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Long lunches, late dinners.
Spain eats on its own clock: a slow lunch at three, pintxos at eight, dinner at ten. Every region keeps its own kitchen, and each one is… Explore Spain
Monaco · Menton · Bordighera · Antibes · Nice May 23–30, 2027
European journeys are priced and payable in Euros (€), the local currency of the destinations we explore.
There are places in the world that capture your imagination. Then some places capture your heart.
Join us for an extraordinary culinary journey through the sun-drenched coastlines of the French Riviera and Italy’s enchanting Riviera del Fiori, where breathtaking Mediterranean landscapes, world-renowned cuisine, charming medieval villages, hidden artisan experiences and unforgettable hospitality come together in one immersive adventure.
This is far more than a sightseeing tour. It’s an invitation to experience the Riviera through the eyes of Chef Nico Abello, whose childhood memories, lifelong friendships and deep culinary roots are woven throughout this remarkable region. Together with Chef Richard Gruica and The Gourmet Vacation, you’ll venture beyond the glamorous postcards and into the authentic soul of the Riviera, meeting the artisans, vintners, bakers, perfumers, farmers and chefs who make this corner of Europe one of the world’s most captivating culinary destinations.
Over eight unforgettable days, you’ll dine in Michelin-starred restaurants perched high above the Mediterranean, wander colorful seaside villages and ancient hilltop towns, cruise legendary coastal roads, travel deep into the Maritime Alps aboard one of Europe’s most scenic railways, create your own signature perfume in Grasse, bake alongside a master French baker, sip wines in family-owned vineyards and feast beneath centuries-old olive trees.
Come hungry. Leave inspired. Return home with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships and a deeper appreciation for one of the most beautiful and delicious coastlines in the world.
Table 301 Hospitality · Greenville, South Carolina, United States
Born just outside Paris, Chef Nico Abello is a classically trained French chef whose career has taken him through some of the finest kitchens in France and the United States. He began his culinary journey at just 15 years old and honed his craft under renowned Michelin-starred chefs, including Gérard Vié, Pierre Gagnaire and Daniel Boulud.
8 days, Monaco · Menton · Bordighera · Antibes · Nice. Itineraries may adjust slightly for seasons and openings.
Your journey begins in the enchanting seaside village of Villefranche-sur-Mer, tucked between Nice and Monaco: pastel facades, winding medieval streets and one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the Mediterranean.
Our home for the next two nights is the Welcome Hotel, an iconic waterfront property welcoming guests since 1710, once host to Jean Cocteau, Pablo Picasso and Winston Churchill. As the sun sets over the harbor, we gather for our Welcome Meet & Greet Cocktail Reception with Chef Nico Abello and Chef Richard Gruica.
Please arrive in Villefranche-sur-Mer no later than Saturday, May 22. Saturday night (and any earlier nights) is not included in the tour package.
A private guided walk begins atop Monaco-Ville, The Rock: the Prince’s Palace, home of the Grimaldi family for more than seven centuries, Saint Nicholas Cathedral and viewpoints over the whole Riviera. We descend to the legendary Port Hercule, stroll the marina and explore part of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.
In the afternoon, car lovers can join us at Prince Rainier III’s Automobile Collection, or explore Monte Carlo and Casino Square at your own pace. Then we climb aboard the open-air NiceCar Experience for a drive along spectacular coastal roads.
We return to Villefranche-sur-Mer for our first dinner together by the harbor.
Leaving the coastline behind, we journey into the Maritime Alps aboard the Train des Merveilles, the “Train of Wonders.” Through nearly 80 tunnels and across bridges and viaducts, palm trees give way to forests, rivers, limestone cliffs and mountain villages suspended in time.
In one of the region’s enchanting mountain villages we enjoy a leisurely countryside lunch of regional specialties and local wines, then ride the train back toward the Mediterranean.
The evening in Villefranche-sur-Mer is yours.
