Villages and Gardens

A journey through the Riviera dei Fiori and the French Riviera, discovering botanical gardens, medieval villages, and elegant towns with an international flair. Based on the Italian Riviera, this itinerary explores some of the most captivating destinations in Western Liguria, where the mild Mediterranean climate has fostered the creation of extraordinary gardens and a unique historical and cultural heritage.

From the remarkable botanical collections of the Hanbury Botanical Gardens and the Pallanca Exotic Garden to the charming historic centres of Ventimiglia, Dolceacqua, and Vallebona, and on to the scenic landscapes of the Argentina Valley and the sophisticated atmosphere of the nearby French Riviera, the tour reveals a region rich in identity, traditions, and history. Blending culture, nature, and breathtaking Mediterranean scenery, this itinerary offers an authentic journey between the sea and the hilltop villages of Liguria's enchanting hinterland.

• PROGRAM

  DAY 1 – Arrival on the Riviera dei Fiori

  Individual arrival on the Riviera dei Fiori and check-in at the hotel.

  DAY 2 – Bordighera, Pallanca Exotic Garden and Vallebona

  The day begins with a guided tour of Bordighera, one of the Riviera dei Fiori's most elegant seaside towns. After a pleasant walk along the promenade to the Church of Sant'Ampelio, the tour continues through a beautiful pine forest to Bordighera Alta, the town's charming medieval historic centre.

  The visit then continues to the Pallanca Exotic Garden, a spectacular cliffside botanical garden overlooking the Mediterranean and home to one of Europe's largest collections of cacti and succulent plants.

  In the afternoon, the tour moves inland to Vallebona, a picturesque medieval village surrounded by olive groves. Accompanied by your guide, you will stroll through its narrow stone alleyways, small squares, and traditional houses while discovering one of the most authentic and best-preserved villages in Western Liguria.

  DAY 3 – Ventimiglia, Hanbury Botanical Gardens and Dolceacqua

  The morning begins with a guided tour of Ventimiglia, the historic border town between Italy and France. Its medieval old town, filled with narrow lanes and charming squares, offers magnificent views over the Mediterranean and the modern Cala del Forte Marina.

  The tour continues with a visit to the world-famous Hanbury Botanical Gardens, one of Liguria's most important botanical gardens. Created by Sir Thomas Hanbury in the nineteenth century, the gardens are home to thousands of exotic plant species from around the world and are now protected as a Regional Nature Reserve.

  In the afternoon, the itinerary reaches the medieval village of Dolceacqua, dominated by the impressive Doria Castle. After crossing its iconic medieval stone bridge, the guided tour explores the picturesque historic centre before climbing to the castle. Along the way, you'll discover local culinary traditions, including the renowned Rossese di Dolceacqua wine and the village's traditional michette bread.

  DAY 4 – Sanremo and Villa Nobel

  Today is dedicated to discovering Sanremo, the City of Flowers, internationally famous for the Italian Song Festival, and Villa Nobel. The guided tour starts along Corso Imperatrice, passing the beautiful Russian Orthodox Church and the historic Sanremo Casino, before entering the charming maze of narrow streets known as La Pigna, the city's medieval old town. The walk continues towards the famous Ariston Theatre before reaching Villa Nobel, now a museum dedicated to Alfred Nobel, where visitors can learn about the scientist's life and the fascinating history of his elegant residence.

  DAY 5 – Triora and Badalucco

  Today's excursion explores the Argentina Valley, beginning in Triora, famously known as the "Village of Witches." Your guide will lead you through its atmospheric medieval streets, lined with ancient stone houses, hidden squares, and historic buildings, visiting the village's main landmarks, including La Cabotina, Triora Castle, the Bronze Cat of Triora, and the Church of San Bernardino.

  In the afternoon, the route descends to Badalucco, a charming village surrounded by olive groves and renowned for its high-quality olive oil and the traditional Stockfish Festival. The guided walk explores its colourful streets, picturesque squares, and artistic murals that decorate many of the village's historic buildings.

  DAY 6 – Èze Village, Exotic Garden and Menton

  The fifth excursion takes you across the border to the French Riviera. The morning begins in Èze Village, one of the Côte d'Azur's most spectacular medieval villages, dramatically perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Its historic centre is a maze of cobbled streets, artisan boutiques, flower-filled facades, and breathtaking viewpoints.

  The tour continues to the Exotic Garden of Èze, home to an impressive collection of cacti and succulent plants. From its unique hilltop location, visitors enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the French Riviera and the Mediterranean coastline.

  In the afternoon, the journey continues to Menton, the elegant French seaside town known as the "City of Lemons." The guided tour explores its colourful old town, historic buildings, luxury villas, charming shops, cobbled streets, and beautiful pastel-coloured architecture.

  DAY 7 – Goodbye Riviera dei Fiori

  Breakfast at the hotel. Individual departure and end of services.

• WHAT'S INCLUDED

  INCLUDED

  • 6 nights' accommodation in a 3-star hotel, based on double occupancy, with daily breakfast
  • 5 dinners at the hotel with a 3-course set menu
  • 5 full days of guided sightseeing with a licensed tour guide
  • Entrance fees to the Pallanca Exotic Garden, Villa Nobel, Hanbury Botanical Gardens, and the Èze Exotic Garden
  • Medical and baggage insurance
  • Local assistance throughout the tour

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Transportation
  • Tourist tax
  • Optional tips
• USEFUL INFORMATION
  • Programme with flexible dates, subject to availability upon request.
  • Programme for groups from 15 to 50 participants.
  • The programme may be modified according to the client's logistical requirements.

  LOGISTICS: The tour is based at a hotel located between Bordighera and Sanremo. Please note that coaches longer than ... m cannot use the Bordighera motorway exit.

  ACCOMMODATION: Double room in carefully selected hotels suitable for the proposed itinerary. Hotel name and details will be provided upon request.

  TOUR FEATURES: Our tours are designed to help you experience the destination at its best. They always include the most scenic routes and places, which may also include locations with barriers for guests with reduced mobility.

  LIGURIANLIFE HOLIDAYS: Our travel experiences are designed to help you discover the destination in the best possible way, offering immersive experiences rich in authentic local culture, history, and traditions.

  Travel light, slow down, and experience the true essence of Liguria.