Hafen
Portofino

You will meet your tour leader at the tender pier and you will walk for approximately 1.5 km to Niasca bay where the kayak experience will begin. This tour will make you explore the beauty of the Tigullian Bay by kayak. Guided by marine biologists and local experts in off-track excursion, the staff assures not only the best company and highest quality of sea sport instruction and guiding, but the chance to come in contact with the most peculiar and traditional aspects of this small and rich natural sanctuary and its costumes. Guides of the Marine Protected Area will bring you in an ecological tour to discover ecosystems, habitats, and wildlife.

Tigullian Bay, Paraggi gulf, Olivetta Beach, Caves

After the short 1.5 km hike, you will start from Niasca where you will be briefed on how to paddle on a kayak and then you will be ready to explore the Tigullian Bay coast, starting from Niasca and leaving the spectacular view of Paraggi Gulf behind you. You will then reach the port of Portofino and reach the "Olivetta" small beach, soared above by century-old maritime pine trees. A stretch of coast rich with caves and inlets - which are accessible only by kayak - will soon start. Here you will be able to spot a great variety of species (grey herons, cormorants and dolphins). Passing by the "Punta del Faro", the lighthouse, the panorama will change: no trace of civilization can be seen as the wild nature is finally prevails!

After you kayak experience, you will paddle back to Niasca and then walk back through the same path to Portofino.

Get ready to dive into the deep green of the Monte di Portofino, in Liguria. The region's peculiar shape - a strip of land squeezed between the sea and the mountains - makes for incredible vistas. One of the best can be enjoyed from La Portofinese.

Begin with the 10-15 minutes drive through the woods of the Portofino natural reserve on special porters, the only vehicles allowed on this private road, which twists and turns taking you higher and higher, past secluded cottages (the high-profile residents value their privacy) and secret gardens, up where only few lucky ones can go.

Osteria "I Coppelli"

You will arrive at the Osteria "I Coppelli", that rises from the ancient walls of a drying room used in the past to dehydrate chestnuts, corn on the cob and other products collected from the Portofino hill sides. The owners decided to transform it while still keeping its main identity and characteristics. The Osteria is now equipped with an ecologically-sustainable system which will become energy self-sufficient quite soon, all the while fully respecting the environment.

Inside the Osteria there is an olive oil press mill and the cold crusher ensures the success of the most delicate phase of the entire process when producing the extra virgin olive oil. There is also a multifunctional laboratory for the processing and production of the local products, like the honey and the beer. Surrounding the building there are a beautiful olive grove integrated with young olive trees, where their poultry ranges free, and an aromatic garden where the basil for the pesto grows.

Cooking Experience: Corzetti Pasta & Pesto Sauce, Lunch with a View

In your Cooking Experience you will learn how to make the fresh Pasta "Corzetti" and the Pesto.

The "Corzetti" are one of the oldest kinds of pasta, which is part of the Genoese and Liguria tradition since medieval ages. The Corzetti, or Croxetti, are small circles of pasta with a flowery decoration stamped on them. It is said that originally the stamp was done by pressing a coin on the pasta. Only afterwards this edible art developed and the pasta makers started to use elaborate wood stamps, especially done for embossing any kind of design or noble family coat arm. Today you can find Italian Corzetti already prepared and packed in regional food shops or in few typical restaurants. Making them at home is quite unusual, it takes time and finding corzetti stamps is not that easy.

However, there are still few artisan woodcarvers, especially in the East Italian Riviera, who work to preserve this ancient art and carves gorgeous garnishing stamps just like centuries ago.

After making the pasta, you will prepare the Pesto, the most famous Italian sauce, typical from Liguria, made with basil, garlic, cheese, olive oil and pine nuts.

At the end of the cooking class, you will enjoy a lunch where you will taste the Corzetti with the Pesto and some other tasty local products from the farm's own land and kitchen.

After lunch, you will go back to the piazzetta in Portofino by Porter Van.

Portofino, Church of San Giorgio

A very pleasant walk heads up to the right as you face the harbour: here you'll find a very attractive walking path through one of the largest concentrations of flora and fauna in the Mediterranean for views of the entire bay and the Tigullian Gulf. From here proceed by foot up the hill to the Church of San Giorgio. The Shrine was built in Romanesque style in 1154. During the Second World War the church was completely destroyed by a bomb dropped by a fighter-bomber. In 1950, the church was restored keeping the original structure in mind.

