Setting sail from Barcelona, your discovery of southern France begins from Sète in the Occitanie with the hilltop city of Carcassonne and its medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The ancient port of Marseille is your gateway to either Aix-en-Provence, "city of a thousand fountains" and home to Paul Cézanne, or to Van Gogh's Arles and the UNESCO World Heritage "City of Popes," Avignon.
The resort town of Nice, the last French mainland port on this leg of your voyage, offers a tour of nearby Monte Carlo and a trip to the medieval hilltop village of Eze, with panoramic views of the Côte d'Azur. Or enjoy a visit to St. Paul de Vence to visit the Maeght Foundation’s collection of modern and contemporary art and sculpture.
The small Italian fishing village of Portofino, now a favored haunt of the rich and famous, welcomes you for a relaxing afternoon and evening of leisurely browsing through its shops and galleries and perhaps a chance to sample the local cuisine.
Porto Venere can serve as your gateway to discovery of the UNESCO World Heritage Cinque Terre, the villages at the heart of the Italian Riviera. Or you may spend the day exploring Romanesque Lucca, birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, and medieval Pisa, with its magnificent Duomo, Baptistry, and Leaning Tower.
Your final day of your cruise from Livorno, includes a full day excursion to Florence for an introduction to the heart of the Italian Renaissance. Or if you prefer, you may explore the Etruscan ruins and museum at nearby Volterra. Alternatively, spend the day exploring Romanesque Lucca, birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, and medieval Pisa, with its magnificent Duomo, Baptistry, and Learning Tower.
After disembarking, spend the day in Florence at your leisure before overnighting ready to join your small group tour the following day. With a maximum of just 18 guests, your 8 day tour of Tuscany is personal and crafted for connection. You'll travel by luxury mini coach, with tour leader and driver, with superior accommodation and included activities and sightseeing tours as you discover this spectacular, romantic region.
Picture a place where each sun-dappled street leads to a new and surprising discovery. Where golden-lit towns burst with medieval treasures, and sheer, rugged coasts send shivers down your spine. A soft breeze whispers through a neat row of olive trees, and a gently simmering ragù fills the air at every turn. This is more than a tour of Tuscany; it’s an invitation to experience Italy with all your senses.
This specially curated Ultimate Cruising itinerary is tailor-made to bring you the very best of the Mediterannean and Tuscany, packed full of magical experiences, culinary delights and memories to last a lifetime!
Special Offers
Book by 30 Sep 2026 for this special offer. All pricing is subject to availability and may change at any time.
Make it a package - Book your airfares and arrival/departure transfers and we'll include chauffeur-driven luxury car transfers from your home to the airport and return (within 35km).
Back-to-back Offers - Book a second connecting cruise with Ponant for further savings! Or see our Mediterranean Rivieras and Tuscan Fields Package for an amazing journey from Lisbon to Barcelona before picking up with this package. The Ultimate Mediterranean summer holiday!
Cruised with Ponant before? You may be eligible for further savings and benefits. Ask our consultants for details.
Solo Traveller Offer - Reduced solo supplements on offer. Please ask us for details!
