Blue Ocean Club
9 days · 9 stops

The Two Rivieras

The Riviera air is thick with the scent of pine and salt as you depart the vibrant Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Your yacht glides east, tracing a legendary coastline where French glamour gives way to Italian charisma. The journey unfolds from the opulent heights of Monaco to the rustic charm of Ligurian fishing villages, a sun-drenched passage through Europe’s most celebrated waters. The iconic pastel harbour of Portofino awaits, a fitting finale to a classic voyage that captures the distinct spirit of two, yet intrinsically linked, Rivieras.

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  1. DAY 01

    Nice, France

    Embark at Port Lympia, surrounded by the ochre-hued buildings of Nice. Settle in on board with the grand sweep of the Baie des Anges before you, the sounds of the city giving way to the gentle lapping of the Mediterranean against the hull. The afternoon is for exploring the city's vibrant old town, a maze of narrow streets that open onto sunlit squares.

    • Stroll the length of the famous Promenade des Anglais.
    • Explore the Cours Saleya flower and produce market in Vieux Nice.
    • Visit the Musée Matisse, housed in a 17th-century Genoese villa.
    • Enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif in the lively Place Rossetti.
    Anchorage
    Port de Nice (Port Lympia)
    Dining
    Le Plongeoir for its dramatic setting on a rock pillar over the sea.
  2. DAY 02

    Villefranche-sur-Mer & Cap Ferrat

    A short, scenic cruise brings you to the deep, sheltered bay of Villefranche, one of the coast's most beautiful anchorages. The historic town tumbles down the hillside to the water, a cascade of pastel colours. Spend the day exploring the lavish villas and manicured gardens of the exclusive Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula.

    • Visit the magnificent Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild.
    • Walk the coastal path from Paloma Beach to the Cap Ferrat lighthouse.
    • Swim in the clear, protected waters of the Rade de Villefranche.
    • Discover the 14th-century covered street, Rue Obscure.
    Anchorage
    Rade de Villefranche
    Dining
    A long, leisurely lunch at the chic Paloma Beach club.
  3. DAY 03

    Monaco

    Arrive in the world’s most glamorous principality, securing a prime berth in Port Hercules beneath the rock of Monaco-Ville. The air here crackles with energy, from the purr of supercars navigating the famous Grand Prix circuit to the clatter of chips in the Casino de Monte-Carlo. This is a day of pure Riviera opulence and spectacle.

    • Visit the Prince's Palace and witness the Changing of the Guard.
    • Explore the world-renowned Musée Océanographique de Monaco.
    • Place a bet inside the gilded halls of the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
    • Walk the iconic Fairmont Hairpin of the Formula 1 track.
    Anchorage
    Port Hercules
    Dining
    Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse à l'Hôtel de Paris for an exceptional fine-dining experience.
  4. DAY 04

    Menton, France

    Your final French port of call is Menton, the 'pearl of France'. Tucked against the Italian border, its Italianate architecture and famous citrus groves create a gentle transition between the two cultures. Enjoy the fragrant air and slower pace of this sun-drenched town before your evening cruise across the border.

    • Wander the tiered botanical paradise of the Jardin Serre de la Madone.
    • Visit the Musée Jean Cocteau on the seafront.
    • Climb through the old town to the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange.
    • Sample the town's famous lemons, perhaps in a locally made limoncello.
    Anchorage
    Port de Menton Garavan
    Dining
    Dinner at Mirazur, or a delicious meal on your aft deck as you cruise towards Italy.
  5. DAY 05

    Sanremo, Italy

    Wake up in Italy, on the Riviera di Ponente. Sanremo, the 'City of Flowers', greets you with its Belle Époque grandeur, bustling harbour and palm-lined promenades. Explore the labyrinthine medieval quarter, La Pigna, which offers a striking contrast to the opulent casino and elegant shopping streets below.

    • Get lost in the steep, winding alleyways of La Pigna old town.
    • Cycle a portion of the Pista Ciclabile, a 24km coastal path.
    • Visit the ornate, art nouveau Sanremo Casino.
    • Browse the designer boutiques along the Via Matteotti.
    Anchorage
    Portosole Sanremo
    Dining
    Refined Ligurian cuisine at Ristorante Paolo e Barbara.
  6. DAY 06

    Alassio

    Drop anchor off the long, sandy beach of Alassio, a classic Italian seaside resort. The town is famous for its fine sand and the 'Muretto', a wall covered in tiles signed by visiting celebrities since Hemingway. This is a perfect spot to enjoy the yacht's water toys or simply relax on the beach with a good book.

    • Find your favourite celebrity signature on the Muretto di Alassio.
    • Relax on the fine quartz sand of Alassio's main beach.
    • Hike to the Cappelletta Porto Alassio for superb views of the bay.
    • Enjoy a traditional gelato while strolling the 'budello' shopping alley.
    Anchorage
    Baia di Alassio
    Dining
    Fresh seafood at La Prua, followed by the local 'Baci di Alassio' chocolate biscuits.
  7. DAY 07

    Finale Ligure

    The coastline becomes more dramatic as you approach Finale Ligure, where sheer limestone cliffs meet the sea. The area is a delightful mix of beach life in Finalmarina and medieval history in Finalborgo, a walled village just inland. It's a haven for outdoor activities, from kayaking beneath the cliffs to hiking in the hills.

    • Explore the perfectly preserved medieval village of Finalborgo.
    • Discover the Saracen-style houses in the coastal hamlet of Varigotti.
    • Paddleboard or kayak along the base of the striking white cliffs.
    • Hike a section of the Manie Plateau for expansive coastal views.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Loano or anchor off Varigotti
    Dining
    A rustic Ligurian meal at an osteria within the walls of Finalborgo.
  8. DAY 08

    Camogli

    Cruise past Genoa towards the Portofino peninsula to discover the authentic fishing village of Camogli. A vertical stack of tall, brightly-painted houses crowds around a small, picturesque harbour where fishermen still mend their nets. The atmosphere is genuine, charming, and feels a world away from the glitz of the Côte d'Azur.

    • Take a tender or ferry to the secluded San Fruttuoso Abbey.
    • Snorkel or dive over the submerged Christ of the Abyss statue.
    • Taste authentic Focaccia di Recco in the nearby town of Recco.
    • Enjoy a classic aperitivo while watching the fishing boats in the harbour.
    Anchorage
    Anchor off Camogli or berth in nearby Santa Margherita Ligure
    Dining
    Freshly caught fish at Ristorante da Paolo overlooking the harbour.
  9. DAY 09

    Portofino

    Your final destination is the jewel of the Italian Riviera. Cruise into the impossibly beautiful harbour of Portofino, a perfect crescent of pastel houses and chic cafés. The tiny Piazzetta hums with a sophisticated, yet relaxed, energy. It is a suitably iconic location to conclude your journey through two of Europe's most celebrated Rivieras.

    • Hike up to Castello Brown for the definitive postcard view of the harbour.
    • Browse the exclusive designer boutiques that line the waterfront.
    • Walk to the lighthouse (Il Faro) for panoramic sea views.
    • Take a final swim in the emerald waters of nearby Paraggi Bay.
    Anchorage
    Marina di Portofino
    Dining
    A farewell lunch at Chuflay Restaurant on the Piazzetta before disembarking.
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