Riviera to Roman Shores: 
Portofino, Corsica & the Eternal City

Tucked away in a serene bay along Italy’s Ligurian coast, Portofino is a jewel of timeless beauty. This picturesque village, with its colorful facades and tranquil harbor, has long been a retreat. In the 1950s and '60s, it became a beloved hideaway for Hollywood icons and European aristocracy. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart, and Clark Gable all found solace here, adding to the allure of this enchanting spot.

Strolling through Portofino, you’ll find yourself drawn to Castello Brown, where the hanging gardens offer sweeping views of the Gulf of Tigullio. Visit the charming San Giorgio Church or relax in the Piazzetta, the village square, where time seems to slow to a gentle pace. In Portofino, glamour meets tranquility, allowing you to savor the beauty of each moment.

On Corsica’s northwestern coast, cradled in a crescent-shaped bay framed by pine forests, lies the picturesque town of Calvi.
The majestic Genoese Citadel, set against the backdrop of the Monte Grossu mountains, houses all the town’s historic treasures: the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, the Saint Anthony of Padua Oratory, the Salt Tower, the Sampiero Barracks, and even the house where Christopher Columbus is rumored to have been born—a claim no one in Calvi disputes!
Calvi offers endless outdoor adventures, from swimming in natural freshwater pools to hiking in the nearby Bonifatu Forest. Wherever you roam, the Virgin Mary watches over the town from her hilltop perch at the Notre-Dame de la Serra Chapel. According to legend, bringing your true love here promises beauty and longevity for your relationship.

Docking in Porto Ercole, Argentario,your path will unfold toward Rome—a city of legends, where history and myth intertwine. Rome shaped the world, and in turn, the world remains captivated by its grandeur.
Every street corner reveals a story: the Colosseum’s ancient grandeur, the Pantheon’s awe-inspiring dome, the elegance of the Trevi Fountain, and the quiet splendor of Villa Borghese. Rome’s timeless monuments—from St. Peter’s Basilica to the Sistine Chapel—speak of emperors, philosophers, and artists who left their mark on the Eternal City.

A city of cinema, la dolce vita, and endless discoveries, Rome is far more than a destination; it’s an experience. They say every stone there tells a story. Yours is waiting to be written.

Extend your Roman experience with a stay at Orient Express La Minerva, an elegant retreat in a historic palace.