Liguria - the charm of a world that has remained at its origins, and that has miraculously reached the present. There is certainly no risk of getting bored. A different, fun, and surprising vacation. A vacation that has just about everything. Why not take a trip by bike? Italy's longest bike path stretching between San Lorenzo al Mare and Ospedaletti (just a stone's throw from Bordighera on your way to Sanremo) is without a doubt a wonderful attraction. The old railway line was converted to make way for the bike path with a lane for pedestrians (or by foot, since we're not in a hurry, right?) The old railway stations were being converted into bars, restaurants and value for money hotels for backpackers. A bike hire facility by the path ensures that the whole family can enjoy it - bikes equipped with baby seats are available - all that for an affordable price.

The area is small and you can get around quite rapidly. Aren't we at the sea? Just turn your back to the shores and look upward and the scenery changes. The spectacular railway line that links Ventimiglia and Limone offers the traveller a landscape that winds attractively through a succession of meadows, pine forests, gorges and rivers that frame the enchanting villages set among the mountains. The extremely panoramic line can be used for special trips. Mountain bike enthusiasts can also load their bikes onto the train.

This Nice-Breil-Tende-Cuneo (Italians jump on the train in Ventimiglia or Bordighera) railway line follows the Roya valley to cross the Alps into Italy. There are many viaducts and even more tunnels, with wild mountain-and-valley scenery. There are a lot of lovely mountain villages along the line, along with great places for hiking. During the winter, this train is a great solution to trips to the mountains, for skiing or just visiting, without the problems of driving on icy roads. In the upper Roya Valley near Tende, the train actually makes a couple of full 360-degree loops while in tunnels. Even with the many tunnels, enough spectacular sights remain to make the trip a memorable event. The valleys, villages, mountains, streams and wild nature are far beyond what most city dwellers have even dreamed of. The Nice-Cuneo train is now called the Train des Merveilles, with a more touristique image for attracting visitors to the Roya valley and the region of Tende, with hikes and guided trips into the Mercantour Park and the famous Vallée des Merveilles with the prehistoric rock engravings.

Isn't it amazing that the area offers all ages the dual advantage of physical exercise and personal well-being, especially if, at the same time as getting one's own organic 'machine', made of bones, muscles and tendons, into shape, one can also enrich one's soul and thoughts. Discovering, observing, taking in landscapes and essential details to develop one's own emotional sensibility. It wasn't just by coincidence that the great works of the creative human mind have always taken inspiration from great natural settings.

In this area with its varied climate, the colours, perfumes and flavours are summed up in its cooking: natural, simple and delicious - a sign of ancient culture that reflects the character of the people and the hardness of the land. Pride and joy of cooking with great fantasy, richness and variety of raw materials AND being together with friends and family.

Liguria can be enjoyed all year round. In spring and autumn you can rely on excellent weather without the crush of tourists. So, if you are looking for an untouristy destination just about an hour away from Nizza to more than match the Med in price and prettiness, Liguria is the answer. To find out more visit the Riviera dei Fiori website or contact VivaDolceVita on +39 333 932 6627.

Lead image Maurizio Boi on Flickr | Images 2 and 4 © Saverio Chiappalone