Italian Riviera - Spellbinding beauty by train

Enjoy the contrast between the sparkling Mediterranean and the pretty buildings of Lucca and Pisa in northern Tuscany. With picture-postcard harbours and timeless villages clinging to sheer cliffs, the Riviera coast is a joy to behold.

Tour highlights

• Stopover in Paris
• Portofino including boat tour
• San Fruttuoso
• Sestri Levante
• Cinque Terre and via dell'Amore
• Pisa including a guided tour
• The walled city of Lucca
• Camogli

Day 1 - London to Paris

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class with a light meal and drinks served in our seats. We cross Paris by coach to the Mercure Gare de Lyon, where we spend the night. Your evening is free to enjoy Paris. (E)

Day 2 - To Sestri Levante

Today we travel from Paris to Milan by TGV before continuing along the beautiful Ligurian Riviera to Sestri Levante, set on the coast overlooking the glittering Mediterranean. We transfer to our home for the next seven nights, the Grande Albergo, and enjoy dinner tonight in the hotel. This evening, why not take a stroll along the golden beach fronting the hotel, sip a drink on the seafront promenade and indulge in a favourite Italian pastime - people-watching. (B,D)

Day 3 - Excursion to the Cinque Terre

This morning we set out after breakfast to explore the Cinque Terre, made up of five incredibly picturesque villages set on the coast. These villages, Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore, are part of a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage site and the scenery will literally take your breath away. The regional train (Standard Class) winds its way along the rugged coastline, travelling through tunnels carved deep into the rock and emerging into steep wine terraces, with villages clinging precariously to sheer cliffs. We alight in Riomaggiore, where we have the option of joining the 'Via dell'Amore', the winding pathway linking the five villages, for a walk along the cliff top to Manarola, with waves breaking on the rocks far below. We continue to Vernazza by train, enjoying some free time before returning to Sestri Levante. (B,D)

Day 4 - A day at leisure

Today you are free to explore at your own pace. Perhaps journey into Genoa and visit one of the largest aquariums in Europe, home to over one thousand different species including penguins, dolphins and seals. Alternatively, why not take to the water and view the Cinque Terre from a different angle, or travel along the coast to the stunning port town of Santa Margherita Ligure to visit its impressive 16th century castle. (B)

Day 5 - Portofino and San Fruttuoso

Today we cruise to the famous resort town of Portofino. With its terraces of pastel-painted houses leading down to the harbour full of sleek yachts, it is easy to see why Portofino is acknowledged as one of the most beautiful ports in the Mediterranean. Lunch is in a local restaurant before we continue along one of the most stunning coastlines in Europe to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. Here a bronze statue of Christ - the Cristo degli Abissi - stands on the sea bed. It is clearly visible when the sea is calm and is said to protect local divers. (B,L)

Day 6 - A day at leisure

Day 6 - A day at leisure Today you have a free day to explore Sestri Levante. The heart of the town is built on an island, now connected to the mainland, and is crammed with beautiful villas on medieval streets. The Baia delle Favole, situated on one side of the promontory, is the liveliest part of the town, with its port, promenade, and shops. The Baia del Silenzio, on the other side of the island, has a more relaxed atmosphere, and is well-known for the fishing traditions which are still handed down through the generations. (B)

Day 7 - Lucca and Pisa

Our full-day excursion by coach takes us first to Pisa, most famous for its leaning tower, where we enjoy a guided tour. The Piazza del Duomo, as well as being home to the famous campanile, also houses the majestic cathedral, built in medieval times, and is flanked by the impressive Baptistry, constructed entirely of marble. For those feeling energetic, there is the chance to climb the steps to the top of the magnificent tower for incredible views of the town. This afternoon we visit the lovely walled city of Lucca, where you are free to explore at leisure. Founded beside the River Serchio by the Etruscans, Lucca became a Roman colony in 180BC. The rectangular grid of its historic centre follows the Roman street plan, and the Piazza San Michele is built on the site of the ancient forum. (B,D)

Day 8 - Excursion to Camogli

Your morning is free for you to enjoy the hotel's facilities, or perhaps buy some gifts and souvenirs. This afternoon we travel by train to the picturesque fishing village of Camogli. After a guided tour of the centre and the harbour full of colourful fishing boats, we return to our hotel for a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Days 9-10 - Return to London

This afternoon we board the rail service from Sestri Levante to Turin for an overnight stay at the ATA Hotel Concord. On Day 10 we travel from Turin to Paris where we change to the Eurostar service, with a light meal and drinks served on board before our arrival into St Pancras International. (Day 9- B,D; Day 10-B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Italian Riviera - Luxury Escorted Rail Tours - Rail Holidays - Frequent Departures

Explore and enjoy the beauty of The Italian Riviera when you join this 10 day Luxury Escorted Train Tour. Frequent departures, Find out More
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