This small church, sitting on a ridge above Portofino, is said to contain the relics of its namesake, brought back from the Holy Land by the Crusaders. Portofino enthusiastically celebrates St. George's Day every April 23.

Faro Lighthouse

Pristine views can be had from the deteriorating Faro (lighthouse) at Punta Portofino, a 15-minute walk along the point that begins at the southern end of the port. The lighthouse was built in 1917 and is attached to a 2 storey light keeper's house. The lighthouse is completely automated, powered by a solar unit and is still operational.

Along the seaside path you can see numerous impressive, sprawling private residences behind high iron gates.

After tendering ashore meet your guide at the pier and walk to the coach parking area. Here you will board your 13 / 14-seater minibus to Rapallo.

Rapallo Village, Culinary Experience

Liguria is home to some of Italy's most iconic foods and no one is more passionate about pasta, pesto, focaccia and other local products than your local host Guido. Join him on today's tour behind the gastronomic scenes of lovely Rapallo. With its bright-blue changing cabins, palm-fringed beach and diminutive 16th century castle perched above the sea, the town has a poetic and nostalgic air. It's at its busiest on Thursdays, when market stalls fill central Piazza Cile. and and there's no one better to show you around than keen connoisseur, master chef and all-around charmer Guido!

Meet him at one of the city's most unique monuments, the Musical Kiosk with its fanciful fresco, before continuing on to Rapallo's vibrant food market to explore the produce and herbs that feature in Ligurian recipes.

The tour continues to a nearby artisanal pasta factory, where a local chef makes traditional stuffed pasta called pansoto with market-fresh herbs. Next it's time for some street food - Guido introduces you to his favorite focaccia baker serving this cheesy, decadent treat hot from the oven with a glass of local Vermentino wine. The final stop will be to Guido's own bottega. Here, you'll have the chance to make pesto alla Genovese. Pandolce is also on the menu; enjoy this traditional Christmas cake containing raisins, nuts and sundried raisins with a sweet Moscato from nearby Portofino.

A 30 minute drive will return you to Portofino.

Get ready to dive into the deep green of the Monte di Portofino, in Liguria. The region's peculiar shape - a strip of land squeezed between the sea and the mountains - makes for incredible vistas. One of the best can be enjoyed from La Portofinese.

La Portofinese Eco-Farm

An eco-farm (owned by a family who's been in Portofino for generations) on a mission to revitalize local agricultural practices with contemporary tools, working on clean energy production and deep mountain water extraction. This is a once in a lifetime adventure, beginning with the 10-15 minutes drive through the woods of the Portofino natural reserve on special porters, the only vehicles allowed on this private road, which twists and turns taking you higher and higher, past secluded cottages (the high-profile residents value their privacy) and secret gardens, up where only few lucky ones can go.

Meet the Owners, Short Trek (5 minutes), Welcome refreshment

Anyone can go to the piazzetta down below. But only those with a special permit can rise above it. Once on top of the mountain, the second part of this unforgettable experience begins. Greeted by La Portofinese's co-owner, you will take a short walk (5 minutes) to the entrance of the farm. All guests typically stop here to enjoy the jaw-dropping view; it's hard to describe it, so take our word for it: you will want to pause, and take it in. You will then proceed to your exclusive short cooking demo + tasting session, enjoying a welcoming refreshment: the farm's own Vermentino, crisp and vibrant, made with the grapes from the historic vineyards that grip to the farm's slopes and bathe in sun and sea breeze; or the farm's special nonalcoholic beverages, all made with local ingredients: limonata, aranciata, gazzosa and tè freddo.

Focaccia Demo & Tasting, Pic nic with a View

Now it's focaccia time with La Portofinese's chef (who is also in charge of the farm's osteria): not only will he teach you how to make the famously delicious focaccia ligure and the cheese-oozing focaccia di Recco, but he will also bake a fresh batch of each in the farm's wood fired oven. Steal a bite before you head to the top of the farm's property for a picnic with a view, at the Portofinese's highest table, nestled between vineyards and stone pines. If you look closely, you'll spot the farm's beehives: their honey is so in demand it's also featured for breakfast at the Splendido Belmond Hotel, in Portofino. You will taste it too, as part of your picnic: together with the farm's own lemon jam it will accompany a selection of fresh cheese; you will also enjoy the still warm focaccia, plus a selection of bruschette and farm to table vegetable pies, fresh fruit, cake or crostata, with the farm's own extra virgin olive oil. Beverages will include the farm's own wine, beer (golden and amber ale) and sodas.

