Full-day private Italian Riviera tour from Nice: Dolce Acqua, Isolabona, Menton

The tour starts with a trip up into the Italian hills to admire the views, mountains and beautiful old villages. The first village you will visit is called Dolce Acqua which is located on a slope next to a small river that passes through the village. It's the real Italy away from the crowds of tourists on the coast and it still retains a rural feel. The village is filled with conversation and Italian-style outbursts, where young and old meet in the squares and in the maze of narrow streets. It's good to stop for a real espresso (own expense) and watch the world go by. The rich and turbulent history of the village becomes apparent when you see the huge ruined castle which overlooks the old village and church. On the last Sunday of the month there is a market selling local organic produce. Beekeepers, olive oil-producers, market gardeners, farmers and wine growers come to sell their traditional produce.

You will then continue a little further up to another small mountain village called Isolabona. A village situated between the Val Nervia's Dolceacqua and Pigna. The narrow streets connect the two main squares, called the Small Square and Piazza Grande. The first is an octagonal fountain of 1486, while the second overlooks the oratory and the parish church. The famous "Festival of Harps" gathers every summer a large number of fans.

Next stop is a visit to Mr. Cassinis who produces olive oil. The family Cassini show and tell and you will taste and learn from the family's experience and knowledge. You can buy some of their products to take some Italian flavors home.

The last stop of the tour is in Menton, called the capital of citrus fruits. This village is on hill with many colorful houses. You will have time to stroll around the pedestrian streets and try one of the citrus cakes if you wish (own expense). You can also go for a nice walk on the promenade and enjoy the beach and maybe go for a swim before heading back to Nice.