Le Dumont-D'urville sailing on June 22nd, 2026

About Venice

Venice is the essence of romance. Along the Grand Canal, the city's "main street," you will see row upon row of Gothic-Renaissance homes and palaces. Most are hundreds of years old and house priceless works of art. Dozens of delicate bridges lead the visitor from one wonder to the next: The Basilica of St Mark, the Palace of the Doges, and the remarkable collection of modern art assembled by Peggy Guggenheim in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni.

Venice Attractions

Probably the most famous site in Venice is St. Mark's Basilica. Built to enshrine St. Mark's body in the 9th century, it was rebuilt in the 11th century with a new, spectacular edifice. The interior is clad in wonderful mosaics and holds statues, icons and its famous horses, brought to St. Mark's after the 4th Crusade in 1204.

Venice Activities

Explore the Doge's Palace, the official residence of the Venetian ruler, founded in the 9th century. See its famous Bridge of Sighs, linking the palace to the state prisons Take a walking tour through the quaint cobblestone streets and across the endless Venetian bridges to discover the intimate details that make Venice so unique. Enjoy a gondola ride through the canals as you relax and absorb the surroundings Campanile is the brick bell tower that stands in Piazza San Marco. The present structure is a reconstruction of the original, which stood for 1,000 years before it collapsed in 1912. An elevator can be taken to the top, affording views of the Lido, the lagoon and even as far as the Alps on a clear day. Art lovers will not want to miss this magnificent museum, Galleria dell’Accademia. It boasts the most extraordinary collection of Venetian art. In addition to priceless masterpieces by Giovanni Bellini, Paolo Veronese and Titian, there are paintings of 15th- and 16th-century Venice that show how amazingly little the city has changed since then. The Accademia is open every day of the week, but usually requires standing in line to enter.

About Ravenna

Explore the Byzantine treasures of Ravenna including the mosaics of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Churches of San Vitale and Sant´ Apollinare.

Ravenna Activities

The ancient church of the Spirito Santo, which has maintained the original lines from the 5th century. It was originally an Arian temple. The façade has a noteworthy 16th century portico with 5 arcades. The church of St. John the Evangelist is also from the 5th century, erected by Galla Placidia after a seastorm. It was restored after the World War II bombings. The St. Francis basilica, rebuilt in the 10th-11th centuries over a precedent edifice dedicated to the Apostles and later to St. Peter. Behind the humble brick façade, it has a nave and two aisles. Fragments of mosaics from the primitive church are visible on the floor, which is usually covered by water after heavy rains (together with the crypt). Here the funeral ceremony of Dante Alighieri was held in 1321. The poet is buried in a tomb annexed to the church. The Baroque church of Santa Maria Maggiore (525-532, rebuilt in 1671). It houses a picture by Luca Longhi. Also of Baroque style is the church of San Giovanni Battista 1683, with a Middle Ages belfry. The basilica of Santa Maria in Porto (16th century), with a rich façade from the 18th century. It has a nave and two aisles, with a high cupola. It houses the image of famous Greek Madonna, which was allegedly brought to Ravenna from Constantinople. The nearby Communal Gallery has various works from Romagnoli painters. The Rocca Brancaleone ("Brancaleone Castle"), built by the Venetians in 1457. Once part of the city walls, it is now a public park. It is divided into two parts: the true Castle and the Citadel, the latter having an extent of 14,000 m2. The so-called Palace of Theoderic, in fact the entrance to the former church of San Salvatore. it includes mosaics from the true Palace of the Ostrogoth king. The church of Santa Eufemia (18th century), gives access to the so-called Stone Carpets Domus (6th-7th century): this houses splendid mosaics from a Byzantine palace. The National Museum

About Ancona

Ancona is a city and a seaport in the Marche region, in central Italy.Ancona is the capital of the province of Ancona and of the region. The city is located 280 km (170 mi) northeast of Rome, on the Adriatic Sea, between the slopes of the two extremities of the promontory of Monte Conero, Monte Astagno and Monte Guasco. Ancona is one of the main ports on the Adriatic Sea, especially for passenger traffic, and is the main economic and demographic centre of the region.

