Great Rail Journeys
Simply Tuscany
9 daysfrom $2,002
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Highlights of the Italian Riviera
This Italian Riviera escorted holiday lets you admire Italy's pure beauty. Journey to idyllic villages and towns that nestle among striking scenery.
Day by day
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
