Discovering the Culinary and Cultural Delights of the Italian Riviera through its Famous Villages
Nestled along the stunning Ligurian coastline of Italy, Portofino and the Cinque Terre captivate visitors with their breathtaking beauty and distinct charm. Portofino, a picturesque fishing village turned glamorous getaway, exudes elegance with its pastel-colored buildings lining a pristine harbor. This upscale enclave offers refined dining experiences, where fresh seafood dishes and Ligurian specialties can be savored against the backdrop of luxurious yachts and stunning sea views. In contrast, the Cinque Terre comprises five colorful villages clinging to rugged cliffs, connected by scenic hiking trails. On this tastefully designed culinary journey, you will discover enchanting Cinque Terre, luxurious Portofino, and the most picturesque villages of the Italian Riviera. Learn to prepare pesto with a mortar and pestle in a noble palace, taste focaccia fresh from the ovens and learn to cook traditional, regional cuisine. You'll be charmed by Genoa and its traditional shops, discover the hidden gem that is Chiavari and its markets, and of course…immerse yourself in local culture, great food and delightful wines.
ItineraryAccommodationsMapFAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•6 Nights 4-Star Accommodations
•Traditional Ligurian Breakfast Each Day
•4 Dinners with Wine & Water
•2 Lunches with Wine & Water
•3 Hands-On Cooking Classes
•Visit to Focaccia Bakery in Camogli
•Visit to Santa Margherita Ligure
•Exploring the Cinque Terre
•Half Day Guided Tour of Portofino
•Half Day Guided Tour of Genoa
•Half Day Guided Tour of Chiavari Market
•Train Tickets as per Itinerary
•24 Hour Local Support
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
Available from early April through mid-October. Arrivals are on Sunday with departures on Saturday.
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 to the Italian Riviera | Dinner
Check into your 4-star hotel right in the heart of Sestri Levante, located between Portofino and Cinque Terre. Sestri Levante is a picturesque coastal village built on an isthmus between two amazing bays. It is very lively and authentic, yet not too touristy. Relax and start to feel the Italian spirit take hold. This evening your dinner is included at the hotel. Benvenuto!
Day 2
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Traditional Ligurian Breakfast Buffet
Each morning, there will be a wonderful buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt, and a selection of Mediterranean specialties.
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Discovering Genoa | Pesto Workshop with Lunch
After breakfast, reach Genoa via a convenient train ride (about 45 min). Here you will meet your guide and start a private walking tour of the historical center of Genoa, discovering the most famous monuments of the town and the traditional food shops. Wandering through the "Carrugi" alleys is a unique experience and we believe that by just walking through the maze of historic streets, you'll find the "real" essence of Genoa. You'll discover the largest medieval old town in Europe, walk along its authentic medieval alleyways, and stop in the squares and in the renaissance streets of this historic town. You'll discover the old food market and traditional shops, some of which date back to the XIX century. At the end of the tour the guide will leave you to enter a gorgeous Renaissance Palace where our Pesto expert will teach you to prepare pesto as tradition wants, with mortar and pestle. At the end of the lesson you will taste the typical Troffie dressed with pesto and other local specialties such as vegetable pies and Focaccia. In the afternoon, continue to explore on your own and go back to Sestri Levante by train (we'll provide your tickets). Dinner this evening is on your own.
Day 3
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Traditional Ligurian Breakfast Buffet
Each morning, there will be a wonderful buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt and a selection of Mediterranean specialties.
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Santa Margherita Ligure | Portofino | Lunch
After the rich breakfast buffet, reach the train station on your own, and take a train to Santa Margherita Ligure (about 25 minutes). Here you will meet your guide and together, take a stroll in this elegant seaside resort once called the "salotto" of the entire Gulf with its fishing harbor, elegant villas and gardens. From Santa Margherita, you'll reach Portofino with a panoramic trip by public boat*. You'll be charmed by this VIP tiny fishing village, which is now the center of élite tourism. Take a stroll in the famous "piazzetta" (small square), visit the castle and St George church, perched on the cliff.
At lunch time the guide will leave you and you'll be welcomed to have a delicious typical lunch at an old mill immersed in the forest of Portofino National Park (transportation to and from the mill is included).
In the afternoon you will have time at disposal to explore on your own, do some shopping or relax tasting a "gelato", then go back to Sestri Levante (we'll provide boat and train tickets).
*In case of bad weather or sea conditions boats may not run. If this is the case at the time of your tour, transfers will be by bus.
Day 4
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Traditional Ligurian Breakfast Buffet
Each morning, there will be a wonderful buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt, and a selection of Mediterranean specialties.
