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Splendours Of Italy & Southern France
A lyrical journey from Florence to Aix-en-Provence
A unique itinerary that combines lauded landscapes and delightful towns and villages with history, wine, art and culture on 16 fabulous days of discovery. Beginning in Florence we move southeast to the village in the sky – Montepulciano and its maze of boutiques and wine tasting cellars. Under Tuscan skies we wander across postcard perfect meadows and olive groves dotted with pastel coloured farmhouses in the Val d’Orcia. Siena, a city of refinement and class, is our next stop before continuing to the hilltop village of Volterra, famed for its Roman and Etruscan ruins. Glamorous coastal scenery awaits our exploration from our base in charming Santa Margherita. Sure to be a highlight for many will be our stunning walks to Portofino and the Cinque Terre.
The Côte d’Azur has attracted the well healed for centuries – drawn to its sparkling blue Mediterranean waters and seemingly permanent sunshine. We are based for three nights in the tiny hamlet of Villefranche-sur-Mer where we walk around the famed St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. We explore the gardens and spectacular views from the peaceful hillside villages of St Agnès and Gorbio. After a tour of Nice's old town we make our way via private transfer to Aix-en-Provence. Here we follow the story of two of the world's greatest Impressionist painters – Cézanne and Van Gogh. We stay in the towns they called home and walk in the countryside they so loved and captured on canvas in the 'Pays d'Aix'.
Gallery View map
Tour Highlights
- The five villages of the Cinque Terre
- Tuscan towns and villages
- UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval Siena
- Portofino Peninsula walk
- Aix-en-Provence - Cézanne's former home
- Arles - Van Gogh’s second home
- Cinque Terre's Lover’s Walk
Inclusions
Peregrine tour leaders, transport and sightseeing.
- Local bus
- Private vehicle
- Train
- 15 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
Splendours Of Italy & Southern France
Day 1
Florence
Meals Privided:
, Dinner
Your trip starts today with your arrival in Florence, the cultural capital of Italy and the gem in Tuscany's crown. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel that is centrally located (details are in your travel documents). Whilst at your discretion, we recommend arriving/ departing by train where possible within Europe due to this method of transports minimal carbon emissions. There really is so much to see in Florence, so if you are arriving earlier, plan to make a few discoveries of your own. In the evening we meet our tour leader and our fellow travelling companions at a Welcome Meeting (this is usually at 6pm, but you will be advised as to the exact time and place in a notice, located near the reception at our hotel), where our leader will give us a briefing on what lies ahead on our tour. This is followed by dinner in one of the sidewalk restaurants, where we can dine on local specialties and absorb the ambiance of this fabulous city.
Day 2
Montepulciano
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we enjoy sightseeing in Florence - the magnificent Renaissance masterpiece. After exploring this Tuscan icon we transfer to Arezzo, a town of less than 100,000 inhabitants, that packs a medieval punch with fine Romanesque structures and dignified piazzas. We have time to explore and have lunch amidst Arezzo's monuments. A more recent claim to fame for this charming town is the fact that it was the setting for Roberto Benigni's popular 1997 film 'Life Is Beautiful' ('La Vita è Bella') set during the time of the German occupation. In the late afternoon we drive through stunning Tuscan countryside enroute to the village in the sky - Montepulciano.
Day 3
Montichiello - Montepulciano
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we walk to the impressive Chiesa di San Biagio a 16th century church nestled at the edge of the village walls overlooking the winding valley below. From here we commence our walk into the picturesque valley and through vineyards, olive groves, past pastel coloured villas and across rolling hills. This is a morning of delightful Tuscan scenery enjoyed and experienced at its best - by foot. We then reach the restful village of Monticchiello, where we enjoy a flavoursome lunch under the welcome shade of creeping grapevines with a stunning view out upon Monticchiello's ancient main village gateway. After lunch we join the locals on a short local bus ride back to Montepulciano and then enjoy a sightseeing tour of its labyrinthine maze of alleyways and laneways and imposing defensive walls. We then are hosted to a wine tasting in a local cellar sampling this regions fine nectar. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore and shop further amidst Montepulciano's classy boutiques. (3 - 4 hours walking/ 10 kms)
Day 4
Pienza - San Quirico d'Orcia - Siena
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
This morning we are transferred to the beautiful village of Pienza for a short sightseeing walking tour. Part of our tour will include the views from Pienza's city walls that are quite simply spellbinding. We take time to pause and enjoy the captivating vistas afforded us. The epitome of Tuscan landscapes rolling expansively before us - burnt orange villas, tightly wound hay bails, meandering country lanes and fields of barley. We then depart for the charming village of San Quirico d'Orcia, where we buy lunch. The distinctive landscapes of the Val d'Orcia, flat chalk plains interspersed by almost conical hills topped by fortified settlements, inspired many Siennese artists, and their paintings have come to exemplify the beauty of well-managed Renaissance agricultural landscapes, where the inhabitants are depicted as living in harmony with nature. It is in this bucolic setting that we embark on our next splendid walk that takes us to the unique Spa town of Bagno Vignoni. Here the main town 'square' is actually a picturesque ornamental pool built by the Medici family! We can also cool our heels in the many Etruscan water channels that surround the old watermills just outside of the centre. This is a truly unique attraction in the Val d'Orcia all but unknown to mass tourism. We then complete this fabulous day with our arrival into Siena in the late afternoon.
