Liguria is a magical land, where the blue of the sea meets with the bright colors of its small villages that face smiling and proud on the coast. Our challenge was to make a group of English tourists who decided to take part in a magical adventure at the end of May live the experience of a trip to Liguria, which goes beyond a simple tour.
We did not want it to be the usual organized trip for large groups but we wanted to succeed in a few days to transfer the habits and culture of a region that still offers many surprises and hidden corners to rediscover.
The departure of the group
Each participant left from the airport that he considered more convenient and close to his residence and, arrived in the Italian city of destination, had a private transfer ready to wait for him, to start his beautiful holiday of 8 days.
The group’s stay was organized in Rapallo, a famous tourist city on the Gulf of Tigullio, so the transfers from the various airports, punctually arranged according to the arrival times of the various flights, were all collected in the same structure.
Two expert and professional guides were ready to welcome the English tourists who, for their convenience, were divided into two groups of 25 participants each.
The start of the tour
Nothing was left to chance and the schedule was worthy of one of the best tourism organizations. When it comes to meeting the needs of such large groups, every detail must be pre-arranged and every moment of the day marked by a precise programme, but with free moments during the day to avoid too tight rhythms.
Nulla è stato lasciato al caso e il programma era degno di una delle migliori organizzazioni turistiche. Quando si tratta di soddisfare le esigenze di gruppi così grandi, ogni dettaglio deve essere predisposto e ogni momento della giornata deve essere segnato da un programma preciso, ma con momenti liberi durante la giornata per evitare ritmi troppo stretti.
The sea of Ligurian fishermen
One of the most suggestive Ligurian experiences of the whole trip was to be able to touch closely the days of life of local fishermen.
On board a ferry entirely rented for the exclusive use of the group, the English tourists were spectators of the wonderful spectacle that are the Cinque Terre, whose views from the sea were even more splendid.On board a ferry entirely rented for the exclusive use of the group, the English tourists were spectators of the wonderful spectacle that are the Cinque Terre, whose views from the sea were even more splendid.
The guides, at the microphones, have told the particularities of each of the lands become famous all over the world: Monterosso al mare, Vernazza, Corniglio, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
For each of these villages they have illustrated their beauty, their morphological conformation and their history. Listening to the narratives of these guides so engaging while you could see with your own eyes the locations subject of the stories, made the group experience unique and unrepeatable emotions.
Visiting the Cinque Terre means to be captivated by its ancient villages, whose colorful houses are reflected in the clear waters of the Ligurian sea, while in the terraces obtained from the coast the olive trees and vines rise with all their power. A panorama that the British have kept in their minds and hearts until they return home. The tours to the Cinque Terre are an absolute source of pride for Liguria, and we organize several.
We always try to propose new and unique itineraries, starting from the most classic ones, dedicating some of them to the most sporty or organizing specific events in historical occasions for our as in the case of these English guests is completely customizable according to your needs.
Guided tours
Also thanks to the support and valuable help of experienced guides, tourists were able to enjoy the two stops that were organized for them during the boat trip.
The first one in Vernazza, which can be reached from its pretty little harbour, which is protected by houses all in pastel colours. In this village, although small, there are several monuments to visit, from the Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia to the Doria Castle, not to mention the Tower of the Convent of the Reformed Fathers of San Francesco.
The second stop was in Monterosso, where you could admire the imposing castle that seems to stand overlooking the sea and where is the largest of all the beaches of the Cinque Terre. The Church of San Giovanni Battista has, then, fascinated several visitors.
Finally, meeting everyone for lunch in the idyllic setting of Porto Venere was one of the most appreciated moments by northern vacationers. Obviously lunch based on fresh fish and specialties strictly Liguria. A joy for all palates, even for the most demanding.
The return took place in the late afternoon at the port of Camogli.