Christmas on the Italian Riviera
The sweeping Italian Riviera is the perfect backdrop for enjoying this magical time of year. Hugged by the Maritime Alps and the warm waters of the Ligurian Sea, it offers incredible scenery and an inviting climate. We stay in one such place, Diano Marina, where you have plenty of time to switch off and relax. You can even join our included excursion to experience the style and panache of the neighbouring French Riviera on our trip to Monte Carlo, followed by free time in the sleepy coastal town of Menton.
Your Tour Includes
- Return Eurostar from London to Lille
- Return TGV from Lille to Nice
- Welcome drink at our hotel
- Five nights’ half board accommodation in Diano Marina
- Indulge in a traditional Italian Christmas Eve candlelit dinner and Christmas lunch
- Enjoy a local festivity of hot chocolate and panettone on Christmas Eve after midnight mass
- You’ll love wine tasting at our hotel with an evening of live music
- Services of our experienced Tour Manager
- Explore Diano Marina with our walking tour
- Visit the stylish destinations of Monaco, Monte Carlo and Menton
- Indulge in a traditional Italian Christmas Eve candlelit dinner and Christmas lunch
Itinerary
Please choose your preferred 6 day itinerary
We journey aboard Eurostar from London to Lille and continue by TGV to Nice. From here we travel by coach to Diano Marina, where we check in at our hotel.
Today is free for you to spend at leisure or take a walking tour with our Tour Manager in our pretty resort. You can relax in our hotel and enjoy the facilities, head to the fine sandy 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.
Relax in our resort or join our optional excursion visiting San Remo and Dolceacqua. San Remo is Italy’s answer to the French resort of Monte Carlo, where you can explore the atmospheric old town and the port filled with luxurious yachts. The hilltop village of Dolceacqua enjoys a picture perfect setting, with the Nervia river running through its heart and the spectacular medieval bridge connecting it. This evening we enjoy a traditional Italian Christmas dinner by candlelight at our hotel. Afterwards, our Tour Manager will walk to the local church for anyone wanting to attend midnight mass, followed by hot chocolate with panettone on our return.
Merry Christmas! Relax in resort and enjoy a traditional Italian Christmas lunch at our hotel.
Today you can explore the French Riviera on our included excursion by coach. First we visit Monaco, which overlooks a glorious stretch of the Mediterranean coast, and enjoy free time in the popular area of Monte Carlo. Our final stop is Menton, a sleepy coastal town filled with little alleyways, pastel coloured villas and lush gardens that cascade towards the sea. This evening, relax and enjoy a final evening meal and a wine tasting in our hotel.
We retrace our route to the Eurostar and return to London. *Please Note: Due to the late arrival on day 1, lunch and dinner will be provided on day 2.*
TRAVEL
- Return Eurostar from London to Lille
- Return TGV from Lille to Nice
ACCOMMODATION & FOOD
- Welcome drink at our hotel
- 5 nights’ half board accommodation in Diano Marina
- Indulge in a traditional Italian Christmas Eve candlelit dinner and Christmas lunch
- Enjoy a local festivity of hot chocolate and panettone on Christmas Eve after midnight mass
- You’ll love wine tasting at our hotel with an evening of live music
SERVICES
- Services of our experienced Tour Manager
Optional excursion available:
- San Remo and the hilltop village of Dolceacqua
Accommodation
This lovely four-star family-run hotel is perfectly located overlooking the sandy beach in Diano Marina, and close to the old town and seaside promenade. Certified as eco-friendly, this small hotel has just 48 bedrooms and is lovingly looked after by its owners and friendly, welcoming staff. Enjoy stunning sea views form its restaurant and terraces accompanied by good food and wine.
