Uncover the treasures of the Italian Riviera, the colourful cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre and picture-perfect Portofino, from Sestri Levante in the heart of the riviera

We meet at London St Pancras, where we join the Eurostar service to Paris. Enroute, we enjoy a light meal at our seats as we travel to the French capital. Here, we change trains and continue on a scenic rail journey through France, crossing the Alps on our way to Turin.

This important, modern city in northern Italy, also showcases Baroque, Renaissance and contemporary architecture. On arrival, we transfer by coach to our overnight hotel. This evening, we have our first dinner together.

After our first breakfast in Italy, there is free time to explore Turin. Fringed by the Alps, the city's wide boulevards and grand public squares are lined with cafés and bars.

In the mid-afternoon, we continue our journey by rail. From Genoa, the route clings to the coastline, disappearing through tunnels and reappearing on serene marine views, traversing viaducts over colourful towns, and giving us a preview of this beautiful stretch of coast.

From Chiavari, a short coach ride transfers us to Sestri Levante, our home for the week. The town is set on a peninsula overlooking the glittering Mediterranean and surrounded by two attractive bays. On arrival, we check in to our customer-favourite hotel in the Old Town, next to the Bay of Fairytales. Owned by the Cerruti family for more than 50 years, we can look forward to friendly and attentive service in this charming hotel, where we enjoy dinner this evening.

Please note - For selected departures we will stay at the Grand Hotel Villa Balbi in Sestri Levante and all dinners will be at local restaurants.

Waking up on the Italian Riviera, you are free to explore Sestri Levante, or Sestri as the locals call it, at your own pace today or unwind at our hotel. Known as the 'town of two bays', this laid-back coastal town has a historic old town, where classical Italian buildings line the narrow, cobbled streets known as caruggi. Near our hotel is the Basilica Santa Maria di Nazareth, a Renaissance church with remarkable frescoes and ornate decorations.

The Bay of Fairytales is named for Hans Christian Andersen who once lived in Sestri. Palms and umbrella pines shelter the attractive promenade on the edge of a long sandy beach with views of Chiavari in the distance.

On the other side is the Bay of Silence, also known as Portobello. This is considered one of the best sandy beaches in Italy and is a great spot for a stroll or to relax. The town has many cafés, bars and restaurants you could visit for lunch or dinner - maybe to sample the catch of the day, relax with an Aperol Spritz or a gelato.

Three of the picturesque Cinque Terre villages are explored by land and sea today. The villages date from around the 11th and 12th centuries when residents from inland settled on this 10-mile stretch of the Ligurian coast, where vines and olives could be grown easily.

We set off by train with a local guide to Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the villages. Here, tall, colourful buildings sweep down a steep hill to a small harbour and an emerald bay, with terraces of olive groves above. There is some time to explore before sailing to the next location, viewing Manarola and Corniglia enroute. Vernazza has a 10th-century tower, a piazza and cobbled streets lined by quaint cafes, where you are free to explore.

Our next stop is Monterosso, the flatter and larger of the five villages, where a spacious piazza leads onto streets with many restaurants and bars. Known for its lemon trees, anchovies and sandy beach, there is time to look around and grab lunch before we travel back to Sestri by rail in time for dinner.

A train trip to Portofino awaits after breakfast as we explore this picturesque fishing village that has long attracted the glamorous and elite.

Set in a natural harbour dotted with fishing boats and yachts, above are olive groves and Mediterranean pines. An array of buildings painted terracotta, peach and yellow gather around a piazza, with floral terraces cascading from above. Our guide shows us around and we have lunch in a restaurant, with views across the harbour.

Afterwards, we sail to San Fruttuoso. This cove is only accessible by foot or boat and is dominated by a 10th-century Benedictine abbey. Overlooking the abbey is a 16th-century tower, nestled in the wooded hillsides that encircle the bay. Submerged in the bay is the underwater statue of 'Christ in the Abyss', which is said to protect local sailors. There is time here to explore the museum - which has free entry for National Trust members - or simply soak up the ambience before returning to Rapallo and then taking the train back to Sestri.

Please note: if weather conditions mean the boat can't land at San Fruttuoso, we visit Santa Margherita instead, a tranquil village with old-fashioned Italian charm.

Today is a chance to explore the beautiful Italian Riviera independently. Sestri Levante is on the main coastal rail line, and you could catch the train to nearby Chiavari.

With shops, cafés and appetising cake shops in the arcaded streets, this attractive town also has a historic centre to explore. The cathedral here was constructed in the 17th century after the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary, but its entrance was added 200 years later in a style inspired by the Roman Pantheon. Enjoy a walk along the promenade or visit the botanical gardens at Villa Rocca.

Further north, the town of Rapallo with a palm-lined promenade, has been an attractive destination for literary figures since the 1800s. Restaurants in both towns serve Ligurian specialities, that you could enjoy this evening, such as traditional pasta dishes, including filled pansoti in a walnut sauce, which can be enjoyed with a glass of the locally produced Vermentino white wine.

After breakfast, we are taken by coach to Liguria's capital, Genoa. A journey along the coast brings us straight to the heart of this ancient port, one of Italy's great cities.

A knowledgeable guide takes us on a walking tour of the old town that includes the Doge's Palace, an impressive Renaissance building, and explains why Genoa has the nickname 'La Superba'. As the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa is a treasure trove of history, art and grand palaces, and you can savour great views of the city after taking the lift at Castelleto Levante. After our tour, you could relax at a waterfront café or restaurant with a glass of chilled Italian wine and a local lunch.

