The Italian Riviera

We meet at our Departure Office in London St Pancras, and take the Eurostar to Paris, continuing by rail to Turin for the night.

On Day 2, you have a free morning to explore Turin, a city of French and Italian influence that boasts beautiful green spaces, spacious boulevards, and airy squares lined with grand buildings. We continue to Sestri Levante, a picturesque coastal town. Our base here is the elegant Grand Hotel Villa Balbi*, set in a 19th-century mansion surrounded by lush private gardens.

*On some departures you will stay at the Hotel Due Mari in Sestri Levante.

• Day 1 - Eurostar meal, Dinner
• Day 2 - Breakfast, Dinner

Today you're free to explore Sestri Levante, a town set on a peninsula surrounded by two gorgeous bays. On one side is the Bay of Fairytales, named for Hans Christian Andersen, the most famous resident of Sestri Levante. With its port, promenade, and shops, it is the liveliest part of town. On the other side is the tranquil Bay of Silence. 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.

• Breakfast

Today we explore the iconic Cinque Terre. These five coastal villages are set within a National Park and share UNESCO World Heritage status, thanks to their old world Italian charm and breathtaking surrounding scenery. We travel by regional train, along the rugged coast to Riomaggiore, where pastel houses are seemingly stacked atop one another, rising from the tiny harbour. We take to the waters next, sailing to elegant Vernazza, whose cobbled streets are lined with quaint cafés, and Monterosso, known for its stretch of sandy beach and lemon trees, with time to explore with our local guide.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we cruise to the famous resort of Portofino, a glorious Italian fishing village surrounded by olive groves. Considered one of the most beautiful Mediterranean ports, the town has a stunning harbour surrounded by pastel-painted houses. Lunch is served in a local restaurant before we continue along the 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 and a pirate den. Underwater, in the sea in front of the abbey, is a statue of 'Christ in the Abyss', said to protect divers and sailors.

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

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today you are free in Sestri Levante. Perhaps relax in the hotel's gardens, or admire the winding medieval streets and harbour views on a walk through the town.

On Day 7 we travel by coach to Pisa, famed for its Leaning Tower. Our guided tour here includes the Field of Miracles, where we see the iconic tower, as well as the white marble Duomo with its sublime Moorish mosaics. This afternoon we visit Lucca. Here, city walls encircle a Roman and medieval centre packed with piazzas, art galleries, and tiny churches, all connected by an intricate network of narrow cobbled streets. You have free time here to explore, or perhaps enjoy lunch. The food here is known as some of the best in Tuscany, so this is a great opportunity to sample some local specialties - maybe tortelli lucchese, meat-stuffed pasta topped with a rich ragù, or baccalà, salted cod.

• Day 6 - Breakfast
• Day 7 - Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we travel by regional train to the picturesque fishing village of Camogli. 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.

On Day 9 we travel along the stunning Ligurian coastline to Nice, where we spend the night. You have some time this evening to explore this charming French city. Perhaps stroll along the palm-tree-lined Promenade des Anglais, enjoying uninterrupted views over the ocean.

On Day 10 we take the train to Paris and connect with the Eurostar back to London St Pancras, where our holiday ends.

• Day 8 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 9 - Breakfast
• Day 10 - Breakfast, Eurostar meal