The Italian Riviera

London to Turin

After meeting at our St Pancras Departure Office, we take the Eurostar to Paris, continuing to Turin, by high speed TGV where we overnight.

To Sestri Levante

This morning you are free to explore Turin. Take a stroll under the intricate arcades to Piazza Castello, or discover the magnificent cathedral and Egyptian Museum, before we begin our journey to Sestri Levante, a picturesque town overlooking the Mediterranean. The town boasts a large beach, with houses built right up to the edge of the sand. We travel by rail to Chiavari, where we transfer by coach to Sestri Levante and the beautiful Grand Hotel Villa Balbi, our base for seven nights. Set in a stunning 19th century mansion, the hotel is surrounded by lush private gardens and has a truly elegant feel.

At leisure in Sestri Levante

Today, you are free to explore Sestri Levante. Occupying a beautiful position on a peninsula, surrounded by two gorgeous bays, Sestri Levante is a delight. On one side is the Bay of Fairytales, named in honour of Hans Christian Andersen, the most famous former resident of Sestri Levante. With its port, promenade, and shops, it is the liveliest part of town. On the other side is the Bay of Silence, which is also known as Portobello. Considered one of the best beaches in Italy, the Bay of Silence is a wonderful destination for a gentle stroll - or to appreciate the incredible colours of an Italian sunset.

Cinque Terre

This morning we explore the Cinque Terre - five picturesque villages set on the coast: Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. The villages are set within 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 coast, travelling through tunnels carved deep into the rock and emerging into steep wine terraces. We visit Riomaggiore, before continuing by train to Vernazza and Manarola, with time to explore with our local guide.

Portofino and San Fruttuoso

Today we cruise to the famous resort of Portofino, a glorious Italian fishing village surrounded by olive groves and pine trees. Considered one of the most beautiful Mediterranean ports, the town has a stunning harbour surrounded by pastelpainted houses. The resort is really no more than a small fishing village, but thanks to its unique beauty, has become a popular tourist destination.

Lunch is served in a local restaurant before we continue along the stunning coastline to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, which was originally built in the 10th century. Over the course of its history the abbey has had many uses; as well as its monastic use, it has been a home for fishermen, a pirate den, and the property of the Princes of Doria. Underwater, in the sea in front of the abbey, is a statue of 'Christ in the Abyss', said to protect local divers and sailors from watery peril.

Please note: landing at San Fruttuoso is dependent on weather. If it is not possible, the boat will land at Santa Margherita.

A day at leisure

Today you are at leisure to continue exploring Sestri Levante. Perhaps spend the day enjoying the hotel's gardens, or else admire the winding medieval streets, charming buildings and harbour views on a walk through the town centre.

Pisa and Lucca

This morning we travel by coach to Pisa, where we enjoy a guided tour that includes the Campo dei Miracoli, or 'Field of Miracles.' Here we see the worldfamous Leaning Tower, which began to tilt as soon as it was built and was used by Galileo to study gravity. Restoration work at the end of the 20th century prevented the tower from falling, whilst preserving its famously jaunty angle. We also see the white marble Duomo, often overlooked by tourists but a true gem in its own right with its beautiful façade and sublime Moorish mosaics.

This afternoon we visit the city of Lucca - one of Tuscany's best-kept secrets and a place of true beauty. 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. We enjoy free time to explore or perhaps enjoy lunch. A stroll along the top of the ancient ramparts is an excellent way to discover the true charm of the city.

Excursion to Camogli

This morning we travel by regional train (Standard Class) to the picturesque fishing village of Camogli. The name Camogli is a contraction of Casa Mogli (Wives' House) from the days when the women ran the town while the men were at sea. Set on a steep hill, Camogli climbs from the harbour and dark pebble beaches, up to groves of pine and olive trees. After a guided tour of the centre and the harbour, which is full of colourful fishing boats, we return to Sestri Levante and enjoy a farewell dinner in the hotel this evening.

To London via Nice

Today we travel west through Italy by rail, travelling along the stunning Ligurian coastline to Nice, where we spend the night. This evening, you are free to explore Nice at leisure. On Day 10 we take the high-speed TGV to Paris. Here we connect with the Eurostar to London, where our tour concludes.

Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.