The 20 best experiences to have in Liguria

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.

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.

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.

Embark on a boat tour that will take you around Portofino and its characteristic coves. The departure of the Portofino and San Fruttuoso boat tour is usually from Rapallo, but you can request to depart from Portofino or Santa Margherita.

You can freely arrange with the skipper to choose the boat tour that suits you best, and visit your favorite coves between Camogli and the Cinque Terre.

You can choose whether to take the half-day (morning or afternoon), full-day or sunset boat tour. For the sunset mini-cruise, you will be treated to a delicious aperitif.

The boat is a Classic Gozzo Ligure, just over 7 meters long, fully restored in 2021 bringing back to new condition not only the aesthetics but also the mechanical parts of the engine.

Inside the boat you will find any comfort to spend the best time on board, it is in fact equipped with fresh water shower, blue-tooth stereo sound system, sundeck with dedicated cushions, retractable awning, portable refrigerator with soft drinks, snorkeling equipment and much more.

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. 

Enjoy a day cruise to Cinque Terre with friends, exploring the villages of Porto Venere or Riomaggiore, Vernazza and Monterosso, where you can swim or enjoy lunch overlooking the sea.

The cruise departs from La Spezia at 10 a.m. aboard a motorboat.

When booking, you can customize your experience by choosing between two distinct itineraries:

•    Portovenere, Monterosso and Vernazza (available Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday)
•    Riomaggiore, Monterosso and Vernazza (available Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday)

In each stop, travelers will have the opportunity to explore the villages, bathe in the clear waters, enjoy a lunch overlooking the sea, and store in local stores.

Based on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may be subject to change.

An evening boat getaway to enjoy the most beautiful and romantic view of the sunset from the sea - with music, cocktails and an authentic aperitif.

You will coast the Gulf of Poets, to reach Porto Venere and Palmaria Island, the best spot from which to admire the most beautiful moment of the day in total tranquility and relaxation.

The experience will be accompanied by a full aperitif, with a drink or a glass of wine, local specialties and good music.

During the first part of the tour, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the sunset with a background of lounge music.

Adult ticket includes 1 aperitif (1 cocktail or glass of wine of your choice and 1 aperitif food box, with vegetable pies, a taste of pasta and local specialties). The children's ticket includes 1 non-alcoholic drink and snacks.

Extra cocktails, alcohol or other drinks can be purchased at the bar on board.

Please notify following booking of any food allergies or restrictions (e.g. gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, etc.).

For the experience of trekking among the vineyards and picnicking at 5 Terre, you can choose from two different tours:

Wine Tasting:

An eno-sensory journey to discover the 5 TERRE and its many facets. A real Eno-Tour to discover the vineyards and the winery, illustrating both the winemaking process and the bottling, passing through the evocative barrel cellar where the aging of red wine takes place.

The tasting includes 4 glasses of wine (bubbly, 2 whites and a red). Accompanying you will enjoy bruschetta with anchovies, cherry tomatoes and homemade pesto.

Trekking among the vineyards and picnic:

Walk among vineyards and beautiful views of the Cinque terre with Pic Nic basket tasting. Departure from farmhouse in Monterosso.

The route is developed in 6 stages marked by signposts that draw a loop walk that starts and arrives at the entrance of the Estate. It winds through vineyards and the olive groves that surround the Estate.

A picnic basket and a bottle of wine will accompany your tour through the vineyards. You can choose from an array of gourmet sandwiches, including vegetarian or vegan.

During the walk, you will also have the opportunity to listen, in real time, to a story that guides you step by step to discover the territory, the grapes, the olive trees, the lemon grove, the places and the views that fill your eyes.

Recommended clothing for this tour includes comfortable clothes and hiking shoes.

This private boat excursion takes you to discover the Cinque Terre from the sea. You can admire of breathtaking views and swim in places only reachable by boat.

This experience is perfect for spending a fun and relaxing day with friends or family, for groups of up to 12 people.

You can sail the Gulf of La Spezia, Lerici, Portovenere and Palmaria Island on an exclusive gozzo.

Swimming stops are scheduled: the skipper will take you to coves and beaches away from the crowds.

You can choose from several tours with different durations: from 2 to 8 hours, departing in the morning and afternoon. There is also the possibility to choose the sunset tour, lasting 2 hours.

In case of bad weather, the facility may cancel or change the itinerary and its duration.

This group boat excursion takes you to discover the Cinque Terre from the sea.

This experience allows you to admire of breathtaking views and swim in places that can only be reached by boat.

You can choose from several options

Morning and afternoon tour

This experience starts from Montenero, then continues to Riomaggiore. Afterwards, you can see the picturesque Manarola with its typical terraces and vineyards, and then see Corniglia from the sea and the enchanting Vernazza.

The last planned stop is Monterosso, but before returning to Riomaggiore a swimming stop at the wild Guvano beach is planned. 

Sunset Tour

This experience allows you to admire the Cinque Terre at sunset while sipping local wine and savoring Ligurian focaccia.

You will have the opportunity to observe Riomaggiore from the sea while sipping your first glass of white wine. You will then proceed north and admire the "Via dell'Via dell'amore", Manarola, Corniglia and the Guvano beach.

You will then continue to Vernazza, where you will stop in the small harbor to take some photos of the village from the sea. Before returning, you can admire Monterosso in the distance.

Portovenere and Islands

Leaving Riomaggiore, you will proceed southeast where you can admire a wild coastline where cliffs, Mediterranean scrub and several beaches alternate.

Passing Ferrale you will pass by Campiglia beach and then continue to Portovenere which will welcome you with the view of the mighty castle facing the sea and the renowned bay known as Grotta Byron.

After a swimming stop you can visit the medieval town of Portovenere with the church of San Pietro and the castle.

Back on board, you will skirt Palmaria Island and Tino Island, then head for La Spezia.

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.