Genova

Mangiando la Sardenaira in un locale tipico

Isola di Lérins, Saint Honorat

Let us take you on a journey full of romance: we promise to give your eyes a feast filled with colours and the fascination of the Rivieras of Liguria, Levante and Ponente, and the near by Cote d’Azur. However, the fascination of these areas is not limited to the coast as, a short distance inland, the hinterland is full of tradition, culture, nature and beautiful scenery just waiting to be discovered. You will be able to visit an area bursting with colours and beauty, no matter the season: you will be surrounded by an arc of colour and perfume.

In this way your journey will be an unforgettable voyage filled with new colours.

Come and indulge yourself at the seaside…Get ready for a journey through the most beautiful “Riviere” of the Mediterranean. Just waiting for you are spectacular sunsets, endless panoramas and areas filled with character and tradition. And, to begin your unforgettable journey, the romantic Portofino bay.

1st Day: PORTOFINO bAy

Arrival in late afternoon in Rapallo for check in to your 3 or 4 star hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

2nd Day: scents from the past

Today you will be conducted round one of the most beautiful “jewels” in the world, Portofino. Resistance is futile, you will be captivated by the veritable symphony of perfumes and colours to be found all around you.

Awaiting you in the morning is a marvelous excursion in a small boat which will take you to one of the most exclusive spots in Liguria: Portofino. From the churchyard of “San Giorgio” you have the most beautiful panorama of the city and, after a short walk, you arrive at the picturesque fortress of S. Giorgio (also known as Castle Brown), which looks out over the gulf of Tigullio. At lunchtime you will be able to sample the regional cuisine in the friendly restaurants of the area.

In the afternoon you will embark in a small boat from Portofino for the bay of S. Fruttuoso, a little fishing village where it is of great interest to visit the area of the abbey and the 500 year old “Torre dei Doria”. For many centuries the abbey was the property of the Doria-Panphili family: in 1986 they donated it to FAI who have overseen the restoration and re-opening to the public. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

3rd Day: SANREmo and the flowers riviera

Sun, sea, flowers and... you are invited to dive into the treasure chest that is the spectacular Aquarium of Genoa before moving on to the adjacent “Riviera dei Fiori”.

In the morning you will transfer to Genoa where we would suggest you visit the celebrated Aquarium. Here there are 59 tanks containing 4 million litres of water which reproduce, in a spectacular manner, the habitats of the Mediterranean and the oceans, of the poles and the tropics all of which ensures the health and well being of the, more than, 500 species of fish, cetaceans, and amphibians.

At lunch you will be able to discover the typical flavours of Genovese cuisine, such as “Trenette al pesto”, in a local “Osteria”.

In the afternoon you will transfer to the city of flowers and of the Italian song festival, Sanremo. Check into your 3 or 4 star hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay.

For a memorable after dinner experience why not try your luck at the gaming tables of the historic Casinò Municipale.

4th Day: The Enchanting City

During this day you will discover the fascinating mix of art and history that is La Pigna, the most ancient part of the city of flowers.

In the morning you will visit the lovely historic centre of Sanremo: La Pigna. This area was very close to the heart of Italo Calvino who used it in his novel “Il sentiero dei nidi di ragno”. It is known as la Pigna, and even today retains much of the feel of a medieval borough. In this way the more inquisitive visitor will be able to find a hidden Sanremo, a city of winding staircases and twisting alleyways, of arches and buttresses and of secluded and serene little squares. At the very top is the “Santuario della Madonna della Costa”, protector of seafarers, which affords a spectacular panorama of the city. For lunch we suggest you choose an “enoteca” in the historic centre where you will be able to taste two of the great dishes of the “cucina Sanremasca”. “la sardenaira”, an ancient type of pizza, and also “la farinata”.

You are free to spend the afternoon shopping in the city.

Return to hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

5th Day: The Glamour of the Cote d’Azur

Magic and charme invites you to live a real princely day. A day full of magic and glamour awaits you!

In the morning transfer to Cannes, the glamorous home of the famous film festival. Your visit will begin in the beautiful Sequet, the historic heart of the city which overlooks the old port, and contains intact reminders of the past: the “Cappella di Sant’Anna” built in the 12th century, the museum of “la Castre” and the church of “Notre-Dame d’Espérance”, built in the 17th century. You are free for lunch. In the afternoon you may like to take advantage of the shopping opportunities offered on the elegant “Rue d’Antibes” or along the legendary “Croisette”.

Afterwards check into your 3 or 4 star hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

6th Day: Lérins, the secret garden

Awaiting you today are the Lérins islands where you will discover a veritable oasis of tranquility. Wild and unspoilt landscapes draw you into a garden full of secrets

After breakfast you will embark on a small boat for the Lérins, Sainte Marguerite and Saint Honorat, which will enthrall you with their beautiful natural landscapes. These islands are also a marine preservation area, protected by law. On the island of Saint Honorat it is well worth visiting the reconstructed 6th century abbey which is home to a congregation of Cistercian monks.

You are free to make your own choice of lunch spot from among the many restaurants to be found here. Of course fresh fish and “coquillages” are specialities. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

7th Day: Departure after breakfast.