Italy
Begin with Ventimiglia Alta (Old Town) for 2-3 hours. Experience its labyrinthine streets and the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta. Enjoy panoramic views. Have a quick Ligurian lunch with focaccia or farinata.
In the afternoon, visit Mercato Coperto or the Friday Market. Stroll the Lungomare Cavallotti. Enjoy dinner at a traditional trattoria, savoring fresh seafood or pesto pasta. End with gelato on the promenade. Explore bookable experiences.
Structured plans for extended visits.
Day 1: Ventimiglia Immersion. Explore Ventimiglia Alta, the Cathedral, and Roman Theatre. Stroll the city center and Lungomare. Enjoy a local dinner.
Day 2: Gardens & Riviera Charm. Morning at Hanbury Botanical Gardens. Afternoon train trip to Menton, France, for its colorful old town.
Day 3: Market or Inland Escape / Departure. Visit the Friday Market (if applicable) or take a bus/taxi to Dolceacqua to explore Doria Castle and the medieval bridge. Depart from Ventimiglia.
Day 1: Ventimiglia Alta, Cathedral, Roman Theatre, Lungomare.
Day 2: Hanbury Botanical Gardens & local markets.
Day 3: French Riviera East: Menton (morning) & Monaco/Monte Carlo (afternoon).
Day 4: French Riviera West: Full-day trip to Nice.
Day 5: Italian Riviera East: Sanremo, optionally Bordighera or Cervo.
Day 6: Ligurian Hinterland: Dolceacqua, Apricale, Perinaldo.
Day 7: Relaxation, souvenirs, departure.
Build upon the one-week itinerary. Add more time to day trips (e.g., two full days in Nice, an overnight in Genoa).
Include a multi-day extension to the Cinque Terre (from Genoa).
Consider a cooking class in Sanremo or Genoa.
Explore more hiking trails in the Ligurian Alps or along the coast.
Spend more time relaxing on Ventimiglia's beaches.
Visit additional smaller Italian Riviera towns like Alassio or Finale Ligure.
For longer stays, rent an apartment in Ventimiglia or a nearby village. This provides kitchen facilities, more space, and a chance to live like a local.
Use Ventimiglia as a base for extensive exploration of both Rivieras at a slower pace.
Explore further inland into Piedmont or Provence.
Discover local routines, hidden cafes, and neighborhood markets.
Become familiar with the regional transport network for broader trips.
Be flexible. While itineraries provide structure, Ventimiglia's charm has unexpected discoveries.
Embrace the riposo (midday break) and later dinner times.
Verify for attractions and restaurants, especially in low season.
Carry water, especially during summer months.
Tailor your visit to your specific passions and financial comfort.
Spend time in Ventimiglia Alta, exploring alleys and viewpoints. Visit the Roman Theatre and Museo Civico Archeologico. Day trips to Dolceacqua, Cervo, and Sanremo's La Pigna. Explore remnants of Via Julia Augusta.
Dedicate time to Mercato Coperto and the Friday Market. Sample local cheeses, cured meats. Try farinata from a traditional farinataio. Dine at various trattorias for authentic Ligurian cuisine. Visit an olive oil mill or vineyard in the Nervia Valley. Look for local sagre (food festivals).
Hike sections of the Sentiero Balcone. Explore trails in the Ligurian Alps Natural Park. Enjoy swimming and sunbathing at Ventimiglia's beaches, potentially Spiaggia delle Calandre. Consider a leisurely cycle along the Lungomare.
Spend time at Ventimiglia's pebbly beaches for swimming and playing. Visit the Hanbury Botanical Gardens. Explore the Roman Theatre. Take a short, exciting train ride to Menton or Sanremo. Look for family-friendly apartments for more space and self-catering options.
Appreciate the Romanesque architecture of Ventimiglia Cathedral and the Roman Theatre. Visit the unique artists' village of Bussana Vecchia. Take a day trip to Nice for its art museums (Matisse Museum, Marc Chagall National Museum). Admire the medieval architecture of Ventimiglia Alta and Dolceacqua Castle.
Find quiet contemplation in the ancient churches of Ventimiglia Alta. Enjoy peaceful strolls through the Hanbury Botanical Gardens. Relax on the beaches, listening to the sea. Focus on fresh, healthy Ligurian cuisine.
Stay in hostels/budget B&Bs. Supermarket groceries, street food. Walk everywhere. Free attractions (Old Town, Roman Theatre, beaches, Friday Market).
Comfortable hotels/rentals. Mix of casual & sit-down restaurants. Local buses/regional trains. Paid attractions (Hanbury Gardens, day trips).
Higher-end hotels in Menton/Sanremo. Fine dining. Taxis/private transfers. Private guided tours, exclusive wine tastings.
