Rivieras of France and Italy

Experience the allure of the legendary Cote d’Azur under the billowing white sails  of the Wind Spirit. Travel with alumni and friends from April 21 to 30, 2026 aboard a deluxe, motorized sailing yacht with ocean views from every suite and stateroom. Immerse yourself in the best of the French and Italian Rivieras on a cruise itinerary which takes you from Barcelona to the coast of Marseille, and along the sparkling coastline to such iconic destinations as Nice, Monaco, Portofino and Cinque Terre.

Visit four UNESCO World Heritage sites: the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne  and incomparable Riviera resort town of Nice in France; the Palazzi dei Rolli of Genoa  and picturesque villages of Cinque Terre in Italy. Embark on unforgettable excursions,  from visiting the Rock of Monaco to the fountain-filled streets of Aix-en-Provence.  Savor delicious local foods and wines during this unparalleled journey. Enhance your  stay with a Pre-Tour Extension in Barcelona and/or a Post-Tour Extension in Rome.

Request your reservation online today while space and early booking savings are available. Please contact the Georgetown Travel Society at GeorgetownTravelSociety@Georgetown.edu or 866-525-8664 for more details.

Dates and Rates:

Trip Dates: April 21 – 30, 2026

Rates: from $7,695 – $12,895  per person based on double occupancy

Traveling solo? Select categories may be reserved by single travelers at 160% of the per person double price (per person rate x 1.6),  all others at 2x the per person rate, or please contact us to inquire about any possible roommate options

Trip Type: Cruise

Deposit: $1,500 per person (https://www.gohagantravel.com/terms for complete terms and conditions).

Trip Status: Open for Reservations Request a reservation today

 

Program Itinerary*:

Day 1 | Tuesday, April 21 DEPART HOME CITY – Depart on an overnight flight for Barcelona, Spain.

Day 2 | Wednesday, April 22 – BARCELONA, SPAIN | EMBARK SHIP | L | D

Arrive at Barcelona-El Prat International Airport in Barcelona. Those arriving early will transfer to a group hospitality room at the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona. You will then travel with the group to embark Wind Spirit, an intimate, four-masted small ship offering a first- class experience. Those arriving later will transfer directly to the port for embarkation. Lunch will be served on board the ship after you embark.

Later, attend a Welcome Briefing and lifeboat drill, followed by a dinner on board the ship as we depart Barcelona.

Day 3 | Thursday, April 23 – PORT VENDRES, FRANCE FOR CARCASSONE | B | R | D

Each morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast on board before departing for excursions.

Carcassonne. Drive to Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. This hilltop has been fortified for over 2,000 years; the structures standing today were built in the 12th century. Visit La Porte Narbonnaise (one of the main city gates, complete with portcullis and drawbridge), the Castle of the Counts and the Basilica St. Nazaire, which harmoniously blends Romanesque and Gothic architectures. The Basilica, dubbed the “Jewel of the City,” boasts beautiful stained-glass windows created from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Imagine yourself in the Middle Ages as you climb the ramparts and spy the watchtowers (the fortress has 52!). There’s even a moat, nowadays filled with a lovely garden.

Free Time: Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the charming cafes within the walled city, then spend time at your leisure strolling the narrow, cobblestoned streets and visiting the galleries and shops.

Welcome Reception on the Ship: Join your fellow passengers for a Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner on board tonight.

Day 4 | Friday, April 24 – MARSEILLE FOR AIX-EN-PROVENCE | B | L | D

Aix-en-Provence. Delight in a scenic drive to Aix-en-Provence. Spend a leisurely day in the old capital of Provence, the birthplace of Paul Cezanne and known as the “City of a Thousand Fountains.” Stroll one of the most beautiful streets in France, the elegant Cours Mirabeau Avenue, lined with trees and 17th- and 18th-century mansions. Meander along winding alleys in the historic town center. Soak in beautiful architecture, parks, gardens — and of course, fountains! — everywhere in this delightful city. Enjoy free time browsing the Provençal Flower Market. Lunch together at a charming local restaurant.

