6-Day Ligurian Coast Tour: Food, Wine, Coastal Villages, Genoa, Cinque Terre & More 

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN GENOA VIA MILAN MALPENSA AIRPORT

Your Liguria itinerary begins with arrival at Milan Malpensa Airport, the main gateway to northern Italy and a convenient starting point for reaching the Italian Riviera.  We offer a free airfare research service that can help you find the best route and price.

After arrival, meet your driver and transfer to Genoa, a historic maritime city that once stood as one of the most powerful seafaring republics in the Mediterranean. Known for its role in trade, exploration, and as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa offers a rich and authentic introduction to coastal Italy. 

• Private transfer from Milan Malpensa to Genoa city center 

• Scenic drive through northern Italy, transitioning from inland landscapes to coastal views 

• Arrival and check-in at your centrally located hotel 

Free time in Genoa – introduction to Liguria’s historic port city 

Take the afternoon and evening to begin exploring Genoa at your own pace: 

• Wander through the historic center, one of the largest medieval old towns in Europe 

• Explore the narrow alleyways known as caruggi, lined with small shops, bakeries, and local cafés 

• Walk along the Old Port (Porto Antico), once the heart of Genoa’s maritime power and now a lively waterfront area 

You may wish to: 

• Stop for a traditional Ligurian meal featuring pesto, focaccia, or fresh seafood 🍝 

• Enjoy a relaxed aperitivo in a local piazza 

• Take in the atmosphere of a city that feels distinctly local and less crowded than other Italian destinations 

Genoa’s blend of maritime history, architecture, and everyday life offers a strong and authentic start to your Cinque Terre and Liguria experience. 

Overnight stay in Genoa. 

DAY 2 – GENOA EXPERIENCE & WHALE WATCHING IN THE LIGURIAN SEA

Breakfast at the hotel
Start your morning with a full continental breakfast including pastries, breads, fresh fruit, yogurt, and Italian coffee before a day focused on Genoa’s maritime heritage and coastal wildlife. 

Visit to the Aquarium of Genoa
Your Genoa experience continues with a visit to one of the largest aquariums in Europe, located in the historic Old Port area. 

• Explore exhibits featuring marine life from the Mediterranean and beyond 

• Learn about ocean ecosystems and conservation efforts 

• See dolphins, sharks, and a wide variety of sea species in immersive environments 

Originally opened in 1992 as part of Genoa’s redevelopment of its port, the aquarium reflects the city’s long-standing connection to the sea. 

Free lunch
Enjoy time at leisure to choose from one of Genoa’s many local restaurants or cafés: 

• Try Ligurian specialties such as focaccia or pasta with pesto 

• Relax in a piazza or along the waterfront 

Whale watching excursion in the Pelagos Sanctuary
Depart from the Port of Genoa for a unique experience in one of the Mediterranean’s most important marine protected areas. 

• Boat excursion along the Ligurian coast 

• Opportunity to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and several species of whales 

• Learn about marine biology and conservation from onboard experts 

The Pelagos Sanctuary, established by Italy, France, and Monaco, is known for its rich biodiversity and is one of the best places in Europe to observe marine mammals in their natural habitat. 

Dinner in a traditional Ligurian restaurant
End the day with a regional dining experience featuring: 

• Fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients 

• Classic Ligurian dishes such as trofie al pesto 

• A relaxed atmosphere reflecting the coastal culture 

Overnight stay in Genoa. 

DAY 3 – CINQUE TERRE DAY TRIP & COOKING CLASS EXPERIENCE FROM GENOA

Breakfast at the hotel
Start your morning with a full continental breakfast including pastries, breads, fresh fruit, yogurt, and Italian coffee before departing for one of Italy’s most iconic coastal regions. 

Train journey to La Spezia Centrale and onward to the Cinque Terre
Travel by train along the Ligurian coast toward the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its five colorful villages set along dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea. 

• Scenic rail journey offering views of the coastline and hillside terraces 

• Arrival in the Cinque Terre, historically isolated fishing villages connected by trails and rail 

• Introduction to a region known for its terraced vineyards, pastel-colored homes, and maritime traditions 

Pasta & tiramisù cooking class with aperitif and lunch
Experience authentic Italian cuisine through a hands-on cooking class in one of the villages: 

• Learn to prepare fresh pasta using traditional techniques 🍝 

• Create classic tiramisù, one of Italy’s most famous desserts 

• Enjoy an aperitif before your meal, a key part of Italian dining culture 

• Sit down to enjoy the dishes you’ve prepared for lunch 

This experience reflects the culinary traditions of Liguria, where simple, high-quality ingredients define the local cuisine. 

Free time in the afternoon – explore the Cinque Terre villages
After lunch, enjoy time at leisure to explore: 

• Walk through narrow streets lined with colorful houses 

• Visit small harbors and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean 

• Browse local shops or relax at a café along the waterfront 

Each village has its own character, shaped by centuries of fishing, agriculture, and coastal life. 

Return to Genoa and overnight stay
In the late afternoon, return by train to Genoa. 

• Relaxing return journey along the coast 

• Evening at leisure back in Genoa 

Overnight stay in Genoa. 

