Italian Riviera of Flowers

May, September & October 2023

7 days from £1,145pp

Embark on a magnificent journey through Italy, exploring its breathtaking colourful coast as you go. Relax in the seaside resort of Diano Marina, visit San Remo’s hilltop villages and admire the pastel houses of Portofino.

Explore San Remo and the hilltop village of Dolceacqua
Visit the picturesque village of Portofino
Free time in the charming resort of Diano Marina

With the warm sea breeze of the Mediterranean and the shelter of the Maritime Alps, this beautiful stretch of Italian coast is the perfect suntrap. A colourful paradise of exotic plants and flowers nestles among pastel-coloured towns, filled with old-world elegance. Based in the charming resort of Diano Marina, we spend six nights in our seafront hotel – a favourite among our customers. Enjoy some quiet days by the sea, along with the chance to visit the surrounding highlights. San Remo; ‘the city of flowers’, hosts the liveliest flower market in Europe, while further along the coast we find the pretty fishing village of Portofino - regarded as the jewel of the Italian Riviera.

Day 1: London – Diano Marina
We journey aboard Eurostar from London to Lille and continue by TGV to Nice, where we are taken by coach to Diano Marina, on the beautiful Italian Riviera.
Day 2: Diano Marina
Today is free for you to spend at leisure in our pretty resort, surrounded by hills and coast. 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.
Day 3: Dolceacqua & San Remo
The hilltop village of Dolceacqua enjoys a picture perfect setting and is filled with striking architecture. The Nervia river 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.
Day 4: Portofino
We travel by coach to Santa Margherita and take the ferry to enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery on our way to Portofino. This pretty crescent-shaped village retains all of 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.
Day 5: Diano Marina
We enjoy another free day in resort.
Day 6: Monaco
Enjoy a free day in resort today. You might choose to visit 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 for a small cost you can take a circular bus tour.
We enjoy our final evening meal back at the hotel tonight.
Day 7: Diano Marina – London
We check out of our hotel this morning and retrace our route to meet Eurostar for the return to London.

Please note: Portofino boat trip may be replaced by a coach depending on sea conditions.

Travel by Eurostar

Step aboard Eurostar at London St Pancras for a fast and comfortable journey to mainland Europe. You can even upgrade your reserved seat to Standard Premier – speak to our Holiday Advisors for more information. On arrival in Paris, Lille or Brussels, you will then join connecting services for your onward journey.

For those travelling from further afield, you can also book overnight accommodation in London, before and after your holiday. Speak to our Holiday Advisors for more information.

Overview

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.

Room Facilities & Amenities

Balcony
32 in satellite TV
Telephone
Mini bar (payable)
Safe deposit box
Free Wi-Fi
Full bathroom with toiletries & hairdryer (mix of walk in showers and bath tubs with shower attachments)
Air conditioning / central heating