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

This horseback ride on the High Way of the Ligurian Mountains begins with an hour of learning and lesson on the basics of getting in the saddle and getting to know the horse.

This is followed by an hour-long horseback ride with fantastic views of the LigurianMountains High Way. The riding stables are surrounded by spectacular natural scenery; an entire hillside is available for those who want to explore nature on horseback!

The horses alternate between life in the pastures, in their natural state with immense spaces at their disposal, and life in the riding stables for constant care and training.

Comfortable clothing, long pants, closed shoes, gloves and riding helmet (provided on site) are recommended for the horseback riding trip.

For daily insurance, €3 will have to be paid on site.

The jet ski tour in Rapallo consists of renting a jet ski that you can drive yourself, if you have a boat license, or you can hire a driver.

The vehicle is versatile and allows you to visit the Gulf of Tigullio, the Paradise Gulf, Camogli, Portofino, Santa Margherita and many other small locations on the cliffs of Liguria.

The jet ski allows you to quickly and agilely reach the different resorts along the coast, get in the saddle and discover the thrill of riding it in one of the most picturesque locations in Italy.

The capacity of the motorcycle of 3 people (1 driver, 1 adult and 1 child). Fuel is not always included, as it varies by speed and distance covered, you can ask the guide directly for approximate costs.

For participants aged 18 to 25, an instructor will accompany them on a separate jet ski (an extra €50 to be paid on site).

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stages may vary. 

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 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.

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.

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

This horseback riding tour in Garfagnana is suitable for beginners and even the most experienced, always accompanied by experienced staff.

During these rides, nature is explored in all its magnificence and splendor, the route takes in heterogeneous and picturesque scenery between forests and open countryside, ideal for all those who love nature.

Recommended clothing for the horseback riding trip includes closed shoes and long pants. The facility will provide you with all equipment for horseback riding, including helmet.

Discover with a horseback ride the fantastic hills in the countryside around Lucca.

1h route:

during the horseback ride you will pass through an olive grove, go through a forest and arrive at a vantage point with spectacular views of the hills.

1h30 route:

during The second route you will instead cross the forest arriving at a point from where you can admire the plain of Lucca.

The horseback ride is suitable for everyone, no experience is needed.

The horseback ride behind Forte dei Marmi, in the middle of Versilia, is easy and suitable for everyone. The ride starts from Montignoso, a town a few kilometers from Forte dei Marmi, and continues to Lago di Porta, next to the Forte Golf Club.

This walk is quiet and even those who have never ridden a horse, or have little experience, can do it. Very nice to explore Porta Lake on horseback.

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.

The’quad bike excursion in the Val di Lima, in the mountains above Florence in Tuscany é an’activity’that makes you experience the nature of the’Tuscan-Emilian Apennines in a fun way, together with the performance Quad Yamaha Kodiak 700.

1-hour excursion - Livizzano:

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•    Departure: Livizzano Base Camp
•    Trail Duration: 11km - average 1 hour
•    Altitude: 600m

You will start the hike from the mule tracks, dirt roads, fords and small streams of ‘Livizzano’, continuing then along wooded trails that will allow you to return to the starting site.

3-hour hike (half day) - Monte Prato Fiorito:

•    Departure: Livizzano Base Camp
•    .
•    Trail Duration: 33km - average 3 hours
•    Altitude: 600m to 1200m (elevation gain: 600m)

You will again start the hike from the mule tracks, dirt roads, fords and small streams of ‘Livizzano’.

The hike will then continue along wooded trails that will allow you to reach the spectacular views that await you on the slopes of Mount ‘Prato Fiorito’ at 1200m altitude.

5-hour hike (day) - Botri Gorge:

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•    Departure: Livizzano Base Camp
•    .
•    Trail Duration: 40km - average 5 hours
•    Altitude: 600m - 1200m - 900m (total elevation gain: 1200m)

Also in this option you will start the hike from the mule tracks, dirt roads, fords and small streams of ‘Livizzano’.

The hike will then continue along wooded trails that will allow you to reach the spectacular views that await you on the slopes of Mt. ‘Prato Fiorito’ at 1200m altitude.

The tour will then continue to the Orrido di Botri nature reserve where you will stop for lunch. Lunch consists of a set menu and must be paid for on site (15€ per person):

•    Tuscan appetizer
•    Bis of pasta
•    Water
•    Caffè 

For each selected tour, a briefing and initial test are provided before departure to explain how to use the ATV, so that you can ride it with ease and in complete safety.

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 half a day by boat or 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.

The boat tour in the Gulf of Portofino is a private excursion that departs from the marina in Santa Margherita Ligure with a skipper.

The boat trip will last half a day, in the morning or afternoon, or a full day. You will have the opportunity to sail to the fantastic coastlines of Portofino and Camogli.

On board you will find snorkeling equipment.

During the mini-cruise there will be an opportunity to swim offshore in the beautiful crystal clear waters, so don't forget to bring a towel and swimsuit.

Throughout the day on board, prosecco and accompanying flatbreads will also be served.