Italian and French Riviera

Day 1

We depart through the night and make our way to the channel crossing. We continue our journey through France stopping in the Laon area for the night.

Day 2

We continue through the French countryside to arrive at our next overnight hotel in Marcon.

Day 3

Heading south, we cross the border into Italy and arrive at our centrally located hotel in Diano Marina in time for dinner.

Day 4

Today we spend the day enjoying our resort and discovering the local area at our leisure. At the relaxing coastal resort of Diano Marina, there are sweeping stretches of sandy beaches, clear waters and a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy. Also known as the city of orange trees, you can discover the tree-lined promenade with a good choice of authentic restaurants and shops in the pedestrianised town centre to browse.

Day 5

Èze & Monaco
This morning we hop over the border into France to the ancient, fortified hilltop village of Èze, with magnificent views overlooking the sea. While here we visit the Fragonard perfume factory to discover the trade secrets of how its perfumes, soaps and cosmetics are produced.
We then continue to the Principality of Monaco, situated in a sunspot on the Mediterranean coast. Monaco, and its famous inner Monte Carlo district, has long been a playground for the fabulously rich and famous. The world's most densely populated sovereign country, and one of the most expensive, this exclusive haunt is packed full of high-rise buildings, luxury yachts, exotic gardens and, of course, the world-famous Monte Carlo casino. In stark contrast to the gleaming affluence, the south side of the port has a picturesque old town with narrow, medieval alleyways and historic buildings to explore, so we can enjoy both the modern and ancient parts of this buzzing country

Day 6

Alassio & Cervo
This morning we visit the vibrant resort of Alassio. Having been popular with British Victorian holidaymakers, the resort is full of expatriate heritage, including an English language library that is one of the oldest in Italy. Enjoy wandering around the Budello di Alassio, where the history of the town can be most appreciated, with its numerous shops, churches and piazzas. We can stroll along the impressive sandy beach - one of the best in Italy - before we make our way back to our hotel this afternoon via the ancient hilltop village of Cervo, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Day 7

Ventimiglia & San Remo
This morning we visit Ventimiglia. With the remains of a Roman theatre and baths, stunning Hanbury Botanical Gardens, walking paths snake through 45 acres of plants, buildings and fountains, there is plenty to explore. In the afternoon we visit San Remo. For 300 years, San Remo has attracted the aristocracy to its palm-fringed shores. Regarded as a key social centre at the end of the 19th century, Italy's answer to Monte Carlo boasts palatial villas and all the opulence you would expect from the Riviera. Explore the intriguing contrasts - from modern villas to towering medieval houses, and the ornate, domed Russian Orthodox Church.

Day 8

We leave our hotel this morning and make our way back to the Laon area to our overnight hotel.

Day 9

We return to the Macon area to our last overnight hotel.

Day 10

Departing after breakfast we make our way to our crossing and return to the local aera.