French and Italian Riviera Hiking

Welcome to Bordighera! After you check-in at the Hotel Villa Elisa, you’ll receive a welcome packet containing information about the local area as well as a roadbook with maps and detailed descriptions of your upcoming self-guided hiking adventure. Additionally, the packet will contain all needed vouchers for the tour. That evening, after you settle in, you’ll receive a welcome aperitif in the hotel garden followed by your first authentic local meal.

Catch a bus back in time with a visit to the almost 3000-year-old principality of Seborga. Discover the unique history and culture of a place that’s maintained its own identity for millennia. Though it has only 320 residents, they have their own currency, passports, anthem, and royalty! After exploring the rustic village, you’ll descend through beautiful Mediterranean foliage with the sea spread out below. The hike will finish in the historic district of Bordighera where you can shop and then stop to admire the 19th century villas. Before you head home, don’t forget to check out the Pallanca botanical garden with over 3,000 plants. You can hike back or choose to take a bus from the botanical gardens to the hotel.

Take your car or catch the train to Eze-sur-Mer in France and begin your hiking adventure on the Côte D’Azur. Climb steadily toward the village of Eze as you pass through lush vegetation and bask in the glorious view of the Mediterranean. Once you reach the village you can wander the streets and visit the gardens or even a famous perfume factory. If you’re up for a challenge, we recommend you keep climbing the hill to Fort de la Revère. It’s a tough ascent, but the stunning panorama is well worth the effort. When you’ve finished admiring the view, just return to the Village Eze where you can take a bus back to your hike’s starting point or choose to hike all the way back instead.

This will be the longest day of your self-guided hike, but it’s well worth the effort. First, you’ll take a car, train, or bus to the starting point of your hike at the mountain village of Rocchetta Nervina. Your path will take you by an old church as you pass over the river before continuing on a dirt track up the hill. On the way you’ll enjoy views of Rocchetta and the Rio Barbaira valley. If the day is warm, you can stop for a swim in the Laghetti, small pools formed by the mountain river Barbaira. By afternoon, you’ll arrive in Dolceaqua where you can see the bridge spanning the Nervia made famous by Claude Monet. Here you’ll take part in a wine tasting of the fine Rossese wine. The varietal thrives only in this area, frequently growing on steep slopes. Following your tasting you’ll have the opportunity to explore the town with the ancient fortress and stone bridge.

Today is your choice, you can relax on the beach or visit the Hanbury Gardens and recover from your hike. Or, if you’re still looking for more adventure, take a car or train to start your hike to Menton, the town surrounded by mountains on the border of Italy and France. You’ll begin your hike along the path of the river and follow it through gorgeous landscapes around Cap Martin. Along the way, you’ll have lovely views behind you along the Italian coast, but stunning views of Monaco in front. You can then continue on to Monaco and explore another independent principality with a fantastic culture all its own. Once you’re finished you can catch a train back to your starting place.

Start your day by taking a car or train to the ancient maritime republic of Albenga. Hike a picturesque stretch up the coast beginning at Noli’s historic center and continuing on the pilgrimage route “Sentiero del Pellegrino” to arrive in Varigotti. Along the way to this tiny fishing town you’ll see stunning views of the Mediterranean as you wend your way past ancient olive groves, chapels, and Saracen towers. Pause in the town of Albenga and peruse the quaint squares, rustic cafes, and shops. While you’re there you’ll want to check out the cathedral, the medieval towers, and the Roman Maritime Museum. When you’re finished exploring we’ve arranged for you to enjoy a tasting of the fine local olive oil.

Catch a car or train across the border into France and arrive at Breil, a quaint little village in the French alps sitting right on the Roya River. You’ll enjoy picturesque views of the river as it winds beneath you on your journey, flashing azure through the trees, occasionally you’ll cross over the river itself on antiquated stone bridges. Winding your way along through several rustic villages in both France and Italy you’ll travel through olive groves, journey through secluded woods, enjoy gardens and awe-inspiring rock formations. The views are incredible, and behind it all you’ll catch glimpses of the sea. As you come to the end of the hike, you’ll see the Pilgrimage church in the village called Airole. Tonight, you’re invited for a special dinner in Bordighera. This will be a restaurant famous for its slow-food cuisine, so come enjoy an authentic taste of Bordighera!

Sadly, your trip has come to an end. Enjoy your breakfast before checking-out and saying good-bye for the Ligurian Coast.