French & Italian Riviera Dream

Ports

• Nice
  

  Nice is the fifth most populous city in France and the second largest on the Mediterranean coast. The city's famous seaside promenade, the Promenade des Anglais ('the Walkway of the English') owes its name to the earliest settlers to this seaside resort. For over a quarter century, the picturesque Nicean surroundings have attracted not only those in search of relaxation but also those seeking inspiration. SeaDream docks in the small port and offers several land adventure options as well as private arrangements and transfers.

• Menton
  

  Set at the heart of Cote d’Azur, Menton is quite spectacular. With sun-kissed terrains and pastel mansions around town, Menton certainly constitutes photo-worthy moments and a landscape you can stare at for days. These magical borders have long made up one of the most attractive towns on the coast and remain an intriguing bucket-list destination for dedicated globe-trotters.

• Portofino
  

  The picturesque fishing village of Portofino can be found along the Italian Riviera, and is one of the most popular resort getaways in all of Italy. Portofino has been a staple of tourism in Italy since the 19th century, officially replacing fishing as its chief industry in 1950. Portofino is twinned with Kinsale, Ireland, and Palma (de Mallorca), Spain. Roman philosopher and military commander Pliny the Elder declared that Portofino was founded by the Romans, and with the high concentration of dolphins found in the Tigullian Gulf, it was named the “Port of the Dolphin” - Portus Delphini. Portofino was primarily a member of the Republic of Genoa in early days, and never provided more than a resting area for the merchant navy due to its naturally cramped harbor. The Republic of Florence purchased Portofino in 1409 from French King Charles VI, yet returned when the Florentines were ousted. Portofino became a part of the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1815, and during Risorgimento, it became a member of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Aristocratic visitors from Northern Europe began visiting the town in the 19th century, leading to eventual vacation homes and celebrities appearing in Portofino. Portofino is naturally beautiful port with colorful, iconic architecture that was even replicated as a hotel resort at the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando. The Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan also created a seaside town based on Portofino. Tourists like to visit the museum Castello Brown, which provides a great view of the town, as well as the churches of St. Martin, Oratorio di Nostra Signora Assunta, and St. George - the latter containing some relics of saints. When visiting Portofino, be sure to take a guided dive to the Portofino Marine Park, as well as take a glimpse at the recently restored famous underwater statue, the Christ of the Abyss.

• Portovenere (Cinque Terre)
  

  One word – Incredible! Cinque Terre, Portovenere and the three Island of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. They have been selected for being distinguished examples of the ways in which man has been able to modify and transform the environment without altering the beauty of the original natural landscape. Most of our valued guests will participate in the ever popular “Cinque Terre: Don’t go Home Without It” Land Adventure. Others may enjoy the guided village walk or go hiking on several trails leading down the coast. Most guests will make a purchase of the amazing local pesto and we are fairly certain our Executive Chef will do the same. Be prepared for an incredible dinner al fresco this evening!

• Livorno (Florence)
  

  Not only is Livorno a fantastic hub to visit neighboring Pisa, Lucca and Florence. Livorno itself is a great destination. To start with, SeaDream docks in the city center rather than further down in the commercial port that would require shuttle bus service. SeaDreamers can easily walk into town or even to the train station. Some of our officers may offer a bike ride from the port to either Pisa or Lucca – possibly both for the extremely active guest. SeaDream has arranged some expertly guided land adventures to take you to the Unesco Awarded Sites. See the Land Adventures tab for more information.

• Portoferraio, Elba
  

  Portoferraio is a beautiful town in the province of Livorno, Tuscany, on the northern coast of Elba Island. SeaDream generally docks just steps away from the main street Via Garibaldi and offers a guided walk of this very historical town called “Walking the Napoleon Trail”. The first site is the Town Hall, proceeding northeast on Via Napoleone, the Misericordia church, in which a mass is said for Napoleon’s soul on May fifth every year. The highest point of the town is the Piazza Napoleone, from which there are beautiful views. To the west rises Forte Falcone (79m/261ft), to the east, above the lighthouse, Forte Stella (48m/158ft), both originally built in 1548 and later completed by Napoleon. On the seaward side of the square is the simple Villa dei Molini. This is believed to be Napoleon’s official residence, which contains his library. The island offers so much more than just the main city; there’s some incredible wine and several other towns to explore. To help make the most of your visit to the island, we have created the perfect land adventure for you – “Elba Vistas, Villages & Wine”. If neither sparks your interest, you can borrow one of the mountain bikes to explore the island – the recommended route would be to visit Porto Azzuro.

• Porto Ercole
  

  Porto Ercole meaning “Port Hercules”, is a town located in the municipality of Monte Argentario, in the Province of Grosseto, Tuscany. It is one the two major towns that form the township, along with Porto Santo Stefano located on the opposite side of this unique peninsula. It’s a very picturesque marina with sidewalk boutiques, cafes and restaurants. This is a great start for the Land Adventure traveling to Montalcino for the tasting of fantastic Brunello in one of the most famous Italian wine regions. Other options include hiking to the few castellos (castles) located on top of the three hills surrounding the port. As well as an adventures bike ride to Porto Santo Stefano or for the really energetic to the convent on top of the mountain. There’s also a great golf course and a fantastic boutique hotel called Il Pelicano where guests can enjoy a nice atmosphere and lunch. As we are anchored, guests will also enjoy water sports from the marina platform (Pending local conditions and approvals).

• Rome (Civitavecchia)
  

  Civitavecchia is a major port located in Rome, primarily utilized for maritime transportation of goods, as well as a fishing port. The commune’s name means “ancient town” and is one of the “Motorways of the Sea” in the Mediterranean, functioning as one of the main links between the mainland of Italy and Sardinia. The ancient name of the port was “Centumcellae,” first mentioned in a letter written by Pliny the Younger in 107 A.D., although scholars debate on whether the name was about the number of rooms of the Trajan Villa, or the number of natural creeks on the coast. Civitavecchia is a part of the Lazio Territory, an area which was confirmed to have social groups since pre-historic times, and the modern town was built over a pre-existing settlement of the Etruscan people in 107-108 B.C.E. (who debated to have founded Rome). In the beginning of the 2nd century, the harbor and town of Centumcellae were simultaneously developed by Emperor Trajan in the territory of Aquae Tauri. As the town became more popular for ships traveling westbound, the Thermal Baths were constructed on the hill of Ficoncella. Centumcellae flourished in the Imperial Age, and by 538 A.D., it had become a Byzantine stronghold. In 728 A.D., it became a member of the Papal States. The Saracens raided Centumcellae many times in the 9th century, prompting Pope Leo VII to have a newer and more secure settlement built by 854. The town, then known as Civita Vetula, was under the rule of several lords, and the Popes temporarily lost control during the French Rule in 1798-1815. In 1870 it entered the Kingdom of Italy. Civitavecchia was severely damaged during WWII, destroying many of the ancient monuments including Forte Michelangelo, which would be rebuilt in the 1950’s. Popular points of interest include the Forte Michelangelo, Terme Taurine, and Cattedrale di San Francesco. There is a wealth of Roman and Vatican architecture and tourists are encouraged to visit many of the museums and take the cultural tours available in this important sea port.