As a destination for an unforgettable romantic getaway, the stunning northern coast of Italy is in a league of its own. Lovingly referred to as the Italian Riviera, this gorgeous stretch of coast is renowned for its colorful cliffside villages, delicious food and historic charm. During a trip to the Italian Riviera there will be plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, discovering hidden gems and swimming in the waters of the Ligurian Sea. The following 7-day itinerary features the main highlights of the Italian Riviera, including Genoa, Portofino and the Cinque Terre, to ensure you and your significant other do not miss any of the major sights. With breathtaking scenery and a unique atmosphere, the Italian Riviera provides the perfect backdrop for your future romantic getaway.
TRAVEL ITINERARY:
DAY 1: GENOA
After arriving on your own in Genoa, complete check-in at your hotel and then the remainder of the day will be at leisure for you to start exploring this historic sea port with your significant other. Recognized as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa has dominated the seas for centuries and its legacy can be observed in the rich architecture and monuments of the city center. Enjoy a stroll through the city center and then consider visiting Genoa’s famous Aquarium. Among the largest in Europe, this impressive aquarium is not only home to 400 species, but it is also at the forefront of local conservation efforts. After interacting with the native and international wildlife, walk through the renovated Porto Antico, Genoa’s social hub, and enjoy dinner at historic trattoria. There are many local delicacies to choose from and for your first evening in Genoa we recommend a classic: trofie al pesto. After a delicious dinner, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 2: GENOA
Once you have finished breakfast, meet with your private guide in the hotel lobby and begin your sightseeing tour of Genoa’s remarkable city center. Walking along the winding, narrow streets, known as caruggi, you will discover Genoa’s charm as you visit historic palaces, beautiful churches and bustling city squares. As the tour unfolds, the guide will recount fascinating tales from Genoa’s extensive history. Several highlights of the tour include the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Piazza San Matteo, the Doge’s Palace and Piazza De Ferrari with its iconic fountain. You will also walk down Via Garibaldi, one of the city’s main streets, and admire a number of remarkable palaces. Since you will be exploring the city center with a private guide, you can feel free to share any particular interests or requests with the guide and he or she will be able to adapt your itinerary accordingly. After the tour, stop for lunch at a local restaurant and savor another local specialty. The afternoon will be at leisure for you to continue exploring the city center independently or you could branch out to one of Genoa’s outer neighborhoods, such as Nervi, which is home to a beautiful park. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at a historic restaurant then return to your hotel for the night.
DAY 3: SANTA MARIA LIGURE, TIGULLIO GULF
Once you finish your last breakfast in Genoa, check out of the hotel. Then, meet with your private driver and travel to the lovely town of Santa Margherita Ligure, which is located on the shores of the Tigullio Gulf. Due to its beaches and proximity to other scenic towns such as Rapallo and glamorous Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure offers a wonderful base to discover the treasures of the Tigullio Gulf. Upon arrival, check into your new hotel and then take the afternoon to unwind. Enjoy a nice stroll through town to visit the local shops or spend some time on the beach with your significant other. In the evening, make your way to a waterfront restaurant for a romantic dinner before returning to your hotel for a good night’s rest.
DAY 4: PORTOFINO, SAN FRUTTUOSO ABBEY AND TIGULLIO GULF
After enjoying a hearty breakfast to prepare for a full day excursion, meet with your private guide in the hotel lobby. Today will be dedicated to the charming towns in the Tigullio area, which will provide plenty of photo opportunities for you and your significant other. First, depart for legendary Portofino via boat. Having served as a luxury resort for the rich and famous for many decades, the town of Portofino is truly a sight to be seen. Next, travel to San Fruttuoso where you will have the chance to admire the stunning Abbey that overlooks the gulf. Afterwards, continue on to the town of Camogli, which perfectly embodies the small-town charm of the Liguria region. When you have finished exploring Camogli, return to Santa Margherita Ligure where you will have dinner followed by a good night’s sleep at your hotel.
DAY 5: MONTEROSSO AL MARE, CINQUE TERRE
Check out of your hotel and enjoy a morning at leisure before meeting with your driver and traveling to the beautiful Cinque Terre area. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the five villages of Manarola, Riomaggiore, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, and Corniglia offer picturesque views and a unique, romantic atmosphere. Monterosso al Mare will serve as your base to discover the Cinque Terre as well as the surrounding area. Once you have arrived, check into your hotel and then the rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure. Consider taking a walk through the city center, hitting the hiking trails or simply relaxing at the beach. In the evening, sample a few local delicacies during dinner and then return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 6: CINQUE TERRE NATIONAL PARK
Once you finish breakfast, meet with your private guide in the hotel lobby and depart on a full day excursion of the Cinque Terre National Park. First, board the train to Vernazza, which does not allow any transportation by car in order to preserve the village’s rich environment. Next, enjoy a visit of Manarola, which is believed to be among the oldest of the Cinque Terre towns, potentially dating back to 1338 or earlier. Enjoy the views as you walk along the hiking trails that snake up and down the characteristic cliffs. Then, enjoy a tasting of locally produced wines in the scenic town of Riomaggiore. Afterwards, travel to gorgeous Portovenere. Here you will have the chance to see the many highlights of the town beloved by the poets Shelley and Byron including the Church of San Lorenzo. Once you have thoroughly explored Portovenere, return to Monterosso by boat. The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure for you to continue exploring this charming town. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant followed by a few scoops of gelato before returning to your hotel for the night.
DAY 7: MONTEROSSO AL MARE, CINQUE TERRE
After breakfast, head to the train station where you will meet with your private guide and depart for Corniglia, the final Cinque Terre town and the only one that does not have direct access to the sea. As a result of its position on a promontory, Corniglia offers remarkable views of the other towns as well as the sea. Enjoy walking along the winding streets as well as the hiking trails and do not forget to take plenty of photos to commemorate your trip! In the afternoon, return to Monterosso to finish up your sightseeing or perhaps partake in some souvenir shopping. In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the best restaurants in town and toast to your memorable romantic getaway with a glass of local wine in hand.
DAY 8: MONTEROSSO AL MARE, CINQUE TERRE
Once you finish breakfast and check out of the hotel, the tour and our services will conclude.

Buongiorno Guilia,We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Italia. The tour guide was great and the local tour guides were excellent. Our companion

" Tommaso, Denis and I just got into Sheraton hotel at Milan airport. Trip was great and all of your arrangements worked out very well. The

Emily,
Sorry for the delay in replying. We have been busy getting settled back into our trip. Congrats and I hope you had a good Honeymoo
PACKAGE START AT $ 1,954 Per person INCLUDES (*):
- Transportation by Private Car with Driver as per itinerary;
- 2 nights stay in Genoa, birthplace of Christopher Columbus and hometown of the famous Aquarium;
- 2 night stay in the charming seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure, on the Tigullio Gulf near glamorous Portofino;
- 3 night stay in one of the five Cinque Terre villages, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site;
- Accommodation in 3* and 4* Category Hotels or Similar in double/twin rooms with private facilities;
- Daily Buffet Breakfast;
- 1 Half day English Speaking Local and expert Tour Guide (Genoa);
- 3 Full day English Speaking Local and expert Tour Guide (Portofino, San Fruttuoso Abbey, The Cinque Terre National Park and Portovenere)
- Panoramic Visits as per itinerary;
- Vat Taxes and service Charges.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare
- All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
- Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. Where applicable it must be paid locally to the hotel.
- Porterage service.
- Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
- All which is not listed under “PACKAGE INCLUDES”.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Children’s, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).
U.S. departure cities available upon request at 1-866-GO ITALY or Email Trips2italy .