The Ultimate Alps Summer Road Trip:
The Italian Riviera to the French Alps & Milan

We are taking a quick detour to the Italian Riviera to soak up some sun! Head to the beautiful seaside town of Celle Ligure — where locals and tourists from nearby France and Switzerland come for vacation.

The Vibe

Rent beach chairs and an umbrella for a classic Italian beach day. Check local boards and your hotel for summer events, and take a stroll down the Passeggiata Romana (opens in a new tab) (the Roman Promenade). If you need a shopping fix, stop by the Fiumara (opens in a new tab) shopping mall in nearby Genova.

Passeggiata Romana (map, opens in a new tab)

Fiumara, Genova (map, opens in a new tab)

Where to Eat

You will find endless options for gelato, fresh croissants, pastries, and pizza in both Celle Ligure and the Fiumara mall. For something slightly different, grab a bite at Mister Tacos (opens in a new tab).

Where to Stay

Hotel San Michele Celle (opens in a new tab)Commission link. Bonus: This hotel actually has great parking space in the back — an absolute rarity on the Ligurian coast!

If you want to be right on the water, Hotel Marinella (opens in a new tab)Commission link offers pared-back rooms, some with balconies, and its own private beach area.

For a slightly different perspective, Hotel Flora (opens in a new tab)Commission link is a down-to-earth option featuring a fantastic rooftop sundeck with sweeping sea views.

Drive back up into the mountains, crossing the border into France to arrive in Chamonix, sitting at the base of the mighty Mont Blanc.

The Sights

Wander through downtown Chamonix, and visit the Aiguille du Midi (opens in a new tab). Take the famous red cogwheel train up to the Mer de Glace (opens in a new tab) to explore the Grotte de Glace (Ice Cave) (opens in a new tab).

Aiguille du Midi (map, opens in a new tab)

Mer de Glace (map, opens in a new tab)

Grotte de Glace (map, opens in a new tab)

The Epic Hike

Head towards Station La Flégère (opens in a new tab) and take the cable car all the way up to Télésiège de L'Index (opens in a new tab). From there, hike across the rugged alpine terrain to Lac Blanc — where the reflection of Mont Blanc in the water is surreal — and hike back down to the Télésiège de L'Index.

Station La Flégère (map, opens in a new tab)

Télésiège de L'Index (map, opens in a new tab)

Where to Eat

• ✓
  Refuge du Lac Blanc (opens in a new tab): Reward yourself mid-hike with a meal right on the edge of the alpine lake. Ignore the hotel reviews on Google Maps — we were really amazed by the food options at a place that can only be reached by hiking 3 miles!
• ✓
  Annapurna Indian Restaurant (opens in a new tab): A must-try back down in downtown Chamonix for incredible, warming Indian cuisine after a long day on the trails.

Where to Stay

For Chamonix, we highly recommend booking a cozy Home Stay Apartment (opens in a new tab)Commission link on Vrbo to get that authentic French alpine mountain-living feel.

If you prefer a vibrant, modern hotel experience, the RockyPop Chamonix - Les Houches (opens in a new tab)Commission link offers a casual, fun atmosphere with great dining and a convenient ski shuttle.

For a blend of traditional chalet charm and luxury, Auberge du Bois Prin (opens in a new tab)Commission link provides cozy, woodsy quarters alongside a fantastic restaurant and spa.

For your final day, pack your bags and head down out of the mountains to the fashion capital of the world. Important: Start your drive from Chamonix very early to ensure you don't run into the notorious traffic delays at the Mont Blanc Tunnel crossing back into Italy!

Once you arrive in Milan, you can safely park your rental car at Buonaparte Parking | Parcheggio Milano (opens in a new tab).

The Sights

Marvel at the breathtaking architecture of the iconic Duomo di Milano (opens in a new tab), and stroll through the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (opens in a new tab) for some world-class window shopping or quick bites.

Duomo di Milano (map, opens in a new tab)

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (map, opens in a new tab)

Buonaparte Parking (map, opens in a new tab)

Where to Eat in Milan

• ✓
  Motta Milano 1928 (opens in a new tab): Stop here for fantastic pastries and coffee to fuel your sightseeing (pastries and coffee only).
• ✓
  Gino Sorbillo – Pizza Gourmand (opens in a new tab): A legendary spot for premium, authentic pizza in the city center.
• ✓
  Pizza Italia, Bollate (opens in a new tab): Another fantastic pizza option if you are heading slightly out of the city to the north and want to explore a real local pizza experience and skip the touristy places.
• ✓
  L'Angolo del Gelato (opens in a new tab): You can't leave Italy without one last sweet treat. Stop here for fantastic ice cream, cakes, and cookies to take home!

Where to Stay

Phi Hotel Milano (opens in a new tab)Commission link: Check into this highly-rated, comfortable hotel for your final night before catching your flight back home!

If you are seeking a highly elegant stay with excellent facilities, the Radisson Blu Hotel Milan (opens in a new tab)Commission link offers an upscale restaurant, an indoor pool, and a gym.

For a central location with a lively atmosphere, the Milan Marriott Hotel (opens in a new tab)Commission link features stately rooms and a bustling restaurant and bar.