The Experience

On the Italian Riviera, visit Portofino, the most exclusive harbor and resort town in Italy. Then venture out to the steep, rugged cliffs of Cinque Terre, where you explore charming fishing villages and terraced vineyards. Day 1: Genoa/Portofino You are met on arrival in Genoa and then privately transferred to colorful Portofino. Hotel Splendido or Hotel Splendido Mare Day 2: The Italian Riviera Explore Portofino, the most exclusive harbor and resort town in Italy, crammed with yachts of the wealthy. Above the town is the church of San Giorgio, containing relics said to be of the dragon-slayer. You and your local guide continue along the Italian Riviera to the charming fishing village of Camogli, where sea-shells adorn pastel-painted house walls, and the smell of freshly cooked fish wafts out of the restaurants and onto the street. Lunch is at leisure to enjoy one of the fine local restaurants. Hotel Splendido or Hotel Splendido Mare | Meals: B Day 3: The Cinque Terre Enjoy a full-day excursion to the charming area called Cinque Terre (Five Lands,), built along the steep coastal cliffs of Liguria. At one time only accessible by sea, its vineyards and fishing villages are still strongly attached to their old customs and traditions. Visit Vernazza, a beautiful village consisting of tall, colorful houses and a church clustered together at the head of a sheltered cove. Manarola is a fishing village set amid terraced vineyards. Take a walk from here to see the coast and other neighboring villages of the Five Lands. Although Liguria’s wines are not as famous as those from Tuscany and Sicily, the Cinque Terre produces its own sweet wines made from naturally dried grapes called sciacchetra . Visit an enoteca (wine bar) with your guide to enjoy tastings, complemented by crisp Italian biscuits. Hotel Splendido or Hotel Splendido Mare | Meals: B Day 4: Portofino/Genoa Transfer to the airport, train station or port for your departure. Meals: B