Group tour operator for the Italian Riviera
Italian Riviera, Portofino and Monte Carlo
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Alassio town and coastline ©Archivio fotografico Comune di Alassio - Ph. Emerson Fortunato
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Aerial view of Portofino harbour ©Photos Archive Agenzia In Liguria
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Portofino harbour ©Photos Archive Agenzia In Liguria
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Portofino harbour at night ©Photos Archive Agenzia In Liguria
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Monte Carlo, Monaco © Monaco Press Centre Photos
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Monaco Palace, Old Town © Monaco Press Centre Photos
TRIED AND TESTED
Italy: The Riviera, Portofino and Monte Carlo
Considered to have the most beautiful coastline in Europe, the Italian Riviera curves around the Mediterranean from Tuscany in the east to the French border in the west. This beautiful area also called the Riviera of Flowers because of the many beautiful hilltop gardens scattered along the coast. Beautiful displays of flora and fauna nestle between quaint and historic towns.
During your visit to the Italian Riviera, you will stay in the charming resort area of Diano Marina and San Bartolomeo al Mare, and experience traditional Italian hospitality. Diano Marina is a wonderful town with plenty of amenities and a sunny beach. Take a stroll along the promenade and soak up the sunshine! With our fantastic packages available between March and October, you can enjoy wonderful dinners with choice menus from the second evening. The package also includes a typical Ligurian meal and an evening of live music. Furthermore, to welcome you to the Riviera, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink.
While exploring this beautiful coast, visit San Remo. Exploring the Old Town, be sure to make a stop at the Russian Orthodox Church which boasts a truly spectacular dome. A true highlight of this tour is the pretty little town of Portofino. Take a boat and catch your first glimpse of this jewel from the water. The pastel shades of the buildings complement the striking blue of the skies and Mediterranean. Furthermore, head to the tiny country of Monaco! The Old Town features a palace and beautiful gardens while Monte Carlo is an urban playground for the rich and famous.
Discover the many jewels along the Italian Riviera. From bustling markets to sparkling seas, this is the perfect destination.
Dates
March - October 2024
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1-2
Travel to the Italian Riviera
Take a short sea crossing to Calais and travel south through France for an overnight stop before arriving in Italian Riviera on day 2.
Day 3
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, we 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 4
‘Santa’ lunch and Portofino by Boat
We travel east passing Genoa and stop for lunch in ‘Santa’ Margherita Ligure – one the coast’s prettiest towns with Belle Époque buildings and a handsome town hall. After lunch, we take a short boat trip to Portofino. This world-famous fishing village of pastel hued houses is so pretty it looks like it belongs in a watercolour painting. This is the perfect place to soak up some sunshine and glorious views whilst sipping a glass of Italian wine.
Day 5
San Remo and Botanical Gardens
Villa Ormond is a beautiful residence, crowning sloping English gardens. This morning we visit these gardens and stroll along their winding paths past exotic plants, ancient trees and fountains. Enjoy tranquility and a view across San Remo’s bay. After lunch, we explore the Old Town of San Remo. The capital of the Riviera of Flowers boasts a grand casino, a pretty domed Russian Orthodox Church, and romantic Old Town narrow streets. The town is abundant in impressive villas and marvellous ornate churches. Perhaps take a leisurely stroll along the beachside promenade, which affords unrivalled views of the stunning coastline.
Day 6
Monte Carlo and Monaco
Discover one of Europe’s smallest countries: Monaco. Nestled in a cove along the coast close to the French/Italian border, it is the home of the rich and famous. 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. Perhaps watch the changing of the Palace Guards or visiting the amazing Grand Prix Circuit. Enjoy some free time at the Casino Square or ‘Golden Square’ with prestigious shops, amazing restaurants and luxury cars.
Day 7
Alassio
Today, we visit Alassio, a town with a beautiful promenade and quality shops. Perhaps visit the Villa della Pergola, where the gardens are built onto verdant terraces. Water lilies laze on the surface on ponds, tickled by fountains, and wisteria covered pathways lead between gardens. During the summer, you can take a cruise on Lake Gallinara –a privately owned island and wildlife sanctuary.
Day 8
Ventimiglia Market, Ancient Villages and Wine Tasting
Today we drive to Ventimiglia, the end of the line in Italy before France. Lying on the border, it became famous for its lively markets popular with locals an tourists alike. 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. Afterwards, we continue a short way to visit Antico Frantoio for tastings for local produce and wine. In the afternoon, we visit 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.
Day 9-10
Depart Italy
It’s time to leave Italy, make an overnight stop en route before continuing to Calais the following morning to return to the UK.
Suggested hotels
Hotel Bellevue et Mediterranée, Diano Marina****
This beachfront hotel overlooking the Ligurian Sea has a private beach with sun loungers, plus an outdoor pool and hot tubs. Rooms provide free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, as well as furnished terraces or balconies.
Hotel Eden Park ****
This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Located by the sea and just 200 yards from the town centre, this hotel is surrounded by picturesque gardens with a swimming-pool, and offers guests access to its private beach. The hotel has a restaurant and bar and the rooms feature air conditioning, satellite TV, safe, mini bar, hairdryer, direct telephone and Wi-Fi.
Hotel Bergamo Mare ***
Located a 4 minute walk from the closest beach, this hotel is a 5-minute walk from Cervo San Bartolomeo train station and 12 km from Museo dell’Olivo. The rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, furnished balconies, and either air-conditioning or ceiling fans. Complimentary amenities consist of loaner bikes, as well as a breakfast buffet and evening meal served in a dining room; breakfast is also offered on the roof terrace during the summer. An old-school bar is open 24/7. A sundeck with loungers surround an outdoor pool.
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| Dates | Hotel | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2024 dates | On Request | From £655.00 per person | Price on Request |
Flight packages are available on request