Day 5
Siena exploration
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
After breakfast we walk directly from our hotel to commence our morning sightseeing tour of Siena a fascinating chance to discover the best of this most celebrated medieval city. Its heart, in every sense, is the famed 'Piazza del Campo', a grand fan-shaped piazza built on the site of the old Roman forum. Bordering the southern flank of the square is the 14th century Palazzo Pubblico, with some fine early Renaissance frescoes. Also of interest is the fine main church, the Duomo, a wonderful mixture of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, with a particularly splendid façade. Our guide shows us the most interesting monuments as well as the hidden corners of this 'red city' before there is free time to explore. Afternoon at leisure to shop or further explore the multitude of museums on offer. Many may just take a seat in the Piazza del Campo, sip on a local glass of sangiovese and partake in another fine Italian tradition - the art of people-watching.
Day 6
Colle Val d'Elsa - Volterra
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we journey towards ancient Volterra. On our way we pay a short visit to Monteriggioni (already mentioned in historic manuscripts from the time of Dante) and the charming small town of Colle Val d'Elsa. Monteriggioni, sitting atop a small natural hillock, is a completely walled medieval town in the Siena Province and dates back to the 13th century. Its splendid fortifications were ordered by the overlords of Siena to command the Cassia Road running through the Val d'Elsa and Val Staggia. Our next stop at pretty Colle Val d'Elsa is equally worthwhile in terms of scenic appeal and this small Tuscan town is responsible for close to 15% of the world's fine crystal glassware production. In the early afternoon we will arrive in beautiful Volterra, full of Etruscan history, and famous for its alabaster. We enjoy a guided tour through the town, the Roman theatre, and the Etruscan ruins. At the end of the day you may stroll through the restful parklands or catch Volterra's famed sunset from the town walls, before having dinner in a fine local restaurant.
Day 7
Pisa - Lovers Walk (Cinque Terre) - Santa Margherita
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch
Today we will travel north through rolling green hills and sweeping pastures towards the coast at Pisa. We will have a coffee in the charming (and not touristy!) medieval town centre, before driving past its famous tower. We now bid fond farewell to Tuscany and enter the province of Liguria and our next destination - the Cinque Terre. Our vehicle brings us then to the village of Riomaggiore, the last village on the Cinque Terre. Riomaggiore is a tiny collection of pastel shaded houses clinging unfeasibly to cliff faces spilling down into the sea. The postcard perfect harbour, populated with tiny row boats painted in a kaleidoscope of colours, is where we begin our world famous walk. We walk the most scenic section of the 'Lovers Walk' to the village of Manarola and enjoy lunch looking out to sea. In the early afternoon - as a group - we can also opt to continue the walk towards Vernazza, arguably the prettiest of the 5 villages. In the late afternoon we board our train for an hour ride along the dazzling coast to our pretty base in the village of Santa Margherita Ligure. (4 hours walking/ 10 - 12 kms depending on route taken)
Day 8
Portofino - Santa Margherita
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
After breakfast we begin our scenic stroll to glamorous Portofino. Enroute we spend time to explore the best of charming Santa Margherita including its awe-inspiring harbour packed to the gunnels with exclusive yachts and millionaires cruisers. As we approach Portofino proper we take time to visit its impressive castle and light house which are not be missed! The tiny hamlet of Portofino is arguably Italy's finest residential address and titles to properties here pass from generation to generation with the utmost of care and security. Its hillsides and picture perfect harbour are an enclave for presidents and movie stars. A visit here is truly something special. The afternoon is at leisure to explore or perhaps you may take an optional powerboat ride to the hidden monastery at San Fruttuoso. We return by local transport to our base for the evening. (2 hours walking/ 5 kms)
Day 9
Comogli - Santa Margherita
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Dinner
