The 10 best experiences to do in Portofino and Rapallo on vacation

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.

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.

The exclusive Cinque Terre boat excursion departing from Riomaggiore or Mirabello allows you to enjoy a unique experience discovering this stretch of the Ligurian coast.

Explore the Cinque Terre with this private tour in the company of your friends, family or partner.

You will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will share with you the history of this area, making the trip not only scenic but also cultural.

You will sail along the coast admiring the famous villages from the sea, with the freedom to enjoy every moment without the presence of other guests.

During the excursion, swimming stops are planned in quiet coves, away from the crowds, to swim in crystal clear waters.

On board you will enjoy a local Ligurian focaccia mix, accompanied by prosecco, Coca-Cola and water.

The tour is available in morning or afternoon hours and it is ideal for couples, families and small groups who want a personalized, comfortable and authentic experience discovering the Cinque Terre.

Explore the Cinque Terre, Portovenere and the 3 islands with these group boat tours departing from the picturesque marina of Riomaggiore or Mirabello.

When booking, you can choose from three options.

Five Lands – Day Boat Tour

Discover the Cinque Terre from the sea with a boat tour departing from Riomaggiore. You'll sail along the coast admiring colorful villages and stop for a swim away from the crowds.

A relaxing and authentic experience, perfect for couples, families and friends.

Finque Terre – Sunset tour with pesto pasta

Experience the magic of Cinque Terre at sunset departing from Riomaggiore. Enjoy the colors of the sun setting over the sea as you savor fresh pesto pasta, handcrafted by a local workshop.

The’time may vary to ensure the best view of the sunset.

Boat tour to the 3 Islands – Portovenere

Group tour departing from Porto Mirabello (La Spezia) to discover Portovenere Natural Park and its islands. During the navigation a refreshing swimming stop is planned and you will be served an aperitif with Ligurian focaccia.

Perfect for those who want to explore one of the most fascinating areas of Liguria from the sea.

This sunset boat tour from Monterosso with aperitif è a relaxing and fun evening by boat discovering the 5 Terre.

The departure of the mini-cruise in high season, è scheduled in Monterosso at 6 pm. The return è is also scheduled in Monterosso at 21:00. The time of the tour, varies by season and depends on the actual time of sunset (between 4:30 pm and 6 pm)

During the tour you will be able to admire the five colorful seaside villages of the Cinque Terre from the sea at sunset lights, while an experienced guide will tell you all about the history and local daily life.

In the warmer months you will discover beautiful coves for diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the National Park.

To make the most of the boat trip you will be offered an aperitif that includes soft drinks, prosecco, wine and some delicious local products, including focaccia and pesto.

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.

The exclusive Cinque Terre boat excursion departing from Riomaggiore or Mirabello allows you to enjoy a unique experience discovering this stretch of the Ligurian coast.

Explore the Cinque Terre with this private tour in the company of your friends, family or partner.

You will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will share with you the history of this area, making the trip not only scenic but also cultural.

You will sail along the coast admiring the famous villages from the sea, with the freedom to enjoy every moment without the presence of other guests.

During the excursion, swimming stops are planned in quiet coves, away from the crowds, to swim in crystal clear waters.

On board you will enjoy a local Ligurian focaccia mix, accompanied by prosecco, Coca-Cola and water.

The tour is available in morning or afternoon hours and it is ideal for couples, families and small groups who want a personalized, comfortable and authentic experience discovering the Cinque Terre.

Explore the Cinque Terre, Portovenere and the 3 islands with these group boat tours departing from the picturesque marina of Riomaggiore or Mirabello.

When booking, you can choose from three options.

Five Lands – Day Boat Tour

Discover the Cinque Terre from the sea with a boat tour departing from Riomaggiore. You'll sail along the coast admiring colorful villages and stop for a swim away from the crowds.

A relaxing and authentic experience, perfect for couples, families and friends.

Finque Terre – Sunset tour with pesto pasta

Experience the magic of Cinque Terre at sunset departing from Riomaggiore. Enjoy the colors of the sun setting over the sea as you savor fresh pesto pasta, handcrafted by a local workshop.

The’time may vary to ensure the best view of the sunset.

Boat tour to the 3 Islands – Portovenere

Group tour departing from Porto Mirabello (La Spezia) to discover Portovenere Natural Park and its islands. During the navigation a refreshing swimming stop is planned and you will be served an aperitif with Ligurian focaccia.

Perfect for those who want to explore one of the most fascinating areas of Liguria from the sea.

This sunset boat tour from Monterosso with aperitif è a relaxing and fun evening by boat discovering the 5 Terre.

The departure of the mini-cruise in high season, è scheduled in Monterosso at 6 pm. The return è is also scheduled in Monterosso at 21:00. The time of the tour, varies by season and depends on the actual time of sunset (between 4:30 pm and 6 pm)

During the tour you will be able to admire the five colorful seaside villages of the Cinque Terre from the sea at sunset lights, while an experienced guide will tell you all about the history and local daily life.

In the warmer months you will discover beautiful coves for diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the National Park.

To make the most of the boat trip you will be offered an aperitif that includes soft drinks, prosecco, wine and some delicious local products, including focaccia and pesto.

The day boat tour to 5 Terre and Portovenere from Monterosso is a relaxing and fun experience. The boat tour is scheduled to depart from Monterosso at 10:00 am. Return is also scheduled to Monterosso at 3:00 pm.

Aperitif is included in the price of the tour, and there are always 1 captain and 1 host to explain and guide. Aperitif with savory, herb, rice cakes, flatbreads, fresh products made on the day, along with Prosecco and other drinks.

