The Green Pass: a passport to safe team-building

The Green Pass for Covid safety offers the best opportunity back to safe, effective and productive team-building in 2022.

Companies have been badly affected by the lack of staff interaction. It has been necessary to isolate employees during this pandemic, and home-working has had myriad benefits for family life and work-life balance. But the genuine need for colleagues to build trust and rapport has paid a price. Here's where the Green Pass offers a way forward.

A Green Pass certificate, which comes in digital or paper versions, shows that people have been vaccinated, tested negative or recovered from Covid-19. EU Member States' passes are mutually recognised, and even non-EU states such as the UK, US and Israel now have mutual recognition arrangements to ensure their citizens' passes are widely accepted.

Each country decides the rules for Green Pass use. In Italy for example, almost all indoor food and entertainment venues must ask clients to show their passes. People just having a coffee in a cafe or bar, however, are exempt. In Monaco, simply arriving in the principality (by sea, rail, road or helicopter) requires showing a pass. In France, long-distance train journeys require a pass, but regional and commuter trains do not.

Requiring Green Passes should not be seen as a burden or hinderance, but rather as a passport to freedom, particularly for travellers and for companies wanting to reunite and reward their staff with a corporate retreat in 2022. Green Pass retreats offer managers the confidence to book retreats knowing that they are being responsible and are doing all they reasonably can do to keep their staff safe and motivated.

Here at Riviera Route, we ask all retreat participants to have Green Passes. All our staff and contractors must have them too. This is not simply about safety - it is also corporate responsibility, both for us and our staff, and for our clients and partners.

We will work with partners to make sure all precautions are taken on your trip. Rapid lateral-flow covid tests can be provided to keep track of the health of all participants, before and during your retreat. The normal precautions - masks where appropriate, social distance and hygiene, still apply. Above all, the Riviera's dry, sunny climate is perfect for scheduling outdoor activities, to help your team re-connect with each other safely.

We're looking forward to welcoming clients, old and new, back to the sunny Riviera in 2022. The Green Pass is a passport back to meaningful connections, for all of us.

Thinking of your next retreat? Choose the Riviera as your next destination.

Five Essential Hilltop Towns of the Riviera for Outdoor Lovers

The Riviera has long been one of Europe's most important transport routes, allowing traders, travellers and soldiers through the narrow coastal passes between the Mediterranean and the Alps. People who love the outdoors are spoilt for choice when it comes to commanding views of the sea and the mountains. Whether you hike or drive, here is Riviera Route's selection of five stunning towns that you must not miss during your next visit to the Riviera.

Èze

Èze

Èze is like an eagle's nest, perched on a steep column of rock over 400 metres above the sea and the Cape Ferrat (Cap Ferrat), close to the city of Nice. Its strategic position has been prized for millennia. Long before the ancient Romans came, the Phoenicians had a fortress temple here dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis (from whence the name Èze is derived). The beautiful medieval village is still wrapped around the ruins of the castle, where today you will a cactus garden (Jardin Exotique) and several viewpoints over the Côte d’Azur.

Hike to the Parc Départamental de la Grande Corniche for stunning views

Go further: Head to the Parc Départemental Grande Corniche for stunning views of both the French and Italian sides of the Riviera. There’s a well-signed hiking trail (646) starting from Avenue de la Marne (the bridge before Fragonnard). You can also drive there by following the signs to the Col d’Èze, from the main bus stop.

The "Chateau" dominating Roquebrune

Roquebrune

Similar to Èze, but less touristy, is Roquebrune, just east of Monaco. Today, Roquebrune extends down to the coast and Cap Martin, and is home to many luxurious villas. But in the middle of this garden of swimming pools, palm trees and winding corniche roads lies the kernel, the old medieval fortress of Roquebrune. It was a stronghold of the Grimaldi family who still rule Monaco to this day. The fortress is surrounded by a warren of stone buildings, which today house restaurants and cute shops. Roquebrune fort is the peaceful medieval heart of one of France's most wealthy districts.

Go further: Climb down towards the sea to find one of the Riviera’s loveliest seaside trails - the Sentier des Douaniers. There are several old paths (“chemins”) leading from the medieval village down to the Basse Corniche. From the start of Avenue Villarem, the Sentier Massolin takes you straight to the Sentier des Douaniers, precisely where Le Corbusier’s beach hut is located. From there you can go east to explore the rest of Cap Martin or head west to Monaco to enjoy a refreshing cocktail.

The Principality of Seborga, with its flag

Seborga

Across the French-Italian border is the Principality of Seborga. You haven't heard of this micro-state? Well, its light-hearted claim to be a sovereign principality, though with some historical basis, is not taken too seriously, and realistically mostly serves to draw visitors' attention to this little hamlet. Not that Seborga needs a gimmick; it is a wonderful example of the region's medieval fortress town architecture, and it enjoys commanding views of Monaco and the Italian resort town of Bordighera. There is some evidence that the town was ruled by the medieval order of the Knights Templar. Today, it is a peaceful, quiet town surrounded by olive groves, flower cultivation and sea breezes.

Go further: There is a scenic hiking trail which starts on the side of the cemetery - follow the signs to Passo del Ronco. You can do a short round walk to find beautiful pine forests and commanding views over the sea.

Dolceacqua and the castle that inspired Monet.

Dolceacqua

The castle of the powerful Genoese Doria family dominates Dolceacqua. A single-arch stone bridge beneath the castle has become a distinctive symbol of this town. It was painted by the French impressionist Claude Monet, who called Dolceacqua "a jewel of lightness". Today most buildings here are painted in the traditional bright hues of Ligurian towns. It is the centre of a certified Italian wine region (a DOC), producing rossese, a classic light red.

