Sample Itinerary

• Day 1

  Your special coastal culinary adventure begins in Genoa, a city renowned for its delectable fish stews and fresh seafood. Arrive at Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and be transported via luxury chauffeur to your five-star grand hotel located within Genoa’s historic core. Be greeted by your local guide and be introduced to the unique cuisine of the city by stopping to enjoy piping hot farinata, focaccias and vegetable pies, Genovese street food at its best, from typical local eateries known as “sciamadde”. Meander through the city’s medieval streets where you’ll encounter its butchers’ district, which remains today a gastronomical hub for the modern day Genovese food scene. Get acquainted with the city as you walk through its many winding, cobblestone streets and antique piazzette. After your walking tour, dine at one of the city’s oldest and most beloved restaurants that has been a Genovese fixture for decades. Feast on local specialties like minestrone al pesto, spaghetti allo scoglio and Ciuppin.

• Day 2

  Journey out of the city to the surrounding hillsides, where you will enjoy a privately guided visit of a greenhouse famed for growing the area’s coveted basil leaves. Afterward, learn the art of making real pesto alla genovese in the traditional fashion and dine on your chef’s creations for lunch. In the afternoon return to Genoa and visit an antique confectioner where you will sample some of the region’s sweetest delights.

• Day 3

  Today journey to the nearby hamlet of Sant'Olcese known to be the capital of Italy's finest salami and visit an artisanal producer to learn about their signature curing process. When your visit concludes you will savor homemade ravioli and special charcuterie before returning to Genoa in the afternoon for a free evening.

• Day 4

  From the history and opulence of Genoa, set off via private chauffeur for the coastal city of Santa Margherita Ligure on the Italian Riviera. On your way to Santa Margherita Ligure, stop in the charming fishing village of Camogli and stroll along its lovely seaside walk. Continue on to your hotel where you’ll arrive at your Art-Nouveau luxury four-star accommodation located waterfront on the Gulf of Tigullio. for check-in before embarking on a scenic ferry boat ride to the chic bay of Portofino where upon arrival you will indulge on a lunch of locally fished seafood, including prawns and anchovies, prepared in the typical fashion. Spend the rest of the afternoon discovering Portofino at your leisure before returning by ferry boat to Santa Margherita Ligure.

• Day 5

  In the morning set off for Rapallo to experience its bustling market before traveling to the Val Graveglia for a visit of one of the Riviera’s most prized olive oil mills and enjoy an exclusive tasting of their artisanal products before delighting in a food and wine pairing of typical mountain fare at a charming restaurant. Return to Santa Margherita Ligure in the late afternoon for a free evening.

• Day 6

  Be greeted by your local guide and depart on a scenic train ride along the coastline until you reach the famous Cinque Terre. Upon arrival to Riomaggiore visit its quaint port while taking in spectacular views of the sea before departing by ferry for neighboring Vernazza one of the five illustrious fishing villages that make up the Cinque Terre. In Vernazza admire its 14th century church and local artisans before heading to a small batch winery specialized in Cinque Terre DOC wines, limoncello lemon liqueur and the locally produced dessert wine, Sciacchetrà. End your day with a lunch in Monterosso where you will savor a feast of fresh fish and seafood before enjoying a free afternoon to explore the town’s many boutique artisans at your own pace. Return to Santa Margherita in the early evening.

• Day 7

  Depart Santa Margherita Ligure for your return flight home or the next leg of your trip.