ITALY BY TRAIN: Liguria

Arrival in Genoa and check-in at the hotel.

Liguria is a gem nestled between the blue of the Ligurian Sea and the gentle terraced hills, famous for its rugged coasts, picturesque villages, and authentic atmosphere. Land of sailors, poets, and merchants, this region tells stories of the sea, culture, and ancient traditions, where every corner invites you to discover flavors, landscapes, and warm hospitality. Green valleys and vineyards blend with small villages and harbors, offering unique panoramas to be enjoyed even on scenic regional trains, such as the spectacular Genoa-La Spezia line, which runs between mountains and sea, offering unforgettable views. Ligurian cuisine is a journey through genuine flavors: crispy Genoese focaccia, fresh pesto made with local basil, trofie with pesto, and dishes based on fresh fish. Aromatic white wines like Pigato and Vermentino, or the full-bodied Rossese, complete a rich and authentic food and wine experience.

Train departure from Genoa to La Spezia (about 1h30). Check-in at the hotel.

Overlooking the Gulf of Poets, La Spezia is much more than just a gateway to the Cinque Terre: it is a lively, authentic city, waiting to be discovered. Its elegant promenade and modern port welcome visitors and sailing ships, while the historic center reveals charming corners, Art Nouveau buildings, and lively squares.

Regular included experience:

Guided tour of the historic center of La Spezia

A walking tour led by a local guide through the characteristic streets of the center, with stops at key landmarks such as Piazza Verdi, the San Giorgio Castle, and the lively commercial port. Discover the city’s maritime history and its transformation from an ancient village into a modern cultural hub.

Suggested experiences:

Visit to the Naval Technical Museum

Explore the history of Italian seafaring in one of the most important museums dedicated to navigation. From models of ancient ships to modern naval technologies, it’s a fascinating journey between tradition and innovation.

A day dedicated to discovering the Cinque Terre, a corner of Liguria where the sea meets timeless villages, spectacular landscapes, and authentic traditions, easily reachable by train.

Suggested train departure: Cinque Terre

Depart by train to explore the Cinque Terre.

The five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are among Liguria’s most iconic destinations, famous for their breathtaking views, cliffside trails, and colorful houses. Here maritime tradition blends with heroic viticulture and a cuisine rich in authentic flavors.

Suggested experiences:

Guided train tour of the Cinque Terre

Enjoy an unforgettable excursion through the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre, easily accessible by train. Accompanied by an expert guide, explore panoramic trails, charming squares, and colorful streets in Monterosso, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, or Manarola, discovering stories, traditions, and hidden corners of these Ligurian gems.

Mini boat cruise along the Cinque Terre coast

Depart from La Spezia’s port for a scenic mini cruise along the Ligurian coast, admiring the colorful villages and cliffside views from the water. Along the way, stop to visit and taste typical specialties in the enchanting villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, or Manarola, in an experience combining nature, culture, and authentic flavors.

Food and wine tour of the Gulf of Poets

Immerse yourself in Ligurian culinary tradition with a guided tour of the small villages of the Gulf of Poets. Visit artisanal producers of cheese, fine wines, and handmade preserves, enjoying an authentic experience to learn about local flavors and culinary secrets, accompanied by stories and anecdotes from the area.

Ligurian cooking class

Join a hands-on workshop to learn how to prepare some of Liguria’s most famous specialties, such as Genoese pesto, chickpea farinata, and testaroli. Under the guidance of a local chef, discover the secrets of traditional recipes and enjoy the fruits of your labor in a convivial and authentic atmosphere.

Nature walk in the Porto Venere Natural Park

Explore the stunning UNESCO-listed Porto Venere Natural Park with an expert guide, walking along trails immersed in Mediterranean scrub and enjoying breathtaking sea views. Visit the picturesque villages of Porto Venere and Tellaro, discover local flora and fauna, and be enchanted by a truly unique landscape.

Train departure from La Spezia to Genoa (about 1h30). Check-in at the hotel.

Genoa, the “Superba,” is a melting pot of history, culture, and maritime life. Its historic center, one of the largest in Europe, winds through the famous caruggi — narrow streets filled with shops, taverns, and markets, where you can breathe the authentic Ligurian atmosphere. The majestic Via Garibaldi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, hosts noble palaces with Renaissance charm. The Porto Antico is the city’s lively heart, with the Aquarium, museums, restaurants, and seaside promenades. Not to be missed is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its striking Gothic and Romanesque contrasts.

Regular included experience:

Guided tour of Genoa’s historic center

Accompanied by an expert guide, explore the authentic heart of Genoa through the famous caruggi, narrow medieval streets that suddenly open onto bright squares and breathtaking views. Walk among noble palaces, ancient oratories, and historic shops, listening to stories that weave together merchants, sailors, doges, and poets in a city that was once among the most powerful Maritime Republics.

A day dedicated to discovering Genoa and its Riviera, combining cultural wonders, authentic flavors, and seaside landscapes, from the historic heart of the city to the picturesque villages of Camogli and Recco.

Suggested experiences:

Visit to the Genoa Aquarium

Enter one of Europe’s largest and most modern aquariums, a spectacular underwater world home to hundreds of marine species from every corner of the globe. From dolphins to penguins, sharks to jellyfish, the Aquarium offers interactive routes, panoramic tanks, and engaging educational activities for both adults and children.

Guided tour of Palazzo Ducale

Discover Genoa’s historic and cultural heart with a guided visit to Palazzo Ducale, an impressive residence that was once the home of the Doges and today hosts contemporary art exhibitions, cultural events, and historical displays. Admire the frescoes, opulent spaces, and listen to stories illustrating the power and influence of the Maritime Republic in the Mediterranean.

Food and wine tour in the caruggi

A walking tour through the historic center dedicated to Genoese flavors: taste the famous Ligurian focaccia, chickpea farinata, fresh pesto, and other local specialties in traditional shops and historic markets. Accompanied by a culinary guide, discover the secrets of Ligurian cuisine and the stories behind each dish.

Boat excursion in the Gulf of Genoa

Experience Genoa from the sea with a panoramic boat trip along the Ligurian coast. Admire the city skyline, the historic buildings of Porto Antico, and nearby seaside villages such as Nervi and Boccadasse, enjoying unique views and relaxing moments on the water.

Suggested train departure: Camogli and Recco

Train to Camogli (approx. 40 min) and then to Recco (approx. 10 min).

Camogli is a charming fishing village with pastel-colored houses overlooking the crystal-clear sea. Walking along the seafront, you can admire the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of its squares and narrow streets.

Recco is famous for its cheese focaccia, a unique and irresistible specialty. The village is centered around the Sanctuary of the SS. Annunziata, offering stunning sea views.

Suggested experiences:

Guided tour of the village and the Basilica of Camogli

Be enchanted by Camogli’s timeless charm with a guided walk among pastel-colored houses overlooking the sea, cobblestone streets, and stories connected to maritime traditions. The visit continues inside the splendid Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, overlooking the harbor: a richly decorated Baroque jewel, symbolizing the identity of the village.

Scenic walk and visit to the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie

A short walk through nature and beauty leads to the picturesque sanctuary, perched in a panoramic position between Recco and Camogli. The interior houses precious frescoes and a reflective atmosphere, while the forecourt offers spectacular views over the Gulf of Paradiso — perfect for a photo or contemplative break.

Tasting of Recco focaccia in Recco

An unmissable culinary experience in the heart of the village that gave birth to the famous cheese focaccia. In a historic bakery, savor this thin, golden delicacy filled with melted fresh cheese, still warm and fragrant, accompanied by a glass of Ligurian wine.

Today’s journey takes us to the most iconic heart of the Ligurian Riviera: Portofino, a jewel nestled between sea and nature, where elegance, tradition, and postcard-perfect landscapes merge into a timeless experience.

Suggested train departure: Portofino

Train to Santa Margherita Ligure (approx. 40 min), then ferry to Portofino (15 min).

Framed by a postcard-perfect bay, Portofino is one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic villages. Once a fishing village, it is now a refined destination loved by artists, celebrities, and travelers from all over the world. Its small harbor, lined with pastel-colored houses and elegant boats, is just the beginning of an enchanting landscape that stretches between crystal-clear waters, verdant cliffs, and scenic walking trails.

Suggested experiences:

Guided tour of Portofino village

Accompanied by an expert local guide, explore the authentic soul of Portofino. Stroll through elegant squares overlooking the harbor, pastel-colored houses, and narrow streets full of history and charm, and discover anecdotes about fishermen, celebrities, and ancient noble families.

Mini boat cruise along the Portofino coast

Sail along the most iconic landscapes of the Tigullio coast on a boat excursion that reveals the true essence of the Ligurian Riviera. Explore secret coves, sea caves, and enchanting views between Portofino, the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, and the colorful village of Camogli. A relaxing and scenic experience, perfect for admiring the coast from a privileged perspective.

Tasting of Ligurian wines and local products

Indulge in a unique sensory experience at a winery nestled in the hills of the Riviera. Discover the elegance of Liguria’s wine culture, accompanied by a selection of local products. A moment of taste and beauty, suspended between sky, sea, and land.

Today we explore Savona, an elegant seaside city where millennia of history, Ligurian traditions, and authentic atmospheres intertwine among port-facing fortresses, historic alleys, and Mediterranean views.

Suggested train departure: Savona

Train to Savona (approx. 40 min).

Overlooking the Ligurian Sea, Savona is a port city with understated and authentic charm, where history, sea, and daily life blend with natural elegance. Amid pastel-colored alleys and ancient towers, you discover a deeply Ligurian soul: shaped by maritime traditions, the scent of freshly baked focaccia, and picturesque corners. A walk along the seafront, an aperitif at sunset overlooking the port, or a visit to the Priamar Fortress offer moments of genuine beauty and flavors that stay in your heart.

Suggested experiences:

Guided tour of the Priamar Fortress and Savona Archaeological Museum

Explore the 17th-century fortress dominating the harbor with an expert guide: a journey through military architecture, historic prisons, and breathtaking panoramic views. The tour continues at the Archaeological Museum, where artifacts tell the story of the city’s Roman origins.

Guided walk through Savona’s historic center and seafront

A route through medieval palaces, baroque churches, and artisan shops, leading to the seafront promenade with views over the marina and the green hills of the hinterland.

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.