Group Travel Tour Operator for holidays to the Italian Riviera
Christmas on the Italian Riviera
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Winter Sunset, Monaco © Monaco Government Communication Department
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Monaco Palace, Old Town © Monaco Press Centre Photos
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Christmas in Monaco © Monaco Government Communication Department
Enjoy an unforgettable Christmas on the Italian Riviera
Known for its mouth-watering cuisine, exquisite wines and warm hospitality, Italy is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas. Head to the Italian Riviera for the festive season while you enjoy the area’s year-round Mediterranean climate. Stay in the charming resort of Diano Marina, a wonderful town with plenty of amenities and a lovely beach. Take a stroll along the promenade and soak up the winter sunshine! Your Christmas package includes not only a special Christmas dinner with live music, but also a traditional Ligurian dinner.
Read moreThe Principality of Monaco; The Riviera’s Mircostate
There are plenty of places to visit nearby, stretching along the Rivieria’s coast. Why not visit Monaco? Lap up a bit of luxury in glamorous Monte Carlo, an iconic destination for the rich and famous. Why not try your luck at the Casino? Alternatively, stroll along the marina or F1 fans may wish to stroll beside the roads the cars race along. Monaco’s old town is beautiful, with its pretty gardens, remarkable views and grand palace.
The Towns and Villages of the Italian Riviera
Explore also the romantic old town of San Remo, a picturesque town abundant in beautiful villas, including Villa Zirio, former residence of German Emperor William III, Palazzo Bellvue, Villa Ormond, a French style botanical garden and Villa Nobel, the final home of Swedish scientist, Alfred Nobel. See our Riviera of Flowers trip for a less festive and a more floral theme to your tour of the Italian Riviera. As well as this, explore the ancient hill top village of Cervo. Cervo’s roots date back the Roman times and its 16th Century walls, overlooking the sea, protect its medieval streets, churches and houses. another ancient village worth a visit is the stunning Dolceacqua. Overlooked by a castle and with a humpback bridge arching attractively over a scenic river, this is a delightful place to find yourself. It’s so beautiful that Monet even visited here to paint.
For more tours and holidays to the Italian Riviera why take a look at our suggested itinerary between March and October by clicking here.
Dates
December 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1-2
Travel to Italy
Depart from your local area and travel to Dover for a ferry crossing to Calais. Continue through France making an overnight stop before proceeding to Italy the following day. Check into your hotel in the beautiful Diano Marina on the famous Italian ‘Riviera of Flowers’. If time allows, begin exploring the area before enjoying dinner in your hotel.
Day 3
Monte Carlo and Monaco
Today, why not discover one of Europe’s smallest countries? Monaco, the home of the rich and famous, is nestled in a cove along the coast close to the French/Italian border. Perhaps visit the famous Casino in Monte Carlo – ‘Golden Square’ with its prestigious shops and amazing restaurants is now garnished with festive decorations and an impressive tree. Perhaps head to Port Hercule where there is a Christmas Village each year from early December to early January.
Monaco also has a historic cliff-top old town with exotic gardens, a royal palace and a cathedral. Perhaps explore at leisure or enjoy a guided tour to learn more about the history of Monaco. Furthermore, the Musée Océanographique immerses visitors into the heart of the marine world and is well worth a visit.
Day 4
Free time in Diano Marina and the Medieval Village of Cervo
Spend this morning at leisure to relax and explore the seaside town of Diano Marina. Potter past historical villas and enjoy a stroll along the beach. This afternoon, perhaps visit the nearby ancient hill top village of Cervo. Cervo’s roots date back the Roman times and its 16th Century walls, overlooking the sea, protect its medieval streets, churches and houses.
Day 5
Christmas in the Mediterranean
Today, enjoy a leisurely and relaxing morning. Perhaps spend your day enjoying the hotel’s facilities and strolling along the beach. This evening enjoy a special Christmas dinner in the hotel accompanied by live music to create a jolly atmosphere.
Day 6
San Remo and Dolceacqua
There are a number of beautiful towns and villages in the area. Today, perhaps visit some of them. San Remo is a picturesque town with a romantic core, scattered with beautiful villas such as Villa Ormond with its sloping English gardens. It also boasts a grand casino and a pretty domed Russian Orthodox Church. Perhaps take a leisurely stroll along the beachside promenade, which affords unrivalled views of the stunning coastline.
Perhaps continue to the ancient village of Dolceacqua. Overlooked by a castle and with a humpback bridge arching attractively over a scenic river, this is a delightful place to find yourself. It’s so beautiful that Monet even visited here to paint. Nearby, local wine and produce tastings can be arranged.
Day 7-8
Departure
Time permitting, enjoy some final sightseeing or buy some last minute before saying ciao to the Italian Riviera. Retrace your route through France back to Calais, making an overnight stop along the way. Take a ferry back to Dover and continue to your local area.
Suggested Hotels
Hotel Piccolo, Diano Marina ***
A 9-minute walk from the nearest beach and 1 km from the city centre, this hotel is 8 km from the Naval Museum of West Liguria. The hotel features rooms with tiled floors, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and balconies offering sea or pool views. Upgraded rooms add minifridges. Airy suites have sitting areas and desks. Room service is available. Amenities consist of a restaurant, an American-style bar, a furnished terrace and an outdoor pool. Coaching Parking is available.
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| 8 days / 7 nights | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| December 2024 | Price on request | Price on request |
