Nice – Côte d'Azur – Cinque Terre (from Thessaloniki)

After breakfast, we’ll begin our in-depth tour of Nice, the capital and largest city of the French Riviera. During our panoramic tour, we’ll walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais, which stretches alongside the Bay of Angels and is the city’s timeless symbol. We’ll see the historic Negresco Hotel, the iconic blue chairs, the beaches, and the elegant Belle Époque buildings. We’ll pass by Place Masséna, the impressive central square with its distinctive red facades, and see the Promenade du Paillon gardens, the shopping avenue Avenue Jean Médecin, and the city center’s most important public buildings. We’ll continue toward the harbor area and the Rauba Capeu viewpoint, where we’ll enjoy one of the city’s most iconic views of the Promenade des Anglais, the Old Town, and the Bay of Angels. Next, we’ll take a walking tour of Vieux Nice, the colorful Old Town. We’ll stroll through the narrow alleys lined with tall buildings, small restaurants, workshops, and shops selling local products. We’ll visit the famous Cours Saleya market, known for its flowers, fruits, vegetables, spices, and Provençal specialties. We’ll see Place Rossetti and the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral, and we’ll have free time for lunch, shopping, and sampling local delicacies such as socca and pissaladière. In the evening, you can optionally join one of the most glamorous experiences of our trip: the “Monte Carlo by Night” tour. Following the stunning coastal route, we’ll arrive at the cosmopolitan heart of the Principality of Monaco. We’ll stroll through the famous Place du Casino, where the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo, the iconic Hôtel de Paris, the Café de Paris, and the luxury boutiques stand out, all illuminated at night. The historic buildings, the impressive cars, the well-manicured gardens, and the nighttime view of the illuminated city create a truly unique atmosphere. There will be free time for a drink, coffee, photos, a stroll through the gardens, or a visit to the public areas of the casino. Later, we’ll depart for our return to Nice.

Today is dedicated to the world’s most famous principality and the most iconic landscapes of the French Riviera. Our first stop is the fairytale village of Èze, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France. Built atop a cliff at an altitude of about 430 meters, it offers a unique view of the Mediterranean. We’ll stroll along the cobblestone streets, past flower-filled courtyards, galleries, and small shops, enjoying the atmosphere of a village that seems untouched by time. Next, we’ll visit the historic Fragonard perfume factory, where we’ll learn the secrets of traditional French perfumery and have the opportunity to sample and purchase authentic perfumes and cosmetics. Next up is the Principality of Monaco. Today’s visit is different from the evening outing to Monte Carlo, as we’ll focus on the historical side of the Principality. We’ll visit the famous Rock of Monaco and Monaco-Ville. We’ll stroll through the picturesque alleys of the Old Town and arrive at the square in front of the Prince’s Palace, the official residence of the Grimaldi family. From this vantage point, we’ll enjoy the view of Port Hercule, Monte Carlo, and the modern neighborhoods of the Principality. We’ll continue to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, where the tombs of members of the princely family are located, including Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. We’ll pass through the gardens of Saint Martin and the area around the Oceanographic Museum, which is built on a cliff with a unique view of the Mediterranean. As we leave the Principality, we’ll also see iconic landmarks along the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit. Late in the afternoon, we’ll return to Nice, our minds filled with images of luxury and unique architecture.

After breakfast, we set out for another day filled with sights along the glamorous Côte d'Azur. Our first destination is the world-famous Cannes, the city that hosts Europe’s most important film festival every year. We’ll stroll along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette, past luxury hotels, chic boutiques, and beautiful palm trees, and we’ll take photos in front of the Palais des Festivals, where the biggest movie stars walk the red carpet every year. Next, we’ll head to the beautiful Antibes, a town that combines the charm of a traditional Mediterranean port with the sophisticated atmosphere of the Côte d’Azur. We’ll stroll along the walls of the old town, enjoy the picturesque harbor, and admire the luxurious yachts moored in Europe’s largest marina. Our final stop is the enchanting Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of France’s most beautiful medieval villages. The narrow cobblestone alleys, the art galleries, the flower-filled courtyards, and its unique atmosphere explain why it served as a source of inspiration for artists such as Marc Chagall and Picasso. Late in the afternoon, we return to Nice.

We depart early in the morning from Nice and, following a beautiful route along the Italian Riviera, arrive in La Spezia, the gateway to the legendary Cinque Terre, one of the Mediterranean’s most unique destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, we board the local train (or, weather permitting, the ferry) and begin a unique tour of the colorful villages that seem to hang over the sea. We’ll visit the most picturesque villages, such as Manarola and Vernazza (depending on the schedule, we may also include Monterosso al Mare), where we’ll have time to stroll through the picturesque alleys, enjoy the unique views of the sheer cliffs, and have lunch by the sea. The Cinque Terre is one of the most photographed regions in Italy. The colorful houses, the vineyards on the hillsides, the small harbors, and the crystal-clear blue waters create a scene that is hard to describe in words and leaves an unforgettable impression on every visitor. In the afternoon, we return to La Spezia and depart for Bologna, where we will arrive in the evening. We’ll check in at the hotel and have a few hours to rest before heading to the airport.