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From Genoa and festive Nice to Cannes, glamorous Monaco, Milan, and Lake Como!
There are trips that take you to a single destination, and there are trips that, in just a few days, transport you from one breathtaking scene to the next. Our six-day Christmas getaway to the Italian and French Rivieras definitely falls into the second category. With direct flights by AEGEAN Airlines to and from Bergamo, we set off on December 23 for one of our most well-rounded holiday trips. Our first major stop is Genoa, the historic seaside city of Liguria, with its aristocratic palaces, the famous caruggi, and the Porto Antico. From there, we’ll follow the Mediterranean coast and head to France, spending three nights in cosmopolitan Nice. The city of the Promenade des Anglais, the Baie des Anges, and the colorful Old Town becomes the ideal starting point for discovering some of the Côte d’Azur’s most famous destinations. We’ll stroll through medieval Saint-Paul-de-Vence, explore authentic Antibes, walk along Cannes’ famous Croisette, and arrive in Grasse, the city synonymous with the great tradition of French perfumery. And, of course, we’ll experience the glamour of Monaco and Monte Carlo. The Principality, the famous Casino, the luxury hotels, the yachts, and the unique view of the Mediterranean create a scene completely different from anything we’ve encountered up to that point. In fact, for those who are interested, we’ve arranged a special evening experience: Monte Carlo by night. Just before we bid farewell to the French Riviera, we’ll explore the colorful town of Menton, where the Old Town slopes down almost to the sea. And from here, the scenery changes once again. We cross into Italy, where Milan—the cosmopolitan capital of Lombardy—awaits us, with its imposing Duomo and the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. We’ll travel all the way to the enchanting Lake Como, at the foot of the Alps, and conclude our journey in the beautiful Bergamo Alta, a true medieval castle town. And all this during the most festive time of the year.
Join us on this unique journey because we offer…
A truly comprehensive itinerary that combines Italy, France, and Monaco.
Direct flights with AEGEAN Airlines and Ryanair to/from Bergamo
A visit to Genoa, a city often overlooked by classic Côte d’Azur itineraries.
Three nights in the center of Nice, in the heart of the French Riviera, and two nights in Milan
Explore Nice, including the Promenade des Anglais, Place Masséna, Vieux Nice, and the Baie des Anges.
A visit to the beautiful Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of the most famous medieval villages on the French Riviera.
Monte Carlo by night, to experience the Principality’s glamorous nightlife.
Visit to the Côte d’Azur, featuring a comprehensive tour of Antibes – Cannes – Grasse.
Visit to a historic perfume house in Grasse, subject to confirmed holiday hours.
Visit to colorful Menton, the last major stop on the Côte d’Azur before we cross back into Italy.
Visit to the Principality of Monaco.
Tour of Milan, including the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Teatro alla Scala, and the historic center.
Excursion to the famous Lake Como, combining the Mediterranean with one of Italy’s most beautiful Alpine landscapes.
Visit to Bergamo Alta
An itinerary free of unnecessary repetition: every day a different city, a different atmosphere, and a different experience.
An experienced tour guide from our agency will accompany you throughout the trip.
The expertise and organization of Athos Hellas, aimed at providing a rich and well-rounded trip without turning it into a race against time.
Thessaloniki "Macedonia" Airport (Google Maps)
Meet at MAKEDONIA Airport for the flight to Bergamo. Upon arrival, board the bus and depart for Liguria. Today is not just a trip to Nice. We’ve chosen to make it the first real highlight of our journey, with a long stop in fascinating Genoa. Genoa is a city that for centuries has lived with its gaze turned toward the sea. A powerful maritime republic, a major commercial hub of the Mediterranean, and one of the most important cities in Italian history, it retains to this day a unique character that combines the grandeur of aristocratic palaces with the labyrinthine streets of the medieval city. We’ll start in the Porto Antico—the Old Port—area, which is now one of the liveliest parts of the city. From here, we’ll venture into the famous caruggi, the narrow alleys of the historic center. Small squares, old facades, historic shops, and churches create an urban landscape that still strongly retains its medieval character. We’ll see the impressive Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its distinctive black-and-white facade, and continue on to the central Piazza De Ferrari, where the large fountain and the city’s major public buildings stand out. We’ll also explore the famous Via Garibaldi and the historic Strada Nuova with its majestic Palazzi dei Rolli, which transport us back to the era of Genoa’s golden age. After the guided tour, we’ll have free time for lunch, coffee, and a stroll on our own. And of course, we’re in the birthplace of some of Italy’s most iconic flavors. Don’t miss the chance to try an authentic focaccia genovese or a dish featuring the famous pesto alla genovese. At the scheduled time, we’ll board the bus and continue westward, following the Ligurian Riviera. The route takes us along the Mediterranean Sea, we cross the border into France, and in the afternoon or early evening we arrive in cosmopolitan Nice, which will be our base for the next three nights. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. The rest of the evening is free. A first stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, the illuminated Place Masséna, and the atmospheric alleys of the Old Town is the ideal way to begin our exploration of the French Riviera. Overnight stay.
Today finds us in the heart of the Côte d’Azur. After a hearty breakfast, we begin our in-depth exploration of Nice, a city where French elegance meets the Mediterranean. The Italian influences on the architecture, the colorful buildings of the historic center, the elegant squares, and the long seaside boulevard create an atmosphere completely different from that of the major cities of northern France. And during the Christmas season, Nice takes on an even more distinctive look, with the city center lit up and decorated. Our first stop is the famous Promenade des Anglais, the iconic seaside boulevard that stretches along the Baie des Anges and is the city’s ultimate symbol. We’ll pass by the famous Hotel Negresco and head toward the impressive Place Masséna, with its distinctive red facades and the lively atmosphere of the heart of Nice. And right after that, we’ll enter Vieux Nice—Old Nice. Narrow streets, colorful facades, small cafés, boulangeries, and traditional shops transport us to the most authentic and atmospheric side of the city. We’ll walk through the Cours Saleya area, see the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral, and discover the small squares hidden within the labyrinth of the historic center. From the Castle Hill area, we’ll enjoy one of Nice’s most iconic panoramic views, with the Baie des Anges, the Promenade des Anglais, and the rooftops of the Old Town stretching out before us. We’ll then set off for a completely different destination. A short distance from Nice lies the beautiful Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of the most famous and atmospheric medieval villages on the Côte d’Azur. Built on a hill and surrounded by historic fortifications, it is a unique experience in itself. Once inside the walls, we’ll stroll through narrow cobblestone alleys, past old houses, galleries, art studios, and picturesque squares. For decades, the village has attracted painters, writers, actors, and artists from all over the world, and its special connection to the arts is evident in almost every corner. We’ll have time to wander through the historic center, explore the small shops, and enjoy the beautiful view of the Provençal countryside. Return to Nice and time to relax. In the evening, for those who wish, we recommend one of the most impressive experiences of the entire trip: We’ll depart on a special evening shuttle to the Principality of Monaco. As we approach, the lights of the luxury hotels, the harbor, the yachts, and the stunning buildings create a unique backdrop over the Mediterranean. We’ll explore the Monte Carlo area and arrive at the famous Place du Casino. Here, the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo, the historic Hotel de Paris, and the luxury boutiques surrounding the square take center stage. The sight of Monte Carlo lit up at night—especially on Christmas Eve—is truly one of a kind. There will be free time to stroll, take photos, or enjoy a drink, and to leisurely soak up the glittering atmosphere of the Principality. Later, return to Nice. Overnight stay.
