Glamour of the Rivieras

France & Italy

The southeastern coast of France has long been favored by many for its relaxed atmosphere, coastal scenery and lovely climate. Along with time in the Italian Riviera, your trip will consist of sophisticated resorts, intriguing history and picturesque coastal towns.

You will be whisked away from the Nice airport to Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, an exclusive hotel situated amid a lushly landscaped 14-acre private park overlooking the Mediterranean. Take the funicular down the cliff for a refreshing dip in the Olympic-sized pool or wander down the same hallways where prominent people such as Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin once strolled.

You can be as active or laid-back as you want in the French Riviera. Nice is home to many museums, excellent restaurants and bistros. Take a leisurely walk along the coast, catch a game of petanque, or admire the 17th century style buildings. Continuing eastward along the coast, you can also soak up the rays on the beaches of Antibes and St. Tropez before continuing on to Monaco.

After a short and scenic helicopter transfer...

you will arrive at an exclusive address in Monaco, the palatial Hotel Metropole. You'll marvel at the grand lobby of this elegant retreat in the heart of Monte Carlo. Just across the plaza from the famous Casino of Monte Carlo, you'll enjoy the Metropole's poshly appointed rooms, excellent restaurant, invigorating spa and attentive service. You can begin exploring this small principality at the 12th century Genoese fortress on "The Rock," and work your way down to the cafés housed in villas and counting houses from the 16th century. With its famous casino, luxurious hotels and clubs, and world-class restaurants, Monte Carlo also offers an all-night experience without an equal.

As you bid "au revoir" to the south of France...

you will make your way by train across the border to the Italian Riviera for more relaxation and coastal scenery. The Italian Riviera stretches many beautiful miles along the northwestern Mediterranean coast of Italy, gilded with rocky beaches, and studded with cliff towns and sheltered ports. Your base will be Portofino, a town that has historically drawn the rich and famous. The chic and cosmopolitan Hotel Splendido is situated across a picturesque bay amid exotic gardens and is only a short stroll from restaurants, shops and nightlife.

Starting at Portofino and stretching to the Cinque Terre (five villages founded on coastal mountains in the 12th century), the Gulf of Tigullio offers lovely beaches and charming towns, such as Santa Margherita and Rapallo. Here, you can relax in outdoor cafes and enjoy historic buildings, restaurants with amazing, fresh seafood and a wide array of pestos and pastas, castles, olive groves, and museums.

Before catching your early morning return flight...

you will spend a leisurely overnight in exciting Milano. This is a great place to indulge your inner fashionista in Milan's Brera shopping district, or simply catch up on postcards as you relax in the gorgeous garden at the Bulgari Hotel. While much of your time thus far has been spent in more traditional accommodations, you'll now have a chance to appreciate the excellence of modern Italian design as you wind down what has been a spectacular honeymoon. If the spirit moves you, you can also do a bit of last-moment sight seeing, taking in such important works as Da Vinci's Last Supper or perhaps an opera at Teatro ala Scala.

On your return home, you will have fond memories of seaside beauty, luxurious resorts and a favorable sun-filled climate.

Who will enjoy this trip:

Those who enjoy true relaxation and luxurious resorts. If views are important, you won't miss out on this trip!

Who should avoid this trip:

Those who wish to incorporate more history and active sightseeing should consider our other itinerary: A Closer Look at France.