Relaxation Seeker Itinerary

This short, easy route takes in the best of the sun, scenery and cities in France and Italy. 

• Start your trip in Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer, enjoying the very best of the French Riviera.

• Continue your trip in Levanto and the Cinque Terre to discover Italy's endless charm.

• End your trip in Pisa and Rome, exploring the history, culture, and gastronomy of these Mediterranean gems.

Cities visited in this trip:

1. Nice, France

2, Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

3. Levanto, Italy

4. Cinque Terre, Italy

5. Pisa, Italy

6. Rome, Italy

For this itinerary, we recommend:

Travel days: 7 days within 1 month

Nice, France

Situated on the French Riviera, Nice's Italianate architecture, peaceful streets and creative heritage give it endless charm. You'll never want to leave!

• Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais. This seaside walk will blow your blues away whether you want to run, rollerskate, or just stroll along. 

• Wander through the streets of the Vieille Ville, exploring its colourful blend of buildings, winding alleys, and hidden squares. 

• Join the locals at the Cours Saleya Market to sample Nice's finest products. While you're in the city, don't forget to try regional favourites such as the Salade Niçoise, onion tart and ratatouille.

Train tip: Nice can be accessed from most major European cities by train. The TGV from Paris takes approximately 6 hours. 

Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

Located just ten minutes from Nice, the hidden coastal town of Villefranche-sur-Mer offers that French beach escape you've been looking for.

• Spend time on one of Villefranche's golden beaches: Plage des Marinières, Plage de l'Ange Gardien and Plage de la Darse.

• Hike up to Fort du Mont Alban, a 16th-century fortification with stunning views across the French Riviera. 

• Get your heart racing with activities such as parasailing, scuba diving and bike tours, providing unforgettable vistas across the town.

Train tip: the train from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer runs every 20 minutes throughout the day. You can also choose to take a bus for a 10-minute journey.

Levanto, Italy

Swap one Riviera for another as you head to Levanto: a quiet medieval town with a gentle pace of life. Just around the corner from the UNESCO Cinque Terre, this is a great base for both relaxation and day trips. 

• Wander through the streets of medieval Levanto, starting at Via Garibaldi. Top sights include Piazza del Popolo, the Sant Andrea Church and the 13th-century walls.

• Walk or cycle along the coast to the tiny gems of Bonassola and Framura for a taste of local life. 

• Spend time at the beach. Swimming, kayaking and surfing are popular activities. 

Train tip: the train from Villefranche-sur-Mer to Levanto is approximately 5 hours. Seat reservations are mandatory on Italian trains, so make sure to purchase these in advance.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Often cited as one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy, the five fishing villages of the Cinque Terre can't be missed. With rural charm and breathtaking coastline, this is the perfect place to escape your worries. 

• Hike along the trail between Corniglia and Vernazza for stunning views across the sea.

• Enjoy an aperitifo in Manarola, watching the sun set across the rainbow houses.

• Go kayaking from Riomaggiore for the best views of the town. Discover hidden beaches amongst the turquoise water and visit the other villages from the sea.

Train tip: purchase the Cinque Terre Card to access both hiking trails along the coastline and train services between the villages. 

Pisa, Italy

Swap sun-soaked shores for a city steeped in history. Pisa might be famous for a certain tower, but there's a lot more to explore in this Italian treasure.

• Explore the Piazza dei Miracoli for Pisa's most famous sights: the Leaning Tower, the Duomo, the Baptistery and the Camposanto.

• Admire the Palazzo dei Cavalieri, one of Italy's most beautiful palaces. Its golden walls and decorated façade are bound to light up your day.

• Stroll along the River Arno for amazing views of Pisa's famous palazzos, houses and architecture.

Train tip: the train from the Cinque Terre goes via La Spezia to Pisa in under 2 hours. 

Rome, Italy

It wouldn't be a trip to Italy without stopping in the Eternal City, would it? As your final destination, spend as much time as you want to explore the ancient heart of the Roman Empire.

• Marvel at the Roman Forum, the most iconic ruins in the country.

• Tour the Colosseum to discover more about the history of Ancient Rome.

• Hop across the border into Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, and explore the wonders of St. Peter's Basilica. 

Train tip: trains to Rome from Pisa are either direct or travelling via Florence. And yes, stopping in Florence is always a good idea.