Italian Riviera Private Tour from Cannes

Explore the Italian Riviera on a Private Day Trip from Cannes

This private tour from Cannes offers a seamless journey across the border into Italy, revealing the vibrant culture and picturesque scenery of the Italian Riviera. For $1,083.55 per group, up to 8 guests can enjoy a tailored 8-hour experience, complete with a luxurious Mercedes minivan and professional guides who provide engaging onboard commentary. The tour features stops at Ventimiglia, San Remo, Dolceaqua, and an optional visit to Menton, with market days carefully scheduled to maximize local market visits—Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Thursdays.

A major strength of this tour is its customizable itinerary and personalized guide service, making it a flexible choice for those seeking a curated day exploring Italy’s coast. The pickup service and mobile tickets simplify logistics. However, because food, drinks, and entrance fees are not included, travelers should plan some budget for meals and shopping. This tour is ideal for couples or small groups wanting a rich, private exploration of the Italian Riviera’s highlights.

Key Points

• Private 8-hour tour departing from Cannes with luxury transportation.
• Visit Ventimiglia, San Remo, Dolceaqua, and Menton with optional market visits.
• Tour includes professional driver/guide with onboard commentary in English and French.
• Market days in San Remo (Tuesday and Saturday), Bordighera (Thursday).
• Customize your itinerary based on your interests and preferences.
• No entrance fees included, so plan for additional costs.

Starting Point and Transportation in Cannes

The tour begins at 8:00 am with a pickup service in Cannes, making access straightforward for travelers staying locally. The transport is by an 8-seater, air-conditioned Mercedes minivan, ensuring a comfortable ride along the scenic coast. The small group size enhances the intimacy of the experience, allowing for flexible stops and personalized attention from the guide.

The luxury vehicle and professional driver guarantee a smooth journey over the approximately 8-hour trip. The onboard commentary in English and French enriches the experience with insights about the regions visited and the sights along the way. The tour maintains safety standards with regular safety checks before departure.

Visiting Bordighera Alta’s Thursday Market

One of the tour’s highlights is the stop at Bordighera Alta, known for its Thursday market. While the market is free to enter, the visit lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes, giving ample time to browse stalls that sell Italian leather, cheeses, and local products. The town itself offers charming streets and scenic views, making it a pleasant spot for photos and wandering.

Because this market is only available on Thursdays, travelers visiting on other days will enjoy a different experience, potentially focusing more on the other stops. The stop’s duration balances exploration with overall pacing, ensuring a relaxed yet engaging visit.

Exploring San Remo’s Vibrant Market and Casino

The San Remo stop is scheduled on Tuesdays and Saturdays and centers around the lively market area and the iconic Casino. The market offers an array of Italian goods, and the visit lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes. This is an ideal chance to browse local produce, crafts, and fashion, capturing the town’s bustling atmosphere.

A brief visit to the San Remo Casino allows travelers to see the elegant architecture and experience the town’s glamorous vibe, reminiscent of Monte Carlo. The flexible schedule means you can prioritize shopping, sightseeing, or simply soaking in the atmosphere based on your preference.

Discovering Dolceacqua’s Charm

The tour includes a stop in Dolceaqua, a picturesque village famous for its medieval bridge and narrow streets. Spending around 1 hour and 45 minutes here provides time to stroll through boutiques, admire stone buildings, and enjoy the tranquil scenery. Dolceacqua’s charm lies in its authenticity and historic ambiance, making it a favorite for those seeking a peaceful retreat from busier tourist spots.

The town’s free to explore nature allows visitors to take photos and enjoy the relaxed pace. The stop’s duration ensures a proper feel for the village without feeling rushed.

Scenic Drive Along the Grande Corniche

Throughout the day, travelers traverse the famous Grande Corniche road, renowned for its dramatic coastal views. This drive offers countless opportunities for photo stops and captures the essence of the Côte d’Azur. The guide provides commentary on the landscape, local history, and notable sights along the route.

This scenic journey is a key part of the experience, providing breathtaking vistas of the coastline and Monaco’s glittering skyline visible from a distance. It’s an enjoyable way to understand the region’s geography and to appreciate the beauty of this part of France and Italy.

Optional Visit to Menton and Monaco Views

On the way back to Cannes, the tour pauses in Menton for impressive viewpoints of Monaco. While the main focus remains on the Italian Riviera, this stop allows for spectacular photos of Monaco’s coastline and the glittering principality below. The views offer a glimpse of Monaco’s luxurious lifestyle and add a touch of glamour to the day.

The schedule leaves enough time to appreciate the scenery without feeling rushed, making this a memorable conclusion to the trip.

The Guide and Personalization of the Tour

The professional driver/guide is praised for their knowledgeable and personable approach, making the day informative and engaging. The onboard commentary provides context about each location, history, and cultural insights, enhancing the overall experience.

Since the tour is private, travelers have the flexibility to customize the itinerary and focus on their interests. Whether they prefer market shopping, sightseeing, or simply relaxing and enjoying the views, the guide accommodates these choices within the schedule.

Practical Details and Booking Considerations

This tour operates on specific market days—Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday—so travelers should plan accordingly. The meeting point is in Cannes, with confirmation provided at booking. Most travelers can participate, and complimentary baby and booster seats are available if requested.

While food, drinks, and entrance fees are not included in the price, travelers should allocate some budget for snacks or shopping. The full refund policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in case of change in plans.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This private Italian Riviera tour suits those who value personalized service, want to avoid large group tours, and enjoy scenic drives combined with cultural stops. It appeals especially to couples and small groups interested in exploring authentic local markets, historic villages, and coastal vistas.

The focus on market visits and scenic driving makes it a great option for travelers wanting a mix of shopping, sightseeing, and relaxed exploration. It’s less suited for travelers seeking adventure activities or long, physically demanding walks, given the mostly leisurely stops.

The Sum Up: A Private Coastal Escape from Cannes

The Italian Riviera private tour from Cannes offers a well-rounded day of cultural discovery, scenic beauty, and personalized guidance. The luxury transportation and customizable itinerary help create a comfortable, flexible experience tailored to your interests.

While the market visits and scenic drives are the main attractions, the tour’s small-group size and expert guide make for an engaging and relaxed day out. It’s especially suitable for those wanting a curated, intimate exploration of Italy’s charming coast, with the convenience of departure from Cannes.

However, travelers should be prepared for additional costs related to food, drinks, and entrance fees. This tour offers a balanced blend of shopping, sightseeing, and scenic views—a worthwhile day trip for anyone looking to experience Italy’s Riviera with comfort and ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, complimentary baby and booster seats are available on request, making it suitable for families with young children.

What should I bring for the market stops?
Since food and drinks are not included, you might want to bring some cash for purchases or snacks. A passport is required as it’s an international border crossing.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, since the tour is private, guides are happy to accommodate specific interests, whether focusing more on shopping, sightseeing, or photo stops.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation in a luxury minivan, a professional driver/guide, and onboard commentary. Food, drinks, and entrance fees are not included.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 48 days in advance, but last-minute bookings are possible if availability allows.