13-day luxury cruise Italy | Venice, Sicily, Amalfi and Nice

Day 1: Arrival in Venice

You land in Venice, where a private driver will be waiting to take you to your elegant Caractère address in the city centre. As you approach the lagoon, you will immediately feel the atmosphere that makes Venice so unique: boats rippling the water, historic façades glowing in the afternoon sun and the gentle buzz of the squares. Those who would like to spend more time in the city are welcome to arrive a few days earlier.

Day 2: Venice & embarkation on the Ponant cruise

After a leisurely breakfast, you can dive into Venice for a while. A stroll along the Riva, a cappuccino in a hidden square or a last glance at the Grand Canal: the city always gives you a little extra memory to take home with you.

In the late afternoon, your driver will take you to the port terminal, where you will board the stylish Ponant ship that will take you to the most beautiful Italian coastal towns for ten nights. From the moment you step on board, your Mediterranean cruise story begins.

Day 3: Ravenna

The lagoon gives way to the open sea as the ship glides towards Ravenna. At first glance, the city seems modest, but inside its basilicas, spectacular Byzantine mosaics that have remained intact for centuries shine. Eight UNESCO sites are scattered throughout the centre, each with a different colour scheme and story. You can choose between a mosaic walk or a trip to the tiny but charming San Marino.

Day 4: Ancona

Ancona welcomes you with a mix of Greek and Roman history. The cathedral on the hill offers a panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea, while Trajan's Arch recalls the glory days of the port. During a visit to Loreto, you will discover one of Italy's most important pilgrimage sites.

Day 5: Day at sea

Today you will enjoy a day at sea, with only the horizon for company and plenty of time to relax. The hours slip by as you choose whatever takes your fancy: a soothing treatment in the spa, a sunny spot on the deck or a lecture that transports you into a new story.

Day 6: Otranto

Otranto is protected behind medieval city walls and exudes southern lightness. The cathedral is a highlight thanks to its impressive mosaic floor that almost tells a medieval story. During your excursion, you can choose between elegant Lecce, also known as the Florence of the south, or Gallipoli: an island town with narrow streets, fishing boats and a charming atmosphere.

Day 7: Taormina, Sicily

Sicily looms with steep cliffs and the silhouette of Mount Etna. Taormina hangs high above the sea and surprises with elegant streets, viewpoints and the iconic Greek-Roman theatre. You can choose a panoramic drive along the flanks of Mount Etna or discover Taormina itself: lively, chic and with stunning Mediterranean views.

Day 8: Amalfi

Amalfi is a setting where nature and history coexist effortlessly. The town clings to the rocks and its medieval streets wind between fragrant citrus gardens. Those who want to delve into history can visit Pompeii: a fascinating glimpse into life in the year 79. Other travellers choose to visit the emerald green cave along the coast.

Day 9: Porto Santo Stefano (Tuscany)

On the Monte Argentario coast, you will find Porto Santo Stefano, a colourful seaside resort with a lively harbour. The Spanish fortress La Rocca offers a beautiful view of the bay. With a panoramic drive through the Tuscan hills or a visit to Niki de Saint Phalle's eccentric Tarot Garden, this will be a surprising day full of creativity and Tuscan beauty.

Day 10: Livorno (Tuscany)

From Livorno, you can discover two Tuscan classics: Lucca and Pisa. Lucca feels intimate and elegant with its intact city walls, squares and shady avenues. Pisa, of course, shines with its world-famous leaning tower and marble squares. A day full of art, history and pure Tuscan charm.

Day 11: Portofino

Today, Portofino takes centre stage: one of the most beloved places on the Ligurian coast. The harbour seems to be painted in pastel colours and the atmosphere is relaxed and elegant. You can walk to the lighthouse above the cliff for a phenomenal view or sail to Santa Margherita and Rapallo, two coastal gems, each with its own character.

In the early evening, the ship sets sail for the French Riviera.

Day 12: Arrival in Nice & overnight stay

In the morning, you arrive in Nice, where a private driver will take you to your Caractère boutique hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. The Promenade des Anglais, the Cours Saleya market or a glass of wine on a sunny terrace: Nice immediately feels like a warm end to your trip.

Day 13: Return home

After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your return flight. You will travel home with memories of sea views, lively cities and moments that will linger long after your Mediterranean journey.

What can you expect in terms of budget?

To fully enjoy this trip, you can expect a guide price of £14,000 per person. This amount includes international flights in economy class with hold luggage, two Caractère overnight stays (one in Venice and one in Nice), all private transfers, excursions en route, full board with drinks on board and port fees. This price is indicative and varies depending on your travel period, personal preferences and any extras you add along the way.

Frequently asked questions about this luxury cruise

When is the best time for a cruise along the Italian coast?

June and September are ideal. Temperatures are around 22-28°C and cities such as Venice, Taormina and Amalfi are pleasant to explore.

What makes a cruise along the Italian coast special?

You can discover different regions without having to change hotels. From the ship, you can visit cities such as Ravenna, Taormina and Portofino while enjoying sea views and comfort on board.