Thursday 5 September 2019 – Marseille to Nice to Cinque Terre (Rapallo)

Our day started in Marseille with a breezy (read: slightly chaotic) drive along the Côte d’Azur to Nice. You’d think after a few days behind the wheel, we’d have mastered the art of French signage and local drivers with a flair for unpredictability—but no, the adventure started early with a few bonus scenic detours.

Once we safely returned our rental car—without so much as a scratch, thank you very much—we had time to soak in the best of Nice Beach. Picture this: deck chairs under crisp white umbrellas, the Mediterranean sparkling, and a cheeky midday drink in hand (it was after midday somewhere). It was the perfect pause before part two of the journey.

We boarded Thello’s train from Nice Ville for the journey to Genova Piazza Principe. Smooth, scenic, and a touch luxurious—exactly what we needed after wrangling French traffic. The train pulled into Genova at 17:05, giving us a short window to stretch and change platforms.

From Genova, we hopped on Trenitalia’s train—less fancy, more functional—departing at 17:29. The views along the Ligurian coast were breathtaking. We arrived in Rapallo just after 6pm.

Dinner was pure Italian joy. Fresh tomatoes, creamy burrata, handmade pasta, and seafood so good. Rapallo instantly charmed us—laid-back, beautiful, and only a stone’s throw from everything.

From beachside bliss in Nice to seaside dining in Rapallo, it was a day that reminded us: the journey is just as rewarding as the destination—especially if it includes wine, water views, and the occasional train scramble.