French Riveria & Liguria Walking Holiday
Your guided walking holiday to the French Riviera & Liguria
Discover the beauty of two enchanting regions on this guided walking holiday, where France and Italy meet along one of Europe’s most captivating coastlines. We’ll be based for 7 nights on the Riviera of Flowers, perfectly placed to enjoy a variety of scenic walks and cultural discoveries. Each day brings new highlights as we follow the ancient Via Julia Augusta, wander through citrus groves to taste fresh produce, and explore Dolceacqua with its bridge, castle and artisan workshops. Coastal paths take us from Menton to Monaco, around Cap Ferrat and into Sanremo’s atmospheric old quarter. With a balance of coastal walks, gentle inland trails and urban treks, plus plenty of time to soak up the local culture and savour authentic cuisine, this walking holiday captures the landscapes, character and charm of the French Riviera and Liguria.
This holiday is an easy to moderate walking level, the the hikes average 2-3 hours.
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Leisurely
Day
Arrival on the Riviera of Flowers
Italian Riviera
Arrive in the Italian Riviera, affectionately known as the Riviera dei Fiori for its lush gardens, vibrant blooms, and Mediterranean charm. You will be transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in and take your first breath of the Ligurian sea air.
Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers, sampling local specialities and wines, while your tour leader outlines the week ahead.
Overnight: Riviera of Flowers.
Albenga, Alassio & The Citrus World
Visit a traditional citrus garden
Visit a traditional citrus garden and learn about the ancient art of citrus cultivation.
Walk along the Via Julia Augusta
Walk along the Via Julia Augusta, the ancient Roman road linking Rome to Spain.
Begin in Albenga, a beautifully preserved medieval town with its famous “hundred towers”.
Follow the trail past Roman remains to the Belvedere of Santa Croce Church for panoramic views.
Continue the gentle climb to Alassio, a chic seaside resort. Explore its charming old town and the “Budello” – a narrow street lined with boutiques and cafés.
Walking Details
Distance: 7 km
Duration: 2.5 hours
Elevation gain: 150 m
Difficulty: Easy
Menton and Monaco
Ligurian coastline
A beautiful hiking path leads from Menton to the Principality of Monaco. The route to Roquebrune is dedicated to the famous architect Le Corbusier. Once in Monaco, we will explore chic Montecarlo on foot. We will take in the main sights, including the stunning Japanese gardens, the famous Casino, Cathedral and Prince’s Palace (entrances extra). On our return to Italy, we will make a stop in the village of Eze, which is not just a pretty village which lends itself to a pleasant walk, but is also the location of the Fragonard perfume factory, which we will visit.
Walking Details
Distance: 8 km
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation gain: 200 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Ventimiglia & the Balzi Rossi Caves
Hike around Cervo
This hike promises fantastic views from the panoramic hamlet above the Riviera of Flowers. We will set out from the small village of Cervo. We enter the Ciapà Urban Park and walk along the left side of the park, alternating between sections immersed in the woods and Mediterranean scrub and very scenic stretches with views of the coast and the sea. The hike ends in Cervo, a charming village, which is known for its beautiful baroque church. Once an important centre of coral fishing, Cervo is now a popular tourist destination. We enjoy some free time before going back to our hotel.
Walking Details
Distance: 6 km
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation gain: 100 m
Difficulty: Easy
Leisure Day
Hiking around Cap Ferrat
Peninsula of Cap Ferrat
The peninsula of Cap Ferrat is located between Monaco and Nice and is known as one of the most exclusive seaside resorts of the Côte d'Azur. Important personalities such as Leopold II of Belgium and Baroness Béatrice von Rothschild have lived here in the past. The excursion takes us to the wonderful path along the sea, which starts from Beaulieu-sur-Mer, goes around the whole cape and leads to Villefrance-sur-Mer. Partly paved, partly stone path and partly uneven, the route leads through the Mediterranean macchia and wonderful views of the sea: Small bays, incredible "moon landscapes", which were formed by limestone cliffs and modelled by wind and water. At the end of the hike you have the possibility to visit the gardens of the villa of the Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild (entrance extra).
Walking Details
Distance: 5–6 km
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation gain: 150 m
Difficulty: Easy
Urban Hike in Sanremo & Dolceacqua
Explore Sanremo
Explore Sanremo – the Italian Riviera’s answer to Cannes – known for its festivals, palm-lined boulevards, and luxury boutiques. On our urban trek, we’ll also discover La Pigna, the city’s oldest quarter, a labyrinth of narrow lanes, arches, and stone stairways.
Village of Dolceacqua
Continue to the medieval village of Dolceacqua for a light lunch in a traditional trattoria. After lunch, wander its cobbled streets, crossing the famous arched stone bridge and climbing up to the castle for spectacular views. The town’s artistic spirit is alive in its many small galleries and workshops.
Walking Details
Distance: 5 km
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation gain: 500 m
Difficulty: Easy
Departure
Return home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home, taking with you memories of sunlit walks, fragrant gardens, and the flavours of Liguria and the French Riviera.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your TD active guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.