Itinerary - 5 Night Holiday By Rail

Day 1

Travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, then transfer onto the TGV train to Nice. Check-in at the Mercure Nice Grimaldi.

The Mercure Nice Grimaldi Hotel is a contemporary hotel set behind a historic façade. The hotel has 84 comfortable bedrooms, with ensuite bathrooms. The hotel has a solarium on the 7th floor. The hotel is located on a pedestrian street in the centre of Nice, a short walk from Promenade des Anglais.

Meet with Vincent, your local guide, for an introductory welcome dinner in a nearby restaurant (drinks & meals payable locally)

Day 2

After purchasing a picnic lunch from Nice market in the morning, transfer to Eze by bus or train to experience your first coastal guided walk.
From Eze, enjoy the 3 hour walk to a 19th century fort built to protect Nice and experience the breathtaking views from the summit. Stop for a relaxing lunch on the hillside before returning to visit Eze. Eze is a fine little 14th century village. Famous for producing cloves and oranges it features magnificent views over the coast.

Day 3

Following your visit to Nice market to buy supplies for the day, transfer to the pretty hamlet of Casterino set in the valleys of 3000m high mountains and filled with beautiful streams and lakes. Experience the UNESCO world heritage site of the "Vallee des Merveilles" (Valley of Wonders) situated at the base of Mt Bego and hosting more than 100,000 rock bronze-age engravings.

Walk from Casterino to the "Lac Vert" (Green Lake) where the bronze age engravings are located and stop for a picnic lunch on the hill.

Day 4

Discover Nice... the gem of the French Riviera at your own leisure.

Explore one of the Cote d'Azur's most attractive towns at your own pace. Take pleasure in the flower markets, stunning coastlines, designer shopping or tasty French cuisine...or merely sit back and relax with a cool refreshing drink at one of the many bars overlooking the Mediterranean.

Railbookers recommends
Marc Chagall Museum which includes superb bible paintings - €10 per person approximately, payable locally.
Matisse Museum, located in a XV11th century Italian style house - €6 per person approximately, payable locally.
Nice guided visit - €14 per person approximately, payable locally.
Visit to Cannes, Antibes or Monaco - please ask one of our sales consultants for details.

Day 5

Take a morning transfer to the picturesque village of Dolce Aqua in Italy's Nervia Valley. Enjoy this charming Medieval village featuring an impressive castle and meandering rivers, creating the perfect setting for a guided walk. Visit San Giorgio's church and the remains of the Augustinian Father's monastery and indulge in a classic Italian lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants (payable locally). Finally, experience a must-see visit to a local vineyard to sample some fine Italian wines!

Day 6

Travel from Nice to paris by TGV and from Paris to London on the Eurostar.

Railbookers recommends adding extra nights in Nice, Cannes or Monte Carlo or stopping off in Paris for a night or two.

General Information

Moderate walks, largely on semi-shaded paths. The few short ascents afford spectacular views. Walking boots are essential.
A local French, English-speaking guide leads this holiday,with groups of typically 4 - 8 people on each tour date. Some routes are along lovely coastal stretches, others will explore the pretty villages and vine-clad hillsides inland.
Please note that this holiday is not suitable for children under 14.
This holiday may not run if the minimum group size is not reached. Alternative dates and/or itineraries will be offered.