Liguria & Côte d’Azur
A hint of spring, Mediterranean colours and the first sounds of the sea: discover charming coastal towns, blossoming landscapes and culinary delights between Liguria and the Côte d’Azur.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and walk by the sea
We set off southwards – taking the Gotthard route to Italy. After a typical regional lunch, we can already feel the Mediterranean flair. We take a break in Alessandria and stroll through the old town. Perhaps we'll enjoy our first Aperol Spritz in a sunny street café? In the late afternoon, we reach Pietra Ligure. Our ****hotel is beautifully located – and the sea is very close by! After checking into our rooms, we round off the day with dinner together.
Day 2: Albenga, tree nursery and Alassio
Today we discover the Ligurian coast. In Albenga, we are impressed by the medieval towers, which tower over the town like stone guardians. We then visit a tree nursery, where we learn more about the diversity of plants – and in the citrus greenhouse, we enjoy a delicious tasting of fruits, jams and syrups. After a typical lunch in a country inn, we continue on to Alassio. We stroll through the charming little town, admire the famous ‘little wall’ and treat ourselves to a cappuccino with the sweet ‘Bacio di Alassio’. Back at the hotel, we enjoy dinner.
Day 3: Rapallo, Portofino and lots of sea
After breakfast, we set off for a day full of elegance and coastal charm. In Rapallo, we explore the old town before taking a boat to Portofino – probably the most famous place on the Riviera. Small fishing boats and luxurious yachts lie side by side here. We continue by boat to Santa Margherita Ligure, where we enjoy the Mediterranean flair on a walk along the promenade. The return trip along the coast offers fantastic views. After dinner, a walk by the sea in the old town of Pietra Ligure invites us to enjoy a nightcap.
Day 4: Côte d'Azur – Menton, Sanremo
A delicious breakfast gets us in the mood for the day ahead. Together with our tour guide, we drive towards the Côte d'Azur. In Menton, pastel-coloured houses and a particularly mild climate await us – protected by the Maritime Alps. We then continue to Sanremo, known for its flower market and famous music festival. The ‘Kasbah’ is particularly fascinating – a winding maze of alleys with an oriental flair. On the return journey along the coast, we enjoy the view. Perhaps there will be time for a walk on the beach before dinner?
Day 5: Journey home through Piedmont
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the sea. Our route takes us through the hinterland towards Turin and on to the Aosta Valley. A beautiful inn awaits us for a final multi-course lunch – a culinary conclusion to our trip. We cross the Great St Bernard Pass into Switzerland and soon reach the Olten region. With many wonderful memories in our luggage, our season-opening trip to the Ligurian coast comes to an end.
Grand Hotel Pietra Ligure
The stylish **** Grand Hotel Pietra Ligure warmly welcomes its guests in a charming setting right by the sea. The accommodation offers a variety of amenities, including an elegant restaurant, a cosy bar and a modern fitness centre. The air-conditioned rooms are tastefully furnished and feature free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom and a private balcony – ideal for enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere.