Tastes of Liguria from Portofino to the Cinque Terre

(Enjoy Coastal Culinary Treasures along the Sun Kissed Italian Riviera)

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regular price: $5,298

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7 days | 6 nights

An Immersive Italian Riviera Escape
with Coastal Beauty, Immersive Culinary
Experiences and Seaside Medieval Villages

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Surrender to the rarefied glamour of the Italian Riviera with an exquisitely curated six-night escape crafted in luxury. From your premium accommodations and seamless private transfers to the attentive presence of expert English-speaking guides, every element is orchestrated with effortless precision. Your journey begins with an opulent multi-course welcome dinner, setting the tone for a week of indulgence and discovery. Glide by rail to the pastel-hued elegance of Santa Margherita Ligure, then arrive in style via ferry to the storied harbor of Portofino, where turquoise lined waters and designer boutiques await. Delight in immersive, sensorial experiences, from a guided exploration of vibrant open-air markets to an intimate extra virgin olive oil workshop and a hands-on focaccia al formaggio masterclass celebrating Ligurian culinary heritage. A private day along the dramatic cliffs of the Cinque Terre unveils postcard-perfect vistas, complemented by an exclusive sommelier-led wine tasting that captures the essence of the region. This is more than a journey, it is a seamless blend of sophistication, authenticity, and understated luxury.

Tastes of Liguria from Portofino to the Cinque Terre

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Itinerary Accommodations Map FAQ

VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

Please note: Tour inclusions can change depending upon seasonality and weather conditions.

•6 Nights Premium Accommodations

•6 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

•Private Genoa Airport Transfers

•English Speaking Guides Each Day

•Multi-Course Welcome Dinner

•Train to Santa Margherita Ligure

•Private Tasting in Santa Margherita

•Ferry Ride to Portofino Day Trip

•Private Guided Tour of Chiavari

•Extra Virgin Olive Oil Workshop

•Wine Tasting with Local Sommelier

•Private Day Trip to Cinque Terre

•Focaccia di Recco Cooking Class

•Authentic Italian Cooking Experience

While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.

AVAILABLE DATES

This is a 7-Day group tour that runs multiple weeks throughout the year. Please click on the orange "Check Pricing & Dates" button above to view available departures.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.

Click arrows (▶) to show details

Day 1

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Welcome & Check-In | Welcome Dinner

Upon your arrival at Genoa Airport or train station, your local tour leader will warmly welcome you and accompany you to your hotel in Chiavari with a private transfer, approximately 45 minutes. You'll check-in at your charming 4-star hotel, ideally located in the heart of Chiavari, a delightful and authentic town overlooking the Gulf of Portofino. Chiavari is one of the Italian Riviera's true hidden gems, still untouched by mass tourism. It offers an immediate sense of local life, with its characteristic streets lined by historic porticoes, where ancient artisan shops sit side by side with elegant boutiques. Noble palaces, small gardens, and a lively open-air food market further enhance its authentic charm, making it a place where every day Italian culture can be genuinely experienced. Then, enjoy a delicious multi-course welcome dinner in the comfort of your hotel. (D)

Day 2

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Classic Italian Breakfast

Start the day with a true Italian ritual: a quick and light breakfast, perfectly crafted cappuccino or espresso, pastry, cornetto, biscuits, and yogurt in one of the historic cafés of Santa Margherita Ligure, where family traditions have been passed down for generations, a true temple of Italian gastronomy.

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Santa Margherita Tour & Tasting

Santa Margherita Ligure is an elegant seaside town blending Ligurian authenticity with refined charm, overlooking a picturesque harbor with colorful fishing boats and luxury yachts, framed by pastel villas and a palm-lined promenade. Stroll through its charming alleys lined with painted palaces and boutique shops, then stop at a renowned local trattoria to savor Ligurian specialties freshly made basil pesto, toasted bruschetta, and traditional vegetable pies.

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Portofino Tour

Continue with a scenic ferry ride to Portofino, approximately 15 minutes, admiring the stunning coastline dotted with exclusive villas. Arriving by sea is a unique experience, revealing the village as a picturesque arc of pastel-colored houses embracing its charming harbor. Enjoy a leisurely walk-through Portofino, with time to explore, relax, browse elegant boutiques, or walk up to the castle for beautiful views. Ferry back to Santa Margherita and then return to Chiavari by train in the late afternoon. (B, T)

Day 3

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Classic Italian Breakfast

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Guided Walking Tour of Chiavari and Lunch

Together with your expert and passionate local guide, enjoy a walking tour of Chiavari — a true hidden gem of the Italian Riviera, still untouched by mass tourism. Discover the town through its authentic flavors and artisan traditions. Stroll along the historic alleyways lined with elegant arcades and explore the vibrant open-air food market, where locals shop daily among fresh produce and regional specialties. Step into historic food shops passed down through generations and admire traditional artisan workshops, such as skilled woodcarvers preserving age-old techniques. Pause in a charming historic pastry shop to savor local cookies, then continue to a traditional trattoria to taste the famous farinata, a savory chickpea pancake that perfectly embodies Ligurian cuisine. At the end of the tour, enjoy a light lunch featuring a selection of local specialties.

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil Lab

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in one of Liguria's finest treasures: extra virgin olive oil. Made from the prized Taggiasca olives, it is renowned for its delicate flavor and subtle aromatic notes. Guided by a local olive oil sommelier, take part in an engaging sensory workshop. Learn the essentials of olive oil production and quality, followed by a guided tasting to identify aromas, flavors, and the key characteristics of high-quality EVO oil. The experience is enriched with stories of local traditions and practical tips to help you confidently select the finest olive oils. the evening is to yourself, find time to relax at the hotel or explore Chiavari at your own pace. (B, L, T)

Day 4

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Classic Italian Breakfast

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Guided Tour of Cinque Terre Villages

After breakfast meet your private guide and together reach Cinque Terre by train, about 45 minutes to start your exploration of the picturesque and famous villages. Enjoy an authentic private day trip from Chiavari to the breathtaking Cinque Terre, discovering not only the beauty of its iconic villages but also the spirit of the people who call this land home. Following your insider's path and moving at a relaxed pace, you will explore the five picturesque villages beyond the crowds. Visit Vernazza with its charming harbor, walk through the famous terraced vineyards of Manarola, admire the postcard-perfect marina of Riomaggiore and stroll along the lively streets of Monterosso.

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Wine Tasting of Cinque Terre

A highlight of the experience is a special encounter with a local sommelier for an exclusive wine tasting of Cinque Terre wines. Beyond the tasting, you will discover the fascinating stories of the region's "heroic" winemakers, who cultivate their vineyards on steep, dramatic terraces where everything is still done by hand. Influenced by the sea, these wines are fresh, mineral, and beautifully expressive of the coastal landscape. At the end of the day, return to Chiavari by train, carrying with you unforgettable views, flavors, and stories of the Cinque Terre. (B, T)

Day 5

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Classic Italian Breakfast

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Guided Camogli Tour

After breakfast, meet your local guide and reach Camogli with a short train ride, approximately 20 minutes. Camogli is one of the most picturesque fishing villages on the Italian Riviera, with its charming harbor, medieval castle, and a row of tall, colorful houses overlooking the pebble beach. Together with your guide, explore the village at a relaxed pace, soaking in its authentic atmosphere as you wander through narrow streets, small piazzas, and scenic seaside corners.

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Focaccia di Recco Hands-On Cooking Experience

Camogli is also known as the homeland of the famous Ligurian focaccia. Today, you will discover its secrets and traditions, from the classic version drizzled with extra virgin olive oil to the delicious focaccia al formaggio. Enjoy a hands-on cooking experience as you learn how to prepare the renowned Focaccia di Recco (cheese focaccia) under the guidance of a local expert, on a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea, a truly unforgettable setting. Following the lesson, sit back and enjoy a delightful sea-view lunch featuring different variations of focaccia al formaggio, savoring the authentic flavors of this iconic specialty. In the afternoon, return to Chiavari by train. (B, L)

Day 6

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Classic Italian Breakfast

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Morning at Leisure

In the morning, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. For example, in just a few minutes by train, you can reach the picturesque village of Sestri Levante, uniquely set on a narrow isthmus between two stunning bays, the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fairy Tales, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a seaside lunch.

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Authentic Cooking Experience & Farewell Dinner

In the afternoon, a private transfer will take you to the peaceful hills behind Chiavari, where you will be warmly welcomed by Valentina, a local food writer and photographer who has dedicated her work to preserving Ligurian culinary traditions. In her cozy cottage, surrounded by beautiful views of the hills and the sea, you will enjoy an authentic and intimate cooking experience. Here, everything revolves around the kitchen, and you will immediately feel a special atmosphere shaped by passion, knowledge, and genuine hospitality. Guided by Valentina, you will learn how to prepare some of the most iconic Ligurian recipes, from the traditional Pesto sauce made with mortar and pestle to the traditional Torta Pasqualina, simple yet delicious dishes passed down through generations. At the end of the experience, sit down to enjoy everything you have prepared, accompanied by local wine, for a delightful farewell dinner in a truly unforgettable setting.

Day 7

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Breakfast & Check-Out

Sadly, your incredible trip has come to an end. Enjoy one last classic quick and light Italian breakfast, featuring coffee, pastry, cornetto, biscuits, and yogurt before starting your day. After breakfast, check-out and private transfer to Genoa train station or airport. Arrivederci!

Hotel Monte Rosa

Hotel Monte Rosa is a charming 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of Chiavari, offering a perfect blend of comfort, style, and warm hospitality. Family-run and thoughtfully curated down to every detail, it ensures a truly personalized and attentive experience for each guest. The hotel features refined rooms, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, and inviting common areas designed for relaxation. Ideally located in the historic center, it is within easy walking distance of restaurants, boutiques, and Chiavari's train station, making it the perfect base to explore the Italian Riviera.

Genoa, Italy•Chiavari, Italy•Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy•Portofino, Italy•Cinque Terre, Italy•Camogli, Italy

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What Currency is being quoted?

The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.

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What does Double Occupancy mean?

Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.

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What is a Single Supplement?

Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.

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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?

Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.

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Are flights included in the tour price?

No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.

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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?

Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.

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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?

Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.

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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?

Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.

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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?

In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.

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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?

Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.

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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?

Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.

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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?

The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.

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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?

Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.

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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?

Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.

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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?

All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.

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Do you recommend Travel Protection?

We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection plans that can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Travel Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Coverages available to residents of U.S. States and the District of Columbia only. Certain coverages are not available in all states.

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An Immersive Italian Riviera Escapewith Coastal Beauty, Immersive Culinary Experiences and Seaside Medieval Villages

Tastes of Liguria from Portofino to the Cinque Terre

An Immersive Italian Riviera Escape
with Coastal Beauty, Immersive Culinary
Experiences and Seaside Medieval Villages