Italian Riviera Tour: Genoa, Portofino & Cinque Terre

Italian Riveria: Tour of Genoa, Portofino & Cinque Terre

Day 1: Milan - Genoa

We'll leave Milan at 8:30 am and two hours later we'll arrive in the historical centre of Genoa. We'll follow the footsteps of Christopher Colombus, exploring the old port. Here, we'll find Palazzo San Giorgo, a spectacular building with a bright, colourful façade. We'll top off our visit to the city by replenishing our energy with a typical aperitif: traditional focaccia with a local liqueur.

You'll have the rest of the day free to explore at your leisure. We recommend visiting the Galata Museo del Mare muesum or the aquarium, one of the largest in Europe.

Day 2: Genoa - Sanremo - Genoa

After an early breakfast, we'll leave our hotel in Genoa and head to Sanremo, known as the City of Flowers. It is also famous for hosting the Sanremo Music Festival, which famously inspired the creation of the Eurovision Song Contest. You'll also be able to admire the outside of the Casino, one of the city's most luxurious buildings.

In Sanremo, you'll have free time to have lunch and potter around the shops on the promenade, before we head back to Genoa in time for dinner.

Day 3: Genoa - Portovenere - Cinque Terre - Genoa

Today we'll head to the beautiful fishing town of Portovenere. We'll take in the atmosphere of this coastal town, before heading to the port where we'll board a ferry to Cinque Terre. Made up of five villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso) clinging to the mountains, looking out across the sea, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular tourist destination known for its colourful houses and outstanding beauty.

In Monterosso, you'll be able to have lunch in the restaurant of your choice and enjoy the region's exquisite gastronomy. Once again, we'll return to Genoa and you'll be able to have dinner in your own time.

Day 4: Genoa - Camogli - Portofino - Santa Margherita Ligure - Milan

On the final day of our tour of the Italian Riviera, we'll start by visiting Camogli, where we'll step back in time at the impressive Castello della Dragonara castle. We'll then enjoy delicious focaccia with cheese to replenish our energy before heading to Portofino. From the pier, you'll have a brilliant view of the mysterious Castello Brown castle. Our next stop will be at Santa Margherita Ligure. We'll enjoy a panoramic visit of the city and find out why it's referred to as the 'pearl of Tigullio'.

In the afternoon, you'll be able to have lunch at one of the many excellent restaurants, and then we'll head back to the hustle and bustle of fashionable Milan.

Accommodation

• This tour includes a 3-night stay in a bed and breakfast hotel in Genoa. Normally we stay at the Hotel Western Moderno Verd, although this is subject to change.
• The prices stated are per person in a double or triple room. People that wish to travel alone will have to pay a supplement for an individual room.