshops allows you to witness the transformation of fragrant products from the factory into refined products ready to be marketed to enthusiasts. In addition to the production lines, it houses the laboratory where raw materials are mixed after analysis to obtain the concentrates of future perfumes.

For dinner we recommend the restaurant “Bistro d’Antoine”. It’s the Southern accent that sings in this friends’ bistro, where a very convivial atmosphere reigns. In the kitchen, it’s a whirlwind of activity! On the palate, only the best: an old-fashioned pork casserole with creamy polenta, knife-cut tartare, or grilled veal kidney with whole-grain mustard and parsleyed new potatoes… Packed, you say? Antoine enjoys well-deserved success. We book for you.

Overnight in your hotel in Nice.

Breakfast.

Begin your morning by wandering through the charming streets of Menton’s Old Town. Admire the pastel-colored facades and explore the quaint alleyways lined with artisan shops and cafes. Don’t miss the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange, a baroque masterpiece with stunning views of the Mediterranean. Visit the Jean Cocteau Museum. Head to the Jean Cocteau Museum, located along the seafront, to discover the works of this iconic artist. The museum’s modern architecture and curated collections provide a unique insight into Cocteau’s influence on Menton.

For lunch, we recommend the restaurant “Casa Fuego,” Chef Mauro Colagreco’s Argentinian-style grill with a spacious terrace overlooking the sea. Enjoy expertly wood-fired dishes like San Remo shrimp “aguachile,” grilled octopus, and dulce de leche flan. A delicious and convivial experience. We book for you.

Departure to Monaco. Visit the Prince Palace, the official residence of the Grimaldi family, offers a fascinating visit combining history and prestige. Admire the sumptuous State Apartments, adorned with Renaissance frescoes, the splendid Blue Room, and the majestic Courtyard of Honor, while enjoying panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visit the Oceanographic Museum. With its immense aquarium housing 6,000 varieties of marine life, the Oceanographic Museum is a treasure for any lover of marine fauna and flora. Founded by Prince Albert I in 1910, it offers a breathtaking plunge into the oceans, uncovering all its mysteries. The Lagoon, a true coral reef recreated within the museum, is the cherry on top of a visit you won’t regret.

Overnight in your hotel in Nice.

Breakfast. 

Departure to Marseille, founded by Greek sailors in 600 BC as Massalia, is one of the oldest cities in France and a vibrant melting pot of cultures. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, it boasts a rich maritime heritage and a dynamic urban atmosphere.

We explore the Vieux-Port, the historic heart of the city, where you can watch fishermen unload their catch and stroll along the bustling quays. Visit the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, offering panoramic views of the city and sea.

Savor the flavors of Marseille with local specialties such as “bouillabaisse”, a traditional Provençal fish stew, and fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. Lunch at the restaurant “Peron”. Perched on the Corniche, this building clings to the rock, offering a breathtaking view of the Bay of Marseille, its islands, and the Château d’If. A breeze filled with Mediterranean Sea spray influences the menu: local and wild catch of the day, stuffed vegetables, as well as duck breast, not to mention the traditional bouillabaisse, all enjoyed on the beautiful terrace. An institution since 1855.

Go into history at the MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations). With its unique architecture and stunning sea views, this museum is a striking cultural landmark dedicated to exploring Mediterranean civilizations through art, history, and anthropology.

Departure to your cruise ship MSC World Europa and check-in to your suite. Dinner onboard.

The MSC World Europa is a groundbreaking cruise ship that redefines luxury and innovation at sea. As one of MSC Cruises’ newest and most eco-friendly vessels, it offers state-of-the-art technology, including LNG-powered engines and advanced energy efficiency systems. With its futuristic design, the ship features elegant staterooms, world-class dining experiences, cutting-edge entertainment, and a unique outdoor promenade. Perfectly blending sustainability with unparalleled comfort, the MSC World Europa delivers an unforgettable cruising experience.

Your atmosphere: YACHT CLUB

Your cabin: Yacht Club Deluxe Suite

Total Area: 24.53 sqm

Cabin Area: 20.84 sqm

Door Width: 0.615 m

Bathroom Area: 3.69 sqm with shower

Balcony Area: 4.5 sqm

PRIVILEGES

Priority check-in and disembarkation, as well as priority departure and return on excursion days.

24/7 butler service and dedicated concierge.

24/7 room service.

Premium Extra Drinks Package valid in all ship areas, including the mini bar in your suite.

Browse Internet Package (Unlimited Internet for 2 devices).

Complimentary access to the MSC Aurea Spa thermal area.