Returning to Sestri Levante in the afternoon, you have a couple of free hours to relax before this evening's outing. Later, we head to a nearby trattoria and discover how to make pesto, following a traditional Genoese recipe, before sitting down to a dinner of pasta and local specialities. The aroma of basil is always present in Italy, radiating from market stalls and window boxes, and this fragrant herb is mixed with pecorino cheese, pine nuts, olive oil and garlic to make pesto Genovese.

Today we catch the train to the fishing village of Camogli. While Portofino and the Cinque Terre may be the headline acts, Camogli quietly impresses with its pastel-hued and ornate buildings overlooking a bay and a harbour beside its 12th-century church. A warren of alleyways and arcades connect the harbourside to the beach, and - with waterfront piazzas creating a sense of connection to the water - there is an air of an undiscovered Venice about Camogli.

A guide shows us around this characterful port village and informs us of its maritime past when Camogli became known as 'the city of a thousand white sailing ships'. We see the remains of the 14th-century Dragonara Castle, constructed to protect the village. After our tour, you have free time to soak up Camogli's atmosphere and charm. You could indulge in lunch in one of the village's lovely restaurants, perhaps enjoying a spaghetti vongole with a chilled glass of white wine.

Leaving Camogli in the late afternoon, we return by train to Sestri Levante before enjoying our final dinner on the Italian Riviera.

After breakfast, we leave Sestri Levante and the Italian Riviera by train, on a route which takes us all the way around the coastal arch of the Ligurian Sea through Genoa to Ventimiglia. Passing seaside towns, this route is rarely far from the glistening sea.

Entering France, we make our way to the Côte d'Azur resort of Saint-Raphaël, where we check in to our hotel overlooking the marina.

Please Note - For departure 17th September we will travel via Chambery, staying at the Mercure Chambery.

For departure 3rd October we will travel via Nice, staying at the Doubletree by Hilton Nice Centre Iconic hotel.

Your tour has taken in the villages and towns of the Italian Riviera, with their pastel-coloured houses, sparkling sea and laid-back charm. Added to which, we've sampled a flavour of the French Riviera.

Leaving Saint-Raphaël in the morning, we board the train and journey through France, passing alongside the sun-kissed coast as we travel up the Rhône to Lyon, through Burgundy to Paris. In the French capital, we transfer to the Eurostar for the final leg of our journey and arrive back at London this evening.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Step aboard the high-speed international rail service, linking London St Pancras to Paris and Lille in France, Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Eurostar's Standard Class coaches feature two seats on either side of the central aisle, most of which are arranged in an 'airline' seating configuration with drop-down tray tables. There are two tables for four per carriage. Passengers travelling in Eurostar Standard Class coaches can take advantage of the Bar-Buffet which sells a range of snacks, meals, and hot and cold drinks - including Champagne!

The highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers is Plus class. In your dedicated Plus carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service, you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

For the class of travel used on your chosen tour, please refer to the 'What's Included' section of the tour page.

Introduced in 1981, France's TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) was the original European high-speed train. Linking Paris with Lyon, the new service revolutionised train travel and meant that travelling by air over medium and short distances was no longer seen as the best option, even for business travel.

The network has expanded rapidly and today these sleek, stylish trains offer links to over 60 destinations throughout France. Operated by SNCF, the French national rail operator, TGV trains travel over specially constructed high-speed lines. The trains can achieve speeds of up to 186mph (300km/h) on most long-distance routes and 200mph (320km/h) on the new TGV Est line, which links Paris with Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Basel. With the exception of shorter journeys, TGVs almost always have an on-board buffet car, serving a selection of drinks and light refreshments.

The 4-Star Grand Hotel Villa Balbi in Sestri Levante is a stunning hotel set on the sea front in a large 19th century mansion, and surrounded by 2.5 acres of lush, private gardens. The hotel has a truly elegant feel, with antique furniture, beautiful chandeliers and marble flooring throughout the public rooms. The hotel benefits from a fabulous garden terrace where you can enjoy drinks in the warmth of the evening. The hotel also has an outdoor pool with sun loungers and beach umbrellas, providing the perfect spot for a day of relaxation. Rooms are remarkably spacious and classically decorated, with facilities that include a television, minibar, safe and air conditioning.

This historic, family-run 4-Star hotel has been owned by the Cerrutis for more than 50 years. Brimming with character and classical elegance, it is located on a small, cobbled street in the Sestri's Old Town, next to the Bay of Silence. With charming interiors and flower-filled patio terraces dotted with bougainvillea and parasols, the Due Mari is a great place to unwind. The hotel also boasts a sun terrace on the 5th floor and access to a sea-filled pool, while the restaurant serves regional cuisine. Air-conditioned guest rooms are individually decorated in classical style, and come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Upgrade to a partial sea-view room at the Hotel Due Mari in Sestri Levante from £125pp, or an Elegance room for £120pp.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

Enjoy hassle-free travel with our return door-to-door luggage transfer service from only £199 per bag.

The service includes one 20kg bag per person which will be collected from your home before you depart and will be ready and waiting for you at your first destination hotel. Your bag will also be delivered back to your home address on your return.

If your tour involves an overnight stay enroute, you'll need to travel with an overnight bag as your luggage will be delivered direct to your first destination hotel. The luggage service is not available where you are flying to or from your destination and you will need to take your own luggage with you on the flight.