Icons of Italy & Mediterranean Rivieras - Cruise & Land Journey: 18 days Milan to Barcelona

Welcome to Italy and to Milan. As the capital of the Lombardy region, Milan has been a seat of power since the Roman era and today stands as Italy’s creative and commercial heartland, as celebrated for its Baroque palaces and Gothic cathedral as for the fashion houses and design studios that have shaped global culture for generations. You will enjoy a three-night stay here, with time to settle in and begin absorbing this endlessly rewarding city.

This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow guests over a welcome dinner – the perfect introduction to the warmth of northern Italian hospitality and the discoveries that lie ahead.

An hour north of Milan, Lake Como reveals an entirely different Italy. Cradled between steep forested mountains and reflecting the light of the southern Alps, this glacial lake has been a place of retreat for aristocrats, artists, and statesmen since Roman times – Pliny the Younger owned two villas on its shores in the 1st century AD. 

Scenic Enrich
Your Scenic Enrich experience brings you across the lake by private cruise to visit Villa del Balbianello, set on a dramatic wooded promontory above the water. Built in 1787 by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini on the site of a 13th-century Franciscan monastery, the villa passed through remarkable hands before being bequeathed to the Italian Environment Fund – among its last private owners was Guido Monzino, the explorer who led the first Italian expedition to summit Everest in 1973, whose art collection and expedition memorabilia still fill the interiors.

Milan reveals its depth today in three of the world’s most extraordinary cultural sites. The Duomo Cathedral, begun in 1386 under Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti, took nearly six centuries to complete – its roofline of 135 spires and 3,400 statues the work of craftspeople across 25 generations. Nearby, Teatro alla Scala, opened in 1778, remains the defining stage of Italian opera – it was here that Verdi’s Nabucco premiered in 1842, its chorus becoming an anthem of Italian unification.

The day’s most intimate encounter awaits at Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (1495–1498) captures the moment Christ declares one of his Apostles will betray him – twelve expressions of shock and grief frozen in a composition of enduring psychological power. The afternoon is yours to explore Milan freely.

Departing Milan this morning, your journey west into Piedmont begins at Casa Martini in Pessione – the historic headquarters of Martini & Rossi, founded in 1863 when Alessandro Martini and master winemaker Luigi Rossi set out to create a vermouth unlike any other. Your guided visit traces the history of vermouth from its origins through to the production process, concluding with a tasting of selected Martini expressions.

You’ll spend the next two nights is in Turin, the elegant former capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Baroque boulevards lined with 18 kilometres of covered porticoes, stately Savoy palaces, and some of the finest café culture in Europe make Turin one of Italy’s most rewarding and often underestimated cities.

Today you’ll begin your day at Museo Egizio, founded in 1824 around the extraordinary Drovetti Collection and today considered the second most important collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world after Cairo, with more than 40,000 artefacts spanning 4,000 years of history. A guided visit to the Royal Palace of Turin then traces the history of the House of Savoy across chambers that formed the centre of Italian royal power for more than three centuries, within a UNESCO World Heritage-listed ensemble of Savoy residences.

Your city walking tour leads through Piazza Castello and past the façades of Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale, along the arcaded Via Po, and into the aristocratic grandeur of Piazza San Carlo – known for its twin Baroque churches and the historic cafés that have served the city’s intellectuals and aristocracy since the 18th century. 

The road south leads to Bologna, the food capital of Italy – a reputation earned through centuries of genuine culinary achievement in a region that gave the world Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, mortadella, fresh egg pasta, and balsamic vinegar. On arrival you check in to your hotel for a two-night stay, in a city whose medieval towers, arcaded streets, and vibrant market culture make it one of Italy’s most characterful and rewarding destinations. 

Scenic Enrich
Your Scenic Enrich experience takes you behind the scenes of one of Italy’s most revered traditions. At an authentic prosciutto producer, you discover a process requiring up to 24 months of salting, air-drying, and patient maturation – a craft that connects every slice to centuries of accumulated knowledge and pride.

This morning you venture just outside Bologna to Maranello, home of the Museo Ferrari. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1947, Ferrari has pursued a singular vision across eight decades – to build the finest and most emotionally compelling cars in the world. The museum brings that story to life through championship Formula 1 machines, legendary road cars, and archival film and photography tracing the brand from its origins to the present day. 

Scenic Freechoice: Back in Bologna this afternoon, choose the discovery that suits you best:

An authentic Italian cooking class mastering fresh pasta and regional Bolognese traditions with a local instructor.

A street food journey through the Quadrilatero – Bologna’s medieval market district, its lanes lined with traditional salumeria, cheese shops, and delicatessens that have been nourishing the city for centuries.

Travelling like a local today, you’ll board a high-speed train from Bologna to Rome. Covering 350 kilometres in under three hours, you’ll see Tuscany’s rolling hills give way to the ancient volcanic landscape of Lazio before Rome announces itself on the horizon.  
Known as the Eternal City, Rome is a place where 28 centuries of continuous habitation have produced the greatest concentration of Western cultural heritage on earth – ancient forums, Renaissance churches, and Baroque fountains coexisting with designer boutiques and the easy rhythm of modern Italian life.

This evening, you’ll gather with your fellow guest for a farewell dinner, celebrating the journey and the remarkable discoveries shared along the way.

