Day 1
Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in France on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2
Continue to our hotel in Diano Marina.
Day 3 – Imperia
We spend half a day in the pretty town of Imperia, renowned for its cultivation of olives and flowers. Shady trees and ancient buildings line the cobbled streets while the Old Town has many interesting shops that sell antiques, handicrafts and locally-made artefacts.
Day 4 – Optional excursion to Santa Margherita Ligure & Portofino (£22pp)
On our optional excursion, we join a boat trip from Santa Margherita Ligure, a lovely port town with a castle and 13th-century basilica, to Italy’s most sophisticated resort, Portofino. Famed for its picturesque harbour crammed with expensive yachts and lined with pastel-coloured houses, it also boasts a medieval castle perched on a hill above the town.
Day 5 – Day at leisure
We enjoy a day of leisure in Diano Marina, where it’s market day – the perfect opportunity to browse for souvenirs and gifts.
Day 6 – Monaco & Monte Carlo
We head to the tiny principality of Monaco, home to a historic casino, the well-known residential area of Monte Carlo and many rich and famous residents. Monaco is less than a square mile in size but brims with glitz and glamour! There’s much to explore including a bustling marina, beautiful royal palace and fantastic shops.
Day 7 – Optional excursion to Nice (£22pp)
Join an optional excursion to the picturesque coastal city of Nice. Set on a beautiful bay, this lovely resort offers a pretty seafront promenade, atmospheric Old Town and plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants.
Day 8 – Alassio & Cervo
We begin our half-day excursion in Alassio, a charming seaside town set against a picturesque backdrop of rugged hills with a long sandy beach, beautiful parks and pleasant squares. We continue to Cervo, this beautifully-preserved medieval village is listed as one of “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy”, with winding cobbled streets lined with attractive houses, shops and galleries.
Day 9
Travel to our overnight hotel in France, with a light evening meal included.
Day 10
Continue to Calais for our return ferry home.