The Italian Riviera, Portofino & the Cinque Terre

Italian Riviera: Glamour & Scenic Wonders

Overview

Revel in the glamour and breathtaking scenery of the Italian Riviera as you explore its beauty by road, rail, and boat.

Highlights

• Return flights from Heathrow with British Airways
• 7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotel
• 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners
• Expert Travelsphere Tour Manager and Local Guide
• Overseas transfers, comfortable transportation, and porterage
• Audio Guide for an enriched experience

Itinerary

Day 1: UK to Pisa

Fly to Pisa and transfer to the exclusive Tuscan resort of Forte dei Marmi for a seven-night stay. Relax at the hotel or take a stroll along the beach before dinner.

Day 2: Carrara & Wine Tasting

Visit Carrara’s famous marble quarries, where the shimmering white and blue-grey marble has been sourced for centuries. Explore a marble workshop and the Marble Museum to see how this precious material is sculpted. Later, visit a local winery for a vineyard tour and a tasting of two different wines.

Day 3: Optional Excursion to Lucca & Pisa

Spend the day at leisure or join an optional full-day excursion. Begin in Lucca, a Tuscan gem with remarkable medieval and Renaissance architecture, and the birthplace of composer Puccini. Then, continue to Pisa to see the world-famous Leaning Tower and the stunning cathedral complex in the Field of Miracles.

Day 4: Cinque Terre

Take a full-day excursion by coach and train to the stunning Cinque Terre, a UNESCO-listed region. These five charming villages cling dramatically to the cliffs above the Mediterranean and are almost entirely inaccessible by road.

Day 5: Optional Excursion to Lerici & Portovenere

Enjoy a free day in Forte dei Marmi, relaxing at the beach or by the hotel pool. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the picturesque Portovenere, set atop a rocky peninsula in the “Gulf of Poets.” Visit its colorful harbour, historic castle, and charming streets. Then, explore Lerici, a beautiful seaside town with a historic centre and an impressive medieval castle.

Day 6: Portofino & Santa Margherita

Take a scenic boat ride from Rapallo to Portofino, the Italian Riviera’s most exclusive retreat, known for its designer boutiques, charming harbour, and breathtaking views. Stroll to the Church of St Giorgio for panoramic views of the bay. The tour continues to Santa Margherita, a picturesque seaside resort with a palm-fringed marina.

Day 7: Optional Excursion to Genoa

Relax in Forte dei Marmi or explore more of the Riviera with an optional excursion to Genoa. Known as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa is a vibrant port city with an impressive blend of Renaissance, Baroque, and modern architecture. A guided tour will reveal its grand palaces, twisting medieval streets, and fascinating maritime history.

Day 8: Pisa to UK

Transfer to Pisa Airport for your return flight to the UK, concluding your Italian Riviera adventure.