France, Switzerland and Italy

Colmar – Lucerne – Lake Como – Cinque Terre – Portofino – French Riviera

Take a trip through some of Europe’s most charming villages, from fairytale Colmar to the dramatic setting of colourful Cinque Terre.

Distance: 1185km
Duration: 10 days
Time to go: Spring to Autumn

Start in Colmar, a fairytale village of pastel-coloured house and scene that look straight from the town in Beauty and the Beast.

Next up is Lucerne, the Swiss town famed for its cobalt blue lake surrounded by mountains.

The drive from here to your next destination, Lake Como, is stunning, winding through the Alps. Stay in Varenna, a charming pedestrianised village and spend some days exploring the lake’s towns and natural beauty.

From Como, head to Cinque Terre, one of the most spectacular places in Italy, where colourful cliffside villages hug the coast. Also spend a day or two north of there in picture-perect Portofino, playground of the wealthy and it’s more down-to-earth neighbour, Santa Margherita Ligure.

Finally head to the French Riviera via Monaco, staying in the artistic hilltop village of St Paul de Vence. End your stay in Marseille, stopping off at Cannes, St Tropez, Cassis and the magnificent Calanques National Park along the way.

Where to stay