Relax or Visit the Farm, Coffee & Liquors

After lunch it's time to decide whether you'll want to sit back and relax, bathing in the sun, or walk with the farm's guide among the vineyards and the olive groves, learning about La Portofinese's agricultural practices and philosophy: to recover abandoned lands, promoting a return to agriculture and animal husbandry that used to be the backbone of the area. Over the years the owners' family, which also owns a restored mill and manages the famous Portofino lighthouse, recovered and restored to production many olive groves and vineyards. Want some coffee? Why not also try the farm's own delicious limoncino (a lighter version of limoncello) or myrtle liquor, made with local lemons and myrtle of course. If you want to take home some of the farm's products, you can purchase them on site and La Portofinese will arrange for shipping. You will also have the recipe for the two focaccias, so you can summon the day's flavor once you've home. But not the view. For that you will have to come back.

Experience the rich traditions, history and beautiful landscapes of the best-known resorts of the Italian Riviera during this scenic, half-day visit to Santa Margherita and Portofino.

Santa Margherita Ligure, Coastal Cruise, Walking Tour, Free Time

Meet your guide at the pier, walk a short distance and step aboard your local Motor boat chartered for Silversea Only towards the lovely Santa Margherita Ligure.

This short coastal cruise (15 minutes only) will allow you to take stunning photos of the beautiful coast between the two villages.

Once arrived in Santa Margherita, your guide will lead you in a guided tour to explore this lovely town.

Nestled in a sheltered bay along one of the most enchanting stretches of coastline, this beautiful town is rightly considered the Pearl of Tigullio.

Rooted in the days of ancient Rome, Santa Margherita Ligure is marked by an intense and fascinating history. Over the centuries it has witnessed devastation and rebirth, suffered occupation by Saracen pirates, and its identity has been shaped by these ups and downs.

After a guided tour of the centre, you will have some free time to explore independently.

Portofino, Walking Tour, Church of St. George

Return then to Portofino with the local Motorboat and explore this village with your guide.

Portofino is one of the most iconic places of the Italian Riviera, All over the world, in fact, they know the image of this magnificent seaside village, nestled in the green headland, with its tall colorful houses arranged in a semi-circle around the famous Piazzetta.

The guide will also take you to the church of St. George, which is a very small temple built on the cliff of the picturesque promontory. During its history this church has been destroyed several times since it was built in 1154.

After the guided tour, walk back to the pier or enjoy more time in Portofino on your own.

Meet your hiking guide at the tender pier and from there you will begin your hike to San Fruttuoso.

Scenic Hike

This route is a very scenic and the initial stretch is a steep and strenuous climb. The departure is in Via Fondaco, the road to the parking lot at the bottom of Portofino, which goes through under the Carabinieri station.

The trail, mostly consists of dirt roads and winds through the countryside to places Vessinaro. Then hike the path on the western side of the promontory that overlooks the numerous coves below, and after 1 hour and 10 'from the start, arrive in the locality Base 0. Base 0, was a military post during World War II. From here the trail enters the woods and down a steep and irregular path, with large panoramic views over the village.

San Fruttuoso Abbey

On arrival in San Fruttuoso enjoy a guided tour with some free time.

The monumental San Fruttuoso Abbey comprises of the church, which is located at the end of a narrow valley. The small, two-level cloisters between the church and the Abbey feature an open area in the centre flanked by the monks' cemetery to the east, the tombs of the Doria family to the west and the Gothic Abbey facing towards the sea. The first community of devotees of the martyr from Tarragona settled in this small bay at the beginning of the 8th century, and built a church that repelled Saracen raids until the 10th century. The abbey reached its greatest splendour in the 15th century.

After the visit and some free time, you will return to Portofino by public motor boat with a short ride 30 minute ride.

Explore Portofino (Tigullio area only) at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Portofino (Tigullio area only) at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Portofino (Tigullio area only) at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Portofino at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.