An excursion to discover the aristocratic period villas and the exotic botanical gardens of the Italian Riviera.


EXCURSION PROGRAM

* Transfer from San Remo to Ventimiglia by motorway and from here to La Mortola , near the Italian-French border (22 km – 30 min approx.).

* Visit to the Hanbury Villa and its Gardens, one of the most important botanical gardens in the world.  Founded in 1867 by Sir Thomas Hanbury, the gardens were restored to the ancient glory by the University of Genoa, starting in 1983. Over a total area of 18 hectares, 9 are occupied by native species and 9 by exotic flora. Worthy of particular mention are the plants of the Australian forests, the Japanese Garden and the cycads from the Far East.

* Lunch break during which a you can go on a discovery of the prehistoric caves of Balzi Rossi and the adjoining museum, with a possible stop at the charming white pebble beach  found between the rocks next to the sea.  One of the most dramatic sights of the Riviera!

* Return along the Via Aurelia to Bordighera to visit the Villa Regina Margherita, former residence of the Queen of Italy, which has been recently restored by the Teruzzi Foundation and houses a museum of decorative arts from the Baroque to the Neoclassical, a collection that is one of the most  important in Italy.

*Return along the motorway (5 km – about 20 min).

THE EXCURSION INCLUDES

  • Transfer in minibus with driver/guide

A LA CARTE SERVICES

  • Lunch in a typical restaurant or in a fashionable spot on the sea front
  • From October to April, it is possible to make a booking to visit a nursery at the forefront of production of hybrids of the famous flowers of San Remo, exported all over the world.

THE EX CURSION DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Entry tickets to museums and attractions
  • Meals
  • Anything that is not explicitly stated in “the excursion includes”