Travel by train along the Italian Riviera

Discuss this enchanting tour with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182

Day 1
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class with a light meal and drinks served in our seats. We cross Paris by coach to the Mercure Gare de Lyon, where we spend the night. 

Day 2
Today we travel from Paris to Milan by TGV before continuing along the beautiful Ligurian Riviera to Sestri Levante, set on the coast overlooking the glittering Mediterranean. We transfer to our home for the next seven nights, the Grande Albergo, and enjoy dinner tonight in the hotel. 

Day 3
This morning we set out after breakfast to explore the Cinque Terre, made up of five incredibly picturesque villages set on the coast. The regional train (Standard Class) winds its way along the rugged coastline, travelling through tunnels carved deep into the rock and emerging into steep wine terraces, with villages clinging precariously to sheer cliffs. We alight in Riomaggiore, where we have the option of joining the 'Via dell'Amore', the winding pathway linking the five villages, for a walk along the cliff top to Manarola, with waves breaking on the rocks far below. We continue to Vernazza by train, enjoying some free time before returning to Sestri Levante. 

Day 4
Today you are free to explore at your own pace. Perhaps journey into Genoa and visit one of the largest aquariums in Europe, home to over one thousand different species including penguins, dolphins and seals. Alternatively, why not take to the water and view the Cinque Terre from a different angle, or travel along the coast to the stunning port town of Santa Margherita Ligure to visit its impressive 16th century castle

Day 5
Today we cruise to the famous resort town of Portofino. With its terraces of pastel-painted houses leading down to the harbour full of sleek yachts, it is easy to see why Portofino is acknowledged as one of the most beautiful ports in the Mediterranean. 

Day 6
Today you have a free day to explore Sestri Levante. The heart of the town is built on an island, now connected to the mainland, and is crammed with beautiful villas on medieval streets. The Baia delle Favole, situated on one side of the promontory, is the liveliest part of the town, with its port, promenade, and shops. 

Day 7
Our full-day excursion by coach takes us first to Pisa, most famous for its leaning tower, where we enjoy a guided tour. The Piazza del Duomo, as well as being home to the famous campanile, also houses the majestic cathedral, built in medieval times, and is flanked by the impressive Baptistry, constructed entirely of marble. For those feeling energetic, there is the chance to climb the steps to the top of the magnificent tower for incredible views of the town. This afternoon we visit the beautiful walled city of Lucca, where you are free to explore at leisure. 

Day 8
This afternoon we travel by train to the picturesque fishing village of Camogli. After a guided tour of the centre and the harbour full of colourful fishing boats, we return to our hotel for a farewell dinner

Day 9-10
This afternoon we board the rail service from Sestri Levante to Turin for an overnight stay at the ATA Hotel Concord. On Day 10 we travel from Turin to Paris where we change to the Eurostar service, with a light meal and drinks served on board before our arrival into St Pancras International

Discuss this romantic tour with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182

More about the trains 

 Eurostar: The high speed Eurostar trains link St Pancras International in London with Paris, Lille and Brussels. In your dedicated Standard Premier (the highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers) carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

TGV: Introduced in 1981, France's TGV was the original European high-speed train. First linking Paris to Lyon, the new service revolutionised train travel and meant that travelling by air over medium and short distances was no longer the best option. The network has expanded rapidly and today these sleek, stylish trains offer links to over 60 destinations throughout France. The trains can achieve speeds of up to 186mph (300km/h) on most long distance routes and 200mph (320km/h) on the new TGV Est line. With the exception of shorter journeys, TGVs almost always have an on-board buffet car, serving a selection of drinks and light refreshments.

Where you’ll stay

 Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon, Paris: The 3-star Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon is situated beside Gare de Lyon station in the centre of Paris, within reach of the city's many attractions either on foot or by metro. The hotel has a bar serving light snacks and rooms with air conditioning, a telephone, television, radio, safe, minibar and a hairdryer.

Grande Albergo, Sestri Levante: The Grande Albergo is situated in the small town of Sestri Levante on the Portofino Coast. The hotel is set on the wide promenade facing the Baia delle Favole, close to the historical centre overlooking a sandy beach. It has been operating as a hotel since the late 1800s, and offers its guests modern facilities in a beautifully renovated setting. The restaurant, Il Delfino Bianco, offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine with lovely views over the garden. There is also a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the Mediterranean. All rooms have a telephone, air conditioning, satellite television, minibar, safe and a hairdryer.

ATA Hotel Concord, Turin: Surrounded by vibrant shops and traditional cafes, the ATA Hotel Concord in Turin is also close to the major attractions, including the Egyptian Museum the famous Via Roma and is located near the Porta Nuova train station. The hotel has its own restaurant and cocktail bar, and the rooms are equipped with air conditioning, telephone, minibar, satellite television, a safe and hairdryer. Winner of Great Rail Journeys' Bronze Award for Food in 2010