Group Travel Tour Operator for holidays to the Italian Riviera

Arrival

Arrive and check in to your hotel.  If time allows, begin exploring the area.

San Remo

San Remo is one of the larger towns on this stretch of the coast. The town is famous for a host of local 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 (no entrances included) and its famous flower market.

Discover the historic San Siro Cathedral, marvel at the ornate churches or take a leisurely stroll along the beachside promenade. Covering the path of the old train line and recently converted for pedestrians and cyclists alike, it affords unrivalled views of the stunning coastline. The exotic Pallanca Garden in Bordighera (entrance not included), whose plant-covered terraces sweep down to the sea, boasts over 3,000 species of plants and has one of Europe’s most important collections of cacti.

Monaco & Monte Carlo

Discover one of Europe’s smallest countries in Monte Carlo. Nestled in a cove along the cost close to the French/Italian border, it is the home of the rich and famous. Base for the iconic Grand Prix, there is much more to see and discover in Monaco. Perhaps enjoy a guided tour to explore the historic cliff-top old town, where you will discover the beautiful Exotic Garden, overlooking the sea is home to thousands of giant sized cacti, thanks to the area’s exceptional climate, as well as many sculptures and works of art. There is also the Royal Palace and Cathedral and quaint streets far removed from the famous Casino and port.

Ventimiglia and Hanbury  Gardens

Ventimiglia is the end of the line in Italy before crossing the border to France. Lying on the border, it became famous for its markets for which many French locals and tourists cross the border each week. Friday is Ventimiglia’s market day and you can find many bargains at the famous markets, running the length of the town and sea front.

Hanbury Gardens, an 18 hectare garden created in 1867 by Sir Thomas Hanbury, lies at the edge of town. It has many specimens collected on his world travels. It includes a perfume garden, a Japanese garden and a succulent garden, all overlooking the Mediterranean. If time permits, visit the Maria Serena Villa, known as ‘Little Africa’. Once a presidential residence, the villa is in a lush green setting by the sea and has a beautiful collection of palm trees and tropical plants.

Nice and Cap Ferrat

Head over the border to the nearby French Riviera. Nice, the standout city on the coast offers much to visitors. In the atmospheric old town of Nice, you will find the Cours Saleya flower market, one of the most popular markets on the French Riviera. The Parc Floral has the largest greenhouse in Europe and the Botanical Gardens are also interesting. Walk along the famous seafront Promenade des Anglais and take in the beautiful Baie des Anges. Enjoy a drink in Place Garibaldi or hit the shops in the pedestrianised city centre zone.

A short drive away is the charming village and cove of Villefranche, with its pastel shaded houses overlooking the quaint cove and over to the headland of Cap Ferrat, home of the rich and famous, inlcuding Elton John. The fantastic Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Cap Ferrat is located on one of the most spectacular areas of the French Riviera. The Villa has nine gardens facing the sea with lakes, fountains and a magnificent art collection.

Alassio

Boasting one of the best town beaches anywhere in Italy and with a promenade that overlooks the beach, Alassio has drawn visitors for hundreds of years with a strong British heritage. The old town features narrow streets lined with clothes shops, gelaterias and bookshops.

Depart

Time permitting, enjoy some final sightseeing or buy some last minute before saying ciao to the Italian Riviera.