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Thank you so much Chris for our chat earlier in the week about your wonderful plans for Pat's big birthday! As promised, I am delighted to enclose a truly special getaway, covering both the French & Italian Riviera, and of course the wonderful wine regions of Tuscany, finishing in Florence.
Included within your itinerary you will find all your land arrangements are featured, with our luxury meet & greet services to/from the Airport, as well as your train journeys and private vehicles where needed to ensure a seamless experience.
I know that you both were keen on the wine regions in both France & Italy, so I have based your time in Nice to be focused on the stunning Provence region, with some of the finest wines in France coming from here, as well as in Italy, basing yourselves in the heart of the Tuscan countryside at one of the best small luxury hotels of the world, with a world-class wine cellar onsite – I have no doubt you & Pat will feel spoiled.
To ensure you have some lovely places to stay during each location, I have chosen some of my personal favourites, starting from the charming boutique Hotel Roosevelt in Nice, to the gorgeous Grand Hotel Minerva in Florence to name a couple, you will have some special luxury stays to ensure extra comfort and exceptional service throughout this special occasion.
I am so excited to hear what you think as we are $6,187.50 per person, which is right on where I thought we would be and also just slightly over how much you were looking to spend.
I look forward to our call on Monday, and cannot wait to confirm with you this amazing birthday surprise for Pat.
Best travels,
Maria Gardner 
Your Itinerary In Detail
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This itinerary has been tailor-made for you. No two itineraries are the same and we are always able to make changes if something isn't quite right.
Wednesday 14th May 2025
Welcome to Nice
Welcome to Nice
With its mix of real-city grit, old-world opulence, year-round sunshine, vibrant street life and stunning seaside location, no place in France compares with Nice.
Mediterranean Magnetism
Before everything else, there was the sea, and the Mediterranean climate – the twin factors that made Nice a tourist magnet as early as the 1700s. Look around and you’ll find the same elemental attractions that drew Europe's belle-époque aristocrats to promenade along the waterfront in horse-drawn carriages. Even now, nothing compares to the simple joy of a balmy beach day interspersed with a spot of people-watching astride the Promenade des Anglais' famous blue chairs. Whether you're skating, kayaking, swimming, sprawled on a beach lounger or transfixed by sunset over the ever-present Med, it's all still happening by the water.
The Italian Influence
For any lover of French and Italian culture, Nice is the perfect hybrid. Long affiliated with Piedmont and Liguria to the east, Savoy to the north and Sardinia to the south, this city only joined France in 1860 and has always kept one foot in Italy. The Italian influence remains palpable everywhere, in Vieux Nice's tall-shuttered, ochre-hued buildings that look airlifted straight in from Portofino, in the fresh pasta shops on every corner and even in the football cheer Issa Nissa! (Go Nice!), shouted in the local Nissart dialect that’s been coloured by Ligurian Italian as much as Occitan French.
City of Artists
The Côte d'Azur has ensnared many a visitor with the beauty of its light. Not least Henri Matisse, who came here to convalesce from bronchitis. When the sun finally emerged after a month of wintry drizzle, Matisse was so smitten that he made Nice his home for the next 37 years. Chagall, Picasso and Renoir also fell in love with this place, and Nice was later home to the influential avant-garde École de Nice. Art museums abound throughout the region, but Nice's three superstars – the Musées Matisse, Chagall and d’Art Moderne – are reason enough to justify an aesthetic pilgrimage here.
Eating Niçois-Style
Bring your appetite when you come to Nice. This city is meant for epicures. It all starts at Vieux Nice’s Saleya market, where small producers from the Alpine foothills bring in a bounty of fresh produce, and top chefs from surrounding restaurants shop right beside tourists. The city celebrates its uniqueness with street snacks like socca (chickpea pancakes), pissaladière (caramelised onion tart) or tourte de blettes (chard, raisin and pine nut pie), while its countless cosy bistros serve everything from hearty Provençal beef stew to true salade niçoise to pasta with pistou, and from fresh lemon tart to vegan cheesecake.
