The French Riviera and Italian Ligurian Coast

Enjoy a fabulous railway holiday along the French Cote d’Azur and the Ligurian Coast in Italy, including exploring the world-famous Cinque Terre.

• Travel by Eurostar from London to Paris, then continue aboard a TGV to the elegant city of Nice for two days of Mediterranean sightseeing and relaxation, before following the coast onward to the historic port of Genoa and concluding your journey in the beatuiful Alsatian city of Strasboug.
• Enjoy the elegance and sophistication of the French Riviera and the deep blue Côte d’Azur as you explore the beautiful city of Nice and the colourful seaside town of Menton, one of France’s best-kept secrets. Your journey also includes a visit to the glamorous micro-nation of Monaco and its famed capital, Monte Carlo.
• Highlights in stunning Genoa include rides on historic funiculars and mountain-climbing rack railways, along with a scenic harbour cruise and the chance to explore the city’s rich maritime heritage.
• Experience one of the world’s most spectacular seaside railway journeys along the Ligurian coast to Pisa, where a visit to the iconic Leaning Tower awaits. You’ll also explore the world-famous five fishing villages of the Cinque Terre.
• End the tour in style back in France with a sightseeing cruise through the beautiful Alsatian city of Strasbourg, celebrated for its soaring cathedral, charming canals, and picturesque timber-framed houses.

Thursday 5 November

London to Nice by high speed rail

You travel with Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Nord before a direct afternoon TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nice Ville. You arrive at Nice in the evening and check into your hotel, where dinner will be served. (B D)

Friday 6 November

Tramways and leisure in Nice

Nice is one of France’s most beautiful cities, renowned for its elegant architecture, colourful historic buildings, and wide seaside esplanades. Enjoy a full free day to experience the French Côte d’Azur at your own pace, aided by your complimentary 1-day rover ticket for the excellent local tram network. In the evening, dinner will be served at your hotel.(B D) 

Saturday 7 November

Cote d’Azur scenery at Menton and Monte Carlo

Today you travel by train from Nice Ville to the seaside town of Menton, located on the Italian border. This charming village is adorned with colourful houses, quaint church spires and lovely views across the Mediterranean. Although firmly French, Menton has an unmistakably Italianate character and is often considered one of the Côte d’Azur’s best-kept secrets.

After exploring this vibrant town, continue by train to the micro-nation of Monaco to visit its glamorous capital, Monte Carlo, famous for its twin-towered casino and impressive yacht-filled harbour.Returning to Nice, enjoy a free evening to wander once more through its wonderful old town and spacious squares, where a wide choice of lively restaurants, cafés and bars awaits. (B)

Sunday 8 November

Seaside railway trip from Nice to Genoa, Balbi scenic lift in Genoa

Today you say “Adieu” to France and “Ciao” to Italy as you embark on a scenic 3-hour train journey from Nice to Genoa, changing at Ventimiglia. Along the way, enjoy views of sandy beaches, rugged coastlines, Italianate churches, and historic buildings that line the picturesque Ligurian shore. Upon arrival at Genoa’s elegant Piazza Principe station, you check into your conveniently located hotel. On arrival you will receive a public transport rover ticket, valid on the city’s Metro and central trolleybus routes. In the afternoon, experience a ride on the unique Balbi scenic lift, an engineering marvel dating back to 1929, located just next to your hotel. In the evening a buffet dinner is served at the hotel. (B D)

Monday 9 November

Panoramic mountain railways and funiculars of Genoa, seaside splendour at Nervi

The hillside city of Genoa, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is famed for its historic rack railways, funiculars, and elevators offering stunning views over the port, along with grand palaces and churches. In the morning, enjoy a guided tour on the city’s mountain railways using your public transport pass. The afternoon is free to explore at leisure or visit the seaside esplanade at Nervi. Dinner is served at the hotel. (B D)

Tuesday 10 November

Genoa Old Town, harbour cruise, aquarium and historic ships in the Porto Antico

Explore Genoa’s maritime heritage with a harbour ferry trip from Porto Antico to Molo Archetti, passing ocean liners and the airport runway. Visit the renowned Aquarium or the Maritime Museum with the historic Nazario Sauro submarine. Evening at leisure for dining in the city. (B)

Wednesday 11 November 

Train trip to Pisa, visit to the Leaning Tower

Today enjoy one of the world’s most spectacular seaside railway journeys along the Ligurian coast, passing resorts like Sestri Levante and Levanto. Arrive in Pisa to explore the Leaning Tower and cathedral with three hours at leisure, then return to Genoa along the scenic coastal route. Evening free to enjoy Genoa at your own pace. (B)

Thursday 12th November

Seaside railway and villages of Cinque Terre

Today explore the legendary Cinque Terre, travelling from Genoa to Monterosso al Mare and onward to Vernazza. Hop on and off to visit all five villages, including Manarola and Riomaggiore, enjoying their iconic scenery at leisure. In the late afternoon, return to Genoa by direct train from La Spezia. Dinner at the hotel. (B D)

Friday 13 November

Rail journey through the Italian hills and Swiss Alps to Strasbourg

Today you take a Trenitalia service in First Class from Genoa via the hills of Alessandria, arriving at the monumental Milano Centrale station. Here you experience one of the most grandiose railway terminals in the world. Continue on a scenic EuroCity train past Swiss lakes and the Alps to Basel, then on to Strabourg by TER service. Spend the last two nights in a hotel accommodated opposite the station in this wonderful Alsatian city. Dinner is served at the hotel. (B D)

Saturday 14 November

Scenic river cruise, sightseeing and tramways in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a vibrant city steeped in European history. You have a 75-minute relaxing sightseeing cruise in one of the city’s famed open-top panoramic riverboats, cruising past timber-framed houses, colourful alleys and stately palaces. Later, enjoy free time to explore the Cathedral Square and the ‘Petite France’ district, or use your complimentary tram ticket to cross the Rhine to Kehl, Germany. Ample leisure time allows you to discover Strasbourg’s charming cafés, sample the Alsatian brew-houses, wine bars, and restaurants. (B)

Sunday 15 November

From Strasbourg via Paris to London

After a free morning, depart Strasbourg on a direct First Class TGV for a high-speed journey of under two hours to Paris Est. Transfer easily to Paris Nord for the Eurostar back to London St Pancras. (B)