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Italian Riviera Culinary & Cultural Holiday

(A Grand Tour of Portofino, Cinque Terre, Genoa, Camogli and Chiavari)

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Priced From
$4,798 USD *
(For One Person, Double Occupancy)
* Plus taxes. Tours sold on an availability basis.
7 days | 6 nights

Discovering the Culinary and Cultural Delights
of the Italian Riviera through its Famous Villages

Nestled along the stunning Ligurian coastline of Italy, Portofino and the Cinque Terre captivate visitors with their breathtaking beauty and distinct charm. Portofino, a picturesque fishing village turned glamorous getaway, exudes elegance with its pastel-colored buildings lining a pristine harbor. This upscale enclave offers refined dining experiences, where fresh seafood dishes and Ligurian specialties can be savored against the backdrop of luxurious yachts and stunning sea views. In contrast, the Cinque Terre comprises five colorful villages clinging to rugged cliffs, connected by scenic hiking trails. On this tastefully designed culinary journey, you will discover enchanting Cinque Terre, luxurious Portofino, and the most picturesque villages of the Italian Riviera. Learn to prepare pesto with a mortar and pestle in a noble palace, taste focaccia fresh from the ovens and learn to cook traditional, regional cuisine. You'll be charmed by Genoa and its traditional shops, discover the hidden gem that is Chiavari and its markets, and of course…immerse yourself in local culture, great food and delightful wines.
Small Group Friendly
Itinerary Accommodations Map FAQ Testimonials
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note: Tour inclusions can change depending upon seasonality and weather conditions.
6 Nights 4-Star Accommodations
Traditional Ligurian Breakfast Each Day
4 Dinners with Wine & Water
2 Lunches with Wine & Water
3 Hands-On Cooking Classes
Visit to Focaccia Bakery in Camogli
Visit to Santa Margherita Ligure
Exploring the Cinque Terre
Half Day Guided Tour of Portofino
Half Day Guided Tour of Genoa
Half Day Guided Tour of Chiavari Market
Train Tickets as per Itinerary
24 Hour Local Support
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
Available from early April through mid-October. Arrivals are on Sunday with departures on Saturday.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
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Day 1
Welcome to the Italian Riviera | Dinner
Check into your 4-star hotel right in the heart of Sestri Levante, located between Portofino and Cinque Terre. Sestri Levante is a picturesque coastal village built on an isthmus between two amazing bays. It is very lively and authentic, yet not too touristy. Relax and start to feel the Italian spirit take hold. This evening your dinner is included at the hotel. Benvenuto!
Day 2
Traditional Ligurian Breakfast Buffet
Each morning, there will be a wonderful buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt, and a selection of Mediterranean specialties.
Discovering Genoa | Pesto Workshop with Lunch
After breakfast, reach Genoa via a convenient train ride (about 45 min). Here you will meet your guide and start a private walking tour of the historical center of Genoa, discovering the most famous monuments of the town and the traditional food shops. Wandering through the "Carrugi" alleys is a unique experience and we believe that by just walking through the maze of historic streets, you'll find the "real" essence of Genoa. You'll discover the largest medieval old town in Europe, walk along its authentic medieval alleyways, and stop in the squares and in the renaissance streets of this historic town. You'll discover the old food market and traditional shops, some of which date back to the XIX century. At the end of the tour the guide will leave you to enter a gorgeous Renaissance Palace where our Pesto expert will teach you to prepare pesto as tradition wants, with mortar and pestle. At the end of the lesson you will taste the typical Troffie dressed with pesto and other local specialties such as vegetable pies and Focaccia. In the afternoon, continue to explore on your own and go back to Sestri Levante by train (we'll provide your tickets). Dinner this evening is on your own.
Day 3
Traditional Ligurian Breakfast Buffet
Each morning, there will be a wonderful buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt and a selection of Mediterranean specialties.
Santa Margherita Ligure | Portofino | Lunch
After the rich breakfast buffet, reach the train station on your own, and take a train to Santa Margherita Ligure (about 25 minutes). Here you will meet your guide and together, take a stroll in this elegant seaside resort once called the "salotto" of the entire Gulf with its fishing harbor, elegant villas and gardens. From Santa Margherita, you'll reach Portofino with a panoramic trip by public boat*. You'll be charmed by this VIP tiny fishing village, which is now the center of élite tourism. Take a stroll in the famous "piazzetta" (small square), visit the castle and St George church, perched on the cliff. At lunch time the guide will leave you and you'll be welcomed to have a delicious typical lunch at an old mill immersed in the forest of Portofino National Park (transportation to and from the mill is included). In the afternoon you will have time at disposal to explore on your own, do some shopping or relax tasting a "gelato", then go back to Sestri Levante (we'll provide boat and train tickets). *In case of bad weather or sea conditions boats may not run. If this is the case at the time of your tour, transfers will be by bus.
Day 4
Traditional Ligurian Breakfast Buffet
Each morning, there will be a wonderful buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt, and a selection of Mediterranean specialties.
Free Morning to Explore Camogli | Focaccia Bakery & Tastings | Cooking Class with Dinner
After breakfast, you have a free morning to explore Camogli, and you'll reach this beautiful fishing village with a short train ride (we'll provide tickets). Camogli is one of the most picturesque villages in the Italian Riviera with its harbor, castle, and a row of tall colorful houses set along the pebbled beach. You'll fall in love with this place, the homeland of the famous Ligurian focaccia flat bread. It is prepared in different varieties, from the classic version with just extra virgin olive oil, to those with cheese - the focaccia al formaggio. Today you will learn to prepare the famous Focaccia di Recco, the cheese focaccia, under the guidance of one of our local experts, on a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea. You can't miss a visit to Camogli's famous bakery and enjoy a tasting of the different kinds of focaccia. In the afternoon, return to Sestri Levante by train. In the evening enjoy a lovely dinner in a restaurant in the heart of the old center of Sestri Levante.
Day 5
Traditional Ligurian Breakfast Buffet
Each morning, there will be a wonderful buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt and a selection of Mediterranean specialties.
Exploring the Cinque Terre | Dinner
After breakfast you will reach Monterosso by train (about 45 minutes) on your own. From here, you will start your exploration of the picturesque and famous villages. The picturesque hamlets are very small and close to each other. In a few minutes train ride you can go from one to the other and we'll provide a Cinque Terre day pass with which you can travel by train all day long among the villages, and hike the stunning Blue Trail. Return to Sestri Levante by train and enjoy a lovely dinner at the hotel, which is included.
Day 6
Traditional Ligurian Breakfast Buffet
Each morning, there will be a wonderful buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt and a selection of Mediterranean specialties.
Visit to the Chiavari Market | Cooking Class & Farewell Dinner
Today you'll spend the morning exploring Chiavari, a beautiful and very authentic town just 20 minutes by train from Sestri Levante. Your guide will pick you up at the hotel and guide you to discover the secrets of this very authentic, small town not touched by tourism as yet. Walk along the streets flanked by medieval arcades and discover traditional food and artisans shops. Friday is market day and you will soak up the lively, local atmosphere. Back to Sestri Levante, in the afternoon you will have another amazing cooking class to learn how to prepare typical fish-based recipes. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the end of your cooking class.
Day 7
Traditional Ligurian Breakfast Buffet | Check-Out and Departure
In the morning before you depart, enjoy another wonderful breakfast buffet. Time flies when you're having so much fun, but alas…it is time to check out and depart this delicious, "Edible Destination." Arrivederci! *Please note - Sestri Levante train station is convenient when traveling to/from Genoa, Milan and destinations within Tuscany.
Sestri Levante, ItalySanta Margherita Ligure, ItalyPortofino, ItalyGenoa, ItalyCamogli, ItalyMonterosso, ItalyChiavari, Italy
Emanuela, Thanks! And many, many more thanks for your assistance in making our trip to Liguria so filled with wonderful experiences and memories. The friendly and knowledgeable guides of Paola and Serena provided enriching and practical information for Liguria and specifically the Cinque Terre villages. Their personalities provided Julie and I both joy and laughter during our walks and nautical experiences. Some of the highlights were the cooking experiences. Making and baking of focaccia with Daniele at his restaurant, La Sciamadda in Sestri was hilarious. He converted me to a lover of fresh anchovies in lemon and oil. The risotto with mussels and shrimp that we made with the tutelage of Silvia, the owner and chef of the Osteria della Corte is a remarkable experience and meal. They both were so gracious with their time and coaching. Emanuela, you made us feel like royalty throughout our trip. Your continual communication and detailed information insured our fantastic holiday. Thank you, a thousand times.
Ron and Julie - June 2022
Winner
OUTSTANDING
CULINARY TRAVEL
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Member of ASTA Member of ATTA Member of GSTC