Liguria and Cinque Terre in 8 days | Italy tour

Route

You will first stay three nights in Santa Margherita Ligure, ideal for Genoa, Portofino and Rapallo. Then you will move to the Cinque Terre region for four nights, with trips to Pisa, Lucca and Portovenere.

Pace

Three nights on the Riviera, four nights near Cinque Terre. You combine city visits, coastal walks and boat trips without having to change hotels. You use the car between regions, and once there you can choose between train, boat or walking.

Highlights

In Genoa, you can stroll along the Porto Antico and learn how to make pesto in a historic setting. In Portofino, you can admire the yachts and colourful facades, while Rapallo charms visitors with its coastal castle. Next up are the five villages of Cinque Terre. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are accessible by train, boat or footpath along the cliffs. A day in Pisa and Lucca adds Tuscan culture.

Accommodation

Small-scale hotel with swimming pool near Santa Margherita and a hotel with sea view near Cinque Terre. Quiet location, not in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the villages, but with quick access to the coast and train.

Profile

For travellers who want to discover the Ligurian coast in depth. For those who are willing to walk between villages, enjoy renting a boat along the cliffs and consider local cuisine more important than tourist lists.

Day 1: Departure to Santa Margherita Ligure

After a long journey, you arrive at the hotel, check in and take a dip in the pool.

Day 2: Genoa

With a guide, you will dive into “Genova” and learn all about the rich history and dominant position of Christopher Columbus's birthplace. Discover how important this port city has been throughout the centuries and visit the Porto Antico and San Lorenzo Cathedral, among other sights. The Niccolò Paganini Museum is an absolute must for music lovers. Come face to face with his violins and personal belongings and learn more about this unique musician. Those who would like to learn something new in the field of gastronomy can take a pesto workshop. In a historic building, you will learn how to make delicious pesto with the best local ingredients.

Day 3: Portofino and Rapallo

Explore the area around the hotel and visit exclusive Portofino, where you can admire luxurious yachts from one of the many terraces located at the harbour. Those who would like to take a dip in the sea can always do so in Baia di Paraggi. Afterwards, continue on to Rapallo. Here, you will discover buildings and restaurants in true Art Nouveau style in the historic city centre. At the harbour, you will discover Castello di Rapallo, which was built in the 16th century to protect the town from pirates.

Day 4: Santa Margherita Ligure – Montemarcello

You will travel on to Cinque Terre, named after the five beautiful villages that give the region so much colour: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. You will check into a five-star hotel in a unique location with sea views.

Day 5: Cinque Terre

The highlight of this trip is undoubtedly on day 5. Cinque Terre can be visited in various ways. Hire a boat and sail along one of the most beautiful Italian coastal landscapes. If you prefer to visit the villages on foot, we recommend taking the train from La Spezia or following the challenging walking route.

Day 6: Pisa and Lucca (Tuscany)

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, located in the harmonious “Piazza dei Miracoli”, is one of the most visited monuments in the world. The tower, with its refined architecture, is the campanile of the nearby “Duomo”, with its marble façade and bronze doors. Inside, you can admire Pisani's imposing 14th-century pulpit. Then continue to the walled town of Lucca, a very pleasant town with lively squares and the picturesque Via Fillungo, full of charming shops. Be sure to take the time to sit at a terrace on the beautiful Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the remains of a Roman theatre.

Day 7: La Spezia and Portovenere

The port of La Spezia is one of Italy's naval bases. There is also the Museo Tecnico Navale (Technical Maritime Museum), where you can literally dive into the world of the Italian navy and its history. Afterwards, you can enjoy the terraces and charming shops in the city's “Centro Storico”. If you would like to end the day “all” Italiana' at sunset on a cosy terrace, be sure to drive on to the port of Portovenere.

Day 8: Return home

Check out of the hotel and return home, or combine another region on your way back.

Frequently asked questions about Lyrical Liguria

When is the best time to visit Liguria and Cinque Terre?

May, June, September and October are ideal. Temperatures around 20–25 degrees make walking between the villages of Cinque Terre pleasant. In July and August it is warmer and busier, especially in Monterosso and Vernazza.

What is the best way to get around during this tour of Liguria?

A car is practical for travelling between Santa Margherita and the Cinque Terre region. Within Cinque Terre itself, it is better to use the train or boat, as the villages are car-free and parking is limited.

What makes this Liguria trip different from a standard Cinque Terre visit?

You combine Genoa, Portofino and Rapallo with the five villages of Cinque Terre and a trip to Pisa and Lucca. This allows you to experience the entire Ligurian coast, not just one hotspot.