After breakfast, you’ll travel from Rome to Civitavecchia, an ancient port dating back to the 2nd century. Here, by the Roman Dock and the 16th century Michelangelo Fort, you’ll board your next-generation Scenic Discovery Yacht, Scenic Ikon, for the next leg of your journey.   Upon boarding, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the Captain and crew with a glass of Champagne. Settle into your spacious suite and meet your personal butler, then step out on deck to toast the beginning of your voyage as you sail away from this historic harbour. 

The city of Livorno has been welcoming sailors and traders from around the globe for over 400 years. As one of Italy's most vibrant port cities, Livorno serves as the gateway to the magnificent Tuscany region, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, delectable cuisine, and rich artistic heritage. Located conveniently close to Florence and Pisa, both World Heritage-listed cities, Livorno offers easy access to these iconic destinations. Discover Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces, including the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery, or stand in the shadow of the Leaning Tower in historic Pisa. 

The beautiful fishing village of Portofino is nestled on Italy's Riviera and is one of its most famous resort towns. Postcard-perfect and brimming with Mediterranean charm, Portofino is the epitome of la dolce vita. Brightly coloured buildings sit against crystal-clear water with lush pine-covered hills in the distance.  

Explore the luxury boutiques, dine on exquisitely fresh seafood and soak in the atmosphere of the exclusive Piazzetta, where superyachts line the harbour and celebrity sightings are not uncommon.  

Calvi, on the French island of Corsica, has a long and illustrious history. Founded in the 13th century, its fiery medieval citadel still stands above red tiled roofs. It’s been a tourist hotspot since the 1920s, thanks to its moon-shaped bay lined with a golden, sandy beach and forested mountains on the horizon.   

Today, Calvi has the feel of a chic resort on the French Riviera, with waterfront restaurants, luxury hotels and multi-million-dollar yachts at anchor. Explore the alleys of this historic old town, walk the ramparts of the citadel and find the house that is said to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. 

After a day of exploration, return to the comfort of your yacht where exceptional dining awaits — a perfect end to an unforgettable day. 

Monte Carlo is the epitome of luxury and elegance, nestled within the principality of Monaco. Explore the opulent streets lined with designer boutiques and bask in the Mediterranean sun along the picturesque coastline. With its world-class entertainment, exclusive clubs, and prestigious events, Monte Carlo captivates visitors with its timeless allure and sophistication. Whether you're seeking excitement at the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo or simply relaxation in the lap of luxury, an unforgettable late-night stay here awaits.   

Back on board, unwind and enjoy a beautifully curated meal — crafted with care, served with elegance and enjoyed at your own pace

Tucked along the coast of Provence, Bandol is a charming seaside town known for its serene beaches, colourful harbour and renowned vineyards. Stroll the lively promenade, browse local markets or relax at a waterfront café. Wine lovers may recognise Bandol for its celebrated rosés and full-bodied reds, some of the finest in the region.  

As evening falls, unwind with live entertainment on board — the perfect way to reflect on the day’s discoveries in a refined and relaxed setting. 

Later this evening, we set sail for Marseille, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay. 

The oldest city in France, Marseille dates to 600 BC. Today, it’s a fast-paced, modern city brimming with multicultural flavours, and flanked by breathtaking natural scenery and golden beaches. This is a place where grit and grandeur meet, offering a fascinating insight into contemporary French culture. Explore its ancient streets and diverse neighbourhoods, marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, and treat yourself to the freshest seafood and traditional delicacies. Marseille is also the gateway to the region of Provence, famous for its wine and cuisine. 

This evening, indulge in a world-class dining experience on board, with every detail thoughtfully prepared and every meal a moment to savour. 

Often called the ‘Venice of Languedoc’, Sète is a vibrant port city woven with canals, colourful facades and a strong maritime spirit. Explore the bustling waterfront, watch fishing boats unload the day’s catch, or wander through the lively town centre filled with cafés, markets, and local charm. Seafood lovers will be in their element; Sète is famed for its fresh oysters and tielle, a savoury seafood pie. 

Tonight, enjoy a curated selection of live entertainment designed to complement your journey — from soothing melodies to vibrant performances that bring the spirit of your destination to life. 

Part of Spain’s Costa Brava, meaning ‘wild coast’, Palamós is an authentic working fishing village that beckons with Mediterranean charm and cultural richness. Explore the historic streets adorned with colourful buildings and quaint cafes, where the vibrant energy of local life fills the air. In nearby Figueres, the renowned Dalí Theatre-Museum brings the surreal works of Salvador Dalí to life in a mesmerising display of artistry. Immerse yourself in the masterpieces of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. 

Later this evening, we set sail for Barcelona, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay. 

Your Signature Yacht Cruise ends this morning in the vibrant city of Barcelona, capital of the region of Catalonia. This spectacular city is known for its culinary delights, thriving art scene and architectural wonders such as Gaudi’s iconic creation, La Sagrada Familia.    

Disembark after breakfast as you farewell your fellow guests and crew, taking with you memories of a truly unforgettable journey.    

Please book your flight to depart out of Barcelona after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.
^Experiences on board our helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.

Helicopter not operational in France. Submersible not operational in Europe.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.