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:

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, a fascinating journey between tradition and innovation.

Street Food in La Spezia

Start your experience in the heart of La Spezia, exploring the historic center and local neighborhoods while tasting some of the city’s most iconic street food.

Enjoy Ligurian focaccia in the traditional way, dipped in cappuccino, followed by crispy farinata, the classic chickpea flatbread.

Continue with fresh seafood such as fried fish or local mussels, depending on the daily catch, and finish with a sweet treat from a local bakery

Along the way, your guide will share stories about La Spezia’s food culture, maritime history, and its connection to the Cinque Terre.

Overnight in La Spezia.

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:

Wine Tasting in Manarola

Taste local wines in a historic cellar in the heart of Manarola, near the small harbor. Recently renovated, it is now a lively wine bar where guests can enjoy wine, music, and a relaxed atmosphere.

You will sample Cinque Terre DOC white wine, a local red wine, and the famous sweet Sciacchetrà, accompanied by small traditional snacks.

Guided Trekking Tour in Cinque Terre National Park

Start in La Spezia and take the local train to Manarola, one of the most picturesque Cinque Terre villages. From here, begin your hike with an expert guide through scenic coastal paths and hilltop villages.

Continue to Volastra, a peaceful spot surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, offering beautiful sea views and a quiet atmosphere.

The route then leads to Corniglia, the only village not directly on the sea, perfect for a short break or lunch among the vineyards.

End in Vernazza, one of the most iconic Cinque Terre villages, with its colorful harbor and stunning coastal scenery.

E-Bike Tour from Monterosso to Soviore

Discover the Cinque Terre from a unique perspective on a guided e-bike tour through Monterosso and the surrounding National Park. Ride effortlessly with pedal-assist bikes along scenic roads offering stunning views of the sea and terraces.

Along the way, your guide will share insights into local history, culture, and traditional wine and olive cultivation, with several stops for photos and explanations.

The experience includes a tasting of local focaccia and Cinque Terre white wine, making this a perfect mix of nature, culture, and flavors.

Overnight in La Spezia

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.

Suggested  experiences:

Genoa Aquarium

Step inside one of the largest and most modern aquariums in Europe, a spectacular underwater world that hosts hundreds of marine species from around 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.

Street Food in Genoa

Discover the city on a walking tour through its narrow alleys, following your guide to authentic spots loved by locals.

Enjoy a selection of traditional flavors, including fresh seafood, fried calamari, and classic Genoese focaccia with olive oil.

Continue with savory vegetable pies from historic “sciamadde” and end with artisan gelato and a traditional Italian espresso.

Panoramic Tour of the Creuze with a Storyteller

Thanks to the funiculars and public elevators, it is possible to quickly reach the upper part of the city, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views.

Overnight in Genoa

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  train trip: Camogli and Recco

Train ride 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 soak up the relaxed atmosphere of its squares and narrow streets. Recco is renowned for its cheese focaccia, a unique and irresistible speciality. The town is centred around the Sanctuary of SS. Annunziata, offering a breathtaking view of the sea.

Overnight in Genoa

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 trip: 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 most iconic villages of the Mediterranean. Once a fishing village, today it is a refined destination beloved by artists, celebrities, and travellers from all over the world. Its small harbour, lined with pastel-colored houses and elegant boats, is just the beginning of a magical landscape of turquoise waters, green cliffs, and panoramic trails

Overnight in Genua.

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 trip: Savona

Train ride to Savona (approx. 40 min).

Overlooking the Ligurian Sea, Savona is a port city with authentic and understated charm, where history, the sea, and daily life blend with natural elegance. Between pastel-colored alleys and ancient towers, you’ll discover a profoundly Ligurian soul: maritime traditions, the aroma of freshly baked focaccia, and picturesque corners. A stroll along the seafront, an aperitif at sunset overlooking the harbour, or a visit to the Priamar Fortress create genuine moments of beauty and flavours that linger in the heart.

Guided Walking Tour of Savona

An itinerary among medieval palaces, Baroque churches, and artisan workshops, ending with a stroll along the seafront overlooking the marina and the green hills of the hinterland.

Overnight in Genoa.

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.