A grown‑up family, booking their third trip with me, were looking for a late‑summer escape that blended atmosphere, a touch of nightlife and the kind of elegant, characterful hotels they love.

I designed a bespoke journey combining lakeside France, a classic Italian city and the Ligurian coast, all without the stress of driving. It began with British Airways flights from London Heathrow to Geneva and a private SUV transfer straight to their hotel in Aix‑les‑Bains, where three nights in a charming lakeside property gave them a relaxed base with easy access to the water, local restaurants and evening bars.

From there, I arranged a seamless rail journey via Chambéry into Italy, arriving in Turin for a two‑night stay. Set right in the heart of the city, it gave them grand piazzas, café culture and a choice of aperitivo spots on the doorstep, ideal for making the most of Turin after dark.

Next, they continued by train down to the Ligurian coast, travelling on to Santa Margherita Ligure and nearby Portofino. I split their six nights between a chic boutique hideaway close to Portofino and the iconic Imperiale Palace Hotel, both on a bed and breakfast basis, so they could enjoy a mix of contemporary style and classic Riviera glamour, with sophisticated bars, restaurants and late‑evening strolls by the water all within easy reach.

To round off the trip, I coordinated rail back to Milan and out to Malpensa Airport for their British Airways flight home to London Heathrow, with timings planned so that each connection felt smooth and unhurried.

With flights, private transfers, multiple rail journeys and carefully chosen hotels that matched their style all tied together, this itinerary gave them a refined France‑and‑Italy adventure with plenty of grown‑up atmosphere, and none of the planning to worry about.

Price guide on request, based on four adults departing London Heathrow, including flights, accommodation, transfers and rail travel.