Genoa, Portofino & Cinque Terre

WELCOME TO GENOA

Welcome to ‘The Vertical City!’

Benvenuta! Welcome to Venice!

There will be a group transfer from either the Genoa Airport or the train station at 12:00 noon (for those continuing on with us from the preceding trip to Venice, Verona and Lake Garda).

For flight arrivals outside of this time frame (including delayed and missed flights), a €50 supplement will apply or can arrange transportation at your own expense.

Enjoy the afternoon to rest, unpack, or explore the nearby streets from our hotel in the city center.

Our local hosts and tour leaders, Roberta and Daniela, will welcome us with an evening aperitif, followed by a delightful dinner featuring Genoese specialties at a nearby restaurant.

Included: Airport Transfer, Aperitif, Welcome Dinner

GETTING TO KNOW GENOA & GOLD LEAF GILDING

On our first morning, we will be guided on a walking tour through the delightful confusion of winding alleys and medieval streets of this historic port town, exploring secret spots and the rich traditions of art and architecture, visiting old shops, historic palaces and churches along the way.

For lunch, we’ll indulge in the Genoese staple, Farinata, when we stop to dine on authentic, Liguarian cuisine at Sa’ Pesta, the oldest ‘osteria’ in the city.

The afternoon will be spent in the only remaining Gold Leaf Laboratory in existence in Genoa where Master craftsman, Pozzo Marco, will share his family expertise in the delicate art of gold leaf gilding and lead us through a workshop to create our own gold picture frames to take home!

The rest of the day will be yours to roam, relax, and discover the endless possibilities for a scrumptious evening meal.

Included: Breakfast, Walking Tour, Lunch, Gilding Workshop

THE FLAVORS, HISTORY & VERTICAL LANDSCAPE OF GENOA

Ahhh! This morning, we’ll find ourselves in a quieter part of town, high atop a hill, to admire the city from above. By way of the funicular, a fixed railway cable car, we’ll reach the charming, peaceful neighborhood, Castelletto.

We will be guided through the Antica Farmacia Sant’Anna, an ancient pharmacy and herbal dispensary. Here, we will meet Frate Ezio, the Friar, and learn about the plant-based remedies produced at the pharmacy dating back to the 16th century.

A quick walk will bring us to the Spianata Castelletto to take in the breathtaking, panoramic views of the sea. From here, we’ll experience another exciting mode of transport and descend down to the city center using a liberty-style lift.

Next, we’ll enjoy an incredible cooking class where we’ll learn to make authentic Genovese pesto, using a traditional marble mortar and pestle. We'll savor the pesto together with focaccia and a glass of local wine.

After a lovely lunch, the rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore Genoa at your own pace, relax, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. You can visit the nearby Palazzos, do a little shopping, savor fresh gelato, or simply enjoy the seaside air.

Included: Breakfast, Tour, Pesto Class + Glass of Wine, Lunch

GULF OF PARADISE

Destined for Sori, one of the smallest villages of the Golfo Paradiso, we’ll leave Genoa after breakfast.

In Sori, we’ll visit the Baroque Church of Santa Margherita and the oratory before Roberta brings us to her family home in the hills where her “Nonna Tina” will teach us how to prepare fresh pasta, identify different herbs, and combine both to make flavorful, stuffed pansotti. We’ll enjoy lunch together al fresco in their beautiful garden.

Fueled by our lunch of handmade pasta, we’ll then make our way to our hotel for the next few nights in Rapallo.

After check-in, we’ll stroll along Lungomare Vittoria Veneto, a palm-lined promenade overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio. It’s dotted with cafes, gelaterias, shops and a charming marina. A must-see is the Castle on the Sea (Castello Sul Mare). A 16th century fortress built to defend against pirates. The perfect spot for a photo and a glimpse into the town’s past.

We’ll then explore the Centro Storico with its narrow alleys, colorful buildings, boutique shops and artisan stores leading to Piazza Cavour and the beautiful Basilica of Saint Gervasius and Protasius.

For a relaxing break, visit the elegant Chiosco Della Musica or unwind in the greenery of Parco Cassale.

Included: Breakfast, Pasta Class/Lunch, Aperitif

ALL ABOARD! EXPLORING PORTOFINO & THE BAY BY BOAT

After breakfast, we’ll jump aboard a local train bound for the Golfo Paradiso, disembarking in the colorful fishing town of Camogli.

We’ll stroll along the promenade of this stunning setting along the Italian Riviera, admiring the unique houses and crystal bay waters, stopping for a cappuccino before we reach the harbor.

We’ll board a boat setting out for the cove of San Fruttuoso, taking our time to enjoy a slow, local lunch and an optional dip in the bay before arriving at our next stop - Portofino! From the boat, we’ll have incredible views of the Portofino Promontory stretching into the Ligurian Sea.

After docking in Portofino, we’ll explore the Piazzetta, the San Giorgio Church followed by free time to squeeze in a little shopping or for further exploration of the area.

We’ll return to Rapalloi where the rest of the night is yours to continue discovering all the city has to offer.

Included: Breakfast, Train Ticket, Boat Tour, Lunch

CINQUE TERRE

This morning, we will explore the iconic, isolated seaside villages of Cinque Terre! We’ll begin with a scenic train ride to Monterosso where we’ll walk the tangled, carless streets of this lovely village followed by Vernazza, and Manarola.

We’ll soak in the views of beautiful beaches, bustling centers, jagged cliffs, and colorful homes.

We’ll experience a local bus ride up to Volastra to view the spectacular panorama from on high and enjoy a wine tasting in the vineyards.

After lunch, we will make our way back to our hotel in lovely Rapallo to enjoy some relaxation time. Dinner this evening is on your own.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch ,Wine Tasting

SARZANA, OLIVE OIL TASTING & EXCLUSIVE VISIT TO FOSDINOVO CASTLE

Get ready for a day rich in history, flavors and stunning landscapes on this unique tour. Our day begins in Sarzana, a charming medieval town known for its well-preserved historic center, ancient fortifications and lively atmosphere. Stroll through its picturesque streets where you’ll discover local artisan shops and an assortment of cultural treasures.

Next we head into the rolling hills to visit a family-run olive oil producer, where you’ll learn about traditional oil-making techniques and enjoy a guided tasting of their finest extra virgin olive oils.

Our final stop for the day is the spectacular Fosdinovo Castle, a medieval fortress perched on a hilltop with breathtaking views over the countryside and the sea. After a genuinely captivating tour through the castle, we’ll conclude our experience at an actual banquet table indulging in an exclusive aperitif and savoring some local delicacies in a truly magical setting.

We’ll return to Rapallo for a wonderful farewell dinner and delight in each other’s company for our final evening together.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We’ll enjoy our last meal together and transfer as a group to the airport in Genoa. We will reach the airport by 11:00 AM when we will say “Arrivederci.”

Breakfast, Minibus to airport in Genoa