San Remo, Portofino & The Italian Riviera For Solo Travellers By Rail

Itinerary

6-Day Itinerary

• Day 1

  Make your own way to London St. Pancras International where you will meet your friendly Tour Manager and board the Eurostar to Paris. We then continue by TGV to Nice, where we are taken by coach to Diano Marina on the beautiful Italian Riviera.

• Day 2 - Free Time in Diano Marina

  Today is free for you to spend at leisure in Diano Marina. You can relax in our hotel and enjoy the facilities, head to the beach, or venture into the old town to browse the shops and sample local delicacies. There’s also an 11th-century castle where traces of the town’s ancient past can be found.

  If you want to explore further afield, the nearby medieval village of Cervo, with its combination of cobbled alleys, terraces, arches, and rooftops, is a delightful place to visit.

  Both lunch and dinner are included in the hotel’s restaurant today.

  Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 3 - Dolceacqua & San Remo

  Today we travel by coach to the hilltop village of Dolceacqua, which enjoys a picture-perfect setting and is filled with striking architecture. The River Nervia runs through its heart, separating the village into two parts – the oldest called Terra, which is dominated by the Doria Castle, and the newest called Borgo. Both are connected by a spectacular medieval bridge, described by Claude Monet as ‘a jewel of lightness’.

  We also visit San Remo, Italy’s answer to France’s Monte Carlo. The atmospheric old town, known as ‘La Pigna’, is tightly packed with buildings that cling to a steep hill. There are also two ports where you can see luxurious yachts, busy shopping streets and broad tree-lined boulevards.

  We return to the hotel by coach and enjoy dinner in the hotel.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 4 - Portofino & Santa Margherita

  We travel by coach to Rapello and take the ferry to Portofino. This pretty crescent-shaped village retains all its traditional charms, despite its jet-set reputation. You can explore the harbour with its brightly coloured buildings, follow one of the scenic pathways to the beach or the light house, or visit the 16th-century hilltop castle and enjoy wonderful views across the Mediterranean to the French island of Corsica.

  We return to Santa Margherita where there’s free time to explore and enjoy lunch at leisure. The seafront is the main attraction here with its beach, lively harbour, and promenade; why not take a stroll along the promenade and perhaps have lunch in one of the beachfront restaurants. There are pleasant shopping streets to explore in the old town behind the harbour, which is centred around Piazza Mazzini. There are also a couple of interesting historic monuments including a very sturdy small castle, built on the waterfront in the middle of the 16th century. You will also notice a square-tower castle called Castle Paraggi, from the early 17th century, although this is now a private house and has been substantially modified with modern windows and balconies. There are also several churches – the most important is the Basilica di Santa Margherita d'Antiochia. This church dates back to the 13th century but was rebuilt in the 17th century and the façade and right belltower in baroque style were added in the 18th century.

  After some free time here, we return to the hotel by coach.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 5 - Free Time in Diano Marina

  Enjoy a free day in resort today. You may choose to explore the old town of Diano Marina or you could travel by train to the French resort of Monaco, a playground for the rich and famous and home to the renowned grand prix circuit and exquisite harbour. Admire the casino, walk around the gardens, or take a circular bus tour.

  We enjoy our final evening meal at the hotel tonight.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 6

  We retrace our route to Paris, meeting the Eurostar for the return journey to London St. Pancras International. After arriving in London, you will make your own way home.

  Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation