Isle of Beauty & Italian shores

The port of Nice is a vibrant gateway to the French Riviera, offering a rich tapestry of history, stunning architecture, and delectable local cuisine. Must-do experiences include savoring local specialties at the bustling Cours Saleya Market and exploring the charming streets of Vieux Nice. The best time to visit is during the spring and early fall when the weather is mild and the city is alive with cultural festivities.

Saint-Florent is Corsica's elegant northern harbor town, set in a sheltered gulf with a Genoese citadel, Pisan Romanesque cathedral, and access to the pristine beaches of the Désert des Agriates—Europe's most unspoiled coastline. Must-dos include boat trips to Plage de Saleccia, tasting Patrimonio wines, and dining on Corsican seafood at waterfront terraces. May through October offers the best conditions, with June and September ideal.

Propriano, Corsica - France, France is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Ponant. Must-do experiences include walking the historic center to experience the layered architectural heritage, and seeking out the regional culinary traditions at a locally favored establishment away from the port area. The optimal time to visit is May through September, when mild temperatures and long days favor unhurried exploration.

Porto Ercole is a fortified fishing village on Tuscany's Monte Argentario peninsula, where Caravaggio spent his final days and Italian elegance meets authentic maritime life beneath a Spanish fortress. Must-dos include harbor-side dining on cacciucco fish stew, exploring the old town's stepped lanes, and excursions to the Maremma coast. May through October offers warm Mediterranean conditions, with June and September ideal.

Giglio is a granite gem in the Tuscan Archipelago, its three distinct settlements offering medieval fortress villages, a vibrant fishing harbor, and sunset-facing beaches within Europe's largest marine park. Must-dos include diving the crystalline waters for red coral and grottoes, tasting acqua pazza made with the morning catch, and sampling the rare Ansonaco wine unique to the island. June through September offers the warmest seas, with spring and autumn ideal for hiking.

Portoferraio is the historic capital of Elba, the Tuscan island famous as Napoleon's place of exile, featuring Medici fortifications, pastel waterfront facades, and over 150 beaches. Must-dos include Napoleon's Villa dei Mulini, the Monte Capanne cable car, and sampling Aleatico dessert wine. May through October offers ideal Mediterranean conditions, with June and September best for avoiding crowds.

Portofino is a jewel-box fishing village on Italy's Ligurian coast, renowned for its pastel harbour, Castello Brown fortress views, and exquisite pesto-dressed trofie pasta at waterside trattorias. Visitors should walk the coastal trail to the Cristo degli Abissi underwater statue at San Fruttuoso and savour focaccia di Recco with a glass of local Vermentino. The ideal season stretches from late April through October, with September offering the perfect balance of warm Mediterranean light and the intimate calm that returns after summer's peak.

Calvi is Corsica's jewel-box port town where a commanding Genoese citadel overlooks the Mediterranean's finest urban beach — four miles of white sand lapped by Caribbean-clear water beneath snow-capped mountains. Visit June or September via Ponant or Explora Journeys for citadel walks, Corsican wild boar and brocciu cheese, and the essential paradox of an island that is French by law but entirely its own in character.

The port of Nice is a vibrant gateway to the French Riviera, offering a rich tapestry of history, stunning architecture, and delectable local cuisine. Must-do experiences include savoring local specialties at the bustling Cours Saleya Market and exploring the charming streets of Vieux Nice. The best time to visit is during the spring and early fall when the weather is mild and the city is alive with cultural festivities.