Private Vehicle from to Best Western Hotel Roosevelt
Private Vehicle from to Best Western Hotel Roosevelt
Upon your arrival in Nice's Airport, you will be greeted by one of our lovely drivers who will take you into the heart of Nice, ready for a gorgeous three night stay.
Best Western Premier Hotel Roosevelt for 3 nights
Best Western Premier Hotel Roosevelt for 3 nights
The Best Western Premier Hotel Roosevelt is well located in the heart of the city and is a five minute walk from the flower market and the beaches of Nice.
A reception hall bathed in light, rooms that already invite you to rest and travel. Everything has been thought out to make you live an unforgettable experience. And if the art deco magic plunges you out of time, nothing has been forgotten on the high tech side: high speed Wi-Fi connection, USB wall sockets.
Your room: Classic Room
Enjoy high quality comfort in your Classic Room. Wrap yourself in the complimentary bathrobe and slippers as you sip on a Nespresso coffee, the perfect way to wake up in the morning. The room comes with plush memory pillows, complimentary soft drinks from the mini-bar and sumptuous bed.
Thursday 15th May 2025
Optional: Monaco & Eze Discovery Tour | Private
Optional: Monaco & Eze Discovery Tour | Private
Optional Tour
Price Not Included
This morning after your breakfast, it will be time to explore and discover the fabulous spots that are Monaco and Eze on this Private Tour with our stunning 5* guide.
Your guide will greet you at your hotel to begin a fantastic full-day experience. To start, you will visit St Paul de Vence, the pearl of Provence. This village has an amazing history as it dates back to the 11th century. It is also one of the most-preserved and prettiest medieval villages in the region. The quality of life, (the art of living) and exceptional light have inspired many famous painters, writers and poets. You will stroll through picturesque narrow streets which are lined with over 40 art galleries, and souvenir shops as well. The town is a meeting point for artists from all over the world.
After some time with your guide here, you will then be driven to the beautiful village of Eze, an absolute must-visit. Your jaw will drop in front of the magnificent view of the Mediterranean. ‘Eze is a charming medieval village perched on a hill, built like an eagle’s nest with its exotic garden hanging from the ruins of the castle at an altitude of 400 m. Shoppers will delight in the many local perfumeries shops and art galleries. You will enjoy strolling in its small narrow cobbled streets lined with small cafes and restaurants, its vaulted passages, and its beautiful flowered houses. It’s fantastic!
Following your lovely experience in the village, you will then drive back down to the coast to the glamourous Monaco & Monte Carlo. Discover the second smallest country in the world, the (old town, with a walking tour), the Prince Palace, the cathedral (neo Romanesque style) where Grace and Rainier were married, the incredible oceanographic museum. It will be a sin to not go to Monte-Carlo along the formula 1 grand prix circuit, the most prestigious in the world. For that final bit of dramatic luxury, see the Grand casino built in 1862, it sits in front of a richly decorated garden which is dotted with water fountains.
After a truly memorable day, it will be time to head back to Nice where your guide will bid you farewell and you will have one final night, before heading to your next destination the following day.
Friday 16th May 2025
Provence Wine Roads Tour | Private
Provence Wine Roads Tour | Private
Nice, in the southeastern corner of beloved Provence, offers the perfect jumping-off point for a wine-lover’s adventure. This morning after breakfast, you will be greeted by your friendly guide & driver for a special day in the heart of the vineyard-rich countryside.
You will tour and taste your way through three separate estates, as well as explore some 2,000 years of winemaking history, meet the vintners, and slow down, savoring the moments of your only-in-France journey.
