We are embarking on a seven-day cruise leaving Nice, France on October 3 2010. Our stops include Monte Carlo, Portofino, Calvi, Portoferraio and Portovecchio. Looking for cafes, things to do and excursions that will help the six of us immerse ourselves into the cultures. All ideas and suggestions would be welcomed.

You will find a few trip reports if you put Elba in the search function.

Here's the tourism website.
http://www.arcipelago.turismo.toscan...a:-7ffd&lang=2

MikiK, just wondering, are you staying in Nice for a few days before the cruise? So much to do and see there including great museums. Interesting and different ports on your itinerary - sounds great....

My wife and I took almost the same journey. Are you on Windstar?

Portofino is a beautiful port. Expensive to shop but looking in the windows doesn't cost anything. Take a short hike up to the San Giorgio Church. Behind it you will find an interesting cemetary. Further up you will come to Castello Brown, a Midevil castle to explore. Keep following the trail and you end at the lighthouse. Spectacular views from all locations. We ate at Da Puny which is right by the docks. Look around 12 o'clock (Green Awning) from the shore and you will see it. Great pasta with Pesto Corto,

Portoferraio (Elba) Has Mt Capagnia (sp?) You go all the way to the top in a bird cage. A little freaky if your afraid of heights but your rewarded with absolutely breathtaking views at the top. They make their own perfumes and colognes from ingrdients all grown on the island. My wife and I each bought some and when we got home both our son and daughter wanted to know what smelled so good. When we went back to Italy we found some in Santa Margherita but it was twice as much. When you go on shore just ask where to buy perfume and it is right around the corner. Have fun.

Portofino--- we walked up to the church on the hill for gorgeous photos. Then we splurged for lunch at Splendido del Mar right on the harbor at the back, left of the "U". Expensive, but worth it.

Monte Carlo---first time,casino, not impressed. Second time,Palace, extremely impressed. Third time Oceanarium, OK but very old and you've seen better elsewhere. Also loved looking at the yachts in the harbor.

Corsica---stunning views in ancient towns.

Elba---yes to the perfumes and also bought some fantastic leather goods there. We took a small van tour around the island--very beautiful and it stopped at a "rock place" that was very interesting. MDH bought a thin, black, stone ring that was one of his favorite purchases of the trip.

We also were on Windstar cruises. We liked it so much that we also did Windsurf in the Caribbean and Star Clipper sailboats (similar to Windstar) twice.

Bon Voyage!