turin, genoa & the french riviera

may 2026
Dr KATHLEEN OLIVE

*** Preliminary Itinerary ***

Discover outstanding art and architecture in Italy and southern France, from the Romans in Aosta to the hidden gems of Turin and Genoa and the exuberant modernity of the French Riviera

OVERVIEW

Turin, Genoa and the French Riviera have much in common, from their stunning alpine landscapes and colourful Mediterranean fishing villages, to their shared histories and cosmopolitan modern culture.

This 16-day tour explores the history, art and culture of these regions. In northern Italy, we encounter a frontier history that runs from the Romans in Aosta to fresco-covered medieval castles, while in Turin we survey extraordinary collections of art and antiquities assembled by Savoy dukes and modern industrialists. Heading south, we enjoy Piedmont’s celebrated wines and its lesser-known yet outstanding medieval art and architecture, before discovering Genoa’s baroque cityscape and the scenic towns of the Italian Riviera. Finally, journeying into France, we admire a staggering patrimony left by artists in the hill-top towns and fishing villages in and around Nice, from Chagall to Matisse. 

The tour is rounded out by excellent regional cuisine and the expertise of your tour leader, Dr Kathleen Olive.

TOUR LEADER

Dr Kathleen Olive is one of Australia’s best-known cultural tour leaders, with over fifteen years’ experience leading tours to Europe, North America, Australasia and Japan.

Kathleen is particularly known for her expertise in Italy and she holds a PhD in Italian Studies from the University of Sydney. Kathleen lived and studied in Italy for a number of years and speaks fluent Italian. She has designed and led over 70 successful tours, and is known for her engaging and attentive leadership of a group.

Highlights

  • Appreciate the diverse heritage of north-western Italy, from the Romans in Aosta to medieval frescoes in extraordinary castles

  • Survey superlative collections of art and antiquities in Turin, including the Egyptian Museum and the Savoy dynasty’s encyclopedic collections

  • Explore beautiful landscapes, from wine tastings in Piedmont’s hills to the colourful villages of the Riviera

  • Discover Genoa, a less-visited and vibrant city, with its well-preserved medieval and baroque districts

  • Enjoy the light of the French Riviera, the landscape of mountains and sea that inspired Matisse, Chagall and other modern masters

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