Day 1

Arrive at the hotel and enjoy a welcome drink before dinner.

Day 2

This morning we discover Alassio which is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the ‘Palm Riviera’. The impressive palaces of noble fami¬lies are still standing in the Old Town. The Wall of Alassio, called ‘Muretto’, is famous for the signatures of famous personalities from the sporting field and from show business who have immortalised themselves on the tiles.
We then head off to Albenga , a pretty medieval town set close to the coast, known as the “City of a Hundred Towers” due to a series of medieval towers perfectly integrated in the town. We will take a stroll through the centre to admire the Cathedral and Baptistery. The town also boasts a museum that houses the remains of a ship dating back to the 1st century (entrance fee applies). A stop will be made during the day to sample olive oil, and homemade jams, together with other local delicacies.

Day 3

The highlight of our trip is on the programme today : the Olive Oil Festival in Imperia.
Imperia is set on a large bay of sparkling blue water surrounded by hills covered in the colourful orange buildings of the town. We are met by a lovely harbour full of yachts and above the city the turrets of the San Maurizio Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Liguria, dominate the sky line. But it is in November that this town comes to life as the centre of the world of olive oil as it hosts its annual Festival. Over 200 exhibitors display the results of their latest harvests in Imperia’s narrow streets, perfectly accompanied by a range of tasty locally produced treats. The event attracts thousands of visitors with local folklore traditions and the sumptuous food on offer. We will have time to stroll through the festival stands, admiring the wares before visiting Imperia’s fascinating Olive Oil Museum which traces the history of olive trees and the use of olive oil. You might not know that one of the early uses of olive oil was as a medicine! We will learn the intricacies of how the trees are grown, how the oil is pressed, conserved, and served.

Day 4

Sumptuous parks, palm-¬lined promenades and elegant shopping streets characterise the main town on the Flower Riviera and our first stop today, Sanremo. This is the oldest winter climatic spa on this coast, and is famous for its casino, ostentatious villas and Riviera-style glamour. San Remo is known as the “Town of Flowers” thanks to its summer blooms, and also stages an annual music festival in February (supposedly the inspiration for the Eurovision Song Contest). We will have free time here before travelling in the afternoon into the Ligurian hinterland where the quiet of the landscape begins: olive groves and vineyards are dotted with small villages, such as medieval Dolceacqua which we will visit. Here narrow paved alleys and hidden corners and stairways lead to the seat of the Doria family, the castle complex set high above the town. Artists and artisans enliven the overall appearance of the village. Liguria’s best Rossese, a typical regional wine, grows in the vineyards in the surrounding hills.

Day 5

Today is at free to do as you please. You might like to do a spot of sightseeing on your own or simply sit at a local cafe and sip a frothy cappuccino. A 4-course dinner of regional dishes will be served at the hotel this evening. A perfect way to end your stay.

Day 6

We depart for home after breakfast.