1. Day: Arrival

Your journey begins in the historic port city of Genoa, which is easily accessible by both train and plane. With its beautiful city center and excellent infrastructure, it’s the perfect gateway to Liguria. After arriving in the morning, take a walk through the atmospheric alleys of the old town and stroll along Via Garibaldi, lined with elegant palazzi and full of local flair.

In the evening, head to the Porto Antico, where you can enjoy dinner with a view of the sea - a perfect way to end your first day.

• Duration: Genoa certainly has enough charm for 2-3 full days – but on this itinerary, the coast is calling!

• Highlight: The Aquarium of Genoa is the largest in Italy. If you’d like to visit, consider adding an extra day or skipping the city walk.

2. Day

Camogli welcomes you as a charming fishing village, with pastel-colored houses clustered along the coast. Perfect for soaking up the sweet Italian life.

• Via 20 Settembre & Fish Market: Stroll along the harbor promenade. If you're there on a Wednesday, don’t miss the market. It’s a great place to discover regional specialties.

• San Rocco di Camogli: A short hike leads you to this magnificent panoramic view of the coastline and the turquoise sea.

• Sagra del Pesce: If your visit falls in May, try to catch Camogli's famous fish festival. That's not something you see every day.

If you're spending the night here, the evening hours are all yours. Once the day-trippers leave, Camogli reveals its most peaceful, authentic side. Treat yourself to fresh seafood at one of the small, family-run restaurants - Italian cuisine is always worth lingering over.

3. Day Morning

Start your day early to experience Portofino before the crowds arrive. This elegant coastal town is known for its exclusivity, charm, and jet-set flair. It's simply fun to wander along the tiny harbor and admire the gleaming luxury yachts.

• Castello Brown: Don’t miss this historic castle - it offers the ultimate panoramic view over the bay.

• Chiesa di San Giorgio: Perched on a hilltop, this picturesque church is just a short climb and rewards you with sweeping coastal views.

• Marina: Take a leisurely stroll along the harbor and get a taste of the high-society lifestyle, even if just for a moment.

Tip: Skip the pricey restaurants and bring a picnic instead. Sit by the water, relax, and soak up the view.

How to get there?

From Camogli, it takes about 30-40 minutes to Portofino. Take the train to S. Margherita Ligure Portofino and then transfer to bus 782.

From Camogli, it takes around 30–40 minutes to reach Portofino. Take the train to Santa Margherita Ligure–Portofino, then transfer to bus 782 for the final stretch.

3. Day Afternoon

Rapallo is ideal for a relaxed afternoon excursion. From Portofino, you can reach it in about 30 minutes; either by bus 782 or by ferry.

• Lunch in Rapallo: Enjoy authentic Ligurian cuisine in one of the cozy restaurants - it's noticeably more affordable than in Portofino.

• Cable Car to the Basilica di Montallegro: Glide up the mountain for sweeping views of the coastline and a visit to the hilltop basilica.

• Lungomare Vittorio Veneto: The seaside promenade is very nice for a leisurely evening stroll along the Riviera.

Return Journey

Rapallo is well connected by train — it takes just 10 minutes to get back to Camogli.

4. & 5. Day Beach Days

Time to slow down and soak up the sun. Sestri Levante strikes the perfect balance between laid-back beach life and Italian charm.

The town’s two bays - the Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) and the wide, family-friendly Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fairy Tales) - are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and simply enjoying the good life. Two beach days? Absolutely.

More ideas for your time in Sestri:

• Bike tour: Rent a bike and explore the beautiful surroundings - there are some lovely cycling routes nearby.

• Olive oil: Visit Frantoio Bo, a local olive oil mill, and sample high-quality Ligurian olive oil straight from the source.

• Sunset with a view: Evenings in Sestri are truly magical. Grab a table overlooking the sea and savor the relaxed, romantic atmosphere.

6. Day: Gateway to the Cinque Terre

Welcome to the heart of the Cinque Terre! As one of the larger villages, we recommend Monterosso al Mare as the ideal base to explore all five gems. Your first day belongs to Monterosso itself: wander through its narrow streets and relax at one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.

For a romantic evening, watch the sun set over the sea with a glass of Sciacchetrà, the local dessert wine - a perfect way to unwind.

Tips for your stay:

• Get the Cinque Terre Pass: It gives you unlimited access to hiking trails and regional trains between the villages.

