DISCOVER THE ITALIAN RIVIERA - TRIP CODE: DISCOVERLI
4 days 3 nights
1st day: Genoa
Arrival in the afternoon in Genoa and guided tour in the largest medieval historical center in Europe with the main points of historical and artistic interest such as the Cathedral of St. Lorenzo, Palazzo Ducale, Piazza S. Matteo and the district of the Doria family, Via Garibaldi, the "new" or "golden" Renaissance street, with its "UNESCO World Heritage" palaces, Palazzo S. Giorgio and the Old Port, Piazza De Ferrari and Via XX Settembre, Porta Soprana and the ancient walls of Barbarossa, and the house of Colombo. During the route stop in a historical place for the tasting of a delicious slice of Genoese focaccia accompanied by the famous pesto sauce. At the end transfer to the hotel in Sestri Levante, accommodation in the rooms, free dinner and overnight.
2nd day: Cinque Terre Park
Breakfast at the hotel and departure by your own means to La Spezia. Meeting with the guide and descent to Riomaggiore, to visit the first village of the Park. Guided tour of Manarola, perched on a steep promontory of dark rock, with its small port enclosed between two rocky spurs. Boat from Manarola to Monterosso and walk in the picturesque village, the most visited, mainly for its wide sandy beach. The old town, separated from the more modern resort area by the Aurora tower, houses the ruins of a medieval castle and the church of San Francesco, where you can admire an important painting by Van Dyck depicting the crucifixion.
Free lunch. In the afternoon move to Levanto to take part to a pesto demonstration. At the end taste of the pesto, produced with the modern method and comparison with the preparation by hand with plenty of explanations, possibility of purchase and shipping. Train to Levanto and return to Sestri Levante by your own means. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel.
3rd day: Tigullio Gulf
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer by your own means to Rapallo.
Guided tour of Rapallo, one of the pearls of the Gulf of Tigullio. Located in a magnificent position and of very ancient origin, the old town, full of shops, bars and restaurants, is formed by the typical Ligurian alleys, while the promenade is characterized by elegant liberty cafes. Once completed the visit to Santa Margherita Ligure, elegant resort, with brightly colored houses, facades painted with "trompe l'oeil" manner and hotels in Art Nouveau style, free lunch.
In the afternoon transfer to San Fruttuoso by boat, a small fishing village that hosts the ancient Abbey and guided tour of this beautiful pearl. At the end come back again to Portofino. In a beautiful bay, the ancient "Portus Delphini", was once a quiet fishing village. Its tall and colorful houses overlooked the famous square in a semicircle. In the 50s it became an internationally renowned tourist resort, still retaining all its refined charm.
Free time for shopping in the elegant boutiques and for the consumption of a delicious ice cream in the famous Piazzetta.
Return to Santa Margherita Ligure by boat. And then transfer to Sestri Levante. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel.
4th day: Gulf of Poets
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Lerici for the guided tour of the village. Then embark for Portovenere, and arrive from the sea to the village is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Portovenere houses the church of San Pietro that overlooks the sea, the Castle and the picturesque Byron Cave. End of the visit and our services. Free lunch.
