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

Wine tasting and winery tour in Sestri Levante è a unique experience!

During the guided tour of the wineries and Ligurian wine production facility, you will have the opportunity to understand how 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.

The Classic tasting includes 3 glasses: Il Bianco Trevigne / Bianchetta “U Pastine” Portofino DOC / Il Musaico Portofino DOC.

The Special Tasting includes five glasses: Il Bianco Trevigne / Bianchetta “U Pastine” Portofino DOC / Cimixà l’Antico / Portofino DOC / Il Musaico Portofino DOC / Granaccia Colline del Genovesato.

To pair with the wines will be offered a generous board with cheeses, cured meats, vegetable pies and garden delicacies (subject to change throughout the seasons).

After the wine tasting you can enjoy a lunch (not included) that can take place either on the premises inside the winery from the large windows – that let you admire the beautiful vineyard – or outdoors.

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

The Cinque Terre shared boat tour departing from Riomaggiore is a unique opportunity to get to know the Cinque Terre from a new perspective, namely from the sea.

This experience is perfect for spending a day full of relaxation and fun with friends or family.

You can choose from 3 different tours.

Morning Tour

After departing from Riomaggiore, you can admire the typical Cinque Terre vineyards clinging to the cliffs from the sea.

You will have the opportunity to take your first swim and snorkel, swimming in the beautiful crystal clear waters of the Cinque Terre.

You will be treated to a delicious traditional Ligurian breakfast, with focaccia, fruit juices and water.

The tour will continue to the Cinque Terre, passing through all the wonderful villages, where the history and traditions of the place will be shared with you.

Masks, snorkels and life jackets are included.

Afternoon tour

Departure is scheduled from Riomaggiore. During this experience you can dive into the waters of Cinque Terre National Park by snorkeling with masks and snorkels.

The tour will continue towards the Cinque Terre and will allow you to admire from the sea all these wonderful villages.

You will be able to take photos, listen to music and spend unforgettable moments in the company while sipping the offered wine. 

Masks, snorkels and life jackets are included.

Sunset Tour

This experience allows you to admire the Cinque Terre at sunset, when they are tinged with striking colors.

Departure is scheduled from Riomaggiore, the southernmost town in the Cinque Terre. You will then slowly travel along the coast until you reach Monterosso, the northernmost town.

You will take breathtaking photos of each village while sipping a glass of prosecco or soft drink and enjoying a focaccia.

There is no better way to experience the magic of the Cinque Terre than by boat and, if you are lucky, you might even see dolphins!

The Cinque Terre e-bike tour with tasting from Monterosso allows you to explore this stretch of Ligurian coastline while having fun with friends.

You will start your adventure in Monterosso, just a few minutes' walk from the train station.

During the tour you will be accompanied by a guide who will share with you valuable information about the nature and traditions of the region.

This ride will take you uphill through the national park, with stops at scenic spots along the way, unknown to most tourists.

The first stop will be an ancient sanctuary (Soviore) surrounded by unspoiled nature. Here you will encounter a rich history, unique architecture, panoramic views of the coast and national park, and a refreshing spring.

Halfway through the tour you will make a stop with exciting views of Vernazza and the entire Cinque Terre coastline.

Before returning to Monterosso you will make one last stop at a viewpoint where you can enjoy local focaccia and savor a glass of wine.

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.

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.

The sunset aperitif boat tour in the Golfo Dei Poeti allows you to experience a moment of relaxation while admiring picturesque views.

Departing from the Port of La Spezia, you will board a comfortable boat that can accommodate up to 10 people.

During this tour you will be able to admire from the sea Lerici, Tellaro, Portovenere enjoying the view of San Pietro and then continue to the islands Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto.

A refreshing swimming stop in the crystal clear Ligurian waters is also provided during the cruise.

The Cinque Terre shared boat tour departing from Riomaggiore is a unique opportunity to get to know the Cinque Terre from a new perspective, namely from the sea.

This experience is perfect for spending a day full of relaxation and fun with friends or family.

You can choose from 3 different tours.

Morning Tour

After departing from Riomaggiore, you can admire the typical Cinque Terre vineyards clinging to the cliffs from the sea.

You will have the opportunity to take your first swim and snorkel, swimming in the beautiful crystal clear waters of the Cinque Terre.

You will be treated to a delicious traditional Ligurian breakfast, with focaccia, fruit juices and water.

The tour will continue to the Cinque Terre, passing through all the wonderful villages, where the history and traditions of the place will be shared with you.

Masks, snorkels and life jackets are included.

Afternoon tour

Departure is scheduled from Riomaggiore. During this experience you can dive into the waters of Cinque Terre National Park by snorkeling with masks and snorkels.

The tour will continue towards the Cinque Terre and will allow you to admire from the sea all these wonderful villages.

You will be able to take photos, listen to music and spend unforgettable moments in the company while sipping the offered wine. 

Masks, snorkels and life jackets are included.

Sunset Tour

This experience allows you to admire the Cinque Terre at sunset, when they are tinged with striking colors.

Departure is scheduled from Riomaggiore, the southernmost town in the Cinque Terre. You will then slowly travel along the coast until you reach Monterosso, the northernmost town.

You will take breathtaking photos of each village while sipping a glass of prosecco or soft drink and enjoying a focaccia.

There is no better way to experience the magic of the Cinque Terre than by boat and, if you are lucky, you might even see dolphins!

The Cinque Terre e-bike tour with tasting from Monterosso allows you to explore this stretch of Ligurian coastline while having fun with friends.

