Italy/France/Monaco
From Rome to Nice: A Voyage on the World Traveller
Program No. 24665RJ
Discover the rich history and heritage of the Italian Riviera and more, as you join us for this voyage on a yacht-style ship.
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
12 days
11 nights
27 meals
10B 8L 9D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
4
Etruscan Necropolis, Transfer to Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia
7
Cinque Terre
At Sea
8
Portofino, Free Time
At Sea
9
Day At Sea
At Sea
12
Program Concludes
Nice
At a Glance
The ruins of the Colosseum, idyllic seaside views in Cinque Terre, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence — Italy is home to many treasures, many of which can be discovered on this voyage on a yacht-style ship with just 100 cabins. Set sail from Rome on this journey along the Italian coast ending in Nice and immerse yourself in art, history and culture. Experience some of the best of Italy from the water!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
I like to spend much of the day exploring. Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Discover picturesque Cinque Terre by boat and explore the largest village, Monterosso al Mare.
- Spend the day in Florence with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery housing one of the greatest art collections in the world.
- Visit the Etruscan Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where burial sites and practices date back thousands of years.
Suggested Reading List
(30 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
From Rome to Nice: A Voyage on the World Traveller
Program Number: 24665
Rome, A Cultural History
Not a comprehensive history, but a good, easy-to-read introduction to the city and its landmarks that will appeal both to first time visitors and those who know and love the city.
Tasting French Terroir: The History of an Idea
This book explores the origins and significance of the French concept of terroir (the specific taste of a particular place), demonstrating that the way the French eat their food and drink their wine today derives from a cultural mythology that developed between the Renaissance and the Revolution.
The Stones of Florence
Renowned for her sharp literary style, essayist and fiction writer Mary McCarthy offers a unique history of Florence, from its inception to the dominant role it came to play in the world of art, architecture, and Italian culture, that captures the brilliant Florentine spirit and revisits the legendary figures—Dante, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and others—who exemplify it so iconically. Her most cherished sights and experiences color this timeless, graceful portrait of a city that's as famous as it is alluring.
The French Riviera, A Cultural History
From Roman outpost to Napoleonic battleground and playground for the rich and famous, this marvelously informed cultural guide covers the place of the Riviera in history, literature, art, architecture and the imagination.
Florence: The Paintings & Frescoes, 1250-1743
A magnificent, never-before-published collection of every painting and fresco on display in the Uffizi, the Galleria Palatina of the Pitti Palace, the Accademia, and the Duomo, and more -- nearly 2,000 works of art -- all presented in a beautiful slipcased package.
J'accuse
Nice has long been seen by some as a place with a different side to the sunny holiday vibe, a place full of organized crime and official corruption. This short book from 1982 denounces Nice’s corruption – it’s other title is Nice Côté Ombre (The Dark Side of Nice).
Rick Steves' Snapshot Italy's Cinque Terre
A slim guide to the Cinque Terre region with Steves' expert-selected hotels, travel advice, major sites and places to relax.
La Bella Figura: A Field Guide to the Italian Mind
Italians themselves love this guide to the Italian character, which addresses their never-ending passion for beauty, disorder and high emotion. The book opens with a snapshot of Malpensa Airport, then moves on to Tuscany, Rome, Naples and Sardinia.
Ancient Rome: Art, Architecture, and History
This lively, illustrated survey of Ancient Rome's monuments, history and art is a terrific introduction.
Renaissance Florence, The Invention of a New Art
A cultural and social history of the city focusing on the great art and famous monuments, featuring vivid color pictures and illustrations.
La Bella Lingua
Inebriated with the sounds of Italian, lovesick for its phrases and enamored of its earthy idioms, Hales, "a sensible woman of sturdy Polish stock," dives into the Italian of the piazza, literature, movies and streets in this charming memoir.
Italy, A Traveler's Literary Companion
Not just a literary companion, this anthology is also a who's who of contemporary Italian writers who capture the spirit, history and allure of the country.
The House of Medici, Its Rise and Fall
A well-written, entertaining history of the Medicis in Renaissance Florence. Great to read before going to Florence, where the influence of the Medicis and the artists they supported is still very much in evidence.
The Smiles of Rome, A Literary Companion for Readers and Travelers
A wonderfully inspired anthology featuring excerpts from 29 writers and artists interspersed with practical suggestions for travelers.
Beautiful Ruins
Award-winning, bestselling author Jess Walter brings us to the Italian Riviera in this glittering love story. Based on actual events.
La Dolce Vita University: An Unconventional Guide to Italian Culture from A to Z
La Dolce Vita University (LDVU) is the perfect sampler for anyone curious about (or already in amore with) Italy and its remarkably rich cultural gifts, both past and present.
F is for France: A Curious Cabinet of French Wonders
An alphabetized catalogue of quirky French culture and history tidbits.
Four Seasons in Rome
From the author of the acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning #1 New York Times bestseller All the Light We Cannot See and Cloud Cuckoo Land, Four Seasons in Rome is a memoir about art and adventures in Rome.
A Traveler's History of Cote D'Azur
This book begins with Cote d'Azur's early days and moves through to the present in a comprehensive, but concise, easily readable form. It should help travelers relate what they are seeing today to what it was before.
The Colosseum
This engaging overview of the history of the Colosseum deconstructs Hollywood-perpetrated misconceptions of gladiator-eating lions, Nero fiddling and other myths.
Italian Folktales
A treasured collection of 200 lively folk tales presented by one of the modern masters of Italian fiction. Calvino's elegant rendering of these old stories reveals his great affection for the folkloric traditions of his childhood.
Italy, A Short History
Elegantly written, generous and informative, this compact book takes in the sweep of Italian history from the Roman Republic through the Renaissance, World War II and up to the present.
The Seven Hills of Rome, A Geological Tour of the Eternal City
With a timeline, chapters on each of the seven hills, Tiber Floodplain and overview of geology, this accessible guide, written by experts in geology, culture and history of Rome, shows the importance of the geological setting to the history of the city over the millennia.
The Oxford Illustrated History of the Roman World
Diverse scholars contribute chapters to this authoritative, illuminating overview of history, art, society and life of Roman and the Roman world. With maps, drawings and illustrations throughout.
Insight Guides; Explore Nice & the French Riviera
Explore Nice and the French Riviera is part of a new series and is the ideal pocket companion when discovering this colorful and glamorous part of southern France.
The City of Florence, Historical Vistas and Personal Sightings
A vivid tour of the city and its riches by the fine biographer of Edith Wharton and Henry James. Lewis has written what he calls "a partial biography of Florence," beautifully interweaving the personal and the historical.
Roman Art and Architecture
Sir Mortimer Wheeler describes Roman art, architecture and town planning in this abundantly illustrated book in the World of Art series.
Italy in Mind
A terrific collection of some of the best literary writing on Italy, including pieces by Melville, Lawrence, Henry James, Mary McCarthy and many others.
The Italian Renaissance
A well-written history of the Renaissance, its artists and thinkers, with chapters on Florence, Milan, Rome and Venice, Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Women of the Renaissance.
As The Romans Do
In 1995, after a twenty-year love affair with Italy, Alan Epstein fulfilled his dream to live in Rome. In As the Romans Do, he celebrates the spirit of this stylish, dramatic, ancient city that formed the hub of a far-flung empire and introduced the Mediterranean culture to the rest of the world.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
12 days
Program Begins
Rome
Program Concludes
Nice
Meals
27
| 10B |
8L |
9D |
Activity Level
The ruins of the Colosseum, idyllic seaside views in Cinque Terre, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence — Italy is home to many treasures, many of which can be discovered on this voyage on a yacht-style ship with just 100 cabins. Set sail from Rome on this journey along the Italian coast ending in Nice and immerse yourself in art, history and culture. Experience some of the best of Italy from the water!)
Best of all, you'll...
- Discover picturesque Cinque Terre by boat and explore the largest village, Monterosso al Mare.
- Spend the day in Florence with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery housing one of the greatest art collections in the world.
- Visit the Etruscan Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where burial sites and practices date back thousands of years.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
I like to spend much of the day exploring. Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(30 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
12 days
11 nights
What's Included
27 meals | 10B | 8L | 9D |
9 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
10 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Rome, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Rome
Meals:
D
Stay:
Kolbe Hotel Rome
Activity Note
Check-in available from 3:00 PM
Afternoon:
After arriving at the hotel, check-in and take some time to unpack and relax. Attend an orientation meeting. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Unless otherwise noted, all lectures and field trips will be led by our Group Leader, a local expert.