Today we enjoy another walk along the Portofino Peninsula and also pay a visit to the town of Camogli, one of the prettiest towns of Liguria. Camogli is a small Italian fishing village in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. The name has a double meaning in Italian. The first translation, ''houses close together,'' is apparent when you stroll through the town's narrow streets, which are lined by tall columns of pastel-coloured homes. The second meaning, ''houses of wives,'' is not so obvious; it refers to the fishermen's wives, who traditionally spent their time at home while their husbands were out at sea. Here we undertake a short scenic afternoon walk before returning to our base. Tonight a local restaurant in Santa Margherita for our farewell dinner. (2 hours/ 5 kms)
Day 10
Santa Margherita - Italian Riviera - Villefranche-sur-Mer
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning after breakfast we will travel along the Italian Riviera by train enroute to France and the stunning French Riviera. The journey will last approximately five hours and is visually stunning. In Nice we are met by our French tour leader and transfer together to the pretty hamlet of Villefranche-sur-Mer our base for the next three nights. Dinner tonight on the water's edge in Villefranche.
Day 11
St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat - Villefranche-sur- Mer
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we walk directly out from our hotel to the beautiful St Jean de Cap Ferrat. We walk on a pleasant coastal footpath around the peninsula that is speckled with pine and eucalyptus trees, small sandy beaches, meandering creeks, small picturesque ports and early 20th century villas hosting magnificent gardens…beautiful! We enjoy a flavoursome picnic lunch along the way and there will be opportunities to swim too. The warm climate in this niche on the French Riveria has made it a favourite holiday destination amongst European aristocracy and international millionaires for centuries. This geographic area was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia (ruled by Italy) until 1860 when the county of Nice was finally ceded by treaty to France at which time the peninsula became a magnet for kings and wealthy visitors. In 1905 Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild chose Cap-Ferrat to build an opulent and exquisite Tuscan style palazzo, now known as Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. A true highlight for us today is our included visit to the villa and its impeccable gardens including the Japanese garden and a splendid rose garden. Our walk ends back in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, an aristocratic vacation resort. Short train ride back to Villefranche. (3 hours walking/ 10kms)
Day 12
Menton - St Agnes - Gorbio - Villefranche-sur-Mer
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, short train ride from Villefranche to Menton (30 mins) along the dazzling Mediterranean coast. In Menton we take a short scenic bus ride up into the foothills to the start of our walk for today that takes us between the restful hamlets of St Agnes and Gorbio. We walk on a multitude of cultivated terraces that at one time were used for olive-trees, vineyards and fig trees enroute to Gorbio. After time to explore pretty Gorbio, we take a local bus to visit Menton. The city has been called the most beautiful town on the French Riviera and boasts a warm micro-climate favorable to lemon, tangerine, and orange groves. It was under the ownership of the Grimaldi family up until 1848, before breaking away from the principality of Monaco and officially becoming French in 1861. Today Menton is popular vacation spot for the well-heeled and a highly appropriate place for us to indulge in 'people-watching' before returning to Villefranche. (2 1/2 hours walking/ 5 kms).
Day 13
Nice - Aix-en-Provence
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we take a local bus from Villefranche to Nice (7 min). Morning sightseeing walking tour of Nice's old centre – its maze of staircases and lanes, fine Baroque churches, bustling flower market and the famed Promenade des Anglais. The old quarter of Nice is a warren of alleyways, boutiques, cafes and restaurants awaiting discovery. After our group exploration there is free time for lunch – perhaps you might pick up some fresh local fare and head across to the buzz of activity that is the Promenade des Anglais. A hot spot for street theatre, locals artists, 'the beautiful people' and visitors alike. In the afternoon, we transfer by private taxi, through the heartland of the impressionists to the centre of the exquisite Aix-en-Provence (2h15). We then walk in the heart of this most Parisian of cities, a city of wide boulevards, shady squares, enticing cafes and a former home to Paul Cézanne. We have dinner tonight in a fine local restaurant.
