Italian Riviera 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class with a light meal and drinks served in our seats. We cross Paris by coach to the Mercure Gare de Lyon, ideally located a short stroll from the river close to the famous Notre Dame. This evening you are free to explore the fascinating French capital and to dine out in one of the many excellent brasseries in the area. (E)

This morning we board the high-speed TGV, travelling in First Class to Milan. Here we join a coach that takes us along the beautiful Ligurian Riviera to Sestri Levante, a picturesque town set on the coast overlooking the glittering Mediterranean. The town boasts a large beach, with houses built right up to the edge of the sand. On arrival in Sestri Levante we transfer to our home for the next seven nights, the historic Grande Albergo, set on the wide promenade facing the Baia delle Favole. We enjoy dinner in a local restaurant this evening. After dinner you could take a stroll along the golden beach by the hotel, sip a drink on the seafront promenade and indulge in a favourite Italian pastime: people-watching. (B,D)

Today you have a free day to explore Sestri Levante. The heart of the town is built on an island, now connected to the mainland, and is crammed with beautiful villas on medieval streets. The Baia delle Favole, situated on one side of the promontory, is the liveliest part of the town, with its port, promenade, and shops. The Baia del Silenzio, on the other side of the island, has a more relaxed atmosphere, and is well-known for the fishing traditions which are still handed down through the generations. (B)

This morning we set out after breakfast to explore the Cinque Terre, made up of five incredibly picturesque villages set on the coast: Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. The villages are set within part of a National Park and share UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to the breathtaking scenery along this stretch of the Italian coastline. The regional train (Standard Class) winds its way along the rugged coastline, travelling through tunnels carved deep into the rock and emerging into steep wine terraces, with villages clinging precariously to sheer cliffs or wedged between the hills and the beach. We alight in Riomaggiore, where we have the option of joining the 'Via dell'Amore', a winding pathway linking the five villages, for a walk along the cliff top to Manarola, with waves breaking on the rocks far below. We continue by train to the tiny village of Vernazza, enjoying some free time to soak up the atmosphere, possibly with a drink in a waterfront cafe or restaurant, before returning to Sestri Levante. We dine out in a renowned local restaurant this evening. (B,D)

Today we cruise to the famous resort town of Portofino, a gloriously Italian fishing village surrounded by olive groves and pine trees. Colourful terraces of pastel-painted houses lead down to the semi-circular harbour, which normally contains a contrasting mix of sleek, expensive yachts and simple, wooden fishing boats. It is easy to see why Portofino is acknowledged as one of the most beautiful ports in the Mediterranean. Lunch is in a local restaurant before we continue along the stunning coastline to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. Here a bronze statue of Christ - the Cristo degli Abissi - stands on the sea bed. It is clearly visible when the sea is calm and is said to protect local divers. (B,L)

Today you are free to explore at your own pace. Perhaps journey into Genoa and visit one of the largest aquariums in Europe, home to over one thousand different species including penguins, dolphins and seals. Alternatively, why not take to the water and view the Cinque Terre from a different angle, or travel along the coast to the stunning port town of Santa Margherita Ligure to visit its impressive 16th century castle. (B)

This morning we travel by coach to Pisa, where we enjoy a guided tour that includes the city's beautiful Field of Miracles. Here we see the world-famous Leaning Tower, which began to lean as soon as it was built and was used by Galileo to study gravity. We also see the marvellous white marble Duomo, often overlooked by tourists who flock to see the bell-tower, but a true gem in its own right and one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture, with its beautiful marble façade and sublime Moorish mosaics. This afternoon we visit the city of Lucca - Tuscany's best-kept secret; a place of true beauty that has managed to escape the tourist crowds. Majestic city walls encircle a Roman and Medieval heart packed with piazzas, art galleries and tiny churches, all connected by an intricate network of narrow cobbled streets. Splendid Renaissance architecture mingles with historic buildings from the Middle Ages, making the city a pleasure to explore on foot. We enjoy lunch in Lucca, followed by free time for you to explore at leisure. A stroll around the wide walkways along the top of the ancient ramparts is an excellent way to discover the true charm of the city, while you can get a bird's-eye view of Lucca by climbing the Guinigi Tower, which has an oak tree growing from its top. (B,L)

This morning we travel by train to the picturesque fishing village of Camogli. After a guided tour of the centre and the harbour, which is full of colourful fishing boats, we return to Sestri Levante where you are free to enjoy the hotel's facilities, or perhaps buy some gifts and souvenirs. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)

This morning we board a regional train and travel via Genoa to Turin, where we spend the night in Turin at the ATA Hotel Concord. Turin spreads out over a pretty network of avenues and squares from the 17th and 18th century. Visit the Duomo di Torino, the city's Renaissance cathedral, and the Piazza Castello, the heart of Turin surrounded by beautiful building and always a hive of activity. The more relaxed Giardino Reale is close by - these wonderful gardens were created by the man responsible for the famous gardens at Versailles. (B,D)

Leaving Turin, we board the train to Paris, travelling in First Class on the high-speed service directly to the French capital. On arrival in Paris we cross the city by coach to connect with the Eurostar to London. The final rail journey of the holiday is made in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board before our arrival into St Pancras International. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday