Livinia Nixon goes beyond the Mediterranean’s postcard views with Scenic Eclipse

The Mediterranean is one of the most photographed regions in the world, with its glamorous coastlines and colourful villages. On her recent Scenic Eclipse yacht cruise, Livinia Nixon had the privilege of exploring what lies beyond the postcard views. 

Location: 

Italy, France, Monaco 

Info: 

Discover the Mediterranean in all-inclusive ultra-luxury with Scenic Discovery Yachts. Super Earlybird savings and a bonus helicopter flightseeing experience≈ available on select voyages in 2027 and 2028. 

Getaway viewers can save an additional $1,000 per couple with an exclusive voucher. Request your voucher at scenic.cruises/getaway, call 138 128, or speak to your local travel advisor. 

Information correct at 11.07.26. Terms, travel dates and conditions apply 

Highlights: 

Over 8 magnificent days Livinia sailed from France to Spain on board the ultra-luxurious Scenic Eclipse. Each stop along the way revealed rugged natural beauty, ancient history, authentic culture, and a sprinkling of glamour! 

Setting off from Cannes with calm waters ahead, it was easy for Livinia to feel like she had the whole Mediterranean to herself. With a maximum of just 228 guests, the six-star Scenic Discovery Yacht felt like her very own private sanctuary on the ocean. Livinia’s favourite part was waking up each day in a gorgeous new destination. No packing and un-packing, no stress and breakfast brought to her suite by a butler, this is every busy mother’s dream! 

While many flock to Portofino for its famous harbour, and to sip wine at a chic waterfront cafe, beyond the designer boutiques the narrow cobblestone laneways reveal authentic Liguria. The smell of traditionally cooked focaccia filled the air as Livinia headed into the hills for a hike along the trails of the Portofino National Park. Meandering past colourful chapels, vineyards and ancient olive groves, the included Scenic Freechoice optional tour followed a centuries old path from Nozarego to Portofino. Along the way she paused for a glass of local wine and some tasty focaccia at a restored olive mill, before continuing back down to the harbour. 

From the next port of Livorno, Livinia inland to the capital of Tuscany, Florence. The Piazza del Duomo is the beating heart of Florence, impressing visitors for over 700 years. The massive cathedral is a masterpiece of design and innovation, in fact the whole city is like a living museum, with artworks and historical landmarks on every corner. Diving deeper into the local experience, Livinia’s guide took her to a tiny sandwich shop for the real taste of Tuscany - pecorino, prosciutto, and truffle paste on flatbread, followed by a gelato of course! From the birthplace of the Renaissance the tour continued to another of Tuscany’s famous sights - Pisa. Famous for its perpetual tilt, the 850 year old Leaning Tower has now been shored up safely for visitors to climb the 294 steps. Livinia admitted that it was a disorientating experience, like having too much Tuscan wine, but the views from the top were well worth the effort! 

Scenic Eclipse farewelled Italy and crossed the Mediterranean to Corsica, the ‘island of beauty’. Despite being part of France, Corsica’s language, culture and food has a distinct Genoese influence. A Scenic Freechoice walking tour of Calvi, on the north-west coast, wound through charming cobbled laneways from the citadel to the waterfront. When it was time for lunch, Livinia enjoyed French pate and Italian cannelloni, made with local mountain goat cheese. In the afternoon, a visit to the Domaine Alzipratu winery in the rugged highlands revealed how the climate and granite soil helps to create the unique character of Corsican wines. After a tour of the vineyards, Livinia paired a taste of the Pumonte white wine with fresh local cheese, and views over the mountains. 

Back on board Scenic Eclipse the gastronomic experience continued with a three-course dinner at fine-dining French restaurant, Lumiere. As one of up to 10 culinary experiences available, it’s no wonder Scenic guests love the all-inclusive style of travelling. Every part of the journey is a new and exciting experience, even the cuisine. 

Arriving in Monaco by sea is the definition of glamour, but for Livinia, the real treasure lay in the hills above. The picturesque village of Èze, perched 400 metres above the sea between Nice and Monaco dates back to the Middle Ages. The fairytale stone buildings, secret squares and narrow laneways house art galleries, cafes, perfumeries and even an exotic cacti garden with unmatched views. 

Nearby, the Villa Rothschild estate has manicured themed gardens of its own. Built by Baroness Béatrice Rothschild as a holiday home, the pink-hued palace is every bit as lavish on the inside. From the opulence of the Villa to the quiet beauty of Monaco’s cathedral, where a private Scenic Enrich musical performance mesmerised the guests. 

True luxury isn’t always about extravagance, sometimes it’s about unforgettable moments. A private concert in a cathedral, a glass of local wine in the Corsican hills, or simply watching the sunrise from the deck of a ship. These are the experiences that linger long after the photos have been sorted, leaving you sun-kissed, satisfied, and already dreaming of the return. 

≈Helicopter Offer: Guests can receive a complimentary 20-minute helicopter flightseeing experience where available on select voyages departing from April 2027 to April 2029. This is when the Super Earlybird offer is booked. Helicopter flying route will be determined onboard. Helicopter flights are subject to regulatory approval, weather conditions, medical conditions, weight restrictions and availability. Offer cannot be exchanged, transferred, refunded, or used towards another helicopter excursion or landing experiences.