This 6-day, 5-night tour flies from Istanbul to Bologna and returns from Marseille. City tours of Bologna, Milan, Genoa, Nice and Marseille are part of the programme, while Como and Lugano, Paul De Vence, Antibes, Cannes, Monaco and Aix En Provence can be added as optional tours. Accommodation is bed and breakfast in 3*/4* hotels.
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Embark on a fascinating journey through Italy and the French Riviera, starting with a departure from Istanbul. Over the course of five nights, you will explore vibrant cities such as Bologna, known for its rich history, and the picturesque coastal town of Antibes. The itinerary also includes visits to Cannes, Nice, and Aix-en-Provence, allowing you to experience the charm of both Italian and French cultures.
Your adventure concludes in Marseille, where you can soak in the local atmosphere before returning home. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to enjoy city tours in Bologna and Genoa, adding depth to your travel experience. This tour promises a blend of scenic beauty and cultural exploration across two remarkable countries.
01
Bologna and Milan
Piazza Maggiore, Castello Sforzesco, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and La Scala.
02
Genoa and Nice
San Lorenzo Cathedral, Old Nice and the La Promenade des Anglais seafront walk.
03
Return from Marseille
The Old Port and Marseille Cathedral are visited, and the flight home leaves from Marseille.
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Planning your budgetThe visa fee, departure tax, travel health insurance (15 EUR), museum and archaeological site entrance fees, extra tours and personal expenses are not included. Tourist city taxes and guide and driver gratuities cost 50 EUR, collected by the guide on the first day. See details →
In Milan, a city with a long cultural history, we see Castello Sforzesco (Milan Castle), the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world, the Duomo and La Scala, one of the largest theatre buildings in the world.
The line shows the order of overnight stops; it is not the actual road or flight path. Map: Natural Earth, GeoNames.
01Istanbul to Bologna, Then MilanPiazza Maggiore, Castello Sforzesco, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and La Scala.
Milan · night 1
From Bologna to Milan
We meet at the Turkish Airlines counter in the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport, 3 hours before the flight. After check-in and passport control we board Turkish Airlines flight TK1321, departing at 09.10 for Bologna. We land at 09.55 local time, and our waiting vehicle takes us straight into a panoramic city tour.
Set against the Apennines in northern Italy, Bologna stands out for its cultural heritage. Our city tour takes in Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo del Podestà and the City Hall.
Afterwards we drive on to Milan. In Milan, a city with a long cultural history, we see Castello Sforzesco (Milan Castle), the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world, the Duomo and La Scala, one of the largest theatre buildings in the world. After the tour we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
02Optional Lakes and Outlet from MilanOptional Como and Lugano lakes tour with an Outlet Center stop.
Milan · night 2
Lakes and an outlet option
After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish can join the optional extra Lakes tour (Como and Lugano) with the Outlet Center (75 Euro). The first stop is Como, named after its lake and visited by travellers from all over the world. Besides its Gothic and Renaissance buildings, it is known for the homes of celebrities such as Madonna and George Clooney. The second stop is Lugano, on a lake at the foot of the Alps in southern Switzerland, where Swiss and Italian culture meet. It is known for its lake views and elegant shopping streets. Afterwards we stop for shopping at an outlet with internationally known brands. After the tour we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
03Genoa on the Way to NicePiazza de Ferrari, San Lorenzo Cathedral and La Promenade des Anglais.
Nice · night 3
Genoa to Nice
After breakfast at the hotel we set off for a city tour of Genoa. Genoa, the port city and capital of Liguria, is said to take its name from its knee-like shape, and was European Capital of Culture in 2004. Recorded since the 5th century BC, it was the capital of the Republic of Genoa and is the hometown of Christopher Columbus. Our city walk includes Piazza De Ferrari, San Lorenzo Cathedral and the Torre della Lanterna.
We then cross into France to Nice. Known as the "Pearl of the French Riviera", Nice is famous for its history, beaches and lively atmosphere. Our tour covers the Promenade des Anglais, the narrow streets of Old Nice, Place Masséna, the flower market and Avenue Jean Médecin. After the tour we transfer to our hotel for free time. Overnight at the hotel.
04Optional Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Antibes, Cannes and MonacoOptional Paul De Vence, Antibes, Cannes and Monaco tours.
Nice · night 4
Optional tours on the Riviera
After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish can join the optional extra Towns and Cities tour (Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Antibes and Cannes) (80 Euro). The first stop is Saint-Paul-de-Vence, with medieval lanes, stone houses and ramparts. Full of galleries and studios, it was loved by Picasso, Renoir, Yves Montand and Simone Signoret, and Marc Chagall is buried here. We continue to Antibes, a favourite Riviera harbour town known for its medieval streets, old port and Provençal market; the Grimaldi Castle by the sea now houses the Picasso Museum. The last stop is Cannes, world famous for its film festival, its beaches, shopping streets and nightlife. We then return to our hotel.
In the evening, guests who wish can join the optional extra Principality of Monaco and Monte Carlo tour (80 Euro). This small principality on the Riviera is known for luxury living, casinos and yacht harbours. Monte Carlo, one of its 5 districts and the wealthiest, is home to the Casino de Monte-Carlo, a setting for James Bond films such as Never Say Never Again, GoldenEye and Casino Royale. After the tour we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
05Nice to Marseille, Optional Aix-en-ProvenceThe Old Port and Marseille Cathedral, plus an optional Aix En Provence tour.
Marseille · night 5
Marseille and an Aix option
After breakfast at the hotel we set off for Marseille. One of the oldest cities on the Mediterranean, Marseille is a large, lively port and was European Capital of Culture in 2013. We see the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Old Port and Marseille Cathedral, followed by free time. Guests who wish can join the optional extra tour to Aix-en-Provence, the hidden gem of France (55 Euro). This elegant Provençal town is known for its wide avenues and squares, historic buildings and arts scene. We see the Fountain of the Four Dolphins, the Fountain of the Augustinians, Place d'Albertas and Place des Cardeurs, Saint-Sauveur Cathedral and the Cours Mirabeau. We then transfer to our hotel in Marseille. Overnight at the hotel.
06Return from Marseille to IstanbulFree time, an airport transfer and the flight to Istanbul.
Free time and the flight home
After breakfast at the hotel, free time. At the time set by our guide we transfer to the airport. After check-in we board Turkish Airlines flight TK1368, departing at 18.05 for Istanbul. We arrive at 23.25 local time, and our tour ends.
OUTBOUND & RETURN
Flight details
Outbound
Istanbul09:10
TK 1321
Bologna
Return
Marseille18:05
TK 1368
Istanbul
Times are local, taken from the programme. Baggage allowance is given in your booking documents.
