turin, genoa & the french riviera
april 2027
Dr Kathleen Olive
Discover outstanding art and architecture in Italy and southern France, including the hidden gems of Turin and Genoa, the wine country of Barolo 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 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 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 of modern art 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, academic and engaging art educator 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 Western Europe, North America, Australasia and Japan. She is particularly known for her expertise in Italy, and holds a PhD in Italian Studies from the University of Sydney.
Kathleen lived and studied in Italy for a number of years, speaks fluent Italian and is a director of Limelight Arts Travel. Tour participants frequently praise her engaging and attentive leadership of a group.
“Kathleen was a knowledgeable and generous tour leader” – Barbara M, Exploring Medieval Burgundy, May 2025
highlights
Appreciate the diverse heritage of north-western Italy, from the Romans in Turin 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
Questions?
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