Cruising the Med and Tuscan Luxury with Silversea

This November, I had the absolute pleasure of being invited by Silversea and Audley on an incredible FAM trip. You know, one of those work trips that doesn’t feel like work (unless your job description involves wine before noon, which apparently mine now does).

We flew into Nice and, after a quick taxi ride, arrived at Monte Carlo port, where our home for the next few days, Silver Ray, awaited. Upon boarding, we were greeted with smiling faces, caviar, and champagne (if this is how your experience starts you just know it’s going to be next-level).

Silver Ray is brand new, built in 2024 - sleek, modern, and unapologetically luxurious. Everywhere you look there’s something stunning: portraits of tribes from explorative photographers, Japanese washi pieces, blown glass installations; it is truly a floating work of art. My personal highlight? The top deck pool and hot tub. Picture Mediterranean views, glass of cold champagne in hand, sea breeze blowing… what could be better? The in-house spa also had a lovely sauna, steam room and thermal pool with floor to ceiling windows showcasing endless sea views.

The suites aboard the Silver Ray were ridiculously spacious, with big balconies and decor that felt like an elevated yet cozy retreat. Each suite comes with both a butler and room attendant who somehow knew what I needed before I even did. Everyone greets you by name, are always smiling, and make you feel like you’re the only passenger on board.

In true Silversea fashion, dining was of course a highlight, though two spots truly stood out. Silver Note (reservations required) offered live jazz, piano, and elevated small plates (the ‘tuna in a can’ was spectacular). The Grille was another favourite of mine. We got to cook our own filet mignon and prawns over our own hot stone, all while our sommelier guided us through Rioja reds that ruined me for supermarket wine forever.

On shore, we explored the French holiday town of Bandol, taking a gorgeous coastal walk before visiting Domaine de Frégate, a family-owned winery where we pretended to be Mourvèdre experts. On another day, we wandered the charming streets of Genova, a city rich in maritime history, narrow alleys, baroque churches, and that slightly gritty Italian soul that makes it so authentic. This was my first cruise experience, and it’s safe to say I’m officially spoiled for life!

After disembarking in Livorno, we hopped in our transfer, and after a mesmerizing ride through the Tuscan countryside, checked into Castelalfi, a jaw-dropping Tuscan retreat that blends lavish Asian design with classic countryside charm. We explored the lovely town, eponymous with the hotel, before a pasta-making class where we rolled out tagliatelle, gnocchi, and ravioli from scratch. Our chef, Greta, was a star (and very patient with our questionable dough skills). Dinner that night at Olivina, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, was a feast: fresh appetizers, sparkling brut, and a veal cutlet larger than my head. But the star of the night? Their house Negroni, poured straight from the very barrels it’s aged in, over a single oversized ice cube brass-stamped with the hotel’s logo. I’m not even a gin fan, but honestly, it was outstanding.

The spa at Castelalfi deserves its own paragraph. The thermal infinity pool stretches from indoors to outdoors, with views of the rolling Tuscan hills and olive groves that make you question every life decision that doesn’t involve moving to Italy. It houses two saunas varying in heat, a cold plunge, and treatment rooms. It was the cherry on top of an already delightful stay. Sadly, we only had one night there, but in true Audley form, our next stop didn’t disappoint.

Enter Castel Monastero, a converted monastery with its original church still in use and the village’s ancient well still in the centre square. Each suite is sizable, unique, and full of character, while the whole property oozes history. The pool area overlooks the Tuscan countryside, and the spa was another highlight (are you picking up a theme here?). The magnesium salt pool was a special and unique touch, while there was also a sauna, steam room, cold plunge bucket, and a massive hot tub.

We also explored the beautiful towns of San Gimignano and Siena. With its soaring medieval towers and charming artisan shops, San Gimignano is like stepping back in time to the Renaissance. Siena during golden hour, though, is something mystical. Watching the full moon rise above Piazza del Campo as the air buzzes with laughter and the clink of wine glasses from the surrounding restaurants was pure magic.

Another great experience we had was truffle hunting with Danillo and his energetic dog, Vespina (which means “little Vespa” - fitting, considering how fast she bolted off to find truffles!). She found three black truffles and one white – which is much rarer and only found in the winter months. Lucky us!

Naturally, we couldn’t leave Tuscany without another wine tasting, this time at Tenuta Torciano, a family-run winery and hotel. We sampled a white and five reds, all paired with an indulgent lunch of antipasti, lasagna, and slow-cooked beef with roasted veggies. It was stupenda.

We wrapped up the trip with a final dinner hosted by Castel Monastero in their cozy cellar restaurant - the perfect ending to a week of unforgettable food, laughter, and luxury.

Overall, I can’t say enough amazing things about this experience. It was a “work trip” that didn’t feel like work at all. We made incredible memories, ate and drank like royalty, and got a taste of luxury most people only dream of. Immense thanks to Audley and Silversea for an unforgettable journey - one I’ll be bragging about (professionally, of course) for a very long time to come!