Nice - Civitavecchia (Rome)

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.
• Cannes
  

  Cannes is a well-known destination in the French Riviera that is home to many international festivals celebrating the arts, including Midem, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and the global film festival founded in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival. It’s the first European satellite manufacturer, home to the Cannes Mandelieu Space Center, as well as the headquarters for Thales Alenia Space. Originally a small fishing port heavily tied to the Lerins Islands, Cannes is most characterized by luxury, fame, and hosting conferences. Despite becoming a glamorous destination in the Côte d'Azur, the history of Cannes and the Lerins Islands was quite rocky. Cannes was initially named Aegitna, and established by the Ligurian tribe of Oxybii in the 2nd Century B.C. In 410 A.D. two monks settled on Lerina and established a monastery, housing several hundred monks by the 6th century. Out of fear of a Saracen invasion, Le Suquet was procured by the monks in the 11th century, which led to the birth and expansion on what became known as Cannes. Piracy remained a general problem and by the 12th century, the monastery was finally attacked by Saracen pirates, which further fueled insecurity. In 1520, when French King Francis I and Holy Roman Emperor Charles V declared war, Cannes became a passageway for their armies. The situation in Cannes would worsen when the great plague of 1579 annihilated much of the population. In 1635, the Spanish occupied the town for a couple of years before returning to Spain in 1707 for the War of Spanish Succession. It wasn’t until the 18th century where Cannes finally became tranquil and began flourishing in the 19th century. The economy for Cannes is sustained by business fairs, trade, tourism, and aviation. Points of interest include the Iles de Lerins, Marches Forville, Casino Croisette and Rue Meynadier. During the summer, from May to September, Cannes remains sunny for 12 hours a day. Its warm climate allows lemon, orange and olive trees to thrive, as well as fig, almond, oak, lotus and cypress trees. When sailing to Cannes, be sure to visit La Croisette and stroll along the white sandy beaches on this mile-long promenade where the very essence of this town thrives. SeaDream typically anchors so we can offer water sports to our valued guests. You may occasionally see the yacht docked alongside when we are chartered from the festival.
• Pampelonne Beach, St.Tropez
  

  This is perhaps one of the most famous beach areas on the Riviera made famous by Bridgett Bardot. SeaDream anchors just off the beach and offers zodiac service (wet landing) to the public drop off area. Most of the famous beach clubs are a short walk. Make certain you remember your euros and credit cards as some of these venues charge hi rates for sunbeds, umbrellas, refreshments and meals. Club 55 and Nikki Beach seem to spark the most interest but there are several others to choose from.
• St. Tropez
  

  St. Tropez located on the French Riviera quite simply may be the most famous resort town in Europe. It is a playground for the fashion models, athletes, movie stars, entertainers and other extremely wealthy summertime guests. There’s much to offer in this resort town, shopping, nightlife (Byblos hotel’s Les Caves du Roy nightclub) exceptional beach clubs such as Le Club 55 and Nikki Beach at Pampelonne. Nearby you can explore some of the hill towns and visit the award winning rose wineries. You can also visit neighboring Grimaud and Port Grimaud or just a little further out golf at a few highly rated courses. SeaDream anchors just off the break wall and tenders directly to the pier downtown.
• Calvi, Corsica
  

  Calvi located on the northwest coast of Corsica in the Haute-Corse department of France. Some have speculated that Christopher Columbus came from Calvi, which at the time was part of the Genoese Empire. SeaDream has an option to dock in the heart of town or anchor off the marina to offer marina possibilities. As most of the main sites are just a stone throw away, we have arranged a guided walking land adventure. Other options include the popular Villages of Corsica adventure, Golf, mountain biking or relaxing on the beach.
• Bonifacio, Corsica
  

  Bonifacio is one of our favorite arrivals! As we approach, the Captain navigates along the limestone cliffs giving guests a sea view of incredible Bonifacio as well as the great Aragon steps leading to the water’s edge. Shortly after the pilot will embark and the Captain will turn the yacht around and back into this very impressive fjord-like marina. This could be one of our highest rated arrivals as the guests always find it both impressive and awe inspiring.
• Porto Cervo, Sardinia
  

