Italian Riviera, Tuscany & Rome

Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to northern France for an overnight stay.

Continue to the Italian Riviera for a four-night stay.

Discover the delights of your resort today or alternatively join our relaxing optional half day excursion offering a taste of the beautiful Mediterranean ‘Riviera of Flowers’. We start in the romantic village of Laigueglia, located at the western end of the bay of Alassio. It is tinged with yellow, blue and pink houses, which were originally painted in bright colours so that the fishermen could see them during a storm. The village has changed very little over the centuries, with narrow alleyways and vaulted walkways, it is an ideal stop for morning coffee. Four kilometres of limestone and quartz beaches make Alassio, our next stop, one of the best-known resorts in Liguria. The artist’s wall of ceramic tiles that have been signed by the famous people who have visited the town is not to be missed. A stroll along the ‘budello’ the road that runs parallel to the sea and beaches is a haven for shoppers with a price to suit every pocket.

Today, why not join our optional excursion to Santa Margherita, with its attractive promenade. Then, subject to sea conditions, we take a boat to Portofino, whose pretty harbour draws in the rich and famous.

Please note: If the weather prevents the boat trip from operating then we will visit the resort of San Remo before returning to the hotel .

Today our included excursion takes us to the Principality of Monaco, whose eight square miles form the smallest and almost certainly wealthiest sovereign-state, with possibly more millionaires than anywhere
else on earth. There is a fascination with Monaco's ruling Grimaldi family, especially since Prince Rainier III’s marriage to the former film star Grace Kelly. One of the few autocratic Monarchies left in the world, the relationship between Monaco and France is an interesting one. Any new law passed in France is automatically sent to the ruler of the principality. If he likes it, it becomes a law in Monaco. If not, it doesn't! Spend time in probably the most famous region of Monaco; Monte Carlo. Take a stroll around the famous Formula 1 circuit; browse the sumptuous boutiques and marvel at the fabulous parks and gardens of this tiny paradise.

This morning we depart the Italian Riviera and travel to Pisa for a short visit. Why not join our optional guided walking tour to introduce you to the sights? The walking tour introduces you to the Piazza dei Miracoli or Field of Miracles, where you can admire the splendid buildings that rise from the emerald-green lawns. The piazza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains the city’s most famous sights. The Leaning Tower or Torre Pendente has to be the most legendary of them all. The structure was originally conceived as the Cathedral’s bell tower and construction began in 1173. The tower started leaning soon afterwards due to subsidence of the ground beneath its base. A project to keep the tower from toppling over was successfully concluded in 2001. Unknown to some, all the buildings of the Campo dei Miracoli lean because of their shallow foundations – but none so much as the Leaning Tower! From here the tour will continue to the historic centre of the town including such places as Via Santa Maria and Piazza dei Cavalieri. Following time at leisure we continue our journey to our hotel in Chianciano Terme for four nights.

Today you have the full day to discover the Italian capital city of Rome on our included excursion. The Historic Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with wonderful palaces, churches, basilicas, Roman ruins, monuments and fountains. It has an immensely rich historical heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere. There will be ample free time for you to explore this wonderful city at your leisure. To make the most of your visit, why not join our optional guided sightseeing tour. The sightseeing tour takes place on both coach and foot and will introduce you to the city’s wonderful sights, including the mighty Colosseum (entrance not included) and the Trevi Fountain. Note: Although Rome is a relatively compact city, we would remind you that this is a walking tour, not suitable for anyone with mobility difficulties and we would recommend you wear suitable shoes for the day.

Join our full-day optional excursion today to the Tuscan towns of Siena and San Gimignano both UNESCO World Heritage sites. San Gimignano is a medieval town that owes its famous skyline to the rival families who tried to outdo each other by building taller and taller towers. Of the original 76 towers only 13 still survive today. You will have time at leisure before we travel to the medieval town of Siena. Set on three hills, Siena is drawn together by winding alleyways and steep steps, whilst the Piazza del Campo stands at its heart, and the Duomo and St. Maria della Scala serve as additional cultural landmarks. En-route take in the beautiful views over the rolling Tuscan countryside from the comfort of your coach seat.

Today we include a full day through the scenic region of Umbria to the medieval town of Assisi, explore the Piazza del Comune, Assisi’s main square, which is dominated by the columns of the Tempio di Minerva and of course the Basilica di San Francesco, the burial place of St. Francis. To make the most of your visit why not join our optional guided walking tour? Assisi is divided into two main parts – the Upper (Parte de Sopra) and the Lower (Parte de Sotto). The walking tour starts in the upper part of the town, home to the Church of Saint Claire, which dominates the Piazza with its pink and white striped façade. Saint Claire was a loyal follower and friend of Saint Francis and the church was dedicated to her shortly after her death in 1253. We continue to Piazza del Comune and then walk through the typical medieval streets to the Lower part of the town to the magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis (entrance included within the price of the walking tour).

We leave Chianciano Terme and make our way to the Renaissance city of Florence. There will be time at leisure to explore the endless historic sights. See the shops in and around the centuries old Ponte Vecchio, or even have your portrait painted by one of the street artists who usually gather in the square next to the medieval Duomo (cathedral). To get the most from your visit, join our optional guided sightseeing tour with local guide. The tour starts by coach and takes us up to the hills behind the city, to Piazza Michelangelo. Here you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside. Once you have taken your photos the coach will take you back to the city, where your guide will lead you on a walking tour through the delightful streets of Florence, pointing out the major sights. See the Santa Croce church, the burial place of Michelangelo, the famous statues in Piazza della Signoria and also the magnificent Santa Maria Duomo. We continue to northern Italy for an overnight stay.

To northern France for an overnight stay

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