Sam McClymont gets a taste of the 'la dolce vita' lifestyle aboard as she glides along the Italian coastline on board Scenic Eclipse

Italians have perfected the art of indulgence.

If there was a scene to capture its essence then Sam McClymont has found it – gliding along the Italian coastline on board Scenic Eclipse.

La dolce vita, the sweet life indeed!

Location:

Italy

Cost:

Experience an all-inclusive ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse signature yacht cruise for the journey of a lifetime in Europe and the Mediterranean in 2026.

Secure your voyage today with Scenic’s Super Earlybird offers on select itineraries. Getaway viewers can save an additional $300 per person off select Scenic 2026 cruises.

For more information or to request your voucher, visit scenic.com.au/getaway, call 1300 790 372 or speak to your local travel advisor.

Information correct at 11.10.25 Travel dates and conditions apply

Highlights:

Sam McClymont got to experience the sweet life on an 8-day Italian Icons Signature Yacht Cruise on Scenic Eclipse, exploring Italy’s captivating West Coast, as well as Corsica, Sardinia, Monaco and Nice. Before setting sail, she had time to check out one of the most visited cities in the world, Rome, where ancient ruins, museums, art and culture all revolve around delicious Italian cuisine.

Sam joined a walking Roman Food Tour and discovered a foodie paradise away from the tourist traps. A stroll through the bustling Mercado Trionfale, Rome’s largest fresh food market, was followed by appetisers and prosecco at La Nicchia Cafè. Next stop was Il Segreto, for some of Rome’s best pasta, and Bonci bakery for traditional pizza with zucchini flowers, anchovies and ricotta. Of course the day had to end with a delightful gelato!

Sam bid farewell to Rome as Scenic Eclipse set sail for Gaeta, an idyllic seaside town half way between Rome and Naples. She visited the 11th century church, Sanctuary of the Split Mountain, and the unique Chapel of the Crucifix, built on top of a giant boulder within a crack in the cliffside. On the same headland was the Angevin Aragonese Castle, an imposing landmark, possibly dating back to the 6th century. In the charming medieval town centre, Sam tried a famous local delicacy, Tiella de Gaeta, a cross between a pizza and a pie, filled with local fish and spinach.

A 20 minute drive up the coast, Sam visited the seaside town of Sperlonga. The picturesque village became famous as a holiday destination for the Roman elite, and with a white sandy beach, calm, clear water and fantastic views, it’s not hard to see why.

While Sperlonga and its surrounds were absolutely stunning, Scenic Eclipse was always a lovely place to unwind at the end of a busy day of touring. There are up to 10 culinary experiences to choose from including casual cafe meals and fine dining. Sam’s favourite spot was the ‘Sushi & Sake Bar @Koko’s, also a great place to mingle with other guests.

Continuing down the coast to the southern end of the Sorrento Peninsula, Scenic Eclipse arrived at the jaw-dropping beauty of Capri. The most famous attraction of the island is the Blue Grotto sea cave, lit by a magical blue glow that comes from sunlight filtering through an underwater opening. Sam found that getting through the small cave opening was a fun process requiring laying down in a rowboat and a bit of patience to wait for the right surge in the waves! It was well worth it though, as inside it was purely magical. Back on shore Sam strolled through the Piazzetta, busy with people jostling for the best table at cafes and bars, shopping at high end stores, and then up to the beautiful Augustus Gardens where flower-filled terraces offered panoramic views.

Nothing could match the views Sam got from the air as she took a ride in one of Scenic Eclipse’s two state-of-the-art Airbus helicopters!^ As one of the big highlights available as an add on for guests of a Scenic Eclipse cruise, being able to see the spectacular coastline of Sorrento and Capri from the air was mind-blowing.

From the lemon-scented streets of Sorrento, it was a 40 minute bus trip to Pompeii where Sam joined a Scenic Freechoice guided tour of the extensive ruins. In 79 AD Mount Vesuvius erupted, covering the whole city of Pompeii in ash, preserving everything as it was. Visitors can walk the stone paved streets and see Roman thermal spas, villas with colourful frescoes and mosaics, huge amphitheatres, temples and feel transported back 2,000 years.

Sam was only half way through her cruise and had Sardinia, Corsica, and Monaco to look forward to. There’s nothing quite like a holiday where you go to bed in your luxurious suite at the end of each day wondering what exciting experiences tomorrow will bring. That’s the beauty of travelling on a Scenic Discovery Yacht where each day brings a new port, new places to explore, new foods to try and of course, history to discover.

Please note: ^Flights on board two helicopters, helicopter experiences and submarine at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather.