Land at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and take the tram or a short taxi into the city, dropping bags at your hotel in the Carré d'Or or Old Town for easy access to the waterfront. Begin with a leisurely breakfast of warm croissants and café au lait at Cours Saleya market — browse fresh produce and flower stalls to get a feel for Niçois life before wandering up to the Colline du Château for panoramic views of the Baie des Anges.
Stroll the iconic Promenade des Anglais, stopping for a gelato and to people-watch on one of the blue chairs facing the sea; if you prefer shopping, detour to Rue Masséna and nearby boutiques for Provençal textiles and seaside fashion. For a late lunch, savor a plate of Socca or a seafood salad at a beachfront bistro such as Le Galet or Plage Beau Rivage, then visit the Musée Masséna or the Russian Orthodox Cathedral for a touch of culture.
As the sun lowers, head back to Old Town (Vieux Nice) to wander its narrow lanes and pick a terrace at La Petite Maison or Jan for a Provençal dinner paired with a chilled rosé. After dinner, enjoy drinks at a cozy wine bar like Les Distilleries Idéales or a rooftop aperitivo at Le Méridien’s bar, soaking in the warm, salt-tinged air and setting a relaxed tone for tomorrow's markets and Monaco day trip.
Wake to the scent of fresh flowers and head back to Cours Saleya where the morning market hums—sample local specialties like socca and tapenade from stall vendors, sip an espresso at Café de Turin, and pick up Provençal lavender or olive oil as souvenirs. Afterward, climb the narrow lanes of Vieux Nice to discover artisan boutiques and the bright facades of Place Rossetti, pausing at the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate for a few quiet moments.
Cross over to Avenue Jean Médecin and Rue Masséna for a more modern shopping scene—browse French high-street stores, chic Riviera labels and the stylish Galeries Lafayette Nice Masséna for designer finds. Take a seaside break with a leisurely lunch at Le Plongeoir or a beachfront café on the Promenade des Anglais, then stroll the pebbled shore, try a scoop from Fenocchio in the Old Town, or relax in the sun on one of the blue chairs.
Return to the Old Town for an early evening aperitif at Les Distilleries Idéales or at a rooftop bar such as the Méridien’s La Terrasse, watching the light fade over the Baie des Anges. For dinner, choose a Provençal bistro—La Petite Maison or L'Authentic—followed by a digestif at a cosy bar in the Old Port, setting a mellow tone before tomorrow’s glamour-filled Monaco excursion.
Catch an early TER train or a comfortable bus from Nice to Monaco and arrive in time for a leisurely coffee at Café de Paris, right beside the Casino Square. Stroll the Avenue des Beaux-Arts and the designer boutiques of Carré d'Or—stop in Hermès, Chanel or local jewelers—and don’t miss the jewel-box Musée Océanographique for a quick cultural contrast with its cliff-top views.
Head down to the harbour for a seafood lunch at Le Quai or the Yacht Club’s terrace, watching sleek superyachts glide by before wandering the boutiques at Le Métropole Shopping Monte-Carlo for glamorous finds and perfume samplings. Take a short walk to the exotic Jardin Japonais or the Palace to watch the changing of the guard, then sip an afternoon cocktail at the Café de la Rotonde in Le Métropole to recharge.
As dusk falls, return to Place du Casino for aperitivo-style drinks on the terrace of the Hôtel de Paris’ Bar Américain or the stylish Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo, soaking in the glittering lights and motor-show atmosphere. For a late dinner, book a table at Le Grill or La Table d'Antonio Salvatore for refined Mediterranean fare, then enjoy a nightcap at the intimate American Bar or the rooftop of Monte-Carlo Bay before heading back to Nice.
Say goodbye to Nice and catch the early TER/Intercity train along the coast into Italy, arriving in Genoa before midday; stow your bags at a central hotel near the Porto Antico and recharge with focaccia and an espresso at Pasticceria Tagliafico near Via Garibaldi. After breakfast, take a relaxed walk through the UNESCO-listed Strade Nuove and the palazzi on Via Garibaldi to glimpse Genoa’s grand merchant history and start absorbing the shift from French Riviera glamour to Ligurian character.
Head down to the revitalized Porto Antico where you can explore the bustling fish market and the acclaimed Acquario di Genova for a breezy, sunlit indoor attraction, then grab a seafood-centric lunch at Eataly or Trattoria Rosmarino along the waterfront. Spend a little time wandering the narrow caruggi alleys of the Old Port — pop into local shops for pesto, olive oil and artisanal ceramics — before taking a scenic stroll up to Spianata Castelletto for sweeping views over Genoa’s terracotta roofs and the glittering sea.
As golden hour approaches, join the locals for an aperitivo in the fashionable district of Boccadasse or at Via San Lorenzo’s wine bars; order a spritz or a locally crafted Genovese aperitif with small plates of focaccia col formaggio and anchovies. For dinner, reserve a table at Trattoria Ugo or Antica Osteria di Vico Palla to savor Ligurian specialties like trenette al pesto, finishing the night with a leisurely passeggiata along the lit promenade, setting a relaxed Italian pace for tomorrow’s Cinque Terre adventure.
Catch an early regional train from La Spezia to Monterosso al Mare to make the most of the morning light; wander the pastel lanes and grab a cappuccino and a warm focaccia at Panificio Rosi before climbing the short trail to the Monterosso viewpoint for sweeping views of the coastline. If you’re based in La Spezia, take the ferry (weather permitting) to see the five villages from the water — a sun-dappled approach that sets a cinematic tone for the day.
Hop the local train or hike a section of the Sentiero Azzurro to Vernazza, stopping for a seaside lunch of fresh anchovies and trofie al pesto at Belforte’s terrace or Ristorante La Torre for sunset-facing seafood plates; stroll the tiny harbour and browse handcrafted market stalls for cork goods and local limoncino. Continue to Corniglia or Manarola for postcard views and a gelato from Nessun Dorma while sampling Sciacchetrà at a small enoteca, letting the relaxed Ligurian pace replace the bustle of Nice and Genoa.
Return to Monterosso or La Spezia by train as the light softens and enjoy an evening aperitivo — try a cold white from Cinque Terre at Enoteca Il Pirata or Bar Ristorante L’Ancora — then sit down for a leisurely dinner of grilled seafood or a fish carpaccio at Ristorante Miky or Da Eraldo. Finish the night with a quiet passeggiata along the shore or a nightcap on your hotel terrace, savoring the sea breeze before tomorrow’s transfer to Lake Garda.
After breakfast in La Spezia or Monterosso, board a morning train toward Milan and change for Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera; from there, take the short local train or a taxi to Sirmione, arriving in time to drop bags at your hotel near the Scaliger Castle. Start your lakeside day with a stroll along the Punta Staffalo promenade, breathe in the crisp lake air, and sample a warm slice of focaccia or a cappuccino at Bar L’Incontro before exploring the castle’s towers and the Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo.
Spend a leisurely afternoon browsing Sirmione’s charming boutiques along Via Giuseppe Garibaldi and the narrow lanes by the harbour — look for local ceramics, limoncello bottles, and artisanal olive oil — then take a scenic boat tour from the marina to admire villas and waterfront gardens from the water. Pause for a lakeside lunch at Ristorante La Rucola or Trattoria La Fiasca to taste lake fish risotto and a glass of Lugana, followed by gelato from Gelateria Flora as you wander the peaceful peninsular shoreline.
As the sun softens, find an aperitivo spot on the quay such as Viale Marconi terraces or Caffè Dori to sip a spritz while watching boats bob in the golden light, then enjoy a relaxed dinner at Antica Trattoria La Fiasca or Al Pescatore for grilled lake fish and seasonal vegetables. End the night with a gentle lakeside passeggiata beneath the castle ramparts or a nightcap on your hotel terrace, letting the tranquil Garda panorama set the tone before tomorrow’s short transfer to Gardaland.
After a relaxed breakfast in Sirmione, take the short transfer to Gardaland and arrive right as the gates open to beat lines for headliners like Raptor and Oblivion: The Black Hole; grab a park map and reserve a spot on the fast-track or single-rider lines where available. Start with family-friendly rides in the Peppa Pig Land or the adrenaline-pumping Blue Tornado, pausing for an early coffee and a pastry at one of the park cafés to recharge between attractions.
For lunch, sample classic park fare with an Italian twist at Al Castello or one of the themed restaurants—try a wood-fired pizza or a plate of pasta paired with a cold Italian beer—then catch the aquatic shows at Gardaland SEA LIFE or the live stunt performances that run in the afternoon. Spend the post-lunch hours exploring themed zones like Fantasy Kingdom and the Haunted House, fitting in must-do coasters and a relaxing gondola-style ride on the family attractions while picking up playful souvenirs in the shops near the exit.