DAY 4 – CINQUE TERRE GUIDED TOUR WITH PESTO CLASS & WINE TASTING

Breakfast at the hotel
Begin your day with a full continental breakfast including pastries, breads, fresh fruit, yogurt, and Italian coffee before departing for another full day along the Ligurian coast. 

Full-day guided excursion in the Cinque Terre
Today’s guided tour of the Cinque Terre focuses on three of its most iconic villages, each shaped by centuries of coastal life, fishing traditions, and terraced agriculture. 

• Travel along the coastline with your guide, learning about the history and unique geography of the region 

• Discover how these villages remained isolated for centuries, preserving their character and traditions 

Visit to Monterosso al Mare
The largest of the five villages and the only one with a sandy beach. 

• Walk along the seaside promenade 

• Explore the historic old town with its narrow streets and local shops 

• Learn about Monterosso’s fishing heritage and coastal defenses 

Visit to Manarola & pesto cooking class
One of the oldest villages in the Cinque Terre, known for its colorful houses perched above the sea. 

• Take part in a traditional pesto-making class 🌿 

• Learn how to prepare Liguria’s most famous sauce using fresh basil, olive oil, pine nuts, and cheese 

• Discover the origins of pesto, which comes from this very region 

Visit to Vernazza & wine tasting
Often considered the most picturesque of the five villages, Vernazza features a small harbor and historic charm. 

• Walk through the village center and along the waterfront 

• Enjoy a wine tasting featuring local Cinque Terre wines 🍷 

• Sample regional products paired with the wines 

• Learn about the terraced vineyards that define the region’s landscape 

Return to Genoa in the evening
After a full day exploring the Cinque Terre: 

• Relax on the return journey along the Ligurian coast 

• Evening at leisure in Genoa 

Overnight stay in Genoa. 

DAY 5 – LIGURIA WINE EXPERIENCE & VIA DELL’AMORE WALK IN CINQUE TERRE

Breakfast at the hotel
Start your morning with a full continental breakfast including pastries, breads, fresh fruit, yogurt, and Italian coffee before another scenic day along the Ligurian coast. 

Morning winery experience in the Liguria region with tasting and light lunch
Today’s Liguria wine experience introduces you to the region’s long-standing winemaking traditions, shaped by steep coastal vineyards and Mediterranean conditions. 

• Visit a local winery set among terraced hills overlooking the sea 

• Learn about traditional wine production methods unique to Liguria 

• Taste a selection of regional wines, including those made from local grape varieties 🍷 

• Enjoy a light lunch featuring local products such as cheeses, cured meats, and fresh bread 

The Cinque Terre and Ligurian coastline have produced wine for centuries, with vineyards carved into hillsides to maximize sun exposure and sea influence. 

Walk along the Via dell’Amore in the Cinque Terre
Continue your day with a walk along one of the most famous coastal paths in Italy. 

• Easy and scenic walking route connecting villages along the cliffs 

• Panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea 

• Learn about the history of the path, originally created for railway workers 

The Via dell’Amore is known for its romantic setting and offers one of the most accessible ways to experience the dramatic coastline of the Cinque Terre. 

Return to Genoa 

• Relax on the return journey along the coast 

• Take in final views of the Ligurian landscape 

Free evening in Genoa
Enjoy your last evening at leisure: 

• Choose a local restaurant for a final Ligurian dinner 

• Take an evening walk through the historic center 

• Enjoy a relaxed aperitivo in a neighborhood piazza 

Overnight stay in Genoa. 

DAY 6 – DEPARTURE FROM GENOA TO MILAN MALPENSA AIRPORT

Breakfast at the hotel
Enjoy your final morning in Liguria with a continental breakfast featuring fresh pastries, breads, fruit, yogurt, and Italian coffee—an easy and relaxed start before departure. 

Transfer from Genoa → Milan Malpensa Airport 

At the scheduled time, meet your driver for your transfer from Genoa back to Milan Malpensa Airport, concluding your Liguria and Cinque Terre itinerary. 

• Private or shared transfer with hotel pickup 

• Comfortable drive through northern Italy’s coastal and inland landscapes 

• Assistance with luggage and direct drop-off at your departure terminal 

As your Liguria experience comes to an end, depart with lasting memories of Genoa’s historic charm, the coastal beauty of the Cinque Terre, and the region’s food and wine traditions. 

For a longer and more immersive experience in Italy, this tour can be combined with any of our other tours.

Ligurian Coast Tour: Food, Wine, Coastal Villages, Genoa, Cinque Terre & More Departure Dates & Pricing 🌞

Pricing & Dates

• ✅ This is a fully customized Liguria & Cinque Terre tour
• 📅 Travel on your preferred departure dates — no fixed group schedule
• 🏨 Upgrade options available for 4-star and 5-star hotels
• 🚗 Add extra nights, private tours, transfers, or extensions throughout Italy and Western Europe
• 👥 Available as a private experience for couples, families, or small groups
• 💶 Final cost per person is based on:
  • Travel dates
  • Hotel category selected
  • Room type
  • Number of travelers
  • Level of customization requested
• ☀️ Peak season dates and luxury hotel upgrades may increase pricing