Winery Estates include:
Chateau De Saint-Martin
An estate that has been rated “Cru Classé” since 1955. Over 2,000 years of winemaking history, and an 18th Century château with a Countess still in residence. This beautiful property and vineyard, typical of the region, will surely delight your senses with its history and setting. We’ll explore the cellars and the winery, discover all about winemaking in Provence, the terroir, the appellations….as well as enjoy tasting many of the best wines of the estate. St Martin is the perfect environment for our Masterclass in wine tasting – plus for learning about food and wine pairing!
Chateau Font du Broc
In this magical setting, on the plateau overlook the Argens valley, we’ll have time to explore the vines together and take in some of the stunning views down to the Estérel and the Mediterranean Sea. Whilst visiting the property you’ll get the opportunity to see one of the most remarkable cellars in Provence. A real feast for the eyes and the senses. Inevitably, you’ll have an accompanied tasting of more superb wines from this high quality, organic estate, where the owner and his team have dedicated themselves to producing great vintages in total respect of the environment.
Domaine Du Jas d'Esclans
We'll visit a third vineyard where modernity meets tradition. This family owned estate produces a very highly-rated and extensive range of medal winning wines. Here, in the first vineyard in Provence to be fully certified organic, we'll enjoy a cellar visit and explore the finer points of winemaking whilst tasting some of the best vintages of the estate.
Saturday 17th May 2025
Train from Nice Ville to Genoa Piazza Principe
Train from Nice Ville to Genoa Piazza Principe
After a stunning three night stay in Nice, you will be ready to enjoy a beautiful train journey across the coastline to the Ligurian region of Italy, where the historical and colourful Genoa awaits. Make your own way to the train station and board your train to this region.
The train takes approx 3.5hrs but has endless views throughout. I have upgraded you to First Class for extra comfort.
Proposed Train Times
Departs: 09:50AM, Nice Ville
Arrives: 10:41AM, Ventimiglia
Layover: 18 mins
Departs: 10:59AM, Ventimiglia
Arrives: 1:05PM, Genova Piazza Principe
A Few Hours in Genoa
A Few Hours in Genoa
Genoa, the capital of Liguria, is located in the North West of Italy. Surrounded by the sea and mountains, Genoa was historically the centre of the daily comings and goings of ships, trade and discoveries of unexplored territories. Visiting Genoa is always fascinating and a real step back in time. During your few hours you will have here, leave your luggage in storage at the station and enjoy some of the highlights this town has to offer.
The heart of Genoa’s old city is its maze-like web of narrow alleys, called “carruggi.” Begin exploring with a walking tour through this neighborhood, a masterpiece of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. You can opt for a food tour to combine sightseeing with samples of the city’s classic street foods which we can incorporate in.
Afterward, take in the grandeur of some of the city’s 16th-century palaces, beginning with the Palazzi dei Rolli on Via Garibaldi, an architectural jewel rivalled only by the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) and Royal Palace, all reminders of the immense power and wealth once wielded by this former maritime republic.
The city’s historic port has been dramatically reworked over the past decades by star Genovese architect Renzo Piano and is now home to a number of museums, restaurants, and attractions. Dedicate the afternoon to visiting the highlights along the port, including the Genoa Aquarium; Galata Maritime Museum; Biosfera, a tropical garden biosphere; the children’s museum; the Dialogue in the Dark sensory experience, and Bigo panoramic elevator.
These are the most popular attractions in the city, and lines to enter can be long. Purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid spending time waiting outside.
Private Vehicle from Genoa Train Station to Grand Hotel Bristol
Private Vehicle from Genoa Train Station to Grand Hotel Bristol
After a stunning few hours exploring, head back to the station to collect your luggage from the storage containers, where you will be greeted by one of our friendly drivers, ready for a 40 min drive to the beautiful seaside town of Rapallo, the perfect spot to be placed for your time closeby Cinque Terre & Portofino.
Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa for 2 nights
Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa for 2 nights
The Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort overlooks the promontory of Portofino and is surrounded by a stunning Mediterranean garden where the refined spaces are perfectly integrated into a landscape of great beauty, creating a harmonious place.
Relax in the suggestive wide and bright rooms of the lounge, elegantly furnished with the scents of flowers and aromas or on the large lakeview terrace, ideal for a drink or a tea at any time of the day or evening. Enjoy the services offered in the ERRE SPA with an indoor pool and personalized treatments and then conclude the evening at the Le Cupole restaurant, gastronomy of excellence and an atmosphere of great charisma.
Your room: Deluxe Sea View Room
The sea in front. A dream that comes true in the setting your comfortable Deluxe Room from 24 m² to 28 m² and multiplied by the balcony on which to savour precious blends of tea in the colours of the sunset that is lost on the promontory of Portofino. Your Deluxe Sea Front room is the expression of the Dolce Vita made in Grand Hotel Bristol.
Sunday 18th May 2025
Cinque Terre & Porto Venere Boat Tour | Semi-Private
Cinque Terre & Porto Venere Boat Tour | Semi-Private
Today you will be in for a real treat, enjoying a semi-private boat tour in a classic Italian speedboat along the coastline of the Italian Riviera, discovering the Cinque Terre & Porto Venere!
Make your own way from Rapallo to Levanto which takes roughly around an hour in the car to meet your skipper and group at 9AM at the Pier, ready to board!
Once all settled on the boat, you will glide along the ocean to your first stop, Monterosso where you’ll get to admire the colorful five seaside villages from the sea, while we will tell you all about the history, the geographical and cultural curiosities that characterize this region, meanwhile you’ll enjoy a delicious aperitif with focaccia, pesto and other typical local products, sipping prosecco and listening to music or simply to the sweet sea lapping.
You both will also discover beautiful coves and dive to snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the National Park.
After a short glide you will stop in Porto Venere. Discover this amazing village described by Lord Byron, Shelley, George Sand and other great poets. You will also visit the suggestive Church of San Pietro, an ancient temple with a stunning view on the coastline.
During your return, depending on busyness, you may get to stop for a visit to the characteristic village of Vernazza, otherwise, you will end the tour with a last dip in the sea before returning back to Levanto where you can catch a local transfer back to your hotel for a leisurely evening.
Monday 19th May 2025
Train from Rapallo to Pisa Centrale
Train from Rapallo to Pisa Centrale
After your couple of nights on the Italian Riviera, you will be ready to head to the Tuscan hills of Italy. Make your own way to the train station at Rapallo and board your 2hr train to Pisa, ready for your driver to greet you on the other side. I have upgraded your seats to First Class for additional comfort.
Proposed Train Times
Departs: 10:21AM, Rapallo
Arrives: 12:27PM, Pisa
Private Vehicle from Pisa Centrale to Villa di Piazzano
Private Vehicle from Pisa Centrale to Villa di Piazzano
After a lovely train journey and arriving in Pisa, you will be greeted by your driver and driven 1.5hrs into the heart of the countryside where your Tuscan Villa-style hotel awaits you, for a special three night stay.
Villa di Piazzano for 3 nights
Villa di Piazzano for 3 nights
Down-to-earth luxury at this Renaissance country estate in the Tuscan hills. When you arrive at Villa di Piazzano, you’ll experience a warm Italian welcome that’s made visitors feel at home for over 500 years. This historic estate was originally the hunting lodge of Cardinal Passerini, a favourite of the Medicis. Wild boar may still be a seasonal delicacy here, but today this luxury hotel is devoted to far more relaxing pursuits.
From the moment you’re greeted at the door, Villa di Piazzano begins to work its magic. Time seems to move more slowly – allowing every day to be spent exactly as you wish. Wander from your peaceful, heritage-inspired room to the sun-soaked pool. Or grab a bike and head out to tackle some of those Tuscan hills. When you’ve worked up an appetite, sit down to an ultra-local Italian feast at the restaurant, where the vegetables are plucked fresh from the hotel gardens.
