7-Day Coastal Road Trip: Nice to Pisa via the French Riviera & Italian Riviera (Best for 6 people)

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Day 1: Coastal Arrival

Nice, France on December 1, 2025

9:00am

Pick up rental vehicle at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

Collect a 7- or 8-seater MPV/van for comfortable travel for 6 people and luggage; verify unlimited mileage and cross-border coverage (France → Italy).
EUR0, 0h30m

10:00am

Stroll Promenade des Anglais & beachfront

A gentle walk to absorb the bay views, palm-lined promenade and get your first coastal photos; great for first-day relaxation and orientation.
EUR0, 1h0m

11:30am

Breakfast / Brunch at Le Bistrot d'Antoine (Vieux Nice)

Classic Provençal bistro in Old Town—excellent pastries, tapenade and light seafood dishes; perfect for a substantial breakfast before driving.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Vieux Nice (Old Town) shopping

Wander narrow lanes for artisan shops, perfumeries (Fragonard boutiques nearby) and local markets—great for authentic souvenirs and window shopping.
EUR0, 2h0m

3:30pm

Check in at hotel and rest

Drop bags at a centrally located hotel (choose a place with parking for a van); short rest before evening activities.
EUR0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Fine dining at La Petite Maison

Well-known upscale Nice restaurant serving Niçoise and Mediterranean specialties—ideal for an elegant first-night dinner (book ahead).
EUR60, 1h45m

9:30pm

Nightlife: Rooftop/sea bar (Le Bar du Negresco or similar)

Enjoy cocktails with sea views or head to a lively terrace bar in Vieux Nice for late-night people-watching and music; many spots open until late.
EUR15, 2h0m
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Day 2: Riviera Drive

Nice, France → Genoa, Italy on December 2, 2025

8:00am

Coastal drive: Nice to Menton and Ventimiglia (photo stops)

Short scenic drives along the French coast with quick stops for photos of dramatic shoreline and local markets; great to break the drive and enjoy views.
EUR0, 1h0m

10:30am

Stop in Sanremo for coffee and seaside stroll

Historic Italian Riviera town known for its flower market and casino; stretch legs, visit the old center and enjoy coastal Italian ambiance.
EUR10, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Sanremo - seafood trattoria

Try a local seafood trattoria (fresh anchovies, pasta al pesto) to begin the Italian culinary leg; easy parking nearby in town center.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive Sanremo → Genoa (via A10, stops possible in Savona)

Continue along the Italian Riviera; consider a quick stop in Savona to view the port and seaside promenades before reaching Genoa.
EUR0, 2h30m

4:30pm

Arrive & explore Genoa Old Town (Porto Antico)

Historic port city with a labyrinthine medieval centro storico; visit the harbor area, Aquarium exterior, and the narrow streets full of shops and bakeries.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria di Vico Palla (or similar Genovese osteria)

Enjoy authentic Genovese cuisine—pesto, farinata and seafood specialties in a cozy, historic setting—book a table for a larger group.
EUR35, 1h30m

10:00pm

Night entertainment in Porto Antico

Bars and wine spots near the Old Harbor stay lively at night; choose from jazz bars or wine bars for after-dinner drinks and local nightlife.
EUR15, 2h0m
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Day 3: Harbors & Hills

Genoa, Italy → Portofino → Monterosso (Cinque Terre) on December 3, 2025

8:30am

Morning: quick walk in Boccadasse

A colorful fishing village neighborhood in Genoa with pastel houses on the water—great for sunrise photos and a relaxed coffee.
EUR5, 0h45m

10:00am

Drive to Portofino (via coastal SP and small roads)

Scenic 1–1.5 hour drive to the glamorous Portofino area; parking is limited so expect to use a paid lot and walk or take a shuttle into the harbor.
EUR0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch in Portofino - seaside trattoria

A leisurely seaside lunch of Ligurian seafood or trofie al pesto while soaking in the picturesque harbor—expect higher prices due to the location.
EUR40, 1h15m

2:30pm

Drive Portofino → Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre)

Continue southeast into the heart of the Cinque Terre area, arriving in Monterosso; driving time ~1.5–2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
EUR0, 1h45m

4:30pm

Check in and walk Monterosso seafront

Settle into your accommodations, then explore Monterosso's long sandy beach, historic center and small shops—perfect to unwind after the drive.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Miky (Monterosso)

