Highlights
- Join a cooking class and learn to make pesto and other Ligurian specialties
- Charter a private boat in Portofino to explore cliffs and coves along the coast
- Hike the scenic coastal trail between Vernazza and Manarola on the Cinque Terre
- Go on a kayaking adventure in the Bay of Poets in Lerici
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Genoa, Transfer to Portofino, Old Mill Pesto Cooking Class | Portofino |
| Day 2 | Private Boat Trip Along the Portofino Coast | Portofino |
| Day 3 | Hiking in Camogli, Paraggi Bay Snorkeling Tour | Portofino |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Vernazza, Cinque Terre Bike Tour | Vernazza |
| Day 5 | Hike to Manarola in Cinque Terre National Park | Vernazza |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Lerici, Kayak in the Bay of Poets | Lerici |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Pisa, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Genoa, Transfer to Portofino, Old Mill Pesto Cooking Class
Ciao and welcome to Italy! You've landed in the northern city of Genoa, where a private driver will be waiting to transfer you an hour down the coast to Portofino. This fishing village turned jet-set retreat on the Italian Riviera is a luxurious spot to kick off your romantic vacation by the Ligurian Sea amid gorgeous pastel-colored houses, fantastic waterfront seafood restaurants, and chic boutiques. Check into your accommodation, then get ready for a special cooking class.
Day 2: Private Boat Trip Along the Portofino Coast
Much of today is yours to relax, kick back by the beach, and lean into the holiday vibes of Portofino. Later, you'll cap off the day with a quintessential Italian experience as you cruise along Portofino's scenic coast and enjoy an aperitivo on board. Board a private board and set off from town, gaining a new perspective on the impressive cliffs and coves of the coastline. You'll stop to admire the scenic cove of San Fruttuoso, with its medieval abbey built right on the beach.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Hiking in Camogli, Paraggi Bay Snorkeling Tour
Lace up your sneakers this morning and set off on one of the many scenic, self-guided hikes in the area. Portofino is surrounded by hills and hiking trails offering stunning views over the coast. You might like to do an easy two-hour loop from Camogli to Ruta to Portofino Vetta, or tackle the challenging Trail of the Batteries, which takes only three hours but includes sections with a safety chain.
Day 4: Transfer to Vernazza, Cinque Terre Bike Tour
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you on the one-hour drive from Portofino to Vernazza. Enjoy the scenic journey along the dramatic Ligurian coastline as you make your way to this special Cinque Terre village, often considered the most beautiful of the five. Upon arrival, drop your bags at your accommodation and meet your cycling guide, who will provide you with an e-bike and helmet for today's adventure exploring Cinque Terre National Park, including the countryside and its villages.
Start in Vernazza with a tour of the town, winding through its narrow streets and sheltered natural harbor. Admire the church built right on the sea and the castle situated to protect the villagers from pirate attacks. Then, jump on your bikes and pedal uphill through terraced vineyards and lemon groves—all while enjoying sweeping views over the coastline. On the ascent, you'll stop at two historic sanctuaries and pause to rest with white wine and focaccia before finally reaching the town of Levanto. From here, catch a train back to Vernazza for the evening.
Day 5: Hike to Manarola in Cinque Terre National Park
You're off to explore more of Cinque Terre National Park again, but this time, you'll be hiking in the opposite direction. Today's goal is to hike from Vernazza to Manarola, a trek that will take around four hours. It's a popular route, so leave early to avoid too many other hikers and the heat. The trail winds through pine and oak woods before leveling off to a panoramic trail through terraced vineyards. Along the way, you'll enter the village of Corniglia, a great spot to stop and refresh with a picnic.
Finally, continue an hour to the classic seaside town of Manarola, the heart of Cinque Terre's wine production. After a long hike, the sea is definitely calling, so venture down for a refreshing dip, then change into fresh clothes and go enjoy the town. You could find a cute wine bar to taste the local vino before taking a train back to Vernazza.
Day 6: Transfer to Lerici, Kayak in the Bay of Poets
This morning, a private driver will transfer you from Vernazza to Lerici, another charming seaside town on the Italian Riviera that's sometimes called the "under-the-radar alternative to the Cinque Terre." Drop off your bags, then spend the final day of your trip soaking up the region's famous sunshine and swimming in the sea.
In the late afternoon, you'll hop into kayaks and set off into the beautiful Gulf of La Spezia with a paddle. Commonly known as the Bay of Poets for its associations with English Romantics like Byron and Shelley, you'll find many caves and coves to explore and stop at serene beaches to swim in the dewy evening light. After, head back to the hotel to refresh before your final intimate dinner on vacation. A fantastic week by the coast definitely calls for a seafood feast!
Day 7: Transfer to Pisa, Depart
It's the final morning of your romantic vacation in Italy. After breakfast, a private driver will take you on the one-hour transfer to Pisa for your departing flight home or onward. Safe travels!
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