Italian Riviera, Monaco & the French Cote d'Azur

Day 1

We depart today, crossing the English Channel and arriving at an overnight hotel in France this evening.

Day 2

We continue our journey across the Italian border to our hotel in Diano Marina, where we will spend the next six nights.

Day 3

A leisurely start before an excursion which takes us on a coastal drive along the Riviera of Flowers to Alassio, a chic resort adorned by trees and flowers and boasting a gorgeous beach. Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque carrugio – a typical Ligurian street that runs parallel to the coast, lined with patisseries, shops and bars. We return via a visit to Cervo, a beautifully-preserved medieval village listed as one of “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy”, with winding cobbled streets lined with attractive houses, shops and galleries.

Day 4

An early start this morning for a full day excursion which takes us over the French border to explore the cosmopolitan Cote d'Azur with our first stop in Eze. Here we visit one of the oldest perfumeries in the world, Galimard for a guided tour of the into the enchanting world of perfumery explaining how the talented in-house perfumers bring unique, exquisite fragrances to life and have the opportunity to purchase the creations at bargain prices! From here we continue to the glamorous coastal city of Nice, jewel of the French Riviera. Stroll along the palm tree lined Promenade des Anglais, step back in time with a wander around the atmospheric Old Town, view the stunning churches or visit the Musee Matisse, dedicated to the work of artist, Henri Matisse.

Day 5

Day at leisure In Diano Marina, for the opportunity to get to know the resort often dubbed “the city of the orange trees” at your own pace. This beautiful sweeping stretch of coastline, sheltered by the Maritime Alps, which curve between Tuscany and France’s Côte d’Azur, is a lovely base for our tour.

Alternatively, join our OPTIONAL excursion which takes us to the pretty coastal resort of Santa Margherita Ligure, where traditional cottages sit right on the sea, surrounded by interesting Art Deco buildings and a stunning seafront promenade. From here we board a boat to sail around the headland to the world-renowned picture-postcard resort of Portofino, nestled in one of the Mediterranean's most exclusive corners, hidden away in a peaceful coastal inlet shielded by olive clad slopes. The harbour is filled with the yachts of the rich and famous and its pedestrianised streets are lined with stylish restaurants and chic designer boutiques.

Day 6

A full day excursion which takes us first to dreamy Menton, the first French town after crossing the border from Italy and one of the most blissful on the Côte d'Azur, with its lemon gardens, sandy beach and tightly packed jumble of traditional narrow alleys and terracotta roofed buildings that overlook the sea. Next we head to the tiny principality of Monaco, less than a square mile in size but briming with glitz and glamour! The unofficial 'capital' of Monte Carlo is home to the Royal Palace, the cathedral where Prince Rainier married Grace Kelly and the church where the Princess is buried. We continue via the Monaco Grand Prix roads to the famous Monte Carlo Casino, playground of the rich and famous. This lavish marble and gold building is Europe’s most extravagant example of belle-epoque architecture. There’s much more to explore including a bustling marina, where you can usually find the millionnaires yachts and fantastic shops.

Day 7

Morning excursion to Ventimiglia market where amongst other bargains you will find genuine Italian leather goods for much less than you'd pay at home. returning via a visit to elegant Sanremo, known as the 'City of Flowers', with its medieval centre and picturesque harbour, it is famous for its casino, palm trees and festivals and considered to be the Italian Riviera’s most glittering and cosmopolitan resort awash with shops and elegant boutiques.

Day 8

We bid 'arrivederci' to Italy and retrace our journey back through France and tonight's overnight hotel.

Day 9

Today we continue our journey back to the Channel port for the return crossing and homewards.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner