The 10 best experiences to have in La Spezia over the weekend

The wine tasting and winery tour in Sestri Levante is a unique experience.

During the guided tour of the cellars and the Ligurian wine production facility, you will have the opportunity to understand how the wines are made and feel the love and passion with which they are produced. The guided tour will continue with a tour of the underground Caveau which will be followed by a tasting of the most representative wines.

You will be able to choose from five options.

The Simple tasting that includes tasting 2 glasses of wine, Bianco Trevigne, Ciliegiolo Rosè or Rubino, accompanied by taralli and olives.

The Classic tasting without cutting board which includes 3 glasses, Il Bianco Trevigne / Bianchetta "U Pastine" Portofino DOC / Il Musaico Portofino DOC, accompanied by taralli and olives.

The Classic tasting with cutting board, which includes 3 glasses and an accompanying cutting board.

The Special tasting without cutting board, which includes 5 glasses, Il Bianco Trevigne / Bianchetta "U Pastine" Portofino DOC / Cimixà l'Antico / Portofino DOC / Il Musaico Portofino DOC / Granaccia Colline del Genovesato, accompanied by taralli and olives.

The Special tasting with cutting board, which includes 5 glasses and an accompanying cutting board.

The cutting board consists of a generous platter of cheeses, cured meats, vegetable pies and garden delicacies (subject to change throughout the seasons).

The duration of the experience is approximate.

After the wine tasting is over, you can enjoy a lunch (not included) that can take place either on the premises inside the winery with its large windows-which let you admire the beautiful vineyard-or outdoors.

Appropriate clothing for the low temperatures of the wineries is recommended for this experience.

Rent a 40hp motor boat in Rapallo and experience the tranquility that only the sea can give you by escaping from the most beaten routes of summer tourism in Liguria.

You will board a 6-person capacity boat with which you can explore the beauty of the Gulf of Tigullio. You do not need to have a boat license, but the driver must be of legal age.

Before leaving there is a short introductory briefing of about 10 minutes during which you will be shown the techniques for safe sailing and some itineraries will be suggested.

Thanks to this experience you will be able to admire some of the most well-known spots on the Ligurian coast, such as Portofino, Punta Chiappa and San Fruttuoso.

When booking you can choose from several options:

•    half-day rental
•    day charter
•    sunset rental

Enjoy a 3½-hour boat tour, departing from Portofino, to San Fruttuoso, to discover the Christ of the Abyss.

Starting from the meeting point, you will sail along the coast of the Ligurian Riviera, exploring the wonders of Portofino and the picturesque bay of San Fruttuoso. During the excursion you will have the opportunity to snorkel and admire the famous underwater statue of Christ of the Abyss.

An’experience between sea, nature and culture, perfect for those who want to discover the mostù suggestive corners of the Gulf of Tigullio.

The experience is guaranteed once the minimum number of 6 participants has been reached.

Day sailing in the Gulf of Portofino is a relaxing mini-cruise suitable for anyone who wants to explore the world from the sea.

Embarkation is scheduled at 10:00 am from Rapallo. During the boat trip there will be plenty of opportunities for swimming and photography of the beautiful panorama of the gulf between Rapallo and Portofino.

On board you will be served a lunch of local specialties, water, beer, dessert/fruit and coffee.

Return of the tour is scheduled at 6:00 pm in Rapallo.

Enjoy a sunset sailing aperitif in the beautiful gulf between Rapallo and Portofino.

Departure of this Ligurian mini-cruise is set in Rapallo at 4:30 pm, afterwards you will have the opportunity to take a swim with the lights of the sunset.

Afterwards you will be served an aperitif on board consisting of appetizers, bubbles and beer. Disembarkation is scheduled at 8:30 pm in Rapallo.

On board you will find competent skippers and all the comforts to make your break from routine unforgettable and safe. The skippers are highly trained FIV (Italian Sailing Federation) Instructors to ensure maximum safety.

Depending on weather conditions and skipper's decisions, the stages may change. Maximum capacity: 8 people.

Your flyboard experience in Rapallo will begin with a 10-15 minute briefing on land, during which you will receive an introduction and practical advice on how to get started flying.

Next, you will move to the sea and enter the water. The instructor will be the one wearing the Flyboard to show you more accurately what it is all about. After that, it will be your turn to begin the lesson.

During the lesson you will be supervised by Paul, who will be on the jet ski and provide you with the power you need for the Flyboard. The instructor will be on another bike and will follow you closely to ensure safety.

