Icons of Italy & the French Riviera - Cruise & Land Journey: 19 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 cosmopolitan 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 (birthplace of the Renaissance) and Pisa, Livorno offers easy access to these iconic destinations. 

Dubbed the “sixth” Cinque Terre town, Portovenere is a World Heritage-listed beauty that has an extraordinary, picturesque coastline. With narrow streets winding through a medieval town and sweeping views of the Mediterranean, it’s a hidden gem that is less frequented, allowing you the space to relax and experience the town for all that it is. Previously used as a Roman naval station, there is a lot of history for you to explore along this rugged coast. Popular poets and writers such as Byron, Shelley and Lawrence are known to have fallen in love with the charm of this town. 

Monte Carlo is the epitome of style and elegance, nestled within the principality of Monaco. Explore the opulent streets lined with famous 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 glamour and sophistication. Whether you're seeking excitement at the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo or prefer a quiet moonlit dinner, an unforgettable overnight stay awaits.

Welcome to Nice, a jewel of the French Riviera. With its elegant seaside promenade, Belle Époque architecture, and vibrant markets, this coastal gem blends Mediterranean charm with cosmopolitan elegance. Stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, explore the narrow streets of the Old Town (Vieux Nice) or relax at a café with a view of the turquoise sea. 

Saint-Tropez, once a quiet fishing village, became a chic travel destination in the 1950s, thanks to Brigitte Bardot and the film ‘And God Created Woman’. Today, it still retains all the glitz and glamour, alongside glittering blue seas, stunning beaches and a Bohemian art scene. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the old fishing quarter of La Ponche, and revel in the abstract architecture and sunlit landscapes that inspired great artists and filmmakers. With a late departure, see Saint-Tropez come alive in the evening.  

The small town of Sanary-sur-Mer on the French Riviera also began life as a fishing village and the marina is still crammed with hundreds of brightly coloured wooden boats. You’ll quickly be charmed by this picturesque Provençal village, with its pretty palm-lined harbour, quiet pedestrian streets and pastel-hued buildings, all clustered around a 13th century watchtower, which you can climb for sweeping views of the town. Along the harbour, you’ll see fishermen pulling in the day’s catch which is then served up at the open-air restaurants looking out over the bobbing boats. 

The picturesque fishing village of Cassis, nestled along the stunning French Riviera, is famous for its colourful harbour, charming streets and the dramatic cliffs of Calanques National Park. It’s a place of good bars, bistros and even better boutiques. Enjoy local wines, stroll along the waterfront and take in the unforgettable coastal views that define this captivating destination. 

This morning, glide into another of the Mediterranean’s stunning deep-water harbours. Collioure is adorned with small beaches, castles by the sea and pink-domed bell towers. Known as the Pearl of the Vermillion Coast, Collioure has azure waters lapping pebbled beaches and pastel houses surrounding sun dappled squares. Walk through the town and lose yourself on the streets lined with cafes and gelato shops. With a mix of French and Spanish influences, Collioure is famed for its wine and salted anchovies, both of which are exported all over France.   

Discover L’Escala, a charming coastal town on Spain’s Costa Brava known for its beaches and rich history. Famous for its connection to the ancient Greek settlement of Empúries, this town offers a unique blend of sun-soaked shores and fascinating archaeological sites. Stroll along the waterfront, savour fresh seafood and enjoy the relaxed Mediterranean vibe that makes L’Escala a hidden gem. 

Your Signature Yacht Cruise finishes this morning in the vibrant city of Barcelona, capital of the region of Catalonia. This spectacular city is known for its culinary delights, eclectic architecture, thriving art scene and lively nightlife.

Disembark after a final 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.