|
The
southeastern coast of France has long been favored
by many for its relaxed atmosphere, coastal
scenery and lovely climate. Along with time
in the Italian Riviera, your trip will consist
of sophisticated resorts, intriguing history
and picturesque coastal towns.
 You
will be whisked away from the Nice airport to
Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, an exclusive hotel
situated amid a lushly landscaped 14-acre private
park overlooking the Mediterranean. Take the
funicular down the cliff for a refreshing dip
in the Olympic-sized pool or wander down the
same hallways where prominent people such as
Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin once strolled.
You
can be as active or laid-back as you want in
the French Riviera. Nice is home to many museums,
excellent restaurants and bistros. Take a leisurely
walk along the coast, catch a game of petanque,
or admire the 17th century style buildings.
Continuing eastward along the coast, you can
also soak up the rays on the beaches of Antibes
and St. Tropez before continuing on to Monaco.
 After
a short and scenic helicopter transfer, you
will arrive at an exclusive address in Monaco,
the palatial Hotel de Paris. You'll marvel at
the grand lobby of this elegant retreat in the
heart of Monte Carlo. Enjoy its poshly appointed
rooms, renowned casino, excellent restaurant,
invigorating spa treatments and attentive service.
You
can begin exploring this small principality
at the 12th century Genoese fortress on "The
Rock," and work your way down to the cafés housed
in villas and counting houses from the 16th
century. With its famous casino, luxurious hotels
and clubs, and world-class restaurants, Monte
Carlo also offers an all-night experience without
an equal.
 As
you bid "au revoir" to the south of France,
you will make your way by train across the border
to the Italian Riviera for more relaxation and
coastal scenery. The Italian Riviera stretches
many beautiful miles along the northwestern
Mediterranean coast of Italy, gilded with rocky
beaches, and studded with cliff towns and sheltered
ports. Your base will be Portofino, a town that
has historically drawn the rich and famous.
The chic and cosmopolitan Hotel Splendido is
situated across a picturesque bay amid exotic
gardens and is only a short stroll from restaurants,
shops and nightlife.
 Starting
at Portofino and stretching to the Cinque Terre
(five villages founded on coastal mountains
in the 12th century), the Gulf of Tigullio offers
lovely beaches and charming towns, such as Santa
Margherita and Rapallo. Here, you can relax
in outdoor cafes and enjoy historic buildings,
restaurants with amazing, fresh seafood and
a wide array of pestos and pastas, castles,
olive groves, and museums.
 Before
catching your early morning return flight, you
will spend a leisurely overnight in the charming
town of Monza, near Milan's airport. Hotel de
la Ville is a small luxury property situated across
from the Villa Reale, the former summer residence
of the Royal House of Savoy, surrounded by the
largest enclosed park in Europe. Enjoy a relaxing
day meandering through Monza's pedestrian center,
which is lined with quaint shops and boasts
a lovely 14th century cathedral.
On
your return home, you will have fond memories
of seaside beauty, luxurious resorts and a favorable
sun-filled climate.
Who
will enjoy this trip:
Those who enjoy true relaxation and luxurious
resorts. If views are important, you won't miss
out on this trip!
Who
should avoid this trip:
Those who wish to incorporate more history and
active sightseeing should consider our other
itinerary: A Closer Look at France.
|
