Christmas On The Italian Riviera, New Year In Tuscany
- Duration: 14 days
- Board Basis: Mixed Board
- Tour Ref: D2TLEGXIRT
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Dec 22
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to northern France for an overnight stay.
Dec 23
Continue to Alassio on the Italian Riviera for a five-night stay.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Christmas Eve - Eze & Nice
Today we cross the border to the French Riviera on our included excursion to Eze and Nice. Our first stop is the medieval village of Eze and the famous Fragonard Perfume Factory, where we take a guided tour and discover some of the secrets to perfume making.
After the tour, we have free time to explore Eze. Perched high above the Mediterranean, the village offers a spectacular view of the surrounding scenery, and offering narrow streets filled with quaint craft shops and art galleries, Eze is the perfect place to spend the morning.
This afternoon we continue to the fashionable resort of Nice, the largest resort on the Mediterranean coast and the fifth largest city in France. You will have the afternoon free to explore all the city has to offer, including the old town, with its pastel façades and ornate balconies, and the flourishing Promenade des Anglais, which with its grand hotels and exclusive boutiques, provides a delightful place to relax.
This evening we enjoy a typical Ligurian candle light dinner.Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Christmas Day - Free Time in Alassio
Enjoy a day at leisure in Alassio, one of the best-known resorts in Liguria, where the ‘budello’, the road that runs parallel to the sea and beaches, is a haven for the shopper.
We include a Christmas Day lunch and dinner today with live music this evening.
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Boxing Day - Monaco & Monte Carlo
Enjoy an included visit to the exclusive state of Monaco, with its striking Belle Epoque style casino and the famous Prince’s Palace. The Principality of Monaco’s eight square miles from the smallest and almost certainly wealthiest sovereign-state, with possibly more millionaires than anywhere else on earth.
Nicknamed “The Rock” this tiny capital is built against the mountains and sprawls down to the glittering shores of the Riviera. 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!
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. Spend time in probably the most famous region of Monaco: Monte Carlo. Rub shoulders with the rich and famous, or if you feel lucky, take your chances in the famous Grand Casino where the lavish interiors are still decorated in the Belle Époque style.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Dec 27 - Dolceacqua & Menton
Today, on our optional excursion, we take a countryside tour into the lovely Nervia Valley and onto the charming village of Dolceacqua. Dominated by the ruined castle, this wine-producing village is built on either side of the churning River Nervia and connected by an arching 33 metre medieval stone bridge.
The surrounding hills and terraced vineyards produce the grapes used to make the local Rossese wine or Vino di Dolceacqua.
We continue to Menton, once a favourite winter resort of Queen Victoria. There will be free time for you to explore at your leisure.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Dec 28 - Pisa
We leave the Riviera and head to the spa town of Chianciano Terme, our next base for a five-night stay.
En-route, we make a short stop in Pisa, seeing the Leaning Tower and the equally stunning black and white marble Duomo and Baptistry.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Dec 29 - Rome
Enjoy an included visit to the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome. Take in the breathtaking architecture of the ancient palaces and piazzas as we explore the Italian capital.
With history around every corner and an abundance of culture to uncover, Rome is easily one of Italy’s most popular cities. And, it’s easy to see why… with remnants of the Roman Empire, renaissance art and world-famous landmarks scattered around this impressive place, there’s plenty to discover.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Dec 30 - Assisi
Today, we enjoy a full-day excursion into Umbria, the ‘Green Heart of Italy’. It’s the only Italian region that has neither a coastline nor a border with a neighbouring country, so you can be sure you’re getting an authentic Italian experience here.
We head to the picturesque hillside town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, one of Italy’s patron saints.
Visit the Basilica featuring frescoes by Giotto, or for the perfect introduction to Assisi, why not join our optional, guided walking tour?
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
New Year's Eve - San Gimignano & Siena
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.
We head back to our hotel, where tonight we enjoy a gala dinner and live music, as we welcome in the New Year!
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
New Year’s Day - Free Time
After the previous night’s festivities, spend a leisurely day relaxing in resort.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Jan 2 - Florence
This morning we leave Chianciano and head to Florence, the artistic capital of Italy, with fashionable shops, museums, cafés and splendid architecture.
The birthplace of Renaissance, Florence is a city brimming with history and culture. Its entire centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dominated by the outstanding Duomo, this Tuscan delight is a real treat.
To get the most out of your time in Florence, why not join our optional, guided tour to get the most from your visit?
Later, we continue to northern Italy for an overnight stay.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Jan 3
To northern France for an overnight stay.
Meals - Breakfast
Jan 4
Return home.
Meals - Breakfast