You will start your adventure in Monterosso, just a few minutes' walk from the train station.

During the tour you will be accompanied by a guide who will share with you valuable information about the nature and traditions of the region.

This ride will take you uphill through the national park, with stops at scenic spots along the way, unknown to most tourists.

The first stop will be an ancient sanctuary (Soviore) surrounded by unspoiled nature. Here you will encounter a rich history, unique architecture, panoramic views of the coast and national park, and a refreshing spring.

Halfway through the tour you will make a stop with exciting views of Vernazza and the entire Cinque Terre coastline.

Before returning to Monterosso you will make one last stop at a viewpoint where you can enjoy local focaccia and savor a glass of wine.

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.

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.

The sunset aperitif boat tour in the Golfo Dei Poeti allows you to experience a moment of relaxation while admiring picturesque views.

Departing from the Port of La Spezia, you will board a comfortable boat that can accommodate up to 10 people.

During this tour you will be able to admire from the sea Lerici, Tellaro, Portovenere enjoying the view of San Pietro and then continue to the islands Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto.

A refreshing swimming stop in the crystal clear Ligurian waters is also provided during the cruise.

This sunset aperitif boat tour in Levanto with local and organic products in the bay of Cinque Terre is a unique experience.

The departure of the boat tour is set in Levanto, at a time between 15:00 and 18:00 (depending on the season).

You will then be able to admire during the mini-cruise the Marine Park, and the passage in front of all the villages of the Cinque Terre.

During the tour there will be the possibility to stop for snorkeling, and on board you will be offered an aperitif with wine, beer, various drinks and typical and organic products from the Val di Vara.

Return is always scheduled to Levanto between 6:30 pm and 9 pm (summer).

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

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 kayak tour of Pisa from the Arno River is a unique experience that will allow you to delve into the heart of Pisa's historic center admiring its Lungarni and learning about the vicissitudes that make the Tuscan city what it is today.

The tour begins with your guide giving you a short briefing on basic technique and safety provisions. You will then set off in your kayak, single or double. By reservation only, there is also an opportunity to enjoy a delicious aperitif in a canoe midway through the tour; the cost of the aperitif is not included in the price.

The accompanied kayak tour lasts about 1 hour 45 min. for a total of about 3.5 km (the length of the tour may be subject to change if physical or weather conditions require it).

•    Only adults over 18 or accompanied minors may ride on the single-seater canoes, while 2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child over 5 may ride on the two-seater canoes.
•    Indicatively, tours run from May to September (depending on the flooding of the Arno River).
•    The tour can be conducted in both Italian and English.

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.

Riverplay in Garfagnana at Strette di Cocciglia is a guided tour of a wild and natural canyon.

You will be completely immersed in nature, the route is characterized by three scenarios; the upper part of the "Golette" basins with clear water carved by the force of the stream into the rock, the middle part where the narrows open up and we meet the small rapids and finally the final large canyon the "Blue Lagoon" with crystal clear water and underwater caves up to 12m deep.

Along the way you will have the opportunity to go diving, natural slides, the "washing machine" slide, small rapids, swimming, playing in the waterfall bubbles, adventure and lots of fun.

The daily boat tour in the Secche della Meloria marine area with aperitif and lunch allows you to experience a day aboard a cozy sailing yacht.

You can enjoy sailing along the Pisan and Livorno coastline thanks to all the comforts on board and dive to discover the Secche della Meloria marine protected area, considered one of the most beautiful in Italy.

Departure is scheduled at 10:00 am in Pisa. Once embarked, you will be served a welcome drink of appetizers accompanied by a glass of wine.

After about 1.5 hours of navigation you will arrive in the beautiful natural setting of the Secche della Meloria, considered one of the most beautiful marine protected areas in Italy.

Right here you will anchor to spend 4 hours of free time: you can sunbathe, snorkel in search of the characteristic posidonia or take advantage of the SUP boards available on board to reach the scenic Southern Lighthouse of Meloria.

Lunch is planned afterwards, which includes a sea-scented main course accompanied by water and a glass of white wine.

Return is scheduled at approximately 5 p.m.

In case of food allergies and intolerances it is possible to contact the facility after booking.

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.

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.

This sailing tour near Alassio is a 3-hour or full-day excursion, departing from Marina di Andora. You can charter the boat exclusively with skipper and with lunch or aperitif on board included.

During the tour you will have the opportunity to see the coastline of the Ligurian Riviera and swim in its crystal clear waters. There is snorkeling equipment on board, and you will be offered snacks and drinks (beer and soft drinks) as a small aperitif on the boat.

Remember to bring your swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, hat and sunscreen.

Depending on weather conditions and skipper's decisions, the stops may change.

The sea-view horseback ride in Pietra Ligure is ideal for those who want to have an experience of medium duration and difficulty near Savona.

After a short field ride, participants will ride under the supervision of the instructor along the trails inside and outside the park.

Equipment needed: comfortable, sporty clothing, long pants, closed shoes.

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.

Horseback riding in Lurisia Terme, outside Cuneo, allows you to spend a relaxing time immersed in the woods and picturesque landscapes of this area.

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

You can choose from 2 options:

•    1-hour walk
•    2-hour walk

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 a time to approach and become familiar with the horses.

You will ride an itinerary of varying 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, offering valuable spring waters 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 who are new to horseback riding, but very enjoyable for the more experienced as well.

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.

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.

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.