Italian Riviera with locals

Itinerary

Day 1: Genoese aperitif with focaccia & welcome dinner

• Arrival and accommodation in boutique hotel in the city centre. Time to settle in and relax.
• In the evening Roberta and Daniela – our local hosts will welcome you with a Genoese aperitif to start getting into the right mood.
• We’ll then move to a typical restaurant in the historic center. Here sipping a glass of chilly wine and tasting some typical Genoese specialities such as fried anchovies and brandacujun (salted cod salad) we’ll chat and enjoy some relaxing time. Overnight.

Day 2: Ancient shops tour & Gold Leaf Gilding Workshop

• After breakfast, join Roberta for a captivating walking tour through Genoa historic center‘s narrow alleys, uncovering the essence of the city, including ancient shops, noble palaces, and 18th-century churches housing remarkable works of art. Indulge in the most authentic Ligurian cuisine in one of the city’s oldest “osterias,” where you’ll savor Farinata, vegetable pies, and the renowned “pansotti” paired with local white wine, “il bianchetto.”
• In the afternoon, delve into the last remaining Gold Leaf Laboratory in the city for a unique experience. Meet Master Craftsman Pozzo Marco, continuing a family tradition rooted in Conservative Restoration and Gilding since 1960. After a demonstration of ancient gilding and lacquering techniques, and under the master expert guidance, you’ll craft your own gold frame to take home as a cherished memento. The Pozzo family laboratory, known for excellence in diverse projects, opens exclusively for our visit and workshop.
• Enjoy free time, dine at your leisure, and overnight in this enchanting city.

Day 3: Discovering the Riviera

• Embark on a Riviera exploration starting with a local train journey to the vibrant fisherman village of Camogli. Enjoy a scenic stroll along the promenade, savor an Italian cappuccino in the little harbour, and set sail on a boat to San Fruttuoso. Explore the historic abbey, relax in the crystal-clear bay, and relish a delightful fish lunch with a fascinating history backdrop.

• Continue the journey to Portofino, experiencing the famous Piazzetta and San Giorgio Church’s panoramic views. Enjoy free time in Santa Margherita Ligure for seaside exploration, gelato delights, and boutique shopping before returning to Genoa by train. Evening activities in Genoa are at your leisure, with dinner on your own and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Genoa Unknown & Pesto making class

• Start your day with an exploration of a lesser-known side of the city. Embark on an engaging walk, navigating the city’s ups and downs for a unique perspective. Experience the excitement of Vertical Genoa, utilizing unconventional transportation like a funicular to reach the hill of Castelletto and the hidden gem, the oldest Pharmacy in town.
• Led by local architect Silvia, delve into the history and tranquility of this off-the-beaten-path location, exploring the monastic complex from the Church to the cloister and the ancient pharmacy. Meet Frate Ezio, the herbalist friar preserving century-old recipes. Enjoy a delightful 10-minute walk to Spianata Castelletto, offering panoramic views of Genoa.
• Descend to the city center via a liberty style lift, where a pesto-making class awaits. Learn the art of preparing the typical Genoese sauce with a marble mortar.
• The afternoon is yours to continue exploring Genoa independently—shop on Via XX Settembre, visit Noble palaces, or stroll through the old harbor area, savoring gelato by the sea.
• In the evening, reconvene for a delightful dinner, capping off another enriching day in Genoa.

Day 5: Golfo Paradiso Off the Beaten Path and Family Pasta-Making

• Morning takes us to Sori, one of Golfo Paradiso’s smallest villages. Hosted by Roberta, a local, explore this authentic seaside pearl. A brief tour includes the Baroque Church of Santa Margherita and the old Oratory, immersing you in the unhurried local pace.
• Experience a delightful interlude at Roberta’s family house. Guided by her grandmother, learn to identify herbs and make “pansotti,” a unique ravioli. Join Roberta, Nonna Tina, and Mamma Silva in crafting fresh pasta, enjoying a communal lunch in the picturesque garden with local focaccia and vegetable pies.
• Post-lunch, journey to Levanto for accommodation at a family-run eco-friendly hillside hotel resembling a Ligurian hamlet. Unwind amidst greenery with sea views. Enjoy leisure time and an independent dinner, concluding the day’s adventures with an overnight stay.

Day 6: Cinque Terre Exploration: Vineyard Walk, Eno-Tour and Wine-Tasting Dinner

• Today immerse yourself in the charm of the Cinque Terre. Marvel at the picturesque sea villages perched on rocks, explore terraced vineyards with ancient stone walls cultivating native grape varieties and olive groves. Visit Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza, each offering unique coastal beauty.

• After leisurely lunch and hotel relaxation, evening unfolds in Monterosso. A local train journey leads to a delightful walk through the village, culminating in a meeting with a passionate winemaker. Gain insights into the challenges of winemaking in this region, explore the family-run estate’s vineyards and cellar, and savor unique Cinque Terre wines paired with local fish specialties.

Day 7: Carrara Marble Adventure & Sculpture Workshop

• Venture to the Tuscany border for a captivating journey into the timeless realm of marble. Onboard a 4×4 jeep adventure inside the quarries, climbing steep roads to reach altitudes up to 1000 meters.

• Stop for a unique panoramic toast with Prosecco. Return for a cold lunch featuring Colonnata’s Lard IGP, local cold cuts, cheeses, and more.

• In the afternoon, a hands-on experience with a master sculptor awaits. Delve into the mystical art of carving marble, guided by the same traditions embraced by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Canova. Each participant receives a marble flake engraving as a souvenir.

• Conclude the day with dinner at your leisure and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8: Gulf of Poets Boat Tour with visit to Mussel & Oyster Farms, Onboard Lunch & Farewell Dinner

• For our last day in Italy join a local seaman for a boat tour around Portovenere and its islands, delving into the unique Mussels Farming of the La Spezia area. Cruise the Gulf of Poets, exploring its Marine Protected Area, including the islands Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. Enjoy a light lunch featuring spaghetti with mussels, local specialties, and wine, all set against the backdrop of a stunning sunset.
• Return to the hotel to pack, then reconvene for a memorable Farewell Dinner. Share impressions, thoughts, and raise a toast to the wonderful women who made this Italian holiday unforgettable.

Day 9: Departure and Arrivederci!

• Private transfer to the airport for departure. Arrivederci!