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Free Morning to Explore Camogli | Focaccia Bakery & Tastings | Cooking Class with Dinner
After breakfast, you have a free morning to explore Camogli, and you'll reach this beautiful fishing village with a short train ride (we'll provide tickets). Camogli is one of the most picturesque villages in the Italian Riviera with its harbor, castle, and a row of tall colorful houses set along the pebbled beach. You'll fall in love with this place, the homeland of the famous Ligurian focaccia flat bread. It is prepared in different varieties, from the classic version with just extra virgin olive oil, to those with cheese - the focaccia al formaggio. Today you will learn to prepare the famous Focaccia di Recco, the cheese focaccia, under the guidance of one of our local experts, on a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea. You can't miss a visit to Camogli's famous bakery and enjoy a tasting of the different kinds of focaccia. In the afternoon, return to Sestri Levante by train. In the evening enjoy a lovely dinner in a restaurant in the heart of the old center of Sestri Levante.
Day 5
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Traditional Ligurian Breakfast Buffet
Each morning, there will be a wonderful buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt and a selection of Mediterranean specialties.
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Exploring the Cinque Terre | Dinner
After breakfast you will reach Monterosso by train (about 45 minutes) on your own. From here, you will start your exploration of the picturesque and famous villages. The picturesque hamlets are very small and close to each other. In a few minutes train ride you can go from one to the other and we'll provide a Cinque Terre day pass with which you can travel by train all day long among the villages, and hike the stunning Blue Trail. Return to Sestri Levante by train and enjoy a lovely dinner at the hotel, which is included.
Day 6
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Traditional Ligurian Breakfast Buffet
Each morning, there will be a wonderful buffet awaiting you with coffee, croissants, small pastries, charcuterie, local cheeses, cereal, fruit juice, fruit salads and fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt and a selection of Mediterranean specialties.
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Visit to the Chiavari Market | Cooking Class & Farewell Dinner
Today you'll spend the morning exploring Chiavari, a beautiful and very authentic town just 20 minutes by train from Sestri Levante. Your guide will pick you up at the hotel and guide you to discover the secrets of this very authentic, small town not touched by tourism as yet. Walk along the streets flanked by medieval arcades and discover traditional food and artisans shops. Friday is market day and you will soak up the lively, local atmosphere. Back to Sestri Levante, in the afternoon you will have another amazing cooking class to learn how to prepare typical fish-based recipes. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the end of your cooking class.
Day 7
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Traditional Ligurian Breakfast Buffet | Check-Out and Departure
In the morning before you depart, enjoy another wonderful breakfast buffet. Time flies when you're having so much fun, but alas…it is time to check out and depart this delicious, "Edible Destination." Arrivederci!
*Please note - Sestri Levante train station is convenient when traveling to/from Genoa, Milan and destinations within Tuscany.
Hotel Due Mari
Due Mari means two seas since this hotel is located in the historical center of Sestri Levante, a lively village built on an isthmus between two beautiful bays. This family run, 4-star hotel is an elegant structure, surrounded by a marvelous garden and just a few steps from the beach. The hotel has an outdoor swimming-pool with sea water in the quiet garden area. All rooms at Due Mari Hotel are air-conditioned and have a private bathroom with hairdryer. The hotel is near many shops and restaurants to enjoy during your free time. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the railway station, has 3 restaurants onsite and WiFi is free throughout.
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.
Winner OUTSTANDING CULINARY TRAVEL Category
Vacation options presented on this website are offered by Epitourean LLC doing business
as Edible Destinations pursuant to an agreement with Marriott Resorts, Travel Company,
Inc. d/b/a MVC Exchange Company (“MVC”). MVC and its respective affiliates make no
warranty, express or implied, regarding the quality, condition, features or amenities
or any other aspect of any tour or package. The tours and packages offered herein may
have limited availability, are subject to change, and/or may be subject to additional
fees and/or taxes. MVC and its parent company and respective affiliates are not liable
for any damage to, loss of, or theft of personal property, for any bodily injury, or
any other matters, that occurs arising out of or related to the tours or packages
available through Epitourean. MVC HAS NO CONTROL OVER THE CONDUCT OF Epitourean, AND
DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY IN THIS REGARD TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
Access to the Culinary Tours is made available through the Abound by Marriott Vacations™
exchange program and is subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the
applicable Abound documents. Actual experiences will be provided via contractual
arrangements with third-party providers and may require the payment of additional fees.
The experiences described herein are examples of potential vacation opportunities and are
subject to change.
Marriott Vacation Club International and its respective affiliates and subsidiaries make
no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, features or
amenities or any other aspect of the activities, events, or service providers listed
herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities or events, or the qualifications or
the quality of services offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of
or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers.
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