Italian Riviera, Italy
Classic Italy Grand Tour
Tour Overview
Embark on a seven-day journey through the most enchanting corners of the Italian Riviera. From the pastel-hued villages of Cinque Terre to the glamorous harbor of Portofino, each day reveals a new facet of Ligurian magic. Your private guide brings centuries of history to life while you savor the region's renowned cuisine, from freshly made pesto to caught-that-morning seafood. Stay in boutique hotels perched above the sea and travel by scenic coastal trains and private boat transfers.
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Group Size
Max 12
Max Altitude
200m
Difficulty
Easy
Start Altitude
Sea level
Total Walking Distance
Approx. 25 km over 7 days
Total Driving Distance
Approx. 180 km with private vehicle
Best Season
April-June, September-October
What makes it special
Highlights
Private guide throughout for a deeply personal experience
All five Cinque Terre villages with coastal trail hikes
Private boat transfer to glamorous Portofino
Hands-on Ligurian cooking class in a local home
Gourmet dinners featuring fresh pesto and seafood
Boutique seaside hotels with Mediterranean views
Day by day
The Itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Arrival in Genoa
Welcome to Italy. Your private driver meets you at Genoa Airport and transfers you to your boutique hotel in the historic center. After settling in, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional trattoria in the old port district.
SightseeingMeals
Dinner
Stay
Boutique hotel in Genoa historic center
- 2
Day 2
Genoa Historic Explorer
Discover Genoa's UNESCO-listed historic center with your private guide. Visit the Palazzi dei Rolli, walk through the caruggi (narrow medieval alleyways), and explore the Porto Antico area redesigned by Renzo Piano. After lunch, visit the Galata Maritime Museum.
SightseeingMeals
Breakfast, Lunch
Stay
Boutique hotel in Genoa historic center
- 3
Day 3
Cinque Terre — Monterosso and Vernazza
Take the scenic coastal train to Cinque Terre. Start in Monterosso, the largest of the five villages, with its beautiful beach and lemon groves. After lunch, travel to Vernazza, often called the most picturesque of the five. Hike the short trail between villages for stunning coastal views.
SightseeingMeals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Seaside hotel in Monterosso
- 4
Day 4
Cinque Terre — Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore
Continue your Cinque Terre exploration with the remaining three villages. Visit Corniglia perched high on a cliff, then Manarola with its famous vineyard terraces. End the day in Riomaggiore and enjoy a sunset dinner overlooking the harbor.
SightseeingMeals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Seaside hotel in Monterosso
- 5
Day 5
Portofino and the Italian Riviera
Travel by private boat to Portofino, the jewel of the Italian Riviera. Visit Castello Brown for panoramic views, stroll the famous piazzetta, and enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant. Afternoon free for shopping or relaxing at a beach club.
SightseeingMeals
Breakfast, Lunch
Stay
Boutique hotel near Portofino
- 6
Day 6
Ligurian Cooking Experience
Spend the morning in a hands-on cooking class learning to make authentic Ligurian dishes — pesto genovese, trofie pasta, and focaccia. Enjoy the meal you prepared for lunch. Afternoon wine tasting at a local vineyard followed by a farewell dinner.
SightseeingMeals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Boutique hotel near Portofino
- 7
Day 7
Departure
Enjoy a final Italian breakfast before your private transfer to Genoa Airport for your departure. Arrivederci!
SightseeingMeals
Breakfast
Stay
N/A
Altitude journey
Elevation Profile
Day
1
Day
2
Day
3
Day
4
Day
5
Day
6
Day
7
What's Included
- 6 nights boutique hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast and 4 gourmet dinners
- Private English-speaking guide
- Cinque Terre National Park pass
- Private boat transfer to Portofino
- Cooking class in a Ligurian home
- Airport transfers in luxury vehicle
- All local transportation
What's Excluded
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Lunches (unless specified)
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
Required Permits
- Cinque Terre National Park Pass (included)
- Cinque Terre Trail Card (included)
Packing List
Clothing
- Lightweight walking clothes
- Smart-casual for dinners
- Swimwear
- Light rain jacket
Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Trail shoes for coastal hikes
- Sandals for evenings
Accessories
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera
Equipment Recommendations
Daypack (20-30L)
Refillable water bottle
Travel adapter (Type F)
Insect repellent for evenings
Safety Information
- Coastal trails have uneven stone paths — wear proper footwear
- Stay hydrated during summer hikes
- Swim only at designated beaches
- Keep valuables secure on trains
Departure Dates
Sep 15
Tue
AvailableSep 29
Tue
AvailableOct 13
Tue
AvailableOct 27
Tue
AvailablePricing Options
| Option | Group Size | Type | Price / Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group (2-6 people) | 2-6 people | Group | $2,400 |
| Group (7-12 people) | 7-12 people | Group | $2,200 |
| Private (2-4 people) | 2-4 people | Private | $3,200 |
| Private (5-8 people) | 5-8 people | Private | $2,900 |
Traveler Reviews
Margaret Thompson
London, UK
Perfectly curated
Every single day felt thoughtfully designed. Our guide Elena was a walking encyclopedia of Ligurian history and cuisine. The cooking class was a highlight — we still make pesto the way we learned.
Robert Hayes
Melbourne, Australia
Worth every penny
The private boat to Portofino was a pinch-me moment. Hotels were charming and perfectly located. The balance of guided time and free time was just right.
Sofia Bianchi
Toronto, Canada
Beautiful but busy in places
Cinque Terre was stunning though September was quite crowded. Our guide steered us to quieter spots which made all the difference. The cooking class was fantastic.
FAQs: Classic Italy Grand Tour
Everything you need to know before booking this tour.
This is an Easy difficulty tour. Coastal trail hikes are 2-5 km on well-maintained paths with some steps. No technical hiking required.
Yes. Ligurian cuisine is naturally vegetable-forward (pesto, focaccia, vegetable tarts). We can accommodate all dietary needs with advance notice.
This tour has a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a personal and intimate experience.
Yes, you will actively cook alongside your instructor in a Ligurian home kitchen and enjoy the meal you prepare.
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Reserve your place on Classic Italy Grand Tour and let us handle every detail.
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