  Porto Cervo is an Italian seaside resort in northern Sardinia in an area called the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast). SeaDream is most likely the only commercial vessel allowed to call to this amazing port of call. There have been several restrictions navigating and calling to ports within the protected national park zone. The best solution rather than anchoring was to get permission to dock next to the other super yachts “stern to” (backing into the pier using the marina platform to access to the port). The village is the main centre of the Costa Smeralda. It was created by Prince Karim Aga Khan and various other investors. The village houses some amazing boutiques, a newsagent, bars, restaurants and supermarkets. Guests like to visit incredible properties such as Cala di Volpe, Patrizza, Romazzino as well as the Pevero Golf Club for some amazing golf and tennis options. SeaDream’s Land adventure takes guests to all the sights of the Costa Smeralda.
• Ponza
  

  Ponza is a truly delightful island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is part of the Pontine Island group and located in the region of Lazio. The island is uniquely shaped like a crescent moon. Its glistening blue coastline is varied and dramatic with several rocky coves and sandy beaches as well as numerous grottos, caves and craggy cliffs. The island has crystal clear waters and is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. You may want to explore some of the magnificent beaches or ask the officers to lead a nice bike ride across the island. Depending on the sea conditions and approval from the local authorities, we plan on offering full water sports anchored off this Italian gem.
• Positano
  

  Positano is one of the most picturesque villages along the UNESCO awarded Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana), in Campania, Italy. The town itself is perched on an enclave on the face of a hill and winds down towards the sea. This incredible setting has been enjoyed by writers, movie stars and millions of tourist each year. John Steinbeck visited in the 50's and stated “Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” The movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" and several others have been shot on location here. Besides the incredibly romantic atmosphere, it offers excellent shopping, beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a few world recognized and award winning hotels such as Le Sirenuse and Il San Pietro di Positano amongst others. As large coaches cannot navigate down to the pier, only private arrangements are available here. You can book a very nice sedan or van to take you to the neighboring villages or even to Pompeii. As SeaDream anchors just of the pier, you may have the opportunity to access the yachts marina and water toys (conditions and local approval permitting).
• Sorrento
  

  Sorrento is a small town in Campania just south of Naples in southern Italy. It is a highly popular tourist destination which can be reached easily from Naples and Pompeii, as it lies at the south-eastern end of the Circumvesuviana rail line. The town overlooks the Bay of Naples and is considered the key place of the Sorrentine Peninsula. It allows many viewpoints including Naples, Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri and Ischia. The most popular attraction from here and the absolute “must do” would be to visit the Unesco Heritage Site of Pompeii. Other Land Adventure options include a “hands on” cooking class at the Villa Ida and by special request, you can take a speed boat around the peninsula to Nerano to dine at the Quattro Passi. SeaDream provides a shuttle service to transfer guests from the marina to Piazza Tasso (Main square), although several also take the more active route – the stairs. There’s loads of sites and shopping opportunities here as well as great restaurants, cafes and pizzerias. Perhaps we even have a surprise activity for you as well?
• Capri
  

  Sitting pretty in the Gulf of Naples, just off the Sorrentine Peninsula, the island of Capri is well known today for its breathtaking landscapes and upscale beach resorts. The island has two harbors, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande. While human presence on the island can be dated back to the Neolithic and the Bronze Age, it was Emperor Augustus who most famously developed Capri by building villas, temples, and planted gardens. Popular to both visitors and native Italians alike, Capri is known for its boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and annual international film festival, and is a favorite yachting destination. The island also offers many historic landmarks and highlights, including Grotta Azzurra, Villa Jovis, Giardini di Augusto, Certosa di San Giacomo, Villa San Michele di Axel Munthe, and the uniquely shaped Faraglioni Rocks. Mt. Solero marks the highest point of Capri, at 589 meters (about 1932 ft) at its peak. There is also a statue of Emperor Augustus on the mount, who first landed on Capri, over 900 species of vegetation, and, of course, incredible views. Two different hiking routes lead up the mountain and are worthy of exploration. On many itineraries, SeaDream yachts dock alongside in Capri until midnight, allowing guests to step off the yacht and into Capri with ease, without tendering ashore—a unique experience due to the intimate size of our yachts. For those who may not be familiar with the island, Capri offers a sophisticated charm that comes alive in the evening. A guest favorite includes boarding the funicular that runs between the port in Marina Grande and the Piazzetta in Capri town above, where incredible views, buzzing bistros, and luxe boutiques await.
• 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.