Itinerary

Wander Genoa's medieval old town, one of the largest and most intact in Europe, a labyrinthine maze of narrow alleyways called "caruggi" that create a distinctive character that has remained largely unchanged since the Middle Ages. Explore the magnificent palaces along Via Garibaldi (now a UNESCO World Heritage site), the impressive Palazzo Ducale, and one of Europe's largest aquariums. Delve into the maritime history of the Republic of Genoa at the Galata Museo del Mare (Maritime Museum), and dine on enticing street food or one of the restaurants featuring local cuisine, pesto, and fresh seafood, in the brilliantly redeveloped Porto Antico (Old Port).

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Meals: N/A

Meet your guides at the Porto Antico at 10:00 am and drive along a stunning stretch of coastline where steep, forested mountains plunge directly into the turquoise Mediterranean Sea, marking the beginning of our exploration of the Italian Riviera, the Riviera di Levante. After a brief orientation, we launch our kayaks from the town of Repallo, paddle to the bay of Santa Margherita, and then on to the stunning horseshoe-shaped harbor surrounded by colorful buildings, luxury yachts, and upscale boutiques of Portofino. Returning to Repallo, we drive uphill to our accommodations at a charming agriturismo that offers sweeping panoramic views of the entire Gulf of Tigullio, from Sestri Levante to Portofino. Tonight's dinner is an authentic farm-to-table experience of Ligurian cuisine.

Overnight: Villa oliVenere Agriturismo

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Today's paddle starts from the picturesque working fishing village of Camogli, known for its colorful waterfront houses. We paddle the dramatic coastline of the Portofino Regional Natural Park, where cliffs covered in Mediterranean vegetation plunge into crystal-clear waters. Our destination is then the hidden gem of San Fruttuoso, a tiny bay dominated by a medieval abbey nestled at the base of towering cliffs. This evening's dinner is at a waterfront restaurant in the town of Recco, specializing in seafood.

Overnight: Villa oliVenere Agriturismo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

A drive along the hills of the Riviera coast brings us to Monterosso al Mare, the first of the five towns comprising the Cinque Terre. Launching the kayaks, we paddle to our first stop, the picturesque village of Vernazza. After landing on the beach in the town's small harbor, we explore narrow alleyways and climb into the vineyards for a view that captures the iconic scenery of Cinque Terre. Kayaking beyond Vernazza, getting a sense of the grand expanse of Cinque Terre. Our home for the night is Corniglia, where we will enjoy a sunset dinner on a terrace with spectacular views of the sea and the hilltop village.

Overnight: Hotel Cecio

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we launch our kayaks and continue to paddle the coast of Cinque Terre National Park. As we glide through warm blue water, the panorama of Cinque Terre unfolds before us – cliffs topped with vineyards along which the towns are set, only a few kilometers apart. As we skirt the shoreline, Corniglia reveals itself like a castle set atop the cliffs overlooking the sea. Our destinations are the villages of Manarola and Riomaggiore. There will be time to explore the final two of the five villages of Cinque Terre. This evening, we'll enjoy local wine and dining on the terrace of a seafood restaurant in Riomaggiore.

Overnight: Hotel Cecio

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

A van ride along the high road above the Cinque Terre affords spectacular sweeping views on the way to Portovenere, the "sixth village" of Cinque Terre. Launching the kayaks, we make a short crossing to the island of Palmaria and stop at the beach Spiaggia del Pozzale for lunch. Paddling around the island, we reach the dramatic entry to the harbor of Portovenre (the Port of Venus), which is marked by the soaring walls of Castle Doria and an 11th-century Gothic church built on a much older Roman site. Our ultimate destination is our waterfront hotel. After landing, there will be time to explore the town's winding lanes and castle ramparts before our final celebratory Riviera dinner.

Overnight: Le Terrazze

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a relaxed breakfast on the hotel's terrace, there is the option to either transfer to La Spezia Centrale railway station or return to Genoa. From La Spezia Centrale, it is easy to continue to popular destinations in Tuscany and beyond. Your guides will ensure that you make the best connection to the next part of your Italian journey.
Arrivederci!

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Meals: Breakfast