Dinner:
Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Evening:
Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Colosseum, Roman Forum (Walking Field Trip)
Location:
Rome
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Kolbe Hotel Rome
Activity Note
Today is a walking Field Trip. Walking up to 3 miles on uneven terrain. Comfortable shoes and hat are recommended.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will enjoy an orientation walk of Rome with our group leader, then we will walk to the restaurant for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we will walk to visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Officially known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum was the greatest in the Roman Empire and could hold more than 50,000 spectators. Historical records, as well as popular culture in our time, have made it an iconic symbol of gladiatorial combat and the sacrifice of untold numbers of slaves, prisoners of war, condemned criminals, and animals from throughout the empire. The Roman Forum was the civic, religious, and political hub of ancient Rome. We will see the two remaining triumphal arches of Septemius Severus and Titus. The Arch of Constantine contains friezes and bas-relief sculptures recycled from other arches and monuments. We will walk back to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out, transfer, and embarkation tomorrow.
Day
4
Etruscan Necropolis, Transfer to Civitavecchia
Location:
Civitavecchia
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
World Traveller
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach, 2-4 steps up/down; approximately 1 hour riding time to Civitavecchia. Walking up to 2 miles on uneven terrain. Comfortable shoes and hat are recommended.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel, board our motorcoach, and ride to visit the Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia on the way to Civitavecchia. These two large Etruscan cemeteries reflect different types of burial practices from the 9th to the 1st centuries BCE and bears witness to the achievements of Etruscan culture. Some of the tombs are monumental, cut in rock and topped by impressive tumuli (burial mounds). Many feature carvings on their walls, others have wall paintings of outstanding quality. The necropolis near Cerveteri, known as Banditaccia, contains thousands of tombs organized in a city-like plan, with streets, small squares and neighbourhoods. The site contains very different types of tombs: trenches cut in rock; tumuli; and some, also carved in rock, in the shape of huts or houses with a wealth of structural details. These provide the only surviving evidence of Etruscan residential architecture. It is famous for its 200 painted tombs, the earliest of which date from the 7th century BC.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant en route to Civitavecchia.
Afternoon:
We’ll arrive in Civitavecchia and board the ship. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to unpack, freshen up, relax, and start becoming familiar with the ship. There will be a mandatory passenger briefing and safety drill. Please note that your departure is part of our Adventures Afloat programs. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of excursions without prior notice.
Dinner:
Aboard ship. Chef-prepared meals feature fresh ingredients in tasty preparations. Non-alcoholic beverages, unlimited wines, premium craft cocktails and brews at dinner are included.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.
Day
5
Elba, Napoleon’s Summer Residence, Free Time
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
World Traveller
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach, 2-4 steps up/down. Walking up to 2 miles in the morning.Comfortable shoes and hat are recommended.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and visit Villa San Martino which was the summer residence of Napoleon Bonaparte. The emperor, lived in exile on Elba Island from May 4, 1814 to February 26, 1815. The Villa houses a collection of 19th-century prints and period furnishings throughout the frescoed rooms.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time for independent exploration or enjoy activities aboard ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Livorno, Florence, Uffizi Gallery
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
World Traveller
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; 2-4 steps up/down; driving 1 1/2 hours each way from Livorno to Florence. Walking up to 3 miles, uneven terrain, cobblestones, stairs, uphill segments.Comfortable shoes and hat are recommended. NOTE: the evening at the Medician Fortress is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs, expect to navigate steps.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach for our 1 1/2 hour ride through the Tuscan hills to Florence. Upon arrival, we will discover the city that gave birth to the Italian Renaissance on a walking exploration through the history and art of Florence. We will walk past such landmarks as the 10th-century Ponte Vecchio spanning the River Arno. From the outside, we’ll view the Duomo cathedral flanked by Giotto's Bell Tower. See the Baptistry, where Ghiberti and Donatello competed to design the bronze doors. We’ll also admire the exterior of Basilica di Santa Croce where Michelangelo and Machiavelli are interred. We’ll then pause in Piazza della Signoria, the site of Fra Savonarola’s Bonfire of the Vanities in 1497.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we will enjoy a guided visit of the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery. The 16th-century palace, built when Cosimo Medici was the First Grand Duke of Tuscany, houses such Renaissance masterpieces as The Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci, the exquisite Madonnas of Filippo Lippi, and an entire room of Botticellis, including The Birth of Venus. Foreign artists from Rembrandt to Rubens are also represented. After our visit, we will board our motorcoach for our 1 1/2 ride back to the ship in Livorno.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
Enjoy an evening at the Medicean Fortress in Livorno. We will walk to the historic Medicean Fortress and be welcomed with music while partaking in a drink and local snacks.