• Hiking: Yes, the Cinque Terre do get crowded. But if you enjoy hiking, there are still quiet corners to be found. The most famous route is the Sentiero Azzurro, which connects all five villages along the coast. For more solitude (and more of a workout), try the high trails in the national park (e.g., Volastra – Corniglia).

7. Day: Morning

Hop on the train to Vernazza. The ride takes just a few minutes, and you’ll find yourself in one of the most picturesque villages in Liguria. Stroll through the colorful streets, explore the harbor with its bobbing fishing boats, and hike up to Doria Castle. The view from the top, overlooking the village and the sea, is truly impressive and perfect for some memorable photos.

• We’ve marked the two best photo spots in Vernazza on the map to make sure you don’t miss them.

• Time for lunch right at the harbor. Enjoy fresh seafood or delicious pasta with pesto. After your break, it’s time to continue to Corniglia.

8. Day Afternoon

As the only village without direct sea access, Corniglia sits atop a cliff and offers you a completely different perspective. You can reach it via the famous Lardarina staircase with its 382 steps (or take the convenient shuttle bus). The view from up here is definitely worth the climb!

This quiet, charming village, with its narrow alleys and terraced vineyards, is great for a peaceful afternoon. Don’t miss the panoramic view from the Santa Maria Terrace.

• Fancy a little wine tasting? Several local wine shops offer samples of regional varieties.

• In the mood for a hike? The trail from Corniglia to Volastra leads through vineyards and is far less touristy than the coastal paths, yet just as scenic.

Corniglia is also the quietest of the Cinque Terre villages, in part because it's the hardest to reach and because it doesn’t have a cruise ship dock.

9. Day Morning

Today, you head to Manarola, one of the most iconic villages in the Cinque Terre. Known for its pastel-colored houses stacked dramatically along the cliffs, it’s a favorite among photographers and painters alike.

• Take a short walk to Punta Bonfiglio, one of the region’s most famous viewpoints, and a must for that classic Cinque Terre photo. (see our map)

• If you’re up for a hike, follow the Sentiero Azzurro through the terraced vineyards for sweeping coastal views.

• Or see the village from a new perspective: hop on a boat for a scenic ride along the coastline.

10. Day Afternoon

Your final stop in the Cinque Terre is Riomaggiore. The first glimpse of the small harbor with its colorful, cliffside houses is already an experience. Here you will fall in love with the charm of the Cinque Terre once again.

For sunset, the harbor in Riomaggiore is one of the most beautiful spots in the region. Order a glass of Sciacchetrà or a refreshing aperitif at one of the bars and soak in the view. Don’t miss your farewell dinner to end your Cinque Terre adventure. The trains run late and you can return to the hotel later. 😉

11. - 12. Day Le Grazie / Portovenere

Today you make your way to Le Grazie. The village is close to Portovenere and a more cost-effective alternative for overnight stays. Check in and head over to Portovenere.

With its breathtaking location on a rocky promontory, Portovenere is referred to as the sixth Cinque Terre village.

Highlights:

• Castello Doria: The old fortress above the sea rewards you with spectacular views of the surrounding islands.

• Chiesa di San Pietro: Sitting like a sentinel over the waves, this church is one of the most photogenic sights in the area.

• Boat tour: Take a boat tour from Portovenere to explore the wild, unspoiled islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto.

Tip: The sunset in Portovenere is a dream - one of the best along the entire coast. Plan a dinner at the harbor and let yourself be enchanted by the golden light and sea breeze.

Day 13

To wrap up your Ligurian vacation, Lerici and nearby Tellaro await; both offering a more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Whether you prefer a quiet day at the beach and harbor or a gentle coastal walk, this is the perfect place to rest and soak in your final moments on the Ligurian Sea.

From the Castello di Lerici, you’ll enjoy a sweeping view of the entire bay – great for enjoying the Ligurian coast one more time!

• Take a short excursion to Tellaro, a peaceful fishing village. And don’t miss the local legend of the octopus that once rang the church bells of Chiesa San Giorgio...

Return Journey

On Day 14, it's time to return to Genoa and from there to head home - unless you're inspired to keep going.

Idea for Continuing

Want to see more? Extend your trip into Tuscany, with a visit to Pisa and Florence.