As the afternoon light softens, take a slower pace with a sunset ride on the panoramic Ferris wheel or a final stroll through the illuminated gardens before exiting the park; if you prefer, stay for the evening shows and the glittering park lights. Return to Sirmione or nearby Castelnuovo for an aperitivo—sip a spritz at a lakeside bar such as Viale Marconi—or enjoy a relaxed dinner at Trattoria Al Vecchio Frantoio to trade theme-park thrills for a calm lakeside meal, reflecting on the day’s highlights.
After a short train ride from Sirmione, arrive in Verona and begin at Piazza Bra with a coffee on the terrace facing the Arena; climb the Arena’s outer steps to imagine Roman spectacles and linger over the nearby Museo Lapidario Maffeiano for a quick dose of antiquities. Wander the medieval lanes toward Piazza delle Erbe, browsing produce stalls and boutique shops on Via Mazzini for shoes and Italian leather, then pause for a morning pastry at Pasticceria Flego.
Cross the Adige to explore the atmospheric Castelvecchio and its bridged river views, then stroll back through the Jewish Quarter toward Juliet’s House to snap a classic Verona photo before ducking into independent boutiques and artisan workshops along Via Guglielmo Marconi. Stop for a leisurely late-afternoon lunch and a glass of Valpolicella at Osteria Le Vecete or Trattoria dal Taio, followed by a tasting of Amarone at Enoteca Segreta or a wine bar near Piazza dei Signori to sample the region’s famed reds.
As dusk falls, enjoy an aperitivo on a rooftop terrace such as Terrazza Bar al Ponte or Sipario Wine Bar, watching the city lights ripple across the river, then settle in for a refined dinner of risotto all'Amarone or horse meat specialty at Antica Bottega del Vino for a true Veronese experience. Finish the night with a relaxed passeggiata through illuminated Piazza Bra and perhaps a final digestif at Osteria Ponte Pietra, feeling the trip’s pace shift from lakeside calm to urban Italian elegance before tomorrow’s train to Milan.
Catch a mid-morning regional train from Verona to Milano Centrale, drop your bags at a centrally located hotel near the Duomo, then recharge with an espresso and brioche at Pasticceria Marchesi. Stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to soak up the grand 19th-century architecture and browse luxury maisons like Prada and Gucci, slipping into the boutiques on Via Montenapoleone for high-end window shopping.
After a light lunch of panzerotti at Luini or modern Milanese plates at Ratanà, explore the Brera district’s cobbled lanes for independent designer shops, artisanal leather goods and galleries such as Pinacoteca di Brera if you crave a cultural interlude. Head to Corso Buenos Aires or Corso Vittorio Emanuele II for more high-street finds, pausing at a café for people-watching before returning to the hotel to freshen up for the evening.
As dusk falls, join the Milanese for aperitivo in the Navigli — sip a Negroni or Aperol Spritz at Mag Cafè or Rita & Cocktails while nibbling cicchetti along the canal — then move to a lively wine bar such as N'Ombra de Vin in Brera for a glass of Franciacorta or Barbera. For dinner, reserve a table at Osteria del Binari or Trattoria Madonnina to savor classic risotto alla Milanese, finishing the night with a digestif at a rooftop bar near the Duomo if you prefer skyline views before tomorrow’s final shopping and departure.
Wake early for a final sweep through the city’s best shopping streets — return to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to pick up any last souvenirs or a luxury item you’ve been eyeing, then duck into Pasticceria Marchesi for a farewell espresso and pastry. If you prefer independent finds, stroll Corso di Porta Ticinese and the boutiques in Brera for handcrafted leather goods or a small gallery print to bring home.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch near the Duomo at Ristorante Savini or Luini if you want something quick and iconic, then use the afternoon to check any missed shops on Via Montenapoleone or the concept stores around Corso Venezia; alternatively, visit N'Ombra de Vin for one last glass of Franciacorta. Head back to your hotel to collect luggage and allow extra time for Milano Centrale or Malpensa/Milano Linate transfers, stopping at a newsstand for Italian magazines or a final bottle of wine to carry on the train or plane.
If your flight is late, take a final aperitivo on a rooftop terrace with Duomo views — Terrazza Duomo 21 or Ceresio 7 offer memorable skyline moments — then savor a light dinner of risotto alla Milanese or a simple plate of antipasti before departing. Make your way to the airport or train station with plenty of time for check-in, carrying the flavors and sunny memories of the trip as you say arrivederci to Italy.