Nice, France Riviera Cruise from Villefranche-sur-Mer to Venice — 15 Days

Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

Villefranche-sur-Mer makes an unusually graceful first impression: pastel houses rise above one of the Riviera’s deepest natural harbors. Wander the old town’s narrow lanes, then visit the 16th-century citadel and its museums. Jean Cocteau’s painted Chapel of Saint-Pierre adds a distinctive local detail. Nearby trains connect you with Nice; roads lead to Èze and the wider Côte d’Azur.

Saint-Florent, France

L’Île-Rousse was founded in 1758 by Corsican leader Pasquale Paoli, who sought a port beyond Genoese control. Its name comes from the red porphyry islets guarding the bay, visible from Île de la Pietra’s lighthouse. Shaded Place Paoli and the covered market offer a compact introduction to Balagne life. Walk the waterfront, swim at the town beach, or take the narrow-gauge train along the coast to Calvi.

Bonifacio, France

Bonifacio clings to limestone cliffs at Corsica’s southern tip, its old town rising above a narrow, sheltered strait. From the harbor, climb through the medieval citadel’s steep lanes for sea views reaching Sardinia on clear days. Below, boats thread the fjord-like inlet, while the famed King Aragon’s Staircase descends 187 steps toward the water. Come ashore ready for slopes, stone, and a striking sense of history.

Gaeta, Italy

Gaeta sits on a rocky headland between Rome and Naples, where the Tyrrhenian coast shifts from harbour to beach. Explore its medieval quarter, then climb Monte Orlando to the Roman mausoleum of Lucius Munatius Plancus. At the Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata, a dramatic cleft in the rock draws pilgrims and visitors alike. Leave time for tiella, Gaeta’s savoury stuffed pie, and a swim in the clear coastal waters.

Amalfi, Italy

Amalfi brings the coast’s drama within easy reach: cliffs, lemon terraces and a harbor backed by steep streets. Start in the old center, where the striped façade of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew rises above Piazza Duomo. Then choose your pace: browse lanes and cafés, visit the Paper Museum, or take the winding road to Ravello. Sea views come with history here, and the pleasure of seeing one of Italy’s celebrated shorelines at close range.

Capri Island, Italy

Capri rises from the Bay of Naples in cliffs, pale houses and terraces of lemon trees. Come ashore for the Piazzetta, then follow lanes to the Gardens of Augustus and views over the Faraglioni. Boats reach the Blue Grotto when sea conditions permit; Anacapri offers quieter streets and Villa San Michele. Allow time for steep paths, crowded summer ferries and a long lunch featuring the island’s local dishes.

Giardini Naxos-Taormina, Italy

Giardini Naxos sits on Sicily’s Ionian coast, beneath Mount Etna and a short drive from Taormina. Its waterfront pairs pebble beaches with cafés, gelaterie and views across the bay. Sicily’s first Greek colony was founded here in 734 BC. A nearby archaeological park preserves traces of its ancient streets and walls. Come for a seaside day, or use the port as a gateway to Taormina. There, the Greek Theatre commands sweeping views of Etna and the coast.

Valletta, Malta

Valletta makes a powerful first impression, its honey-coloured walls rising above Grand Harbour. Founded by the Knights of St John in 1566, Malta’s compact capital rewards exploration on foot. Enter St John’s Co-Cathedral for Caravaggio’s monumental paintings, then follow Republic Street to cafés, palaces and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. From the terraces, watch ferries cross the harbour and look towards the Three Cities. Allow time for steep lanes and quiet side streets.

Zelenika (Ask Travel Agent)

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Spend a day inside Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, best explored on foot. Walk the city walls for close views of fortifications, roofs, and harbor. Then follow Stradun to Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan monastery. Book wall access in advance during busy months, and start early in summer. Mount Srđ offers a higher view, reached by cable car or road. Leave time for side lanes; their quieter corners reveal the city’s daily rhythm.

Brač Island, Croatia

Brač rewards travellers who look beyond the beach, with pale limestone villages, clear coves and a distinctly Dalmatian pace. At Bol, famous Zlatni Rat beach shifts shape with winds and currents, its long spit reaching into the Adriatic. Head inland to climb Vidova Gora, the island’s highest peak, for wide views across Hvar and the surrounding islands. Ferries connect Brač with Split, making it easy to pair a shoreline swim with a village lunch.

Lošinj, Croatia

Lošinj lies in Croatia’s Kvarner Gulf, where pine-covered hills descend to clear Adriatic coves. Mali Lošinj, the island’s principal town, wraps around a sheltered harbor. Pastel façades recall its seafaring past, while the Museum of Apoxyomenos displays an ancient Greek athlete recovered nearby. Follow coastal paths to quiet bays, or take a boat trip into waters frequented by bottlenose dolphins.

Rovinj, Croatia

Rovinj rises above Istria’s western shore, its old town gathered on a peninsula. Follow narrow lanes uphill to St Euphemia’s Church and its landmark bell tower. From the summit, look across red roofs, harbor boats, and the Adriatic. Along the waterfront, restaurants serve Istrian seafood and local wines. Allow time for the marina and nearby coves; the center is best explored on foot. Rovinj rewards a slow walk, particularly in the quieter morning hours.

Venice, Italy

Arrive in Venice by water, where the lagoon’s canals replace ordinary streets. St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace anchor the celebrated Piazza San Marco. Take a vaporetto along the Grand Canal, then explore a quieter neighborhood on foot. Confirm your ship’s terminal and transfer arrangements before setting out; cruise access varies. Near Rialto, the market and bridge offer a lively glimpse of the city’s trade. Give yourself time to leave the main routes and follow smaller canals.