The Italian Riviera including Cinque Terre & Genoa

Our holiday to the Italian Riviera begins as we fly to Pisa.

On arrival, we meet our friendly local representative before transferring to our hotel in the charming coastal town of Sestri Levante, our base for exploring the beautiful Ligurian coastline.

This evening, we come together for dinner at the hotel and look forward to the days ahead.

Today we travel along the Ligurian coast to Genoa, a historic maritime city that has evolved into one of northern Italy's cultural highlights.

Our visit introduces us to the city's vibrant harbour, home to Europe's largest aquarium, before we explore the atmospheric historic centre. Along the way, we'll see landmarks including:

• Palazzo Ducale
• Teatro Carlo Felice
• The house traditionally associated with Christopher Columbus

There will also be time to wander Genoa's narrow medieval streets, where elegant palaces, lively piazzas and local cafés reveal the city's unique character.

Today is free for you to enjoy Sestri Levante at our own pace.

Situated on a rocky peninsula between two beautiful bays, the town is known for the peaceful Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) and the scenic Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fables).

You can spend the day:

• Exploring its historic streets
• Visiting local landmarks such as the Rizzi Gallery, Gualino Castle and its beautiful churches
• Simply relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere

Today we explore the spectacular Cinque Terre National Park, travelling by train through one of Italy's most celebrated coastal landscapes.

• Our journey takes us between the colourful fishing villages that line the Ligurian coast, with time to explore both Vernazza and Manarola
• In Vernazza, we can wander its narrow streets, admire its ancient clock towers and relax beside its small beach
• Later, in Manarola, there is time to explore the picturesque waterfront, discover the shoreline caves and perhaps sample the locally caught anchovies for which the village is renowned

Travelling by train offers a wonderful way to experience the scenery and character of the Cinque Terre.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to:

• Relax by the hotel swimming pool
• Take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Baia del Silenzio, a beautiful crescent-shaped beach renowned for its clear waters and peaceful setting

Today we experience the beauty of the Cinque Terre from a different perspective as we set sail along its spectacular coastline.

• Our boat trip offers wonderful views of the colourful villages before we arrive in the historic harbour town of Portovenere, located at the tip of a picturesque peninsula
• There will be time to admire the town's traditional pastel-coloured Ligurian houses and the striking Church of San Pietro, dramatically positioned overlooking the sea
• On our return journey, we sail past Palmaria Island, providing another opportunity to appreciate the remarkable scenery of the Ligurian coast before returning to Sestri Levante

Please note: In the event of bad weather or during the low season (April and October), this excursion may operate by train to La Spezia, followed by a short ferry crossing to Portovenere.

Today is free for you to relax or continue exploring the Italian Riviera at your own pace. Our local guide will be happy to recommend places to visit and local highlights.

Alternatively, you can join an optional guided excursion to Chiavari and Rapallo.

Our journey begins in Chiavari, where we can admire:

• Its impressive cathedral
• Elegant arcaded streets
• Lively market square

We then continue to the attractive seaside town of Rapallo. Here, we'll have time to explore the historic centre, stroll along the waterfront to see its iconic castle and enjoy panoramic coastal views from Parco Casale.

Please note: We recommend booking this optional excursion before departure. Bookings made locally or through our reservations team are subject to availability and minimum numbers.

Today we bid farewell to the beautiful Italian Riviera.

After checking out of our hotel, we transfer to the airport with our guide for our return flight home, taking with us wonderful memories of Cinque Terre, Genoa and the Ligurian coast.