11-day luxury cruise along the Italian coast: from Venice to Nice

Day 1: Arrival in Venice

You land in Venice, where a private driver welcomes you and takes you to your elegant Caractère hotel in the heart of the city. As you approach the lagoon, the unique atmosphere of Venice immediately unfolds: boats tracing gentle ripples across the water, historic façades glowing in the afternoon light and the soft buzz of lively squares. Travellers who want extra time in the city may choose to arrive a few days earlier.

Day 2: Venice & embarkation on the Ponant cruise

After a relaxed breakfast, you head back into the city for a final stroll. A walk along the Riva, a cappuccino on a hidden little square or one last look at the Grand Canal, Venice always gives you something to take with you.

In the late afternoon, your driver brings you to the cruise terminal, where you board the refined Ponant ship that will guide you for ten nights along Italy’s most beautiful coastal towns. From the moment you step onboard, your Mediterranean cruise story begins.

Day 3: Ravenna

The lagoon gives way to open sea as the ship sails toward Ravenna. The city may appear modest at first sight, but inside its basilicas you find extraordinary Byzantine mosaics that have remained intact for centuries. Eight Unesco sites spread across the centre, each with its own palette and story. You choose between a mosaic-themed walking tour or an excursion to tiny but charming San Marino.

Day 4: Ancona

Ancona welcomes you with a blend of Greek and Roman history. The cathedral perched on the hill offers sweeping views over the Adriatic, while Trajan’s Arch recalls the port’s glorious past. A visit to Loreto reveals one of Italy’s most important pilgrimage sites.

Day 5: Day at sea

Today you enjoy a full day at sea, with nothing but the horizon around you and all the time you want to relax. Hours drift by as you choose between a spa treatment, a sunny spot on deck or a lecture that introduces you to a new story.

Day 6: Otranto

Sheltered behind medieval walls, Otranto radiates southern charm. The cathedral stands out for its impressive mosaic floor, almost a medieval tale in itself. Your excursion leads you either to elegant Lecce, often called the Florence of the south, or to Gallipoli: an island town with narrow streets, fishing boats and a warm, authentic character.

Day 7: Taormina, Sicily

Sicily appears on the horizon with its dramatic cliffs and the silhouette of Mount Etna. Taormina sits high above the sea and delights with elegant streets, viewpoints and its iconic Greek-Roman theatre. You choose between a panoramic drive along Etna’s slopes or discovering Taormina itself: lively, chic and bathed in Mediterranean light.

Day 8: Amalfi

In Amalfi, nature and history blend effortlessly. The town clings to the cliffs and its medieval lanes weave between fragrant citrus terraces. History lovers explore Pompeii, a captivating window into ancient life, while others opt for the emerald-green coastal grotto.

Day 9: Porto Santo Stefano (Tuscany)

On the Monte Argentario coast, Porto Santo Stefano reveals a colourful village with a lively harbour. The Spanish fortress La Rocca offers sweeping views over the bay. A panoramic drive through the Tuscan hills or a visit to Niki de Saint Phalle’s imaginative Tarot Garden makes this a day full of creativity and Tuscan charm.

Day 10: Livorno (Tuscany)

From Livorno, you explore two Tuscan classics: Lucca and Pisa. Lucca feels intimate and elegant with its intact city walls and shaded squares. Pisa shines with its world-famous Leaning Tower and marble piazzas, a day rich in art, history and Tuscan atmosphere.

Day 11: Portofino

Today is all about Portofino, one of the true gems of the Ligurian coast. Its pastel-coloured harbour looks like a painted postcard. You walk up to the lighthouse for a breathtaking view or sail to Santa Margherita and Rapallo, each with its own charm. In the early evening, the ship sets course for the French Riviera.

Day 12: Arrival in Nice & overnight stay

In the morning, you arrive in Nice, where a private driver takes you to your Caractère boutique hotel. The rest of the day unfolds at your pace: the Promenade des Anglais, the Cours Saleya market or a glass of wine on a sunlit terrace make for a warm, elegant finale.

Day 13: Return home

After breakfast, a private transfer brings you to the airport for your flight home. You return with memories of sea views, lively cities and Mediterranean moments that will stay with you for a long time.

What budget to expect?

To fully enjoy this journey, you can expect a starting price of €16,000 per person. This includes international economy flights with checked luggage, two Caractère hotel nights (one in Venice and one in Nice), all private transfers, excursions along the way, full board with drinks onboard and all port taxes. This price is indicative and may vary depending on travel period, personal preferences and any additional services you choose along the route.