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Day Trips
at the Villa Hanbury.
The Hanbury Gardens are located in Ventimiglia near the French border. The origins of the garden go back to the year 1867. Under orders of Sir Thomas Hanbury a gardener from Heidelberg, Ludwig Winter, planted the beginnings of what is now known as the Hanbury Gardens. Among others, planted here are various eucalyptus, pines, cypress, oranges, agave, aloe, papyrus, bamboo and other species. The park is laid out in terraces and so expect to do a bit of climbing when you visit. Once you reach the top you are taken along a path which leads you through a tropical plant world with many succulents, accompanied by the noise of cicadae, down to the ocean. Here there is the chance to refresh with some food and beverages before you make the trek back up.
Barely 300 meters from the French border on the Italian side is an inconspicuous street that leads up to a limestone formation. Within the formation are the grottos of Balzi Rossi. Numerous findings, including cave drawings, artifacts and skeletons are on display in two museums which are definitely worth visiting, especially those interested in ethnography.
A small town whose church is its landmark. The town nestles picturesquely in the countryside and invites one to a walk through its narrow and winding streets and visit one of the idyllic bars and restaurants. In the the old town you can purchase crafts and antiques. Cervo is famous for its chamber music concerts which are of an international standard.
The old mountain town above San Remo was destroyed in an Earthquake. For years the town lay in ruins and vegetation overgrew it until during the sixties, artists came here and rebuilt the town with love and under their own direction. Only a few walls remain of the old Bussana Vecchia. Today the town is full of artwork and is known around Europe for its colorful buildings and surroundings.
the witches village is good for hiking and you can visit a Badaluco, a typical Ligurian village where on can also go walking and looking around.
Triora was once a fiefdom of the Graf of Ventimiglia, then an impregnable fort for the Republic of Genoa. Trioria’s origins date back to the time when the first fights between the warring factions were prominent. The Cerberus kept a watchful eye over the Ligurian border and reigned over the region until the Napoleonic epoch through use of his skills and splendor. The medieval remains have become a goal of many tourists and belong to some of the most famous ruins in western Liguria.
a typical old Ligurian village that is an ideal starting point for hikes and a great place to see local sites.
an old Ligurian village that is decorated with flowers, its landmark being the bridge over the river.
Apricale is a medieval artist town located in the hinterland of Ventimiglia. Located on a steep slope the houses almost look like they are going to tumble down the hill, butthey haven’t done so for 700 years. Lining the small alleys of the town there are many murali (murals) which are definitely worth seeing. The heart of the town is the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, from which there is a wonderful panoramic view of the Neriva Valley. Throughout almost the whole year there are theater performances, classical concerts and the well know art show Castello della Lucertola
Pigna is the last “large” and used to be one of the most important towns in the Neriva Valley (behind Ventimiglia). The old town is picturesque with its narrow and mostly covered alleyways, called chibi by the locals. A truly worthy experience is the climb up to the grotto of Giachéira e del Barràigo. The view of the Castel Vittorio is unforgettable. If you would like to find out more about Pigna and its history and culture, then a visit to the Museo Etnografico in the town center located near the San Michele Church is a must. And there is also the opportunity to spoil yourself in the thermal baths and the beauty farm (Pigna Antiche Terme).
There are many ways to explore the Arroscia-Valley, the two most common: on a motorbike/in a car or on a mountainbike. The valley has many towns just waiting to be discovered, all of which have something unique to offer, such as the San Lorenzo Church and many others. A special recommendation can be made for the open-air art show „I megaliti del terzo millennio“ of Rainer Kriester from 1982, located near Vendone. Here you will find 4 meter high stones that are arranged to form a picture of stars. And beside the wonderful art, there is a breathtaking view of the a part of the valley all the way to the sea. This valley also offers many hiking trails, a very nice one being the hike to the Cascante (the waterfalls) in Mendatica.
A tip from us: You can tour the valley in a roundtrip. Start off heading towards Pieve di Teco auf (towards Torino) and then head towards Mendatica. After this head towards Cosio di Arroscia and then on to Armo. On the way back head towards Albenga, via Vendone and Arnasco, as along this road there is almost always a view of the sea.
Grasse is known for its perfume museum, but this little city has a lot more to offer. Even though the town is over the border, it still exhibits italian flair. The old city is located on a slope and as you walk through the tight alleys you will see alternating ruins and beautiful old houses. But the main attraction is the many perfume stores and factories, which are definitely worth a visit. Tours are offered in a variety of languages, and if you would like to see how its all made, visit the perfumeur Fragonard next to the museum. Enjoy Grasse as it should be, immersed in a world of smells(good of course).
is one of the largest in Europe
At the end on Val Varatella, shortly after Toirana , you will find a large promontory of grey dolomite. In its many jagged ridges you will find over 50 caves and grottos, which are a center of attention for geological researchers. The caves here in Toirano, which were opened to the public after some construction work in 1953, are managed by the municipality and is one of the biggest tourist attraction of the riviera di Ponente, with over 150 000 visitors a year.
The
is less well known but spectacular.
The largest auquarium in Europe has over 10 000 square meters exhibition space which is home to more than 600 different species of marine life. An exciting journey through our oceans and time, starting with the beginning of life to modern topics such as the current expedtion to save the ecosystem of our seas.
The Kingdom of
Monaco- the city of the bold, the beautiful and the rich. The princedom doesn’t only have a the famous casino and harbor with luxurious yachts to offer, but the Prince’s Palace, the wonderful Jardin Exotique and the maritime museum are also worth a visit. .
The city, which boasts many extravagant gardens and villas, definitely earns the title as the heart of the Riviera dei Fiori. With one the most famous casinos in Europe, and the year round Italian music festival in the modern theater house make it a popular destination. In contrast to the luxury hotels and elegant boutiques of Sanremo, located just above is the town of La Pigna, which has quaint narrow alleys, inaccessible by car, that begged to be meandered along. A walk to the magical Giardini Regina Elena will reveal a wonderful view of Sanremo and a vision of how the Riviera used to be.
to the Isola Galinara, to San Remo or the legendary night cruise.
in the Meditterranean? - impossible. Surprise yourself with a trip.
explore the backcountry of Ligurian on the back of a horse. There are courses for beginners and lots of different tours.
sailing regatta with historic sailers in Imperia
a Variety of
Isolated from the hustle and bustle of the harbour city Imperia lies the picturesque town of Valloria. All over Valleria, called “Il paese delle porti dipinti” (the town of painted doors), one can expect to be overwhelmed by the artistry prominent on doors and walls.
In a chestnut forest covered depression near the end of the Tanaro Valley lies Garessio, nestled on the piemont side of the Apennines. This town was around when the Romans were still in charge. The commune became autonomous in the middle ages and all the laws were written down in the ”Libro della Catena“, and so they have their own laws still preserved in the so called “Book of Chains”. Garessio is made up of four burrows, each rich in their own histories proudly displayed in the many churches, medieval houses and great Palazzi.
Church on the lake in Lucinasco
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Day Trips in Liguria, Italy Riviera of Flowers Excursions Tours Hanbury Gardens Villa Hanbury Balzi Rossi Cervo Bussana Vecchia Triora Badalucco Dolceaqua Apricale Pigna Valle Arroscia Grasse Grotto of Toirano Aquarium in Genoa Monaco San Remo Boat trips Whalewatching Mulino Martino Vele d' Epoca Museums Collections Valloria Garessio |
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