Breakfast, and today is dedicated to three different aspects of the famous Côte d’Azur. After breakfast, we head west for a busy but particularly beautiful journey. Our first stop is Antibes. Antibes is one of the most historic towns on the Côte d’Azur and, despite the region’s international fame, manages to retain a more authentic Mediterranean character. We’ll walk through its historic center and along the old fortifications, enjoying beautiful views of the Mediterranean. We’ll explore the Port Vauban area, where traditional sailboats and small vessels coexist with some of the largest yachts in the Mediterranean. Narrow alleys, stone houses, small markets, and the feel of an old seaside town create a scene very different from the glitzy Monte Carlo. And we continue on to the most cinematic destination of the day: the famous Cannes. A city that, like few others, has become synonymous with glamour, cinema, and the French dolce vita. We’ll stroll along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette, home to luxury hotels, boutiques of major fashion houses, and the city’s iconic beaches. We’ll arrive at the famous Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the centerpiece of the Cannes International Film Festival. Here, of course, we’ll have time for the obligatory photos on the famous steps. We’ll also explore the old port and the Le Suquet district, Cannes’ historic neighborhood, located higher up than the modern city center and boasting an atmosphere quite different from that of the cosmopolitan Croisette. Free time for lunch, coffee, and a stroll on your own. Our day continues inland. We arrive in Grasse, the city that, more than any other, has become synonymous with the great tradition of French perfumery. Here, over the centuries, the art of creating perfumes has flourished, using aromatic plants and flowers from the region. Depending on the confirmed holiday schedule, we will visit one of the city’s historic perfume houses. We’ll learn about the history and evolution of perfume production, the raw materials, the distillation process, and the unique role of the “nez”—the specialist who blends different notes to create a fragrance. After the tour, there will be time for shopping and a short stroll through the city. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Nice. Our last evening on the French Riviera is free. Enjoy one more stroll along the illuminated Promenade des Anglais, lose yourself in the alleys of Vieux Nice, or choose one of the atmospheric restaurants in the Old Town for your Christmas Eve dinner. Overnight stay.
After breakfast and checking out of our rooms, we say goodbye to Nice, but not yet to the Côte d’Azur. Ahead of us lies one of the most impressive and visually stunning days of the trip. Our first major stop is the Principality of Monaco. Built on a striking strip of land between the Alps and the Mediterranean, Monaco has become one of the world’s best-known and most unique countries. Today’s visit is a bit different. This time, we’ll explore the historical side of the Principality. We’ll head to Monaco-Ville – Le Rocher, the old town built atop the iconic Rock of Monaco. We’ll arrive in the area of the Prince’s Palace, the official residence of the Grimaldi family, and stroll through the narrow streets of the old town. We’ll see the Cathedral of Monaco, which is closely associated with the Grimaldi dynasty and Princess Grace Kelly, and we’ll pass by the famous Oceanographic Museum. From the panoramic viewpoints on the cliff, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor, the modern city, and the Mediterranean Sea. Once we’ve finished exploring the Principality, we’ll head to our next stop. Just before the Italian border lies the beautiful Menton, one of the most picturesque towns on the French Riviera. Colorful houses stretch across the hillsides overlooking the sea, narrow alleys wind their way up to the historic town, and the strong Italian influence is immediately apparent. We’ll stroll through the Vieille Ville, among the ochre and pastel-colored facades and the narrow medieval streets. We’ll make our way up to the impressive complex of the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange, which towers over the sea, and enjoy the view of Sablettes Beach and the bay. There will be time for coffee, a short stroll, and our final photos of the Côte d’Azur. And somewhere around here, we’ll say goodbye to France. We’ll cross the border into Italy and continue through Liguria toward Lombardy. As we leave the Mediterranean behind, the landscape gradually changes, leading us to a completely different side of Italy. Arrival in Milan in the afternoon/evening. Transfer to the hotel, check-in, and a free evening to get a first glimpse of northern Italy’s largest metropolis. Overnight stay.