Day
7
Cinque Terre
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
World Traveller
Activity Note
Public ferry to Cinque Terre. Walking up to 3 miles on cobblestones, uneven terrain, narrow/steep paths. Comfortable shoes and hat are recommended.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will enjoy a local experience and board a public ferry to Cinque Terre. Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are the names of the Cinque Terre (Five Lands) that comprise this region on the Italian Riviera. We’ll discover the beauty of the region on a walking field trip to explore some of what the five villages have to offer. You’ll be immersed in the beauty of the region, and perhaps driven to follow in the footsteps of Lord Byron and pen your own ode to Italy, “the garden of the world, the home of all art yields.”
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time for independent exploration or enjoy activities aboard ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Portofino, Free Time
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
World Traveller
Activity Note
Today is free to explore on your own.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will have an orientation walk with the Group Leader. Then, have the opportunity to enjoy a full day of independent exploration. Sitting on a peninsula in the Tigullio Gulf east of Genoa is the picturesque, half-moon shaped seaside village of Portofino. Originally founded by the Romans, today it is known as a resort of the rich and famous, and is filled with boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and luxury hotels including the world-famous Hotel Splendido, situated high up on the a cliff with spectacular views. At sea level, beautiful pastel houses line the shores of the harbor, making it one of the most perfect, most photogenic fishing ports in the Mediterranean.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time. Continue exploring Portofino on your own or enjoy activities aboard ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Day At Sea
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
World Traveller
Activity Note
Full day at sea.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship as we sail to Monte Carlo.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Monte Carlo, Old Monaco, Village of Eze
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
World Traveller
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; 2-4 steps up/down. Walking up to 2 miles on cobblestones, uneven terrain, narrow/steep paths. Comfortable shoes and hat are recommended.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
After arriving into the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo, we’ll we will make our way to Monaco Rock where elevators and escalators will take us up to the Old City and the Palace Square for an exterior view at Prince Rainier's magnificent residence palace. We’ll stroll through the Old Town and see the Cathedral, where Princes and Princesses of Monaco are buried. Next, we'll drive to the hills to the ancient village of Eze, with its fabulous views over Saint Jean-Cap Ferrat. Perched on rock 1,400 feet above sea level, the village centers on the ruins of a 12th-century castle – a testament to centuries of occupation, from Romans and Moors to the House of Savoy – that offers scenic views and photo opportunities. We will have a guided visit of the quaint cobblestone streets filled with craftsmen’s boutiques and pass bougainvillea-wrapped villas that lead down the hillside to the Mediterranean. We will board our coach and head back to the ship for lunch.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time for independent exploration or enjoy activities aboard ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation in the morning.
Day
11
Nice, Disembarkation, St. Paul de Vence
Location:
Nice
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Best Western Plus Hotel Brice Garden Nice
Activity Note
Disembarking the ship. Getting on/off a motorcoach, 2-4 steps up/down. Walking up to 2 miles on cobblestones, uneven terrain, narrow/steep paths. There is a 15 minute walk from the bus parking lot to St. Paul de Vence.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
After completing disembarkation procedures, we will board our motorcoach and ride to the hill town of St. Paul de Vence where we will have a guided walking exploration. NOTE: there is a 15 minute walk from the bus parking lot to St. Paul de Vence. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is notable for its picturesque winding streets, modern and contemporary art museums, and galleries. We will walk back to our motorcoach and ride to Nice for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will explore some of the sites of Nice. We will drive past the Russian Orthodox Church, stop at Castle Hill for a panoramic view of the city, and drive along the Promenade des Anglais. Upon arrival at the hotel, we will check in.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
12
Program Concludes
Location:
Nice
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
MEALS
27 Meals
10 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
9 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 17, 2024
Participant Reviews
Based on 1 Reviews
Sort By:
The voyage on Atlas expedition ship, the World Traveller, was the perfect way to explore a good part of the Italian Rivera along with Monaco and Nice. A few more days in Nice would have been a lovely way to extend the trip on land.I hope Road Scholar will be able to offer more Adventures Afloat with Atlas Ocean Voyages.
— Review left September 27, 2024
