Livorno to Nice

The bustling port of Bastia provides a more authentic slice of Corsican life than glitzy Calvi or Bonifacio, and the compact historic core, the Terra Vecchia, has bags of character. The photogenic old harbour, the Vieux Port, is another popular spot, surrounded by lively bars and restaurants.

The popular beach resort of Viareggio lies at the northern end of the Tuscan coast, the seafront lined with faded art nouveau facades that hark back to the town’s 1920s and ‘30s heyday. Viareggio is famous for its Carnival, one of the biggest in Italy, while nearby day trip options include Pisa and Lucca.

This tiny village on the Ligurian coast must be one of the most photographed spots in Italy, and no wonder; brightly coloured houses cling to the hillside overlooking a delightfully picturesque little harbour, where fishing boats gently bob alongside luxury yachts.

The Corsican port of Calvi is a popular summer destination for both sun-seeking tourists and the yachts of the super-rich, with a swanky harbour and five miles of beautiful beach. The town is said by some to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and the skyline is dominated by the imposing 15th century Genoese citadel.

During the 19th century San Remo was a popular destination for European royals in exile, and the town retains plenty of glitz and glamour. Try your luck with the high rollers at the most famous casino on the Italian Riviera, take a stroll along the promenade or lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets of the old town.

Nice enjoys a marvellous setting on one of the most glorious stretches of the Côte d’Azur, the sweeping Bay of Angels, so it’s no wonder that tourists have been flocking here since the 19th century.