Liguria is a land that surprises at every step – a mosaic of fishing villages, coastal landscapes, and historic landmarks that tell centuries of Mediterranean culture. This exclusive itinerary takes you through some of the region’s most iconic and fascinating locations – Genoa, the Tigullio Gulf, the Cinque Terre, Portovenere, and Lerici – blending world-renowned destinations with hidden gems that preserve the authentic soul of this territory.
The region is home to numerous “Places of the Heart” selected by the FAI (Italian National Trust) for their extraordinary beauty, historical and cultural significance, and their ability to keep local traditions alive. From the charm of Genoa’s narrow alleyways, once the city of merchants and sailors, to the elegant atmosphere of the Gulf of Tigullio, from the colorful, UNESCO-listed villages of the Cinque Terre to the timeless poetry of Portovenere and Lerici, each stop is an encounter with history, nature, and emotion.
This tour is designed for those who want to discover the most authentic side of Liguria, far from mass tourism, through curated experiences that blend culture, gastronomy, and relaxation. You will stroll through medieval villages, visit historic villas and panoramic gardens, admire breathtaking coastal views framed by vineyards and olive groves, and immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes that have captivated travelers for centuries.
A journey that combines discovery and inspiration, ideal for anyone wishing to experience the true essence of Italian beauty, exploring places carefully protected and celebrated, and turning a stay in Liguria into an unforgettable memory.
The group arrives in Genoa at 13:40. Transfer from the airport to the city center for a guided visit of Castello d’Albertis, which overlooks Genoa and the port. The castle is unique for its eclectic architecture, featuring exotic, neo-Gothic, and Hispano-Moorish elements. At the end of the visit, transfer to a hotel in central Genoa. Dinner at a traditional restaurant and overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out and a meeting with the guide for a walking tour of Genoa’s city center, the largest medieval center in Europe.
On foot, through the narrow alleys of the city — the so-called “carrugi” — fascinating stories will reveal the official history, illuminated by subtle details, forgotten anecdotes, curiosities, myths, and legends, showcasing the charm and beauty of this splendid city.
The tour includes stops at:
Piazza De Ferrari
Palazzo Ducale
Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Antica Barberia, located in the heart of the city, a charming establishment evoking the Belle Époque with its refined and atmospheric décor.
In the afternoon, enjoy a stroll through the picturesque village of Boccadasse, a historic fishing village not far from the city center and a popular meeting spot for locals. This romantic urban beach is surrounded by typical colorful houses, small squares, and alleys, with boats lined up on the shore — a peaceful oasis in one of Genoa’s most beautiful settings.
At the end of the tour, transfer to the hotel in Genoa. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay. Lunch is free during the day.
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a meeting with your guide and a transfer to Santa Margherita Ligure. Explore this elegant seaside town, famous for its refined palaces, stylish shops, the port, scenic promenade, and the 16th-century castle, originally built for defense. Next, take a public boat to Portofino for a guided tour of the iconic fishing village. Visit the main square, surrounded by traditional houses, restaurants, and luxury shops, all framed by the greenery of Portofino Park and overlooked by Castello Brown. Return by boat to Santa Margherita Ligure and transfer by coach back to Genoa. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and overnight stay. Lunch is free during the day.
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a meeting with your guide and transfer to Camogli. From there, take a public boat to San Fruttuoso and visit the famous Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, a historic place of worship nestled along Liguria’s scenic, rugged coastline. This Benedictine monastery, dating back to the year 1000, is a true gem set in a peaceful oasis surrounded by sea and mountains. Over the centuries, it has served many purposes — from a pirate hideout to a fishing village — and was donated to the FAI in 1983. Return by boat to Camogli to explore this charming Ligurian town, with its small harbor, characteristic alleyways (creuze), and authentic historic center, where visitors can soak in the local atmosphere and sample regional specialties at the many local eateries. At the end of the visit, transfer back to Genoa by coach, followed by dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out and a brief stop in Sestri Levante for a guided tour of this historic town. Explore its rich heritage, including religious buildings and civic palaces that tell the story of its glorious past. The oldest building in the town is the Church of San Nicolò dell’Isola, originally Romanesque and later transformed into Baroque style in the 15th century. Its exterior façade was rebuilt in the 1400s, while the interior, divided into three naves, features Gothic architecture. Visit the enchanting Baia del Silenzio, a magical bay surrounded by typical colorful houses. The bay owes its name to the Sestri poet Descalzo, who coined the term in 1919, inspired by the quiet and serene atmosphere that still makes this place feel timeless. Continue to Portovenere, a stunning village whose unique landscape makes it one of the most beautiful locations on Italy’s western Riviera. Visit the famous Church of San Pietro, perched dramatically on the rocky promontory at the edge of the town. The church was built over the remains of an ancient pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Venere Ericina, who, according to tradition, was born from the foam of the sea at this promontory. Admire the Baia delle Grazie, the colorful terraced houses, the marina, and the beach establishments. The cliffs and hidden sea caves, including the Grotta di Byron where the English poet sought inspiration, add to the charm of Portovenere, making it one of Italy’s most famous coastal destinations. Transfer to Lerici, with its famous polygonal castle, a historic fortification that has hosted numerous cultural exchanges and exhibitions. At the end of the day, transfer to a hotel in the La Spezia area. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay. Lunch is free during the day.
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a meeting with the guide for a guided tour of the Cinque Terre, a group of five villages perched between sea and land, clinging to cliffs above the water and surrounded by lush hills. This magnificent and unspoiled territory not only amazes with its abundance of churches and sanctuaries but also with the human-made landscapes: terraced vineyards producing excellent DOC wines, such as Schiacchetrà, and olive groves. The tour of the villages includes train and boat transfers. Visit Monterosso, the most popular village thanks to its wide sandy beach. Optionally, visit the Capuchin Convent, a place of faith, history, and culture, accessible via a long and challenging staircase suitable for experienced walkers. Explore Monterosso’s old town, separated from the modern resort area by the Aurora Tower, featuring the ruins of a medieval castle and the Church of San Francesco. Continue to Vernazza and Manarola, perched on a steep promontory of dark rock, with Manarola’s small harbor nestled between two rocky spurs. Transfer to the hotel, followed by dinner and overnight stay. Lunch is free during the day.
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out, and departure.
This itinerary is designed for groups with a minimum of 20 participants, but it can also be adapted for smaller groups or arranged as private individual services.