Overall, the experience will last about 30 minutes and you will be immersed in the thrill of flying above the water.

In case of more than one participant, the experience will still be done one at a time.

Enjoy a horseback ride in the heart of Tuscany among the hills of the province of Pisa with a final aperitif. Available 1h or 2h ride. 

You will be accompanied by an experienced equestrian guide among trails in the countryside and woods, admiring panoramic views of the Lower Valdarno, Monte Serra and a charming pond along the way.

Before departure, you will be assigned your horse and equipment and have a brief initial briefing to learn or brush up on the basics of horseback riding, making the activity perfect even for first-timers. The walk takes place mainly at the pass, in total safety and in a relaxed atmosphere.

At the return, a rich aperitif with alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage accompanied by delicacies and typical products will be waiting for you, ideal to end this experience in the best way.

The recommended clothing includes closed shoes and long pants.

Participate in a horseback ride through the hills of Pisa, accompanied by an experienced equestrian guide. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a lunch or dinner or picnic depending on the tour selected.

After an initial briefing and assignment of your horse and equipment, you will ride through Tuscan woods and countryside with views of Monte Serra, Lower Valdarno, and a characteristic natural lake.

The walk takes place at the pace and è also suitable for those who è first experience in the saddle.

To make the experience even more special, you can choose from several options that include lunch or dinner in a restaurant with appetizer, main course, dessert, water and coffee, or a picnic in nature with sandwich or flatbread stuffed with local products and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.

After the break you will resume your horseback riding excursion before returning to the starting point.

Comfortable clothing with long pants and closed shoes is recommended.

Guided experience at the Carrara Quarries with local product tastings included, to give you an up-close look at one of the most fascinating places of marble working amid unique views and local traditions.

Through minivan transportation, you'll traverse the historic marble road between Bridges of Vara and tunnels carved into the rock, until you reach the marble basins. Here you will visit the inside of an active quarry with a guide, entering the so-called "Cathedral of Marble," where you will discover mining techniques, machinery and the history of marble. Inside you will also see a striking reproduction of Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam" by artist Ozmo.

The experience continues in the village of Colonnata, where there is a walk through the historic streets and a tasting of Lardo di Colonnata IGP and typical local products. The tour includes a bottle of water and is available departing from various locations including Marina di Massa, Forte dei Marmi and La Spezia, for small groups of 4 to 7 participants.

If you choose to go rafting in Bagni di Lucca on the LimaIl River, you can rent a packraft, a lightweight boat that is practiced solo or in small groups. Four different tours are available for this experience:

Rafting 3h

3.5Km long excursion with a duration of 3h30minutes. Children can participate from 5 years old. You will raft on the Lima where you will find rapids and can take dives.

Packrafting 3h

3Km hike with a duration of 3h. This is one of the most exciting hikes in Tuscany, during which you will immerse yourself in the beauty of the Middle Lucchese Valley while diving and sliding.

If you choose to participate in the Garfagnana rafting experience on the Lima, you will have the opportunity to decide between 2 different experiences, classic rafting and packrafting.

Classic rafting This experience consists of a 4 km long descent on the Lima stream. During the adventure there will be a rafting guide who will allow you to learn more about the river environment and the magical world of rafting. The activity includes a stop at the footbridge waterfall for photo ops, 5m plunge at the old hydrometer and aquatics test in rapid. Technical equipment is provided and helmets have attachments for your action-cams. You can have the experience from November to May.

Packrafting

The activity consists of an easy perscorso of about 3.8 km duration with the "Packraft," a portable, lightweight and surprisingly sturdy one-person inflatable boat designed to navigate in any type of aquatic environment.

Experience the thrill of riding a Packraft through rapids and nature in the beautiful Mediavalle of the picturesque Serchio River just a few steps from the renowned Devil's Bridge. Clear water, thrills, breathtaking views and rapids await you.

All technical and safety equipment for activities is provided on site.

Open from March to July and September to November.

The boat tour to Portofino, San Fruttuoso and Camogli is a classic and comprehensive boat tour of the Portofino Natural Park area.

The starting point of the boat excursion is in Rapallo, but a pickup in Portofino or Santa Margherita Ligure can also be arranged, agreeing this after booking.

Spending a full day in the Portofino area, you can enjoy all the best that the area has to offer: sea, sun, beautiful views, local food, wine, and a pristine natural environment like few others in Italy.