Portofino Coast Itinerary
Day 1 - October 1
We leave Florence and drive along the motorway and arrive at our first stop in Pisa; a historic medieval university town located on the Arno River, a few miles inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea. We'll walk to the famous Square of Miracles, and view the unique and very famous Leaning Tower together with the 11th century Cathedral as well as the Baptistery.
Lunch is at Chalet Del Lago. Built at the end of the 19th century, this structure was marvelously renovated keeping the original shape. “Maestro” Puccini found inspiration here and visited frequently, being located in front of his villa. Long a meeting spot for musicians and artists, the inside is decorated with several frescos from the “macchiaioli”. Offering stunning views of the lake and the Apuan Alps, this restaurant offers a superb menu.
Following lunch, we'll check in to the Excelsior Palace in Rapallo and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
We'll have a delightful dinner at La Stalla dei Frati Restaurant, a warm and welcoming family-run restaurant which offers unforgettable views of the Gulf of Tigullio from its perch above Santa Margherita Ligure.
Day 2 - October 2
Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre translates to "five villages". The original inhabitants of these communities had agricultural origins and lived on the hills. They came down to the coast once the Saracens stopped invading and the sea became safe. They populated the villages at the mouths of the rivers along the shore.
Cinque Terre landscape is harsh and wild. High cliffs drop down into the cobalt blue depths of the sea hiding beaches at Riomaggiore and Vernazza as well as tiny ports like at Manarola. In summer, sunbathers mix with fishermen. The Cinque Terre, recognized by UNESCO “World Heritage”, is today a national Park and protected marine area, preserving this great cultural heritage. We will stop in the villages of Manarola and Vernazza, and then arrive in the village Monterosso whose medieval center has remained perfectly preserved with its tower-houses and “carrugi” (narrow alleys). We'll visit the old part of Monterosso which has remained practically unchanged.
Tonight we’ll visit Portofino for dinner at world famous Il Pitosforo Ristorante, located right in the center of the village main square. . In 1951, Mark Vignelli created this restaurant after many years of maritime experience. It attracted movie stars and famous personalities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Catherine Deneuve and Roger Moore. You're not likely to forget the delightful Ligurian cuisine and the beautiful view of the Italian Riviera combined with refreshing sea breezes.
Day 3 - October 3
Enjoy the day at leisure. Optional tours and activities will be available for an additional cost. Possible offerings may include:
Optional Portofino Charm.
Portofino is almost too beautiful for its own good -- in almost any season, you’ll be rubbing elbows on Portofino’s harbor side quays with day-tripping mobs who join Italian industrialists, international celebrities, and a lot of rich-but-not-so-famous folks who consider this little town to be the epicenter of the good life. Portofino is blanketed in olive, pine, cypress and palm trees. Portofino is known for its sun spoiled charm, romantic land and seascape. Visit the church of St. George, Castle Brown and its superb views over the Gulf
of Rapallo and Portofino, and the Faro lighthouse.
Optional Entertasting. Sailing, eating and drinking along the gulf, this experience is a combination of fun, regional food and landscapes. It begins in Santa Margherita Ligure where you board a private chartered motorboat. Sail along the Gulf of Tigullio and listen to your expert guide talk about the villages. Enjoy a buffet featuring local products and wine. You will arrive in the town of Sestri where you will be free to stroll around on your own or join the guide for more information about this charming village.
Optional Interactive Wine and Food Tasting with Guido. Enjoy an amusing food and wine tasting with Guido, our chef, keen connoisseur and talented actor. Don't believe you will only be watching and tasting, Guido will draw you in to your special pesto class. Prepare yourself for an adventure where you will shop for the ingredients and learn the importance of herbs in Ligurian recipes. Learn how to pour out the wine, the difference between the Ligurian olive oil and the neighboring Tuscan ones, discover the different cheeses used in traditional recipes. Work with pestle and mortar to create the legendary emerald green sauce and taste the delicious results.
Optional Cooking at U’Giancu Restaurant. This is a way to have fun together, preparing typical Ligurian recipes with Fausto and his staff. Everyone helps out in the kitchen, making bread, preparing focaccia, picking herbs from the orchard, and tasting. Yum!
Optional Golf at Rapallo Golf Course. The 18-hole Rapallo Golf Club, opened in 1931. Situated in one of the most beautiful locations in the Tigullio region, it has plenty of natural hazards which require precision and strength. The club hosts important national and international competitions. Surrounded by cedars, cypresses and pines, the course is well-loved by golf enthusiasts who are captivated by the charm of the Riviera dei Fiori.
Our farewell dinner tonight is at the Excelsior Palace. Carpenter guests will enjoy a cocktail reception and gala dinner accompanied by a dance band.
Please note: the itinerary is subject to change.