Go further: Drive along the scenic “Wine Road” of the Rossese vineyards along the Strada Provinciale (SP) 70. From Dolceacqua, take the SP68 in the direction of Rochetta Nervia. After 3km you will find signs to the “Gouta / Camporosso”. The road skirts the mountains surrounding Dolceacqua, offering stunning views and a handful of excellent wineries along the way.

Castellaro

Castellaro

Castellaro is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Sanremo coast. It is the sort of laid-back Italian village where children still play football in the squares, and older people pass the hours chatting under the shade of a tree. Castellaro is most definitely not on the tourist map, and we like it that way. It enjoys views to the sea - sometimes the island of Corsica is visible in the distance - and the town also overlooks Taggia, an old city that is home to the art-rich Monastery of San Domenico, with its exquisite Renaissance paintings.

Castellaro is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the coast

Go further: Nordic Walkers will be pleased to hear Castellaro boasts an accredited Nordic Walking Park, a mostly flat trail designed for fans of this discipline. The starting point is the Santuario di Lampedusa (Trail 707). The 7-kilometre trail skirts around the mountains into the Valley Argentina, offering wonderful views. The trail is designated ‘blue’ (easy).

Thinking of your next retreat? Choose the Riviera as your next destination.

Photos: Scorcio.it

Ten reasons to love Sanremo

The city of Sanremo is the unofficial capital of the Western Italian Riviera. Italians associate it with fun, music and beach holidays. Everywhere in Italy, people smile when they hear you live in Sanremo, and tell you how lucky you are. But what makes it so special? Here are Riviera Route's top ten reasons to love Sanremo.

The Weather

The Maritime Alps shield this coast from the clouds and winds of European winters. It is therefore one of the sunniest spots of the Mediterranean, with mild and pleasant weather year round. In summer, it tends to escape the sweltering heatwaves that affect other parts of Italy. Sanremo's climate is just right.

The Sea

Sanremo is truly a seaside resort town. Its gracious palm-lined Promenade, stretching from the beautiful Russian Church to the luxurious 5-star Miramare The Palace Hotel, runs parallel to the sea. Sanremo is dotted with pretty pebble beaches, and nearby is the long sandy beach of Arma di Taggia. Out to sea, mega-yachts and humble sailing boats all enjoy the views, and quite often you can spot dolphins and even whales playing in this official sea sanctuary. The Sanremo coastline is dotted with villas, gelaterie, hotels, restaurants and swimming pools - both public and private.

The Size

Sanremo has just 55,000 people, but is the commercial and cultural capital for the whole province of over 200,000 people - and it swells in summer with holiday-makers and visitors, especially from the nearby French Côte d'Azur. Sanremo is small enough to be a safe, stress-free, human-scaled city, but large enough to offer everything from fine dining, world-class shopping, and hotels for every budget.

The Cycle Path

Originally planned in the 19th Century, the Riviera's railway line was built to hug the coastline. Since then, the main railway line was moved underground and the old line was converted into a traffic-free cycle path, with over 24 kms of almost uninterrupted sea views. It is lined with palm trees, gardens and beachside cafés, and it buzzes with rollerbladers, cyclists, walkers and joggers all enjoying this car-free seaside road. There are countless places to rent a bike in Central Sanremo, making the city a perfect destination for cyclists of all levels.

The Gardens

Sanremo is famous for its lush, beautiful gardens. Many used to be part of aristocratic Villas which have since been open to the public. Thanks to the city's unique mild weather, you will find sub-tropical and exotic species that are not commonly seen in Europe.

The Old Town

Sanremo became a major tourist destination in the late 19th Century, but the city actually dates back to the Middle Ages. Evidence of this is easy to see in the Old Town, or la Pigna, as locals call it. Lose yourself in this rabbit-warren of streets and alleyways to experience an authentic Medieval town.

The Culture

There's always something going on in Sanremo. A vibrant Carnival parade brightens up winter, and is followed closely by the official Festival of Italian Song, the Sanremo Festival which each year chooses Italy's Eurovision entrant. The Milan-Sanremo cycle race is one of world's most important, and each year top athletes dash to the finish line along the historic Via Aurelia. Throughout the year, but particularly in the summertime, Sanremo offers an endless choice of concerts, performances and exhibitions of all kinds.

The Casino

Sanremo's Casino is one of only five in the whole of Italy, and the country's oldest after Venice's. It's an elegant, imposing building that has provided thrills and excitement to the city's visitors since 1905. Stepping into its palatial rooms and trying your luck is simply a must-do experience!

The Food

Sanremo Market is a treasure-trove of locally-produced food, whether the celebrated taggiasca extra-virgin olive oil, delicious sweets and delicacies, or the finest Mediterranean vegetables and fruits, much of it grown organically. Sanremo has some amazing restaurants for every budget, and seafood is definitely king here. Enjoy fried-calamari, caught and served on the same day. And have we mentioned the Baci di Sanremo yet? No visit would be complete without trying the totally indulgent chocolate macaroon that is the city's pride.

The Shopping

Enjoy a little retail therapy? This is the place for you. Central Sanremo is full of independent boutiques, jewellers, perfumeries and hundreds of specialist shops proudly embracing the "Made in Italy" brand. And just outside the city, a short shuttle ride away, lies the Mall Sanremo, the largest and best Outlet shopping centre on the Riviera with just about every Italian luxury brand you can think of, from Gucci to Dolce & Gabbana, and from Bottega Veneta to Versace... at discount prices!

Come visit Sanremo for yourself and fall in love with it, like we did!

Thinking of your next retreat? Choose the Riviera as your next destination.

Photos: Scorcio.it