Free Time: After lunch, enjoy a little free time to explore and shop on your own. Or may we suggest doing as the French do–find a sunny terrace and sip a favorite local beverage called a panaché!

Return to the ship and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board before dinner.

Day 5 | Saturday, April 25 – NICE | MONTE CARLO, MONACO B | L | D

Nice. Begin with a drive to Mont Boron to enjoy an unbeatable scenic view of the Old Port of Nice, the village of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Cap-Ferrat peninsula and, of course, the famously blue water the Cote d’Azur is named for. Continue on a panoramic tour of some of Nice’s most iconic highlights: Take in St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral, consecrated in 1912 and built to support the Russian nobles who began visiting Nice in the mid-19th century and fell in love with the city. Cruise along Promenade des Anglais—perhaps the most famous image of the French Riviera, where the cerulean water and pebble beach are lined with palms, pergolas and signature blue chairs. Marvel at Place Massena, with its distinctive checkerboard pavement tiles and famous Fontaine du Soleil, featuring an imposing marble Apollo. Disembark the motor coach in Nice’s Old Town for a walking tour. See the Palace of Kings of Sardinia and beautiful Baroque churches. Stroll down narrow, shaded streets and into sunny squares.

Free Time: Back on board, settle in for a delicious lunch as the ship sails to Monaco.

Monaco: In this tiny principality—the second-smallest country in the world—the Grimaldi family has led the country since the 13th century. With an expert local guide, walk through the old town’s charming, narrow streets and admire the historic buildings and beautiful architecture. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, built in the Roman-Byzantine style in the late 19th century. Many of the Grimaldis are buried here, including Grace Kelly and Rainier III. Tour the Prince’s Palace, built as an Italian fortress in A.D. 1191. The Palace recently debuted its restored frescoes from the Renaissance period, depicting Hercules’s birth, death and 12 labors—located in the aptly named Hercule Gallery. Marvel at the sumptuous décor in the State Apartments, home to Monaco’s royals. (Please note: the State Apartments are not accessible to those in wheelchairs.)

Free Time: Reboard the ship in Monaco Harbor for a relaxing evening and dinner on board. Or stay in town for dinner or sightseeing on your own! Shuttles will run from the ship to Monte Carlo throughout the evening.

Day 6 | Sunday, April 26 – GENOA, ITALY | PORTOFINO B | L | D

Genoa: Once the world’s wealthiest city and longtime maritime capital, Genoa has a long history as home to merchants and bankers from great and powerful families. These families contributed to the art and architecture of the city, specifically by building opulent palaces that they offered up, in a rotating pattern, to host state visits from foreign dignitaries. These lavish homes from the 16th and 17th centuries, and their hosting system (known as Palazzi dei Rolli) is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, including 42 of the existing Baroque and Renaissance palaces.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose ONE of the following excursions:
■ Walking Tour & Pesto Making-  During a walking tour through Genoa’s old town, navigate the twisting maze of caruggi —narrow, often cobblestoned streets—and immerse yourself in Genoa’s medieval core with its range of architectural styles, shops, restaurants and cafes. Learn the history of the city as you view the stunning San Lorenzo Cathedral with its distinctive black-and-white bands and imposing bell tower. And marvel at the incredible Palazzi dei Rolli. End your tour in one of the palazzi, where you’ll take part in a pesto sauce- making demonstration and taste many local specialty dishes and wines. (Note: this active excursion involves a longer walk with cobblestones and inclines.)
■ Motorcoach Tour & Farina Makin –  On this less active tour, enjoy a scenic drive along the waterfront to see Genoa’s new residential area and trade center. Continue on to view the beautiful palaces and public gardens, ending at the city’s main square, Piazza de Ferrari. Take a half-mile walk through the old section of Genoa to view the city palace, San Lorenzo Cathedral, the Old Customs House and more. End your tour in a restaurant, where you’ll take part in a farina-making demonstration and tasting with wine. (Note: this moderate excursion involves less walking.)

Return to the ship for lunch on board.

Portofino: This afternoon we will dock in Portofino, where you can go ashore and spend free time exploring. This picturesque village was originally named Portus Delphini (Dolphin Harbor), which evolved into Portofino. Nowadays, the beautiful harbor is filled with super-yachts, and the tiny, cobbled streets boast high-end boutiques. Despite being the filming location for many movies, the village retains its natural charm. Climb the steps from the harbor to the Fort of St. George, built in the mid-1500s, and visit the fort and nearby St. George’s church. From here, look across the tree-dotted hillsides and pastel- colored houses and down to the gorgeous cove below. You might also stroll to Castello Brown, a 16th- century fortress and museum with panoramic views of the town and the sea. Or choose a café with a table near the water’s edge and watch the world go by—no matter what you choose, the views will be unforgettable!

Return to the ship for dinner on board tonight.

Day 7 | Monday, April 27 – PORTOVENERE B | L | D

Cinque Terre Excursion. Depart Porto Venere by private boat for an excursion to the UNESCO-inscribed Cinque Terre (Five Lands), a collection of five small, picturesque villages founded around the year 1000. Clinging to the cliffs over the Mediterranean Sea and connected by small footpaths, the five villages and their trademark colorful buildings are now part of the Cinque Terre National Park.

Visit the villages of Vernazza, Monterosso and Porto Venere and enjoy time at leisure visiting the small shops tucked along the winding narrow streets. Wrap up with a walking tour of Porto Venere.

Free Time: Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Or linger in Porto Venere for lunch and sightseeing.

Tonight, savor a delicious dinner on board.

Day 8 | Tuesday, April 28 – PORTOFERRAIO, ELBA B | L | D

Portoferraio: Stroll through the old town of Portoferraio, a vital trade center for Greeks and Romans in ancient times. Discover storied Medici fortresses; the Church of Misericordia; Forte Stella, and Napoleon’s former home of Villa Dei Mulini. See the majestic Napoleonic Theatre of Vigilanti and the Porta di Mare, a stone gate with a magnificent sea view. Finish up with a walk along the town’s splendid promenade with its exclusive shops and boutiques.

Free Time: Return to the ship for lunch on board, and an afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a fascinating lecture or a dip in the pool — or both!

Tonight, savor a delicious dinner on board.

Day 9 | Wednesday, April 29 – BONIFACIO, CORSICA, FRANCE B | L | R | D

Bonifacio, on the French island of Corsica, has a truly dramatic natural setting, perched on high limestone cliffs. Begin your excursion with a tram ride from the harbor to Haute Ville (upper town) and around the plateau to enjoy the panoramic views. A walking tour will take you to the Citadel and Old Town to see St. Dominique church, Place Bir Hakeim, St. Jean Baptiste church and Le Grain de Sable—a limestone rock formation. Explore the Jardin des Vestiges and see where Napoleon stayed.
Enjoy a little free time for shopping before concluding your Bonifacio excursion.

Free Time: Return to ship for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Relax on deck or take advantage of the ship’s many amenities.

Farewell Reception on the Ship: Join your fellow passengers for the Captain’s Farewell Reception, followed by dinner on board.

Day 10 | Thursday, April 30 – CIVITAVECCHIA, ITALY | ROME | RETURN TO HOME CITY B

Following breakfast, disembark and transfer to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome for your return flight home.

B | L | D | R denotes included breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and reception

 

INCLUDED FEATURES:

• Transfers and luggage handling abroad for participants whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s).
• All excursions and visits, as outlined in the itinerary, led by experienced, English-speaking local guides.
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions.
• The services of an experienced team of professional travel directors throughout the program.
• Hospitality desk aboard the ship.

Not included:
 Airfare; Taxes; passport fees; visas and fees for obtaining visas; personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls; accident/sickness, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance; gratuities to ship and hotel personnel; optional sightseeing excursions; excess baggage charges on aircraft; local departure air taxes; airfare and associated local taxes*, airport facility taxes and federal inspection fees not listed int he “included features” section of the program brochure; transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving earlier or later and/or departing earlier or later that scheduled group transfer(s); meals and and alcoholic beverages not listed in the “Included Features” section of the program brochure; and all other services not specifically mentioned in the terms and conditions https://www.gohagantravel.com/terms/

*This itinerary is subject to change due to operational conditions.