After a good breakfast, we begin our guided tour of Milan. A city completely different from Nice, Genoa, and everything we’ve seen so far. Fast-paced, cosmopolitan, economically powerful, and with enormous influence in the worlds of fashion, architecture, and design, Milan also preserves an exceptionally rich historical and artistic heritage. The heart of the city is, of course, Piazza del Duomo. Towering before us is the impressive Duomo di Milano, one of Italy’s most famous landmarks. The ornate Gothic façade, the hundreds of spires, and the distinctive golden Madonnina at the top create one of the most recognizable images in Europe. Right next door is the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. One of the world’s most historic and impressive shopping arcades, featuring a large glass dome, mosaic floors, historic cafés, and boutiques of leading fashion houses. Walking through it, we arrive at Piazza della Scala, home to the famous Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most important opera houses. We’ll continue through the historic center and explore the area around Castello Sforzesco, the grand fortress closely linked to the history of Milan’s powerful families. After the guided tour, we’ll have free time for lunch, coffee, shopping, or simply to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the city center. And then the scene changes completely. We leave behind the urban pace of Milan and head toward the foothills of the Alps and the famous Lake Como. We arrive in the elegant city of Como, built on the southwestern shore of the lake of the same name. We’ll start in the historic center and the Piazza Duomo area. Here stands the impressive Duomo di Como—Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, one of the city’s most important landmarks. We’ll stroll through the narrow shopping streets and reach the lakeside area. Before us lie the calm waters of the lake, while in the distance the mountain slopes and peaks of the Alps create a unique winter landscape. Lake Como is known throughout the world for its elegant lakeside towns, historic villas, stunning gardens, and exceptional Alpine scenery. There will be plenty of free time for a stroll along the lake, coffee, shopping, and personal activities. Those who wish can simply sit by the lake and enjoy one of the most peaceful and beautiful scenes of the entire trip. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Milan. Our last night in Italy is free time. Enjoy an authentic Milanese aperitivo, dinner at a typical trattoria, or a final stroll through the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II areas. Overnight stay.
After breakfast and checking out of our rooms, we’re leaving Milan. But our trip isn’t over yet. Instead of heading straight to the airport, we’ve saved one of Lombardy’s most beautiful historic cities for last: Bergamo. The city is divided into two completely different parts: the modern Città Bassa and the historic Città Alta, which towers high above the plain. We’ll be exploring the Upper Town. Surrounded by the impressive Venetian Walls, the Città Alta has preserved its medieval atmosphere almost intact. Our entrance into the old town immediately transports us to another era. We’ll walk along the characteristic Via Colleoni–Corsarola, past historic shops, small cafés, and old buildings. A short while later, we arrive at the famous Piazza Vecchia, the true heart of Bergamo Alta. For centuries, the square has been the center of the city’s political and social life and is surrounded by the Palazzo della Ragione, the Torre Civica – Campanone, and other important historic buildings. We then head to the nearby Milan Bergamo Airport to arrive in time for check-in. At 2:45 p.m., we board the direct AEGEAN Airlines flight to Thessaloniki. And just like that, one of our most well-rounded trips comes to an end. From Genoa and the Ligurian Riviera to festive Nice. From medieval Saint-Paul-de-Vence to Cannes and Grasse. From the glamour of Monte Carlo and the elegance of Monaco to the colorful Menton. And from there to cosmopolitan Milan, the enchanting Lake Como, and the medieval atmosphere of Bergamo Alta.
Note:
The order of the itinerary may vary due to circumstances, with no omissions
In the 5-day itinerary, the 5th day and the tour of Bergamo are not included; instead, we have 3 nights in Nice and 1 night in the Bergamo area at a 4* hotel
The possibility of a refund and/or any deductions depends on the terms of the specific package, the time of cancellation, and the respective suppliers. For your specific case, please review the General Terms and Conditions or contact us.
Some packages include travel insurance, or optional coverage may be available, depending on the destination and itinerary. For available options and coverage terms, please contact us or refer to the General Terms and Conditions.
The reservation is finalized in accordance with the procedure set forth in the General Terms and Conditions (e.g., confirmation and payment of the amount/deposit, where required). For specific steps and deadlines applicable to this particular package, please contact us.
The itinerary is based on available routes and services; however, changes or adjustments may occur before and/or during the trip for operational reasons and/or due to unforeseen circumstances. In any case, the General Terms and Conditions of Participation apply, and relevant updates will be provided.