Flavors & Sights of France and Italy

Nice rises from the pebbled coast to lush hills, yet the heart of the city is located between the old port city and the Aeroport de Côte d’Azur. To take it all in, enjoy a jaunt on the Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean Sea. The Old Port, located in Vieux Nice (Old Nice), is a colorful and busy place, with various markets. There discover an ensemble of narrow streets, colorful architecture, and picturesque piazzas. Stretch out on Nice’s recognizable blue lounge chairs on one of its iconic beaches. Some of these private beaches, like the Blue Beach or the Castel Beach, are among the most glamorous beaches on the French Riviera.

Nice rises from the pebbled coast to lush hills, yet the heart of the city is located between the old port city and the Aeroport de Côte d’Azur. To take it all in, enjoy a jaunt on the Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean Sea. The Old Port, located in Vieux Nice (Old Nice), is a colorful and busy place, with various markets. There discover an ensemble of narrow streets, colorful architecture, and picturesque piazzas. Stretch out on Nice’s recognizable blue lounge chairs on one of its iconic beaches. Some of these private beaches, like the Blue Beach or the Castel Beach, are among the most glamorous beaches on the French Riviera.

The jewel in the heart of the spectacular Côte d’Azur, Saint-Tropez was a sleepy seaside village with a rich maritime history that achieved celebrity beginning in the 1960s. Explore the hexagon shaped Citadelle that once served as the defender of the gulf. The castle contains a maritime museum, and the grounds provide breathtaking views of the Côte d’Azur. La Musée de l’Annonciade is a real treat for art lovers and located just beyond the Quai de l’Epi pier. This 16th-century chapel features a small but powerful collection of paintings by Derain, Signac, and other artists.

The jewel in the heart of the spectacular Côte d’Azur, Saint-Tropez was a sleepy seaside village with a rich maritime history that achieved celebrity beginning in the 1960s. Explore the hexagon shaped Citadelle that once served as the defender of the gulf. The castle contains a maritime museum, and the grounds provide breathtaking views of the Côte d’Azur. La Musée de l’Annonciade is a real treat for art lovers and located just beyond the Quai de l’Epi pier. This 16th-century chapel features a small but powerful collection of paintings by Derain, Signac, and other artists.

Amid France’s famed Côte d’Azur stands the charming little town of Sanary-sur-Mer. It’s also one of eight communes in the renowned Bandol wine region. Its picturesque harbor creates that image by strategically docking traditional blue and white fishing boats, known as pointus, and heritage vessels. Stroll around the harbor heading east to find a church dedicated to the town’s namesake, Saint Nazaire, a 19th-century Byzantine-style construct. For explorers seeking aquatic excursions, Portissol beach is the place to go. The crescent-shaped shore offers access to an "underwater trail" where divers and snorkelers can jump in and discover the beauty that lies beneath the surface.

Take in the green-hued mountains with shady, palm-fringed squares and pleasure boats bobbing in the bay of Corsica. On the northwest coast of the island is the glorious town of Calvi. One of the popular highlights of Calvi is its citadel, the magnificent, impregnable fortress towers above the red-tiled roofs below. Getting to the top of the citadel via its winding and cobbled lanes is definitely a great way to enjoy the best views of the village. You can also take a boat trip down the coast to the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site of Scandola, a marine and land reserve.

From the grandeur of the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the charming canals of La Venezia Nuova (New Venice), which date back to the Medici era, the Italian city of Florence contains much to explore. The port city of Livorno’s colorful building facades rises above the canal waters as a sight to behold. The long and storied history of Lucca call out to curious explorers seeking a mentally stimulating adventure. Cathedrals, art, culture, food, these iconic Italian cities have it all, and Livorno acts as the hub to make your way to each.

Referred to as Cinque Terre’s "sixth town," Portovenere overlooks the Gulf of La Spezia along the Ligurian coast, providing much of what its five counterparts do - seaside scenes, rustic cuisine and stunning coastlines - with a fraction of the crowds. Seek out hidden gems like Byron’s Grotto, a secluded cave named after the literary figure who frequented the area. Nearby lies the famous Cinque Terre, comprised of five small towns, hence its name. The region lies within the bounds of a national park and what’s considered the Italian Riviera, giving it a magical aura.

An ancient hamlet surrounded by fortresses, Porto Ercole creates the perfect backdrop for dreaming and exploration. The lower part of the town along the bay contains modern shops, shipyards, diving centers and restaurants. Travel to the southside of the bay to see the historic center near Rocca Spagnola, a fortress dating back to the 16th century. Take it easy and catch some sunrays at the beaches of Spiaggia della Feniglia and Cala Galera, both of which connect Argentario to the mainland. A scenic daytrip to the nearby Capalbio gives you a splendid taste of Tuscany.

The grand city of Naples beckons with a vibrant waterfront. Within the bay stands Megaride Island, home of the Castel dell’Ovo. Legend has it that the poet Virgil housed a magical egg there that protects it, and the very city, from ruin. A jaunt through the city takes you through a blend of architecture and art. And Neapolitans agree you should take a walk through Via dei Tribunali, "Pizza Alley," for the best slice with signature charred dough. For a look into times past, make your way to Mount Vesuvius. Here you will find the surrounding ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.