During the mini-cruise you will see the five colorful seaside villages of the Cinque Terre from the sea, while an experienced guide will tell you all about the local history and daily life.

You will discover the beautiful coves of the Cinque Terre for diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the National Park.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy a’snow experience with a fantastic snowmobile ride in Prato Nevoso, reaching Chalet il Rosso amid snowy landscapes and breathtaking views.

The snowmobile ride lasts about 1 hour on a 10km route with incredible views.

The departure è scheduled near the Rosso Panoramica chairlift on Corona Boreale street, from which you will depart by snowmobile and reach the Chalet il Rosso. From the chalet you will have the opportunity to see a suggestive sunset, accompanied by an aperitif. At the end of the aperitif, the guide will lead you to the meeting point.

During the snowmobile-guided excursion, the landscapes of Prato Nevoso will be explored from a’different perspective.

È important to wear snow clothing (gloves and clothing that keeps warm recommended). Helmets willà be provided by our staff. It will beà possible to request photos and videos of your experience from the staff entirely free of charge.

The visit, followed by a tasting, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the historic local winery of the Luzi Donadei winery in the heart of the Langhe.

The duration of the experience is about 2 hours and, with favorable weather conditions, the visit will conclude with a walk through the streets of the village to discover the estate's vineyards. It is also possible to conduct the visit in English and French.

The visit is suitable for all ages and animals are also allowed.

Piedmont Classics.

Tasting of 3 local wines:

•    Langhe Doc Chardonnay
•    Dogliani Docg
•    Langhe red

The tasting is accompanied by a mixed platter of cured meats and cheeses.

Piedmont's top wines

Tasting of 4 local wines:

•    Donna Cecilia Dogliani Doc Sup.
•    Claves Januae Barbera d'Alba doc Sup.
•    Barolo docg
•    Ester Ferrero Brut Metodo Classico

The tasting is accompanied by a mixed platter of cured meats and cheeses.

A wonderful panoramic snowshoe hike that will take you through the picturesque snowy landscapes of Prato Nevoso in the province of Cuneo.

You will walk on soft white snow with views of pristine winter scenery, the colors of winter and the tranquility of the mountains. A unique experience that will repay the effort (not too much) of snowshoeing! There are several ways to perform the snowshoe outing:

Panoramic snowshoeing
You will meet the guide and once you have your snowshoes on, you will set off on the approximately two-hour hike that will run along fresh snow in the Trucca Sape' forest. Thursday through Monday, start in the morning or afternoon.
The total elevation gain of the walk is approximately 300 mt.

Snowshoeing with Aperitif
If you prefer instead a shorter hike and end with an aperitif in the fresh air among the snow, you can choose the pre-summer outing "apericiaspola" starting at 5 p.m. and lasting 1 h 30 min (snowshoeing about 1 h).

Snowshoeing with lunch at the Refuge
A fantastic snowshoeing experience to Chalet il Rosso in Prato Nevoso with lunch included. Once lunch is finished you will then descend from the lodge back to the starting point.

If there is a lack of snow, the snowshoeing can be moved to higher elevation by adding the cost of the gondola.

Snowshoe in Prato Nevoso, one of the most beautiful winter resorts in Piedmont.

Choose horseback riding in Lurisia Terme and aperitif, and spend a pleasant and peaceful ride through the woods and beautiful landscapes of the area in the province of Cuneo.

A horseback ride is a panacea for body and mind. In the company of equestrian hiking guides, you will have an unforgettable experience, discovering the treasures of the area and experiencing the authentic emotions of a ride in nature.

This horseback ride has a duration of 2 hours and at the end you will be offered an aperitif.

The horseback ride begins at the riding school in Lurisia Terme, a hamlet of Roccaforte Mondovì, in the province of Cuneo. For beginners, there will be an approach and familiarization time with the horses.

We will ride a route of variable length (depending on the level of the participants and the duration chosen) on wooded trails around Lurisia. This is a very interesting area from a naturalistic point of view, which offers spring waters valuable for wellness and spa treatments.

The horseback riding excursion will take place on a route totally surrounded by greenery, of great relaxation and coolness, particularly suitable for those at the first experience of horseback riding, but very pleasant also for the more experienced.

The snowmobile ride to Prato Nevoso è a perfect experience to discover the famous mountain resort in Piedmont with a little extra adrenaline.  

The departure è at 8 p.m. near the Rosso Panoramica chairlift on Corona Boreale Street. From here you will depart, accompanied by an open-air guide along a very scenic route until you reach Chalet il Rosso.

The chalet will host you for dinner giving you the opportunity to enjoy dishes prepared with local and seasonal products. The menuù includes an appetizer, a first course and a second course, while drinks are not included.

Among the hut's offerings you can find chopping boards, polenta, gnocchi and much more. At the end of the dinner, the guide will lead you to the meeting point.

The snowmobile canà be driven only by those who have a type B license.

In case of allergies or specific dietary needs it will be necessary to contact the partner directly.

A snowshoe hike in Limone Piemonte will allow you to immerse yourself in pristine snowy landscapes while walking gently on a deep blanket of snow.

You can decide between the longer 6-hour day tour or the shorter half-day tour of about 3 hours. Based on weather and snow conditions, your guide will determine your snowshoeing destination a week in advance.

The easiest destinations, but without losing the beauty and scenery of the Maritime Alps, proposed by the guide are the Forts of the Colle di Tenda, the centuries-old Beech Forest in Palanfrè, the Capanna Chiara tour, the tour in the Vallone di San Giovanni, and the tour to the Alpe di Papa Giovanni.

Winter clothing is recommended. Snowshoes and wands will be to rent on site for 10€ for groups of more than 4 people.

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.

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.