Nice – Côte d'Azur – Italian Riviera (from Thessaloniki)

After breakfast, we’ll begin our in-depth tour of Nice, the capital and largest city of the Côte d’Azur. 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 street Avenue Jean Médecin, and the city center’s most important public buildings. We’ll continue toward the harbor area and the Rauba Capeu viewpoint, from 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 Cathedral of Sainte-Réparate, and we’ll have free time for lunch, shopping, and sampling local delicacies such as socca and pissaladière. At noon, we’ll head inland to the famous Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved fortified villages in southern France. The village is built on a hill, surrounded by strong walls, and has been associated with important painters, sculptors, writers, and artists. The unique atmosphere, the light, and the views of the area have attracted notable figures from all over the world. We’ll pass through the medieval gate and walk through the narrow cobblestone alleys, past stone houses, small squares, workshops, and art galleries. From the city walls, we’ll enjoy the beautiful view of the hills of Provence and the Mediterranean Sea. There will be free time for coffee, photos, and shopping, and late in the afternoon we’ll return to Nice. The short distance from Nice allows us to fit this afternoon visit into the day without it feeling too rushed. After returning to the hotel, there will be time to rest and have dinner. In the evening, you can optionally join one of the most glamorous experiences of our trip: the “Monte Carlo by Night” excursion. 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 illuminated. 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 promises to be one of the most eventful and impressive days of our trip. After a packed breakfast or an early breakfast at the hotel, we’ll depart early from Nice, headed for the legendary Saint-Tropez. The route westward passes through the beautiful regions of the Côte d’Azur and Provence. Due to the distance, an early departure is essential to ensure we have sufficient time to explore all three destinations on the itinerary. Saint-Tropez began as a small fishing village and has evolved into one of the most famous and cosmopolitan destinations in the Mediterranean. Behind the luxury yachts and international glamour, however, it retains a picturesque historic center with traditional houses, narrow alleys, and an authentic Provençal atmosphere. Upon arrival, we’ll stroll through the Old Port, where colorful facades, cafés, and impressive yachts create the city’s most iconic scene. We’ll continue on to Place des Lices, the central square lined with plane trees, and explore the picturesque alleys of the historic center. We’ll arrive at the La Ponche district, the old fishermen’s neighborhood, with its small houses and sheltered seaside landscape. Those who wish can head toward the Acropolis area for a panoramic view of the bay and the city’s rooftops. There will be free time for coffee, a light lunch, photos, and shopping in the downtown stores. We will then depart for cosmopolitan Cannes. Upon arrival, we will walk along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette, the palm-lined seaside boulevard, luxury hotels, international designer boutiques, and organized beaches. We’ll arrive at the famous Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where the International Film Festival is held every year. We’ll see the famous red-carpet steps and the spot where some of the world’s most prominent film stars have been photographed. We’ll walk through the old harbor area and enjoy the view of the historic Le Suquet neighborhood. Depending on the time available, there will be an opportunity for a short stroll through the picturesque alleyways of the oldest neighborhood or for a leisurely walk along the Croisette and through the downtown shops. Next, we’ll head to the seaside town of Antibes, which lies along our natural route back to Nice. We’ll start in the area of the impressive Port Vauban, where everything from small traditional fishing boats to some of the largest yachts in the Mediterranean are moored. We’ll then walk along the historic walls and enter the Old Town. We’ll explore the small squares, the Provençal market, the Cathedral, and the narrow alleys that preserve Antibes’ authentic Mediterranean charm. From the area around Château Grimaldi and the city walls, we’ll enjoy the view of the sea and Cap d’Antibes. There will be some free time for coffee, photos, and a final stroll before we return to Nice. Arrival at the hotel in the evening, followed by free time to rest and have dinner.

After breakfast and checking out of our rooms, we’ll leave Nice early, following one of the most beautiful scenic routes along the Côte d’Azur toward the Principality of Monaco. Today’s visit is different from our 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 on 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 some iconic spots along the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit. Early in the afternoon, we’ll depart for Genoa, crossing the border into Italy and following the spectacular coastal route of Liguria. Upon arrival, we’ll begin our exploration of one of Europe’s most important historic maritime cities. We’ll head to the Porto Antico, Genoa’s old port, which has been transformed into a modern space for strolling, culture, and entertainment. We’ll then enter the historic center, a dense network of narrow alleys—the famous caruggi—small squares, churches, and old commercial buildings. We’ll see the impressive Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its distinctive black-and-white façade, and walk toward Piazza de Ferrari, the city’s central square. Here, the large fountain, the Doge’s Palace, the Carlo Felice Opera House, and the impressive buildings surrounding the square take center stage. We’ll continue on to Via Garibaldi, one of Italy’s most beautiful historic boulevards, known for its imposing aristocratic mansions and the famous Palazzi dei Rolli. Then we’ll depart for Milan. Arrival in the evening, transfer to the hotel, and check-in. For those who are interested, we recommend an evening outing to the Navigli district, with its historic canals, restaurants, and bustling bars, or a first stroll through the illuminated Piazza del Duomo.

After breakfast and checking out of our rooms, we’ll begin our tour of Milan, Italy’s financial capital and one of Europe’s most important cities for fashion, design, and culture. We’ll take a panoramic tour toward the historic center, passing through modern neighborhoods and the city’s most notable buildings. We’ll see the imposing Castello Sforzesco from the outside—once the residence of the Sforza family—and continue on to the heart of Milan. We’ll arrive at the impressive Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the famous Cathedral. The Duomo is the city’s most famous landmark and one of the largest and most elaborate Gothic structures in Italy. Next to the cathedral, we’ll visit the impressive Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, with its glass dome, mosaic floors, historic cafés, and luxury boutiques. The arcade connects Piazza del Duomo with Piazza della Scala and is one of the city’s most important architectural and commercial landmarks. Walking through the arcade, we’ll reach the square of the famous La Scala in Milan. We’ll see the exterior of the Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most famous opera houses, and the monument to Leonardo da Vinci. There will be free time for coffee, shopping, or a short stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and the shopping streets around the historic center. Later, we’ll depart for Lake Como, one of the most beautiful and famous lakes in northern Italy. The city of Como is situated on the southwestern shore of the lake and is surrounded by lush green hills, elegant villas, and picturesque villages. We’ll begin our walking tour at Piazza Cavour, which faces the lake, and continue on to the impressive Como Cathedral. We’ll see the old Broletto Town Hall and stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center. Next, we’ll enjoy a lovely stroll along the lakeside promenade, with views of the mountains, the villas, and the small villages scattered around the lake. There will be free time for lunch, coffee, and photos. In the afternoon, we’ll depart for Bergamo, where we’ll take a brief tour of the historic center. Upon arrival, we’ll make our way up to the historic Città Alta, the impressive Upper Town, which is surrounded by Venetian walls and has preserved its medieval character intact. We’ll stroll through the cobblestone alleys and reach Piazza Vecchia, the heart of the Upper City and one of the most beautiful squares in Lombardy. We’ll see the Palazzo della Ragione, the Campanone Tower, the Contarini Fountain, and Piazza Duomo. Next, we’ll admire the ornate Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the impressive Colleoni Chapel. We’ll then transfer to Bergamo Airport for our return flight. Arrival at “Macedonia” Airport, filled with unforgettable sights and experiences from the Côte d’Azur, Saint-Tropez, the Principality of Monaco, and the most beautiful regions of northern Italy.

Notes: The order of the itinerary may vary depending on circumstances, without omitting any attractions.