Genoa and Portofino Daytrip from Milan

From historic Genovese palaces to post-card perfect sea villages, this tour encompasses all that the Ligurian region has to offer. This tour can be also organized as a shore excursion from the port of Genoa, La Spezia or Savona.

The tour will start with a private driver pick-up at your hotel in Milan. From there you will reach Genoa (in about one and half hour) a city with a rich past and historical heritage where you will meet your private licensed guide and commence with a visit of the thirteenth century Palazzo Ducale, the Doge’s Palace, nestled in the historic heart of the city, before heading to the Casa di Colombo, Christopher Columbus’s home. In 1450, the navigator was born in this now ivy-covered stone building and spent much of his early life in the streets and port of Genoa. 

The tour will continue to souring heights at the Spianata Castelletto, a romantic bird’s eye viewing-point of the city. In order to reach this breathtaking vista, you will ascend in the historic elevator- an engineering marvel made over a century ago. After a view from above, the tour will continue through the Via Garibaldi, the historic street lined with ancient palaces. Admire the rich details and elaborate architecture of the Palazzi dei Rolli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of 42 prestigious palaces.

You will then stop at the gothic Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, consacrated in 1118, before navigating towards Piazza San Matteo- the idyllic square that was heart of the Doria family consortium in the late 1200s. With your guide you’ll snake through historic streets before coming upon Piazza Caricamento. While in Genoa (or later inr Portofino), there will be time for a lunch break to savor the excellent culinary traditions of Liguria. Be sure to sample the local specialty- trofie with pesto!

After touring Genoa, together with your private guide, your private driver will take you out of town to discover the picturesque seaside village of Santa Margherita Ligure. While touring this scenic town, admire the pastel buildings that line the coast and the fishing boats that bob gently in the bay.

If weather conditions permit, you will continue by boat to the charismatic village of Portofino – the epitome of Ligurian coastal towns. Once a fishing village it became a fashionable touristic resort since the 1800s when English noble families started building here their holiday villas. Sip fresh Prosecco along the port or shop in chic boutiques and art galleries. After exploring this memorable town, your private driver will take you back to your hotel in Milan.