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Italy/France

Rome to Nice: An Art & History Voyage

Program No. 25752RJ
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Itinerary
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All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
12 days
11 nights
What's Included
Included
28 meals ( 10B, 9L, 9D )
6 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Rome
Rome to Nice: An Art & History Voyage
May 13 - May 24, 2028
Program Number 25752
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Activity Note
Remember to bring your nametag (you will receive this in the mail prior to your program).
Afternoon:
After arriving at the hotel, check-in and take some time to unpack and relax.

Attend an orientation meeting. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible.
Dinner:
At the hotel, get to know your fellow participants with a welcome meal.
Evening:
Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking 3-4 miles throughout the day, with breaks. The Colosseum visit may include uneven stone steps, and the Roman Forum archaeological park involves ancient stone roads, dirt paths, gravel, and mild hills. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will enjoy an orientation walk of Rome with our group leader, then we will walk to the restaurant for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we will walk to visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Officially known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum was the greatest in the Roman Empire and could hold more than 50,000 spectators. Historical records, as well as popular culture in our time, have made it an iconic symbol of gladiatorial combat and the sacrifice of untold numbers of slaves, prisoners of war, condemned criminals, and animals from throughout the empire. The Roman Forum was the civic, religious, and political hub of ancient Rome. We will see the two remaining triumphal arches of Septemius Severus and Titus. The Arch of Constantine contains friezes and bas-relief sculptures recycled from other arches and monuments. We will walk back to the hotel.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program so that you can explore the local cuisine on your own.
Activity Note
Walking 1-2 on a mixture of paved and uneven terrain. Some tombs may require descending stone steps. Please pack your passport and any medications in your hand luggage today. All routes and excursions are subject to change. Sea conditions affect the ship, making it run late or sometimes miss ports if it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of excursions without prior notice.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel, board our motor coach, and ride to visit the Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia on the way to Civitavecchia. These two large Etruscan cemeteries reflect different types of burial practices from the 9th to the 1st centuries BCE and bears witness to the achievements of Etruscan culture. Some of the tombs are monumental, cut in rock and topped by impressive tumuli (burial mounds). Many feature carvings on their walls, others have wall paintings of outstanding quality. The necropolis near Cerveteri, known as Banditaccia, contains thousands of tombs organized in a city-like plan, with streets, small squares and neighbourhoods. The site contains very different types of tombs: trenches cut in rock; tumuli; and some, also carved in rock, in the shape of huts or houses with a wealth of structural details. These provide the only surviving evidence of Etruscan residential architecture. It is famous for its 200 painted tombs, the earliest of which date from the 7th century BC.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant en route to Civitavecchia.
Afternoon:
We’ll arrive in Civitavecchia and board the ship. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to unpack, freshen up, relax, and start becoming familiar with the ship. There will be a mandatory passenger briefing and safety drill.

Please note that your departure is part of our Adventures Afloat programs. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of excursions without prior notice.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Activity Note
Walking approximately 1 mile. The climb up the Tower of Pisa includes 269 worn marble steps in a narrow spiral staircase. Please note that the opportunity to climb the tower is completely OPTIONAL. There is no elevator available.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
At leisure aboard the ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Board your motor coach for a drive to Pisa, where a local expert leads our field trip. The piazza brings together three major monuments: the Cathedral (Romanesque façade and marble interior), the Baptistery, and the Leaning Tower. Pisa's wealth as a medieval maritime republic—rival to Genoa, Amalfi, and Venice—funded these projects; the Tower began to tilt soon after its 12th-century construction on soft subsoil. Those with energy and enthusiasm can join the Group Leaders to climb the Tower's 269 steps to the top and back down; elevator is not available. Please note that there is a possibility of encountering crowded conditions during our visit.
Dinner:
Aboard ship, or on your own in Livorno.
Evening:
At leisure aboard the ship or in port.
Activity Note
1.5 hours drive in a motor coach in each direction. 2-3 miles of walking throughout the day. Please note that many of the streets in Florence are cobbled or textured. The Uffizi Gallery offers elevators to all exhibition floors, as well as free wheelchair and walker loans, and tactile supports for those with visual impairments.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will board our motor coach for our 1 1/2 hour ride through the Tuscan hills to Florence. Upon arrival, we will discover the city that gave birth to the Italian Renaissance on a walking exploration through the history and art of Florence. We will walk past such landmarks as the 10th-century Ponte Vecchio spanning the River Arno. From the outside, we’ll view the Duomo cathedral flanked by Giotto's Bell Tower. See the Baptistry, where Ghiberti and Donatello competed to design the bronze doors. We’ll also admire the exterior of Basilica di Santa Croce where Michelangelo and Machiavelli are interred. We’ll then pause in Piazza della Signoria, the site of Fra Savonarola’s Bonfire of the Vanities in 1497.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we will enjoy a guided visit of the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery. The 16th-century palace, built when Cosimo Medici was the First Grand Duke of Tuscany, houses such Renaissance masterpieces as The Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci, the exquisite Madonnas of Filippo Lippi, and an entire room of Botticellis, including The Birth of Venus. Foreign artists from Rembrandt to Rubens are also represented.