Our morning begins in the hilltop village of Èze, perched high above the Mediterranean. Awaiting us at the summit is lunch at the legendary La Chèvre d’Or, a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant, with a tasting menu overlooking the Côte d’Azur.
We continue to Menton, The Pearl of France, where Chef Nico spent much of his youth. We visit one of Menton’s celebrated citrus estates, then experience the pastel Old Town through Chef Nico’s eyes.
In the afternoon we cross into Italy and check in to the five-star Grand Hotel del Mare Resort & Spa, perched above the Ligurian Sea.
The morning and early afternoon are yours at the resort: sleep in, visit the spa or relax by the pool. This is dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing.
Later we head into the hills to Foresti, a small, family-owned winery, for a tasting of five regional wines paired with artisan cheeses, cured meats and seasonal specialties. From the vineyard we continue to the medieval village of Dolceacqua, whose ancient bridge so captivated Claude Monet.
Our evening concludes with dinner at the Michelin-recommended CASAeBOTTEGA.
Back in France, we begin in Grasse, the Perfume Capital of the World, with a private experience at one of its renowned perfume houses, where you’ll create your own signature perfume under the guidance of expert perfumers.
In the Provençal countryside, a family-owned olive estate dating back to the 16th century welcomes us for a tasting of its award-winning olive oils, then a rustic feast beneath centuries-old olive trees: rotisserie meats, seasonal vegetables and local wines shared family-style.
We continue to Antibes and check in to Hotel & Spa La Villa Port d’Antibes, then gather for sunset cocktails and light bites.
At the heart of today is our dear friend Master Baker Jean-Paul, whose historic bakery has nourished Antibes for generations. In his kitchen, Jean-Paul and Chef Nico guide us through a remarkable bread inspired by Pablo Picasso, who lived and worked in Antibes.
While the dough rises, we wander the Marché Provençal, then discover the legendary Absinthe Bar: absinthe, Chartreuse and your own custom pastis, paired with local cheeses and charcuterie.
After hours, we return to the bakery to bake our creations, and Chef Nico and Jean-Paul prepare dinner together.
After a leisurely breakfast we make our way to Nice and check in for the final evening of our adventure.
The afternoon is yours: lose yourself in the colorful streets of Vieux Nice, browse the markets, or stroll the Promenade des Anglais for one last glass of rosé by the sea.
As the sun sets, we gather for our Farewell Dinner and raise one final toast over the Baie des Anges.
Our Spring Culinary Escape comes to a close. From all of us at The Gourmet Vacation, and especially Chef Nico Abello and Chef Richard Gruica, thank you for sharing this beautiful part of the world with us.
Bon voyage, safe travels and à bientôt.
An iconic waterfront hotel on the harbor, welcoming guests since 1710. The pre-tour night of May 22 is not included.
An elegant five-star sanctuary perched above the Ligurian Sea.
A stylish boutique retreat moments from the Old Town and waterfront.
Reservations, deposits and payments are handled securely through WeTravel.
Reserve on WeTravelFor all of our European journeys, the trip price is listed and payable in Euros (€). All transactions on our end are processed in Euros, as this is the local currency of the destinations we explore.
Pricing is based on double occupancy. A private room is available as an add-on for €1,494. Please contact us to discuss.
Arrive in Villefranche-sur-Mer no later than Saturday, May 22 for the welcome reception. The tour officially begins on Sunday morning, May 23. Saturday night is not included in the tour price.
Yes, we accommodate various dietary preferences and ensure that your culinary experience is tailored to your specific needs. You can specify your preferences when booking the tour.
Luxury accommodations of 4 stars or higher are included on every journey.
Every journey is booked and paid securely through WeTravel. Use the Reserve button on the journey page to hold your place with a deposit.
We highly recommend obtaining insurance for a trip of this nature. It is always better to be covered.
It’s recommended to bring comfortable clothing and footwear for exploring, as well as an open mind and appetite for discovering new flavors and experiences.