Set on the border between Tuscany and Umbria, Villa di Piazzano puts you in pride of place for discovering the region’s highlights. Explore captivating medieval cities like Siena. Or hop over the border to pretty Perugia. Cortona, with its Renaissance piazzas and ancient Etruscan heritage, is just 10 minutes away by car – and there are always the hotel's e-bicycles if you fancy a picturesque pedal. Of course, you’d be forgiven for staying put – Villa di Piazzano casts a spell that’s hard to break.
Your room: Superior Double
These rooms are located in the main villa and adjacent buildings featuring a dreamy queen bed with signature bed linens ensuring a dreamy night's sleep. With complimentary amenities, ultra-comfort bathrobes, and slippers, you'll have everything you need for a luxury stay in the Tuscan hills.
Tuesday 20th May 2025
Wine & Cheese Tastings at Villa di Piazzano
Wine & Cheese Tastings at Villa di Piazzano
A special place of the Villa di Piazzano is its cellar from the 1400s. The ancient construction techniques guarantee a constant temperature of 16 degrees centigrade, creating a perfect microclimate for the storage of the best Italian wines. The ancient skylights allow the necessary ventilation to avoid excessive humidity.
You can book with the hotel a lovely private tasting if you'd like, or a special birthday celebratory cheese & wine pairing experience.
Thursday 22nd May 2025
Siena & San Gimignano | Exclusive Tuscany Day Trip
Siena & San Gimignano | Exclusive Tuscany Day Trip
After two amazing nights in your luxury Tuscan oasis, this morning you will be greeted by your driver and guide, ready for a wonderful day out exploring two gems of Tuscany enroute to Florence for your final two nights. Sit back and relax in your luxury vehicle as your driver shares stories, gossip and anecdotes about the estates and villas you will pass along the way.
Once you are approaching San Gimignano, your driver will share with you all the best sites to visit preparing you for the best possible experience. You will have time to explore this charming Tuscan town on your own before meeting up with your driver a few hours later for lunch.
Your driver will take you across the valley to a typical Tuscan winery where you will have the pleasure of enjoying your lunch (included). Originally an ancient convent, this stunning property has been transformed into an outstanding winery and farm. I know you aren't too fussed about the wine per say, so I have requested that you have tastings of the local olive oil and honey instead with your lunch!
Your Day Tour continues after lunch by heading to the infamous town of Siena. Once in Siena, your private driver will take you from site to site while telling you the elaborate history and intriguing stories of the city and giving you free time to explore each site on your own. One of your stops is sure to be Piazza del Campo. You will take delight in this shell shaped square and imagine the crowds that gather here to watch Il Palio, the infamous horse races that take place twice a year.
After a full day exploring your driver will take you to Florence, so you can check into your hotel for an evening of leisure.
Grand Hotel Minerva for 2 nights
Grand Hotel Minerva for 2 nights
Welcome to the newly refurbished Grand Hotel Minerva, first class, 4-star hotel located in Florence's historic city center. We have refurbished our 97-room boutique hotel with the ambition of being the best Boutique Hotel in Florence.
The best because many of our rooms — all warm, inviting, and furnished in contemporary style — afford peerless views like that of the church and square of Santa Maria Novella and Florence's major historic buildings and monuments. Best, because you will be pampered by excellent, attentive service, provided with dedication and passion by our well-trained, helpful staff who will always greet you with a sincere smile.
We are right in the historic center of Florence in the completely renovated and pedestrianized Piazza Santa Maria Novella, brimming with vibrant restaurants and cafés and featuring a lovely new rose garden. Our perfect location is a short walk from all of Florence's main tourist attractions including Piazza del Duomo and its glorious cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Piazza della Repubblica, the iconic David of Michelangelo, the Uffizi museum, Ponte Vecchio and Florence’s most eminent luxury shopping street, Via Tornabuoni. Other locations in walking distance include Palazzo degli Affari, the Firenze Fiera Centro Congressi, and the Fortezza Da Basso.