About At Sea

Relax and enjoy your vacation onboard your ship. You can do as much or as little as you want.

About Otranto

About Taormina

Neighboring villages of Naxos and Taormina are in such harmony with their surroundings they almost seem carved from the hillside. Blooming jacarandas and bougainvillea grow in profusion over balconies and stone buildings built in medieval times. Palm fringed avenues wind through quiet streets and the view from Castle Mola provides a stunning look at the Ionian Sea, the town and Mt Etna.

Taormina Attractions

From the Greek Amphitheater, Taormina's most visited monument, you can see the active volcano Mount Etna, and beautiful views of the coastline. The amphitheater was built sometime during the third century B.C. by the Greeks and expanded later by the Romans who added their own structural characteristics. It's also the site of the Taormina Film Festival held every summer.

Taormina Activities

Explore the Roman Odeon, a small theatre next to the Church of St. Catherine. The theatre was built around 21 A.D., however, it was discovered by accident in 1892, by a local blacksmith Stroll along the city's main street, Corso Umberto I, and through the Piazza del Duomo, where you'll find Taormina's main cathedral, which was built in the 1400s Visit the most famous palace in Taormina, the Palazzo Corvaja, and the Museum of Art and Popular Traditions, located in the Piazza Santa Catarina. The palace also houses the tourist office Spend the day relaxing in Villa Comunale, a small park built by Lady Florence Trevelyan in the late 19th century. Another favorite garden in the city is the Public Garden, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea

About Amalfi

Located roughly between Salerno and Sorrento, Amalfi was already an important maritime republic in the Middle Ages. In fact, the Amalfi Tables represent the oldest maritime code in the world, which were observed throughout the Mediterranean until the late 16th century. Today, Amalfi is one of the most popular resorts and stopovers along the famed Amalfi Drive, Italy's celebrated corniche that hugs the mountainous coast and carves its way through sheer rock. Opulent villas, cloaked in brilliantly colored bougainvillea, hide behind high walls and wrought-iron gates. Waves pound against the steep shoreline and tortuous bends challenge a steady stream of tourist vehicles. Around every hairpin turn spectacular scenery awaits. Spread across the slope of the steep Lattari hills, the town itself boasts a superb setting and plenty of charm. The small, inviting center features several attractions that should not be missed. Of particular note is the duomo, also known as Cathedral Sant'Andrea, a marvel of ancient Arab-Moorish architecture. The church dominates the lively piazza, full of shops and crowded with residents and tourists at any time of day. Ruggedly beautiful and enchanting Amalfi will guarantee you a delightful introduction to Italy’s famed coastline.

Amalfi Activities

The Duomo, named in honor of St. Andrew (Sant’ Andrea), this splendid cathedral evokes Amalfi's rich past. Reached by climbing a flight of steps, the church is characterized by its black and white façade and mosaics. It dates from the 11th century, although the present structure has been rebuilt. The Duomo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (admission charged). High above Amalfi is the Capuchin Monastery with a beautiful cloister offering superb views. The 12th-century monastic complex now houses the Cappuccini Convento Hotel; it can be reached via a lift from the coastal road. Boasting a superb location at 1,155 feet above sea level, the Rufolo Gardens are famous for their beautiful landscaped grounds, framed by umbrella pines and full of colorful blooms. It was this site that inspired Richard Wagner in his opera Parsifal. The gardens are reached following a 30-minute, winding drive to Ravello and a walk through this charming town perched high above Amalfi. About a two-hour drive from Amalfi lies the archaeological site of Paestum. Its temple ruins are among the finest remains of Greek architecture on the mainland of Italy. Guests interested in visiting the site may want to arrange a trip by private car.

About Porto Santo Stefano

About Livorno (Florence,Pisa)

The birthplace of the artist Modigliani, this is Tuscanys principal port, just a short jaunt from the artistic treasures of Florence. As you wander the streets and piazzas of this famous city you will encounter countless treasrues of Renaissance art and architecture.