Day 14
Lac Zola - Aix-en-Provence
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
After breakfast we have free time in Aix's impressive morning market. A wonderful introduction for many into the sights, smells and sounds of a bustling French produce market. Buy what you need for your picnic lunch during today's walk. Aix en Provence (Aquae Sextiae in Latin) was founded in 122 BC and was named for its springs. The thermal springs are remarkable for their impressive heat as well as for containing healing properties in the form of lime and carbonic acid. Aix is often referred to as the city of a thousand fountains including the hot-water fountain dating back to 1734, which is covered in moss due to its constant 35°C (93°F) water temperature. Possessing a relaxing ambiance Aix's streets and parks have been well laid out. The Cours Mirabeau, a wide thoroughfare, planted with double rows of plane trees, bordered by fine houses and decorated by fountains, divides the town into two portions with the old town lying to the north. This is the most interesting portion of Aix en Provence with wide but irregular streets and fine old mansions dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Along this avenue you will also find Les Deux Garçons (the two boys), the most famous café in all of Aix. Built in 1792, it has been frequented by the likes of Cézanne and Ernest Hemingway. Mid morning we transfer to the start of our walk - a scenic pathway along the foot of the white peaked Sainte Victoire where Cézanne walked, mused and painted. We then stroll through pine forests to the lapping waters of Lake Zola where we we enjoy our picnic lunch and it is still likely that we may encounter artists and their easels in this ethereal countryside. A short climb leads us to a rim above the deep valley, from where the views extend over a countryside draped in thyme and rosemary, with the imposing Sainte Victoire mountain just a stone’s throw away. After our walk we transfer back (10 min) to Aix for an afternoon at leisure. (2 1/2 hours walking/ 6 kms)
Day 15
Les Baux de Provence - Arles
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we transfer to the Alpilles Mountains – literally “baby Alps” – a small range of abrupt limestone crags carpeted with sparse pine, aromatic herbs, and wild flowers. Perched above an otherwise flat Rhône Valley, the views are jaw-dropping: the vast plains of the Camargue to the South, a glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea, and to the north the many villages that dot the plains, with the famed Mont Ventoux as a backdrop. After an hour's stroll along the crest the medieval village of Les Baux appears, its grey stone buildings huddled in tight formation below the ruins of its imposing castle, and the whole lot hovering dizzyingly above the plains. We picnic by a centuries-old limestone quarry before exploring the 1000 year-old village of Les Baux, through its narrow cobbled streets and medieval buildings. And after some free time there's the little-known café, in the same family for 400 years, the perfect place to sit in admiration of this stunning site. We then transfer to Arles (15 min) where we discover Van Gogh's second home and the city's Roman center and rich historic legacy. What could be more perfect than a coffee or 'pastis' in one of the lively cafes that once paid host to Vincent van Gogh. Dinner tonight as a group at a local restaurant to say Bon Voyage! (2 hours walking/5 kms)
Day 16
Arles
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
Our trip ends after breakfast in Arles. Arles is connected by train to a number of other destinations in France including Nimes (30min), Montpellier (1hr), Marseille (40min), Avignon (20min) and TGV direct services to Paris (4hrs). For those wanting to spend more time in Arles to further explore this fascinating town, additional nights accommodation can be booked through us.
IN A NUTSHELL
16 days
from $5,895
15
TOUR INFORMATION
| Start | End | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 14/10/2011 | 29/10/2011 | $5,895 |
| 07/06/2013 | 22/06/2013 | $6,050 |
| 24/05/2013 | 08/06/2013 | $6,050 |
| 10/05/2013 | 25/05/2013 | $6,050 |
| 26/04/2013 | 11/05/2013 | $6,050 |
| 05/04/2013 | 20/04/2013 | $6,050 |
| 19/10/2012 | 03/11/2012 | $6,050 |
| 12/10/2012 | 27/10/2012 | $6,050 |
| 28/09/2012 | 13/10/2012 | $6,050 |
| 14/09/2012 | 29/09/2012 | $6,050 |
| 24/08/2012 | 08/09/2012 | $6,050 |
| 22/06/2012 | 07/07/2012 | $6,050 |
| 08/06/2012 | 23/06/2012 | $6,050 |
| 25/05/2012 | 09/06/2012 | $6,050 |
| 18/05/2012 | 02/06/2012 | $5,895 |
| 11/05/2012 | 26/05/2012 | $6,050 |
| 27/04/2012 | 12/05/2012 | $6,050 |
| 06/04/2012 | 21/04/2012 | $6,050 |
| 21/06/2013 | 06/07/2013 | $6,050 |
