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Mediterranean Magic - French Riviera, Italian Riviera & Tuscany
Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for Nice via Amsterdam.
Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel. This evening is our Welcome Dinner.
Our guided tour of Nice includes the Promenade des Anglais, the Port, and a walking tour in the old town with its eye-popping flower market and lively pedestrian-only streets lined with shops and cafes.
We travel to St. Tropez to explore the village’s narrow streets, Provencal squares and charming old port. Then the local ferry takes us to Port Grimaud (known as “Venice Provencal”), where we’ll enjoy a boat ride through its colourful canals. This will be followed by a drive along the coast on “la Corniche d’Or” cut into the red rocks of the Esterel Mountains, forming a beautifully rugged landscape.
Today’s excursion begins in Grasse, France’s legendary perfume capital, where we will visit a perfumery museum and factory. Then we continue to the medieval village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, which offers splendid vistas over the hills and sea. We travel through the Gorges of the Loup River for more spectacular views enroute to Saint-Paul, a quaint 13th century fortified village brimming with galleries, boutiques, and sidewalk cafes. During our walking tour through the winding streets have your camera ready to capture carved fountains, statues, and architectural treasures.
Our tour begins in the medieval town of Eze, which offers a beautiful panorama of the French Rivera. Then we travel along the Mediterranean coast to Cap Ferrat, with its luxurious estates and pine groves. Here we visit the sumptuous Ephrussi-de-Rothschild Villa and Gardens. We finish the day in the lovely resort town of Villefranche-sur-mer.
At leisure to explore, shop, or enjoy a local cafe. Your Tour Manager will offer suggestions.
We travel to Monaco for a guided tour of the city and the beautiful harbour of Monte Carlo. Then we enter Italy and proceed to the delightful little seaside town of Sestri Levante for a 2-night stay. The town is stunningly situated on a narrow peninsula flanked by beaches. One of the bays - Baia delle Favole - is named in honour of Hans Christian Andersen, who visited in the mid-1800s (favole means “fairy tale”).
We board the local train to visit Portofino – a small and postcard-perfect coastal village adorned with pastel-coloured houses, highend boutiques and seafood restaurants that fringe its Piazzetta (the small cobbled square overlooking the harbour which is often home to super-yachts). A path leads from the Piazzetta to Castello Brown - a 16th-century fortress and museum with art exhibitions and panoramic views of the town and the Ligurian Sea. This afternoon we enjoy a boat ride to Santa Margherita, known for its breezy beach promenade adorned with old aristocratic architecture.
We travel by coach and train to Cinque Terre - five villages that cling dramatically to the cliffs along the rocky coastline. We first stop in Monterosso - one of the most impressive villages. Then we take a short cruise to Vernazza - the truest "fishing village" on the Italian Riviera. After some free time we head for Manarola - a romantic village built on a high rock 70- metres above sea level. Later we continue to the beautiful seaside Tuscan town of Viareggio for our final 4 nights.
We take the train to Florence for a full-day visit. We’ll first stop at the Piazzale Michelangelo for the best view over the city. Then on our guided walking tour of the historic centre we’ll see the multi-coloured marble Cathedral, Signoria Square, the Baptistery, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. There will be free time for lunch and to explore, then return to our hotel.
A full-day tour to the wine country. The medieval city of Siena may be famous for its annual traditional Palio horse race, but it also happens to be a beautiful city brimming with history. We will visit the Cathedral and see the Piazza del Campo, considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. After a morning of history it’s time to unwind, so we proceed to Chianti for a tasting of the well known wines of this region.
This morning we visit Pisa by train. The stunning buildings of the Campo Dei Miracoli (the Field of Miracles) have amazed visitors for centuries. They include the Leaning Tower – yes still leaning! - the Duomo (Cathedral) and the Baptistry. After some free time we return to Viareggio for an afternoon at leisure. This evening is our festive Farewell Dinner with entertainment.
We fly home via Paris.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
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