Livorno (Florence,Pisa) Attractions

When you're in the area, you'll definitely want to explore Florence, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Start by visiting the church of Santa Croce, known as Italy's Westminster Abbey because of the Italian monarchy buried there. View the 14th-century interior and marvel at one of the finest examples of Florentine Gothic decoration. Stop at the Piazza del Duomo in Florence, where the cathedral, bell tower and baptistery share the same square. Then stop in the Piazza della Signoria, the city's largest square, and gaze upon a copy of Michelangelo's David and the Loggia dei Lanzi.

Livorno (Florence,Pisa) Activities

Shop for souvenirs at the famed Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Explore the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, home to works by Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Rubens. Visit the Field of Miracles in Pisa, and discover one of the world's most amazing sights - the Campanile, or Leaning Tower. Learn the fascinating details about this famous bell tower, such as how it leans a bit more every year and has now reached over 14 feet out of perpendicular. Take a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside, enjoying its soft, rounded hills, the medieval architecture of its villages and the silver green of the olive trees mingling with the dark-green of the cypress trees. Stop in a local winery to sample some of its delicious product.

About Portofino

Portofino is a living, breathing picture-postcard of the Italian coast. One of the most beautiful places on earth, it features colorful houses and shops along a picturesque waterfront, with lush green hills rising above. You can rub elbows with Europe's elite while strolling the streets, or sit beside them as you enjoy the priceless view and a glass of wine.

Portofino Attractions

Stroll around the harbor, stopping to explore the high-end boutiques and eateries as you go. After that, head away from the water and uphill for about 10 minutes. Taking a well-marked path from just behind the harbor, you'll get to Chiesa di San Giorgio. Built on the site of a sanctuary Roman soldiers dedicated to the Persian god Mithras, this picturesque church offers breathtaking views of the village on one side and the rocky cliffs and the sea on the other.

About Nice

Synonymous for decades with the words opulence, a sophistication and wealth, the French Riviera is the jewel of the Mediterranean Sea. Walk the Promenade des Anglais which borders the sea, and rub shoulders with royalty and film stars on golden beaches. Take a trip to Monte Carlo to see million dollar yachts in the most picturesque setting of Monte Carlo´s bay.

Nice Attractions

The Old Town is a must to be explored. Its look has changed little since the 1700s. Narrow streets and winding alleys are lined with faded 17th- and 18th-century buildings. The famous flower market never ceases to delight visitors as well as residents. The Italian façades of modern Nice and early 20th-century residences, which made the city one of Europe’s most fashionable winter retreats, remain largely intact. Although not blessed with excellent beaches, its pebbled sands continue to attract scores of sun worshippers every year.

Nice Activities

Musée National - Marc Chagall Established by the artist himself, the collection features the most important permanent exhibit of his work. The main focus is a series of 17 canvases comprising his colorful “Biblical Message.” The excellent use of space and light further enhances the featured paintings, sculptures and mosaics. Musée Matisse - Housed in a 17th-century Italian villa, the museum features exquisite paintings and bronzes by the great master. These works of art illustrate the different stages of Henri Matisse’s career and his development from the late 19th century to his death in 1954. Especially interesting are the sketches he made for his paintings in the Chapelle de Rosaire in Vence. This project was done by Matisse to thank resident nuns who nursed him back to health. Parc du Château - This large, shady public park is located on a 300-foot hill and offers beautiful views of the city and the sea. The château, after which the hill and park are named, was established in the 12th century, but razed in 1706 by Louis XIV. Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas - Located in the western part of the city, the multicolored cathedral crowned by six onion domes was built in the early 1900s in 17th-century style. It is one of the most elaborate and exotic structures in Nice. Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art - The museum specializes in French and American avant-garde artwork from the 1960s to the present. Its collection includes the work of Cesar,Warhol and Christo, to name a few. Anatole Jakovsky International Naïve Art MuseumDonated to the city by Mr. and Mrs. Anatole Jakovsky in 1982, the museum traces the progression of naïve art since the 18th century.