Our journey takes us south of the city of Lyon, beautifully situated at the confluence of the River Rhone and the River Saone. We then continue past Chambery and through the Alps into Italy. We pass by the city of Turin, making our way to the Ligurian coast at Savona to arrive in Diano Marina in time for dinner.

Today is for rest and relaxation in Diano Marina, delightfully situated on the beautiful ‘Riviera of Flowers’. This popular resort is sheltered by a backdrop of hill and has a seemingly endless stretch of sandy beach, an array of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. The beautiful coastline has a lovely palm lined promenade which is great for a stroll.

Today we visit two of the most popular and famous resorts on the Cote d’Azur. First we travel to Nice, capital of the French Riviera with its ideal location right between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. You can enjoy the authentic charm of the town on our guided tour where you will learn not only about the mild climate, beautiful beaches and azure blue seas but also about the city’s history, culture, art and events. You will see outside the historic Hotel Negresso, a symbol of the glorious splendour of the city and drive along the famous ‘Promenade des Anglais’. 

We continue then to Monte Carlo, world famous for its glitz and glamour. View the fabulous harbour with all the luxury yachts ,the beautiful architecture, magnificent casino and the chic, expensive shops. In contrast in the Principality of Monaco with its attractive ‘old town’ and Grimaldi Palace you can explore a more cultured side visiting the cathedral , the last resting place of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, or simply stroll through the lovely gardens.

Today we enjoy the fabulous Lemon Festival complete with a glorious carnival atmosphere with amazing parades, citrus fruits, folklore and dancing.  

We leave Diano Marina after breakfast for Menton where you will have time in the morning to explore the town. Known as the ‘Pearl of France’ Menton itself is a stunning resort full of palm trees and lemon groves, not to mention the wonderful beaches and gardens. You can also explore the gorgeous ‘old town’ with its steep, cobbled alleyways interspersed with shafts of sunlight shining on its pink and gold buildings.  

This sleepy little town comes alive each year with the amazing Lemon Festival.The parade takes place in the afternoon and you will have a Grandstand seat on the promenade from where you can enjoy all the festivities in a great setting.

A day to enjoy everything Liguria has to offer. The sun dappled Mediterranean resort of San Remo is our first port of call. With its sumptuous parks, ancient olive groves, palm-lined promenades, elegant shopping streets and impressive casino this is the main city on the Riviera of Flowers. 

After some time here we head off into the Ligurian hinterland where olive groves and vineyards are dotted along small medieval towns. We visit attractive, serene Dolceaqua, the most important medieval village in the Nervia Valley, teeming with silver olive groves. Nearby roses, mimosa and broom are grown and picked daily for the flower market in San Remo. An olive oil tasting and a wine tasting complete our day in this charming region.

This morning we must say goodbye to Diano Marina and make our way northwards into France towards Beaune for dinner, bed & breakfast in our hotel. A cobbled, walled town surrounded by vineyards, Beaune is the centre of the Burgundy wine making region. The town’s ‘raison d’etre’ is it’s wine and is one of the best places in the whole of France for wine tasting.

An early breakfast then journey towards Calais for our late afternoon ferry to Dover. Continue homewards, back mid-evening.

Please note that the days that the excursions operate in resort may vary.