Italian Riviera, Monte Carlo & the South of France

Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in France.

Continue to our hotel in Diano Marina.

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.

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.

We enjoy a day of leisure in our resort, where it’s market day.

We head to the tiny principality of Monaco, home to a historic casino, famous residential area of Monte Carlo and many rich and famous residents. Monaco is less than a square mile in size but is brimful of glitz and glamour, with a bustling marina, beautiful royal palace and fantastic shops.

Join an optional excursion to the picturesque coastal city of Nice. Set on a beautiful bay, this lovely resort offers a bustling seafront promenade, atmospheric Old Town and plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants.

We begin our half day excursion in Alassio, a pretty seaside town set against a picturesque backdrop of rugged hills with a long sandy beach, beautiful parks and pleasant squares. We continue to Cervo, a beautifully-preserved medieval seaside village listed as one of “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy”, with winding cobbled streets lined with pretty houses, shops and galleries.

Travel to our overnight hotel in France, with a light evening meal included.

Continue to Calais for our return ferry home.