One of the area’s best-known restaurants—specializes in refined Ligurian seafood; ideal for a special night (reservations required for groups).
EUR50, 1h45m

10:00pm

Evening: wine bar and local music

Small wine bars and enotecas in Monterosso offer relaxed late-night options—great for trying local Cinque Terre wines.
EUR15, 1h30m
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Day 4: Cinque Terre Day

Monterosso & Cinque Terre, Italy on December 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at local café

Quick espresso and focaccia to fuel a day of hiking and village-hopping—most cafés open by 8:00–9:00am in winter.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Hike Monterosso → Vernazza (Scenic trail)

One of the most iconic Cinque Terre hikes (trail 2); plan 1.5–2.5 hours depending on pace and trail conditions—check the Cinque Terre National Park trail status as paths close for repairs or seasonally.
EUR0, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Vernazza & lunch at Belforte

Vernazza’s cliff-top harbor is postcard-perfect; Ristorante Belforte (cliffside) serves fresh seafood with unbeatable views—book early, seasonal hours vary.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Optional boat tour (Monterosso–Riomaggiore) or train between villages

Boat service offers a superb coastal perspective but is seasonal—check service availability in advance; trains run year-round frequently between villages.
EUR12, 1h0m

4:00pm

Shopping and gelato, return to Monterosso

Browse local shops for pesto, ceramics and wines. Gelato or a pastry is a perfect late-afternoon treat before returning to your base.
EUR10, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at a family-run trattoria in Monterosso

Choose a cozy, authentic restaurant for homemade pasta and local specialties—enjoy a relaxed Ligurian meal with local wines.
EUR30, 1h30m

10:00pm

Evening: low-key bars or seaside walk

Cinque Terre villages are quieter at night—enjoy a peaceful stroll along the sea or share wine in a small bar.
EUR10, 1h0m
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Day 5: Towers & Walls

Monterosso → Pisa & Lucca, Italy on December 5, 2025

8:00am

Depart Monterosso for Pisa (short drive ~1.5h)

A relaxed coastal drive heading southwest into Tuscany; expect roughly 1–1.5 hours drive to Pisa depending on traffic.
EUR0, 1h30m

10:00am

Piazza dei Miracoli (Duomo & Leaning Tower)

Visit Pisa’s world-famous Leaning Tower, Duomo and Baptistery—book tower climb tickets in advance; hours vary seasonally (often ~9:00am–7:00pm).
EUR25, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch near the cathedral

Casual Tuscan lunch—try local pasta or seafood and typical Tuscan wines at a trattoria near the square.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Short drive to Lucca; walk on the city walls & shopping

Lucca’s fully intact Renaissance walls are ideal for a bike ride or stroll; then enjoy boutique shopping in its charming historic center.
EUR0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check in at hotel in Lucca and relax

Settle in at a centrally located hotel; Lucca’s evenings are lively with enotecas, piano bars and evening passeggiata.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Giglio or similar (Lucca)

Fine traditional Tuscan dining in Lucca’s center—excellent for a multi-course final-Italy dinner with local wines and desserts.
EUR45, 1h45m

10:00pm

Nightlife: wine bars and live music in Lucca

Lucca has intimate music venues and lively wine bars; enjoy local live performances or a slow evening stroll.
EUR15, 2h0m
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Day 6: Departure Day

Lucca → Pisa International Airport (PSA) on December 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Lucca and last-minute shopping

Enjoy coffee and pastries, pick up local olive oil, pesto, or wine as final souvenirs; most shops open by 9:00am.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive Lucca → Pisa International Airport (PSA)

Short drive (~30–40 minutes) to Pisa airport; leave extra time for rental car return and airport security (plan 2–2.5 hours before an international flight).
EUR0, 0h40m

11:00am

Return rental car & airport check-in

Drop the vehicle and ensure all paperwork is in order; many companies have counters at PSA—confirm vehicle return time in your reservation.
EUR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pisa Airport or depart

If time allows, a quick airport lunch before departure; otherwise proceed through security to relax before boarding.
EUR12, 0h45m

2:30pm

Flight departure (example)

Fly out from Pisa International Airport (PSA). Confirm airline check-in windows and arrive 2 hours early for international flights.
EUR0, 0h0m
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed