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Explore the Ligurian Coast: Private Tour to Portofino & Santa Margherita by train and boat from La Spezia with private guide
Discover Santa Margherita and Portofino's colorful harbors - Enjoy scenic boat and train rides with stunning coastline views
- Relax with a friendly local guide sharing stories and tips
- Capture incredible photos of scenic spots
- Experience a seamless, worry-free day — we take care of everything
- Taste regional Ligurian dishes (lunch not included)
- Train and boat tickets included for convenience
- Private guide included for a personalized experience
- Perfect for cruise passengers, with easy La Spezia pickup
- Fully customizable to fit your schedule and interests
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Description:
Experience the magic of the Ligurian coast on this private day trip to Portofino and Santa Margherita from La Spezia by train, designed with comfort, scenic beauty, and authentic local experiences in mind.
Traveling by train and public boat, this itinerary offers a smooth, eco-friendly, and picturesque way to explore two of Italy’s most beloved seaside towns without the stress of road traffic.
Perfect for cruise passengers arriving in La Spezia and travelers seeking an immersive coastal adventure, this tour combines incredible sea views, charming historic towns, and the timeless glamour of Portofino—all with your own private guide to have a stress-free experience and bring the region’s stories and culture to life.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
Your private guide will meet you directly at the La Spezia cruise terminal or train station before boarding a comfortable regional train to Santa Margherita. The ride itself is a highlight: enjoy glimpses of the Ligurian Sea, terraced hillsides, and elegant seaside towns as you travel stress-free along the coast.
Santa Margherita Ligure
Arriving in Santa Margherita, you’ll step into a postcard-perfect setting of pastel buildings, palm-lined promenades, and shimmering blue waters. Enjoy a guided stroll through the vibrant waterfront, admire the noble Villa Durazzo, and explore squares filled with cafés, boutique shops, fishermen’s boats, and daily Ligurian life.
Scenic Public Boat Ride
From Santa Margherita, board your public boat to Portofino (weather and seasonal schedules permitting—service does not operate in winter). This is one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in Italy: cliffs plunging into turquoise waters, lush Mediterranean vegetation, historical villas of the aristocracy, and hidden coves. It’s an unforgettable way to approach Portofino, offering spectacular photo opportunities from the sea. When the boat service is not running you will get to Portofino by bus (included) or taxi (not inlcuded).
Portofino
Arrive in Portofino, the world-famous village beloved by artists, celebrities, and travelers alike. Your guide will take you to iconic landmarks such as:
- The elegant Piazzetta, Portofino’s glamorous little square
- The panoramic Church of San Giorgio, perched above the harbor
- The historic Castello Brown, keeping watch over the bay
Stroll through narrow alleys, admire luxury boutiques, and soak in the unique blend of maritime charm and sophistication that defines this timeless destination.
Lunch in Portofino
Enjoy free time for lunch, with your guide offering expert recommendations on where to taste regional Ligurian cuisine: fresh seafood, handmade pasta with pesto, focaccia, and the flavors that make this region famous. (Lunch is not included.)
Return to Santa Margherita & La Spezia
After exploring Portofino, take a relaxing boat ride back to Santa Margherita, followed by a scenic train journey to La Spezia. Your guide will accompany you back to the cruise terminal or train station, ensuring a smooth and worry-free return.
This itinerary can be adapted based on weather, timing, and personal preference.
Why Choose This Tour
- A More Scenic Way to Travel: The combination of train and boat offers gorgeous coastal views, avoids road traffic, and provides a more relaxing experience compared to car-based tours.
- Eco-friendly & Efficient: Trains along the Ligurian coast are fast, reliable, and ideal for reaching Santa Margherita; boats offer the most beautiful approach to Portofino.
- Private Local Guide: Enjoy personal insights, cultural stories, and expert recommendations tailored to your interests.
- Flexible & Customizable: Perfectly suited to cruise schedules and adaptable for travelers arriving by train from other cities.
- Authentic Ligurian Experience: Discover the region through its seaside towns, traditional cuisine, and spectacular landscapes.
Who Is This For
- Cruise passengers looking for a seamless, scenic excursion from La Spezia
- Travelers who enjoy relaxed, stress-free transportation (train + boat) with amazing coastal views
- Couples and families wanting a private, immersive experience
- Photography lovers who want the best vantage points of Portofino and the Ligurian coast
- Food enthusiasts eager to sample authentic Ligurian dishes in charming settings
- Visitors interested in culture, beauty, and easy coastal exploration without long drives
Ready to explore Portofino and Santa Margherita by train?
Book this tour online or contact us to customize the itinerary—we’ll be happy to adapt timing and details to your cruise schedule or travel plans.
FAQs – Portofino and Santa Margherita from La Spezia by Train
Is this tour suitable for cruise passengers? - Yes. The timing is fully adjustable to match your ship’s arrival and departure, and your guide meets you directly at the cruise terminal.
How long is the tour? - Approximately 7–8 hours, depending on train and boat schedules. Timing can be customized.
Is the boat ride always available? - No. The public boat does not run in winter and may be canceled in case of bad sea conditions. If unavailable, we adapt the itinerary using train/walking.
Can the itinerary be customized? - Absolutely. We can adjust timing, pace, and activities based on your interests, mobility, or schedule.
Are train and boat tickets included? - Yes, we include and prepurchase all the necessary tickets so there is no hassle or waste of time.
Is lunch included? - Lunch is not included, but your guide will suggest excellent local restaurants and assist with reservations.
Why choose a train-based tour instead of a private driver? - On the Ligurian coast, trains offer faster connections, avoid traffic, and provide beautiful coastal views. They are also less expensive than hiring a private driver.
Is it possible to do the Portofino and Santa Margherita tour with a private driver? – Yes, we also offer the option of doing this tour with a private driver, see here
Included:
- Private Guide
- Train Tickets
- Boat Tickets (subject to weather conditions - not available from 1 Nov to 1 Apr - public service)
Not included:
- Lunch
- Entrance fees (if any)
Languages:
Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese
Meeting point:
If you are on a cruise: the guide will meet you AT THE PORT of La Spezia, she will be waiting holding a sign with your name at the cruise terminal
Duration:
6 Hours
Dress code:
We suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes
