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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Highlights of the Italian Riviera

Nine-day escorted tour from London to the Italian and French Riviera by rail

Illustration of Highlights of the Italian Riviera

Great Rail Journeys operates this 9-day Italian Riviera escorted tour, departing from London St Pancras and arriving in St-Raphaël on the French Côte d'Azur. The journey crosses three countries by Eurostar, TGV, and coastal rail, with eight nights in 3 or 4-star hotels centred in Chiavari on the Ligurian Sea. Days alternate between guided experiences and free exploration: you will sail to three Cinque Terre villages clinging to cliffsides, cruise to the harbour town of Portofino, visit the remote San Fruttuoso abbey reachable only by boat, and join a walking tour of Genoa's Renaissance old town. The itinerary includes four leisurely free days to explore local villages and beaches at your own pace, with independent dinners featuring Ligurian seafood dishes. A UK Tour Manager leads the group of up to 40 throughout, handling logistics while leaving room for personal discovery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The pack lists hotel options (Hotel Monte Rosa or Stella del Mare in Chiavari); the final hotel depends on availability and booking details.
  • Days 3 and 6 are free days in Chiavari with independent dinner; those seeking a fully guided experience may find unstructured time.
  • Great Rail Journeys publishes no current departure dates in this pack; confirm availability and schedules directly with the operator.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Turin

    London to Turin

    Your Italian holiday begins at London St Pancras International. Meet the Tour Manager and travel group, then board the Eurostar to Paris. Change trains in Paris and continue to Turin in the scenic Piedmont region of northern Italy, with views of the Italian Alps. A coach transfer takes you to the hotel for a one-night stay. Note: For the 6th June departure, travel by rail from Paris to Bellegarde-sur-Valserine then by coach to Turin.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Chiavari

    From Turin to coastal Chiavari

    Morning free to explore Turin's architecture, wide boulevards and grand public squares. In the early afternoon, transfer to the station and continue by rail. The route from Genoa clings to the dramatic coast, disappearing through tunnels and crossing viaducts over colourful towns. On arrival in Chiavari, check into the hotel in the historic centre. Welcomed with a drink before dinner at the hotel. Note: For selected departures, stay at the Hotel Monte Rosa in Chiavari.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Chiavari

    Free day to explore Chiavari

    A full day at leisure. Options include visiting the Cathedral of Our Lady dell'Orto (built 1613–1633), relaxing on the beach, strolling through medieval streets, or taking the rail line to nearby Camogli or Rapallo (with its cable car to the Sanctuary of Montallegro). Independent dinner, try local Ligurian food including the famous 'buridda' seafood stew.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Chiavari

    Cruising to the Cinque Terre villages

    Explore three Cinque Terre villages. First, Riomaggiore with its multi-coloured buildings sweeping down to a small harbour. Then sail to Vernazza (passing Manarola and Corniglia), with cobbled streets and quaint cafes. Finally, Monterosso, known for its lemon trees and sandy beach. Return to Chiavari by rail. Dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Chiavari

    Sailing to picture-perfect Portofino

    Travel by rail to Portofino, set in a secluded natural harbour with fishing boats and impressive yachts. Free time over lunch to explore the town, overlooked by Castello Brown and two churches. Sail around the headland to San Fruttuoso, a cove accessible only by foot or boat, dominated by a 10th-century Benedictine abbey. Submerged in the bay is the statue of 'Christ in the Abyss'. Cruise to Rapallo, then train to Chiavari for dinner. Note: If weather prevents landing at San Fruttuoso, the boat lands at Santa Margherita instead.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Chiavari

    Discovering the Riviera at your own pace

    A free day to explore the Italian Riviera independently. Options include returning to Cinque Terre villages Manarola and Corniglia, or visiting Sestri Levante with its Bay of Fairytales and Bay of Silence. Independent dinner, try the local anchovy dish 'bagnun' from Sestri Levante.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Chiavari

    A day in the historic city of Genoa

    Coach trip to Genoa, Liguria's capital. Guided walking tour of the old town including the Doge's Palace (a Renaissance building built in 1298), learning why Genoa earned the nickname 'La Superba'. Free time to enjoy lunch independently or visit museums, galleries, the cathedral, ancient churches and the harbour. Return to Chiavari by coach for a final dinner on the Italian Riviera.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8railovernight: St-Raphaël

    From the Italian to the French Riviera

    Leave Chiavari and transfer to the railway station. Travel around the arch of the Ligurian Sea to Ventimiglia, then by coach into France to the Côte d'Azur resort of St-Raphaël. Check into a hotel overlooking the Mediterranean for a three-course dinner. Note: For departures 16th & 18th April, 1st & 11th June and 17th October, travel via Chambery, staying at the Mercure Chambery.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9rail

    Homeward bound

    Transfer to the station in St-Raphaël and board a train through France to Paris. In Paris, board the Eurostar for the final leg to London St Pancras International, arriving in the evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Boat cruise to three Cinque Terre villages: Riomaggiore with its multi-coloured buildings, Vernazzo with cobbled streets, and Monterosso known for lemon trees and a sandy beach.
  • Day 5Sail to San Fruttuoso, a cove accessible only by boat or foot, where a 10th-century Benedictine abbey overlooks the harbour and a submerged statue of 'Christ in the Abyss' rests in the bay.
  • Day 7Guided walking tour of Genoa's old town, including the Doge's Palace, a Renaissance building from 1298, explaining why the city earned the nickname 'La Superba'.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 8 nights' 3 or 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise, ferry and coach transfers throughout the tour
  • Breakfast each day
  • 6 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The from-price of 1,299 GBP covers Eurostar Standard Class from London to Paris and return, TGV from Paris to Turin and return from St-Raphaël to Paris, plus all rail, coach, and boat transfers throughout the itinerary.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager from start to finish, and includes guided tours in Genoa and other locations. The group is capped at 40 travellers.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar (London St Pancras to Paris, Standard Class) and TGV (Paris to Turin and St-Raphaël to Paris, Standard Class).
What are the hotels?
The pack lists Hotel Monte Rosa and Stella del Mare in Chiavari (both in the historic centre), and a hotel in St-Raphaël on the Mediterranean for night 8. All are 3 or 4-star standard.
How many meals are included?
Breakfast every day and six dinners. Some lunches and dinners are independent; the itinerary specifies which days.
How much free time is there?
Days 3, 4, 5, and 6 in Chiavari offer free time to explore independently; boat cruises to the Cinque Terre and Portofino are guided, and Day 7 includes a guided Genoa tour followed by free time.

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