After our visit, we will board our motorcoach for our 1 1/2 ride back to the ship in Livorno.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure as the ship sets sail for Portovenere.
Activity Note
Walking approximately 1.5 miles on stone streets and steps, with some steep uphill sections.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today, we venture off the ship to explore Portovenere, a quaint and colorful coastal village known for its dramatic rocky coastline and rich Medieval history. We will explore the town and enjoy scenic views of Palmaria and Tino - 2 small islands of the La Spezia Archipelago in front of Portovenere.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time to explore the winding streets and picturesque bay of Portovenre. Later, we will enjoy a lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure aboard the ship as we set sail for Genoa.
Activity Note
Walking 1-2 miles, including through ancient Medieval alleys ("carruggi") paved in stone, cobbles, or brick.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Transfer to “Piazza Caricamento” for a discovery walk through Genoa’s historic town center. Wander the charming narrow streets known as “carruggi” and listen to your local expert speaking about the great Andrea Doria and admire the façades of the ancient mansions before reaching “Piazza de Ferrari”, the commercial heart of Genoa, where you will admire “Palazzo Ducale” (external visit only). This was the Palace where the Doge lived, the symbol of the power for the Genoese republic. Your field trip will continue with a visit to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Free time in the Expo area will be given before boarding the boat and returning to the port.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
At leisure aboard the ship or in Genoa. Later, we will enjoy a lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure aboard the ship as we set sail toward France.
Activity Note
Full day at sea.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
This morning, meet the Sea Cloud crew on deck to learn all about the ship's characteristic masts and billowing white sails, and discover the work, commitment and passion it takes to operate a tall ship in the 21st century.

Later, we will gather with our group leader for a Road Scholar exclusive lecture.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time to enjoy the amenities and activities of your choice aboard ship.

Later in the afternoon, we will gather with our lecturer to hear about topics relevant to our program, and hold a Book Club session to discuss our selected novel as it pertains to the places we've visited.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking 1-2 miles. Bonaparte House is a 17th-Century home with original, narrow staircases and no elevator. The museum spans 4 floors, and the first 2 floors and Temporary Exhibition are considered accessible for those with severely limited mobility.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will set out for a walking excursion through the Old Town of Ajaccio. Explore this imperial city and cultural capital of the French island. Continue our stroll along Rue St. Charles with a stop at Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon's birthplace, located in the center of town. We will have an expert led visit of the house. We will walk back to the ship via Rue Fesch, lined with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
At leisure aboard the ship as we sail toward Nice, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking 2-3 miles, including uneven streets and stone steps, and a persistent incline. Walking distance includes a 15 minute walk from the bus parking lot to St. Paul de Vence town.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will set out by motor coach and ride to the hill town of St. Paul de Vence.

One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is notable for its picturesque winding streets, modern and contemporary art museums, and galleries.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will board our motorcoach and ride to the hotel to check in.

Free time to enjoy the hotel and its surroundings for the rest of the afternoon.

Prior to dinner, we will gather for a farewell meeting at the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!