French & Italian Riviera Splendour

Today you fly to Nice. On arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel in the resort of Alassio on the Ligurian coast. This golden stretch of coastline borders its more famous neighbour, the French Riviera, and is just as picturesque with sandy beaches and sparkling azure waters.

Today we'll head to Menton in France, a coastal town on the Cote d'Azur close to the Italian border. Its streets are lined with pretty pastel-coloured houses and we'll have time to take a stroll and admire the 17th century Basilica of Saint-Michel, one of the finest baroque churches in southern France.
Next, we'll cross the border back to Italy and stop in medieval Dolceacqua, made up of two beautiful villages connected by a stone bridge.

A day to relax, to take it all in, the day has been left free for you to spend as you wish. You might head off to discover one of the longest sandy beaches in the eastern Liguria region, or spend time exploring the lively town centre and its historic monuments.

Santa Margherita is one of the most elegant resorts on the Italian Riviera. You can discover its charm on our optional excursion, which also includes a visit to Portofino, which we’ll reach by boat if the weather is on our side. What used to be a quiet fishing village is now one of the region’s most exclusive resorts, filled with designer boutiques and a fine selection of restaurants and bars. Take a walk among its maze of streets to the Church of St Giorgio, which is close to the harbour. Perhaps take a seat at a café here and enjoy spectacular views across the bay as you sip a coffee or enjoy a chilled glass of wine.

The stylish principality of Monaco is a sovereign state that has been ruled by the Grimaldi family for more than seven centuries. It boasts luxurious hotels, exclusive restaurants and the highest number of millionaires per square metre than any other country in the world! The district of Monte Carlo is the sophisticated playground of the rich and famous, renowned for its famous casino, exquisite gardens, opulent boutiques and a grand harbour filled with expensive yachts. We'll discover these glamorous sights on today's full-day included excursion.

Today we will have a very special lunch at an ancient watermill, which has been turned into a rustic restaurant. Be prepared for a feast of food and drink, as you work your way through the authentic Italian tasting menu, sampling more than ten dishes. All these will be washed down with wine and Limoncello.

Nice, set against a backdrop of blue skies and sparkling sea, is the chic capital of the French Riviera. This is where our optional tour begins today. We'll visit the Place Massena, the largest square in the historic old district, which is home to impressive fountains and stunning neoclassical buildings with red-coloured façades. Recognised as a national monument of France, we'll also see St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral. Consecrated in 1912 with the support of Tsar Nicholas II, inside is housed a vast collection of icons and decorative works of huge historical value.
Later, we head inland to the charming medieval village of St Paul de Vence, built on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by ramparts. A stroll around the Old Town reveals a maze of charming streets, shady squares and beautiful views of the Bay of Nice.

We'll transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. .