The French Riviera and Italian Ligurian Coast

Enjoy a memorable rail holiday along the French Côte d’Azur and the Ligurian coast of Italy, travelling through some of the Mediterranean’s most scenic landscapes. The journey also includes time to explore the world-famous Cinque Terre, a collection of five coastal villages known for their colourful harbour settings and dramatic cliffside views.

• Travel by Eurostar from London to Paris, before continuing aboard a high-speed TGV to the Riviera city of Nice for two days of Mediterranean sightseeing. Follow the spectacular coastline to the historic port of Genoa, before concluding your holiday in the northern Italian city of Turin.
• Explore the French Riviera and the Côte d’Azur as you visit the seaside city of Nice and the colourful coastal town of Menton. Your journey also includes a stop in Monaco and its famous district of Monte Carlo.
• Highlights of Genoa include rides on its historic funiculars and mountain rack railways, a scenic harbour cruise, and time to explore the city’s rich maritime heritage and historic port districts.
• Experience one of the world’s most scenic coastal rail journeys along the Ligurian coastline to Pisa, where you can visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. The itinerary also includes time to explore the world-famous coastal villages of Cinque Terre, known for their colourful harbours, cliffside settings, and traditional fishing communities.
• Conclude your journey in unforgettable style aboard Turin’s vintage tramways and the historic Sassi–Superga Rack Railway.

Friday 12 March  

London to Nice by high speed rail

You travel with Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, before continuing by direct afternoon TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nice Ville. Arrive in Nice in the evening and transfer to your hotel, where dinner will be served. (B D)

Saturday 13 March  

Tramways and leisure in Nice

Nice is one of France’s most attractive coastal cities, known for its elegant architecture, colourful old town, and broad seaside promenades. Enjoy a full free day to explore the French Côte d’Azur at your own pace, using your included 1-day rover ticket on the city’s efficient tram network. In the evening, dinner will be served at your hotel. (B)

Sunday 14 March  

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 coastal town is known for its colourful houses, church spires, and attractive Mediterranean views, with a distinct Italian influence. Continue by train to the microstate of Monaco to visit its glamorous capital, Monte Carlo, renowned for its casino, harbour, and luxury yachts. Return to Nice for a free evening to explore the old town and lively squares, with a many restaurants, cafés, and bars. (B)

Monday 15 March  

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 coastline, Italianate churches, and historic towns along the Ligurian shore. On arrival at Genoa Piazza Principe station, check into your centrally located hotel. You will also receive a public transport rover ticket, valid on the city’s metro and trolleybus network. In the afternoon, enjoy a ride on the historic Balbi scenic lift, an engineering landmark dating from 1929. In the evening, a buffet dinner is served at the hotel. (B D)

Tuesday 16 March  

Panoramic mountain railways and scenic funiculars of Genoa

The hillside city of Genoa, a UNESCO World Heritage destination, is renowned for its historic rack railways, funiculars, and public lifts offering panoramic views over the port, alongside grand palaces and churches. Today includes four distinctive sightseeing rides led by your Tour Manager: the Righi funicular (1897), the Castelletto lift (1909), and the Granarolo rack railway (1901), each offering unique perspectives of the city. A visit to the beautiful Santuario della Madonnetta is also included. The afternoon is free before dinner served back at hotel. (B D)

Wednesday 17 March  

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 busy shipping port. Visit the renowned Aquarium or the Maritime Museum, home to the historic Nazario Sauro submarine. A local guide will also lead a walking tour of the city’s UNESCO-listed palaces, located close to your hotel, providing insight into Genoa’s rich history and architecture. The late afternoon and evening are free for you to spend at leisure. (B)

Thursday 18 March  

Train trip to Pisa, visit to the Leaning Tower

Today you enjoy one of the world’s most scenic coastal rail journeys along the Ligurian shoreline, passing seaside resorts such as Sestri Levante and Levanto. Arrive in Pisa for time at leisure to visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and cathedral. Later, return to Genoa via the scenic coastal railway route. The evening is free to explore Genoa at your own pace. (B)

Friday 19 March  

Seaside railway and villages of Cinque Terre

Today you 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 coastal scenery at leisure. In the late afternoon, return to Genoa by direct train from La Spezia. Dinner is served at your hotel. (B D)

Saturday 20 March  

Genoa to Turin by rail

Today you take a Trenitalia service from Genoa, travelling via the rolling hills of Alessandria and the Prosecco countryside around Asti, before arriving in the Alpine city of Turin. Famous for its arcaded walkways and grand squares, Turin is reached at midday, where you enjoy lunch at your centrally located hotel near Porta Nuova railway station. In the afternoon, visit one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the former Fiat factory at Lingotto, featuring its famous rooftop test track, known from the 1969 film The Italian Job. Now a cultural centre, it houses the Agnelli art collection and an observation platform with sweeping views over the city and surrounding hills. After the visit, enjoy free time to explore Turin at leisure, with a complimentary day ticket for the tram and metro network. In the evening, dine independently at a local pizzeria or osteria of your choice. (B L)

Sunday 21 March  

Vintage tramways and Sassi-Superga rack railway in Turin

After Milan, Turin has the largest tram network in Italy and one of the most significant collections of preserved heritage vehicles in southern Europe. Enjoy a private charter tramway tour aboard a stylish vintage tram dating from the 1930s, offering a comfortable and atmospheric way to see the city’s main landmarks. The route covers some of the most interesting sections of the network, including rare track and a stop at Gran Madre di Dio, a neoclassical church inspired by the Roman Pantheon. The journey continues to Sassi, where you connect with the panoramic electric rack railway to the summit of Basilica of Superga. Here you will find the domed basilica and a hilltop terrace with sweeping views over the city and Alps. The rack railway retains its original 1930s rolling stock and uses a third rail power system. Return to Sassi by rack railway, then continue by service tram back to the city centre. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B D)

Monday 22 March  

Turin to London via the French Alps and Paris

Morning high-speed train from Turin to Paris Gare de Lyon via the French Alps, then coach transfer to Gare du Nord for the Eurostar to London St Pancras. (B)