Relaxation amenities in every suite (including bathrobe and slippers).

Pillow menu for personalized comfort.

Additional personal touches: luggage packing/unpacking assistance, and in-suite delivery of newspapers/magazines upon request.

MSC for Me wristband (where available).

EXCLUSIVES

A private ship area accessible only to MSC Yacht Club guests.

Luxurious suites offering exceptional comfort, located at the front of the ship.

Panoramic Top Sail Lounge featuring a bar, afternoon tea service, all-day snacks, and evening entertainment.

A private, spacious terrace with a pool, jacuzzi, solarium, and outdoor bar offering exceptional views.

A gourmet restaurant with à la carte dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the freedom to choose dining times.

Personalized experiences, from shopping to excursions.

A WORLD OF PRIVILEGES

Onboard: Access to a wide range of onboard services and activities, including:

Bars and lounges, specialty restaurants, pools, and more.

Premium buffet.

10% discount on all spa treatments purchased onboard.

A varied entertainment program with Broadway- and Las Vegas-style shows.

Activities and entertainment for all ages.

Recreational activities for children.

Outdoor sports facilities.

State-of-the-art gym with panoramic views.

This 4-hour and 15-minute excursion offers the opportunity to explore Genoa’s grand architecture and historic center during a guided walking tour. A 15-minute boat transfer will take you to the exhibition area, where your city visit begins at Piazza Caricamento and concludes at Via Garibaldi, renowned for its UNESCO-listed palaces, including Palazzo Bianco.

You will marvel at the pink and blue stucco facade of the 16th-century Palazzo Nicolosio Lomellino, adorned with sculpted trophies and gargoyles, before stepping inside for a visit. This excursion also includes tastings of two regional specialties: pesto, believed to have originated in 16th-century Genoa, and local focaccia, a centuries-old Genoese delicacy, enjoyed in the elegant Palazzo Cattaneo-Adorno.

Following the tour, you’ll have approximately 30 minutes of free time in the exhibition area before taking a 15-minute boat transfer back to the ship.

Note: This excursion is available only to passengers who are not embarking or disembarking in Genoa. It is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.

This four-hour excursion offers the chance to explore the ancient ruins of Pompei, a once-thriving city destroyed in 79 CE by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Rediscovered in the 16th century, Pompei has since been the focus of extensive archaeological excavations, which continue to this day.

After a 45-minute highway transfer from the Naples pier, you’ll begin a two-hour guided tour of this extraordinary archaeological wonder. Learn about the history and tragedy that shaped the city, and marvel at the remarkably well-preserved remains frozen in time on that fateful day. Highlights of the site include stunning frescoes, loaves of bread, and haunting casts of people and animals preserved in the volcanic ash.

Following the tour, you’ll have approximately 15 minutes of free time to explore further at your own pace. On the return to Naples, the excursion includes a 30-minute stop at a local coral workshop before heading back to the ship.

Note: This excursion involves extensive walking on uneven surfaces (such as the stone streets of Pompei) and is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.

This eight-hour excursion takes you to the slopes of Europe’s highest active volcano, followed by a visit to the historic sites of the elegant coastal town of Taormina.

The journey begins with a 90-minute coach ride to Mount Etna, where you’ll spend an hour exploring this unique site, including a walk to the two inactive Silvestri craters. Situated at around 1,900 meters above sea level, these craters were formed during the 1892 eruption and offer breathtaking views of lava flows and the nearby city of Catania.

Next, you’ll head to Taormina, a cliff-top town with a maze of medieval streets. After approximately 30 minutes of free time for lunch, you’ll embark on a guided tour of Taormina’s most iconic landmarks, including the exterior of the cathedral (20 minutes), the ancient Odeon theater (15 minutes), the medieval Palazzo Corvaja, and the renowned Greco-Roman amphitheater.

You’ll then have about an hour of free time to shop or explore the town at your own pace before walking back to the coach for the 50-minute return journey to the ship.

Note: This excursion is not suitable for guests with heart conditions due to the altitude or those with reduced mobility. In the event of poor weather conditions, an alternative itinerary will be confirmed onboard. We recommend wearing a windbreaker and comfortable shoes. All visits in Taormina will take place outdoors. Lunch (optional) is not included

During this stop in Malta, you’ll have the opportunity to visit not one, but two capitals: Valletta, the current capital, and Mdina, the former one. Both are incredible destinations, ideal for this half-day excursion.

The tour begins in Valletta with a visit to the stunning Upper Barrakka Gardens, a beautiful public park offering fresh air and spectacular views of the Grand Harbour. Next, you’ll visit the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, built by the Knights of Malta in the late 16th century. Its ornate interior is a treasure trove, featuring a masterpiece by Caravaggio.

The excursion continues to the fortified city of Mdina, located in the heart of the island. Also known as “The Silent City” due to its restrictions on vehicle traffic, Mdina offers a peaceful atmosphere steeped in history. You’ll visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral, a baroque structure that seems to dominate the city. The tour concludes with a walk through Mdina’s narrow alleys and streets, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the charm of this historic place. Afterward, you’ll return to the port.

Note:

The visit to Valletta and Mdina is entirely on foot and includes extensive walking. Guests with reduced mobility should evaluate their endurance and ability before joining.

While all sites are wheelchair-accessible, Valletta’s cobbled streets may pose difficulties for wheelchair users. Participants requiring assistance must bring a paying companion to help with boarding and deboarding from the coach, as wheelchairs must be foldable, and the coach is not equipped with lifts or ramps.

On Saturday afternoons or public holidays, visits to St. John’s Co-Cathedral will be external only, and participants will visit the National Museum instead.

Proper attire is required for religious sites.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral may close without prior notice for religious services.

This excursion is not available on Sundays.

Enjoy all the onboard facilities for your entertainment.

Admire the stunning work of architect Antoni Gaudí during an exciting four-hour adventure. This excursion, retracing the path of visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, begins with a 60-minute drive through the city from the port to Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

The exterior of the basilica is adorned with intricate sculptures of religious figures and stone reptiles. During this 90-minute stop, you’ll also explore the interior of this vast building, where the soft light from delicate stained-glass windows casts colorful hues on the walls. Tree-like columns soar toward the sky, forming a lush canopy reminiscent of a forest.

The tour continues with a drive along the Passeig de Gràcia, an avenue featuring two more of Gaudí’s marvels. Admire the shimmering Casa Batlló, with its bone-like balconies and dragon-scale façade, before leaving the coach for a 15-minute stroll to La Pedrera (Casa Milà). Your guide will share insights into one of Barcelona’s iconic landmarks while you capture stunning photos of its wave-like façade during a brief photo stop. A 20-minute return drive to the ship concludes your experience among Gaudí’s most celebrated masterpieces.

Note: Passengers in wheelchairs are welcome on this excursion but should be aware that walking periods are involved, and they must be accompanied by someone (who also pays for their place) to assist with boarding and disembarking the coach. Wheelchairs must be foldable, as the coach is not equipped with lifts or ramps. Participants with reduced mobility should evaluate their endurance and physical capabilities before joining.

The visit to the Sagrada Família lasts approximately 30 minutes. Please note that the average time to pass through security and site scanners is around 30 minutes; carrying only a small bag or backpack is advised to speed up the process.

Additionally, as entry to the Sagrada Família is set at specific times, punctuality at meeting points and stops throughout the excursion is essential. Delays may reduce the time spent inside the site. Participants are required to wear appropriate attire for visiting religious sites.

Due to traffic restrictions around the Sagrada Família, the coach stops nearby, and you will need to walk approximately 30 minutes to reach the site and return to the coach. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Entry ticket included: Sagrada Família.

Breakfast on board. 

Deboarding and transfer to Nice. 

Free day in Nice for your last-minute shopping or a stroll through the city. 

Farewell dinner at the restaurant “Racines”. Chef Bruno Cirino and his trusted right-hand man, José Vidal, serve a unique, great-value menu in this small restaurant, featuring only organic or sustainably grown fruits and vegetables from the region. Their garden-to-table cuisine uses produce harvested at optimal ripeness, cooked with skill to highlight the unique flavors of the Côte d’Azur, especially garlic, olive oil, and basil. Delight in dishes like a coal fish soup with red spring onions and basil, violet artichoke with cheese emulsion and grilled Ligurian spiny artichoke, a root vegetable terrine inspired by “César Baldaccini,” and oven-baked apple with burnt barley ice cream. All this is complemented by fine wines at attractive prices, served with a smile. 

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast.

Free time and meals on your own in Nice according to your flight schedule, transfer to the airport.

Day 1 : Nice

Day 2 : Nice – Grasse – Nice

Day 3 : Nice – Menton – Monaco – Nice

Day 4 : Nice – Marseille – Boarding the cruise ship

Day 5 : Genoa

Day 6 : Napoli

Day 7 : Messina

Day 8 : Valetta

Day 9 : day at sea

Day 10 : Barcelona

Day 11 : Marseille – Nice

Day 12 : Nice – Departure