Staying with us means finding an oasis in the hustle and bustle of the city. You will be able to spend an entire day here, either doing something somewhere, or simply nothing everywhere. On the sixth floor is our scenic terrace with a sweeping view of Florence, a roof swimming pool (heated – 28°C / 83°F) and a pool bar where — from April to October — you can lounge, refresh, revive, and enjoy drinks and snacks. Plus, we have a fitness center with a large whirlpool and two restaurants, one of which is outdoors in the square, with a view of the façade of the church of Santa Maria Novella.
Your room: Premium Room
With contemporary style & state-of-the-art technology, your Premium Room is a simple yet elegant comfort in the heart of Florence. From 22 sq. mt. / 220 sq. ft. Very quiet, overlooking either the Santa Maria Novella Cloisters, the hotel garden, or the inner courtyard.
Friday 23rd May 2025
Florence Walking Tour City Highlights with David & Duomo | Semi-Private
Florence Walking Tour City Highlights with David & Duomo | Semi-Private
Your Florence Walking Tour City Highlights with David & Duomo is the perfect tour to immerse yourself in this charming Renaissance city.
Florence is a very walkable city thanks to its relatively small footprint, and this walking tour makes for a great introduction to this culturally rich and exciting city; including priority access, so no waiting in lines, into the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s Sculpture of David.
While it’s obvious that The Statue of David is the highlight of this tour, it is by no means the only memory you will bring home with you from your tour. Your expert tour guide will expose you to a side of Italy that we as Italians cherish most while simultaneously making sure you don’t miss out on any of the must-see attractions.
You’ll have a lovely walk which will include most of the historic sites of Florence and end up at one of the masterpieces which you have dreamed of seeing in one of Florence’s most prestigious galleries. This tour is designed to optimize your time and ensure that you get the most out of your tour – no lines to wait on and a small group of six people, so walking around town and through crowded museums is quick and comfortable.
A semi-private tour with an expert guide means no scripts or audiotapes, just natural conversation with a knowledgeable source sharing Florence’s historic streets, astounding architecture, and vibrant culture; allowing you to really connect to the heartbeat of this delightful city.
Saturday 24th May 2025
Transfer from Grand Hotel Minerva to Peretola Airport
Transfer from Grand Hotel Minerva to Peretola Airport
After a stunning two night stay in Florence, it will be the end of your amazing trip. Your private vehicle will collect you from your hotel and take you back to Florence's Airport in enough time for your flight home.
What's Included
Your itinerary includes
- Private Transfers to/from Airports
- Train Journeys as listed with First Class comfort
- 4/5* Accommodation as listed
- All breakfasts included
- Private & Semi-Private Tours as listed
- 24/7 emergency concierge service
Your itinerary excludes
- International flights
- Wine Tasting Costs in Tuscany
- Spa Treatments
- Transfers to/from Train Stations
- Travel insurance
- Resort Fees / City Taxes
- Visas (if applicable)
- Gratuities
Important Information
Travel Advice
It is important to seek independent and up-to-date advice when travelling to any foreign country. Many of our customers ask us to keep them up-to-date on the existing legal position regarding LGBT rights in the country to which they are travelling. You can find up-to-date details on our website under the country which you are travelling to. They are provided as a guide only and laws can change frequently. You should seek advice from the relevant authorities and embassies before travel (if applicable).
Travel Insurance and Terms and Conditions
It is a condition of booking with Out Of Office that you have adequate insurance cover for your trip at the time of booking. Please also ensure you have referred to our terms and conditions which can be found at www.outofoffice.com/terms-and-conditions. Please note that as each booking is tailor-made for you we only confirm the itinerary once we have received a deposit. There is a small chance that availability on some items quoted may change. If this is the case we will book similar accommodation and let you know.