Join Castello President Georg Salzner and Winemaker Peter Velleno and immerse yourself in Italy’s treasures on this country intensive voyage exploring Italian culture, history, local life, and of course, wine!
All group related wine events onboard Azamara will feature Castello di Amorosa wines.
Ship departs from Monte-Carlo and stops at Santa Margherita, Portovenere, Livorno (Florence and Pisa), Portoferraio, Bonifacio (Corsica), and Civitavecchia (Rome).
Board the Pursuit in dazzling Monte-Carlo and immerse yourself in five Italian ports. You’ll visit iconic destinations, plus a few charming locations off the beaten path. Begin your Italian adventure in the beautiful resort town of Santa Margherita before we ramp up the romance in enchanting Portovenere, where colorful seaside houses along the rugged Italian coastline create the perfect backdrop to indulge in “la dolce vita.” Next we’ll sail to Livorno, where you’ll have the chance to explore opulent Florence and enchanting Pisa. With an overnight in port, you won’t even have to choose between the two! After Livorno, we set sail for Bonicacio, a French island town close enough to Sardinia to give it a distinctly Italian flavor. Our cruise concludes in Rome, where you can revel in the ancient wonders of the Eternal City before departing on your journey home.
*Airfare is additional. Flights can be arranged through Sue Pohl at time of booking.
You don’t need luck on your side to have an unforgettable time in Monte-Carlo! Home to the legendary Grand Casino and the Monaco Grand Prix – one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events – Monte-Carlo lives up to its reputation in every way. Drive the Monaco Grand Prix route in a performance vehicle, visit the Grand Casino, or roll the dice and explore the breathtaking beauty of the city.
Don’t miss Castello di Santa Margherita, a castle built in 1550 by the Republic of Genoa as a defense against pirate attacks. The main city square, Piazza Mazzini, is lined with colorful palaces just begging to be Instagrammed. Finally, find yourself seated at a waterfront café with both glass of wine and menu in hand, as you watch fishermen unload their catch – and your meal – of the day.
When you picture classic Italian romance, the setting could be Portovenere. Stroll along winding cobblestone streets to San Pietro Church, which sits upon a site that’s believed to have once been a temple to Venus. And be sure to visit GrottaDell’Arpaia, where poet Lord Byron used to relax during the 1820s. It’s easy to see how he was inspired to write some of his most romantic works here.
The port city of Livorno has many charms of its own: the canals of La Venezia Nuova (New Venice), which date back to the Medici era, the Mercato Centrale, and the chessboard-stle Terrazza Mascagni promenade, to name a few. But Livorno is also the gateway to the magnificent art and architecture, palaces, churches,a nd museums of Florence, as well as Pisa’s famous leaning tower. Decisions, decisions!
Did you know Napoleon was once exiled to the island of Elba for ten long years? You can learn all about it at the Archaeological Civic Museum. History not your thing? Why not climb to the top of Medici Fortress, take an open cable car to the peak of Mount Capanne, or enjoy performances in Vigilanti Theatre. No matter your choice, you’re sure to wonder why Napoleon ever wanted to leave.
Medieval homes and an imposing citadel seem to emerge from limestone cliffs overlooking the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. Make your way up to Montée Saint Roch for unparalleled views, hop in a boat to explore a pristine marine reserve, and listen to movin and soulful chants of the area’s Brotherhoods in the Palazzu Publicu.
Always enchanting, the Eternal City will captivate you – no matter how many times you visit. Walk in the steps of gladiators at the Colisseum, channel your inner statesman at the Forum, or gaze up in wonder at Michelangelo’s masterwork at St. Peter’s Basilica. Pasta and vino are a must, and there are plenty of places to relax and refuel after a day of exploration.