Piedmont & Liguria Travelers Recommend

Largely unknown to tourists until a decade ago, the five pastel villages clinging to the Ligurian Coast known as the Cinque Terre have become one of the most popular destinations in Italy. An overnight stay is ideal, allowing you to savor the region in peace after the crowds have left, but if you only have one day, here’s how to spend it. 

Morning: A Day on the Trail

The postcard-perfect coastal villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore have been largely untouched by the passage of time, primarily because they were cut off from the outside world for most of their history. Set between the Mediterranean and Liguria’s steep coastal peaks, the villages are difficult to reach by land, and the easiest way to travel between them is via local train or on the scenic trail that skirts the coast. Explore the villages one by one this morning on a guided hiking day trip or a tour that includes train passes and guided walks through the villages.

Afternoon: Head to the Water

The Cinque Terre are crowded most of the year, but numbers swell in the summer months, and by midday, the tiny lanes and coastal footpath can get overrun. Escape the hordes on land by heading out to sea on a private or shared half-day boat tour along the coast, and enjoy the photogenic views of the villages from the water, access to tiny hidden beaches, and stops to swim in the waters off the Cinque Terre National Park. Active travelers can opt for a kayaking experience along the coast, or you can hire a deck chair and umbrella and while away the afternoon on one of the Cinque Terre’s many pretty beaches.

Night: Sunset on the Coast

Even if you are only visiting the Cinque Terre for a day, stay into the evening hours so that you can experience this enchanting stretch of coastline without the relentless crowds. As the sun begins to wane, the villages empty of tourists and become quiet and charming. Take a peaceful walk through the pedestrian-only village centers or along the deserted footpaths, stop for an aperitivo and a slice of traditional focaccia in a tiny local bar, or take in the view from the water on a sunset sail along the coast.  

Cinque Terre is a coastal hiker’s dream destination, as its picturesque hillside villages draped along the rugged Italian Riviera shoreline are laced with trekking trails. Here’s how to discover Cinque Terre and its eponymous national park on foot.

Via dell’Amore

Via dell’Amore is a short—just over half a mile (one kilometer) in length—but beautiful route connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola. Famously cut to allow young lovers to meet between the villages—hence the romantic name—Via dell’Amore is one of Cinque Terre National Park’s top attractions.

Sentiero Rosso

Seen on maps as Sentiero No. 1, Sentiero Rosso is a long-distance path between Levanto and Portovenere, which loops through UNESCO World Heritage–listed Cinque Terre National Park. The route is relatively flat and is popular among experienced hikers, who aim to complete its roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) in nine to 12 hours.

Sentiero Azzurro

The 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) Sentiero Azzurro runs between Corniglia and Vernazza, and boasts some of Cinque Terre’s most impressive coastal scenery. Marked No. 2 on maps, this route is not particularly challenging but requires a fair level of fitness.

Sentiero No. 6d

Sentiero No. 6d attracts hikers in search of the authentic Cinque Terre experience—but without the challenging climbs. Linking the hilltop villages of Volastra and Corniglia, Sentiero No. 6d follows relatively flat terrain through fertile vineyards.

Sentiero No. 3

Experienced hikers looking to test their limits can embark on the Sentiero No. 3 route, which leads from the basilica of Sant’Abbondio in Como to Riomaggiore. The 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) route takes in serious hills and boasts plenty of scenic coastal overlooks.

Turin ranks among northern Italy’s most destination-worthy cities, thanks to its opulent palaces, wealth of museums, and many gourmet restaurants. The city is also ideal terrain for oenophiles, as the Barolo wine region is just a quick jaunt away. Three days in town is enough time for a full immersion—here’s how to plan your Turin stay.

Day 1: Sightseeing and History

Once home to the Royal House of Savoy, stately Turin still has a regal feel, thanks to its elegant palaces, its grandiose public squares, and its opulent architecture. Set off on a walking tour on your first day in town to learn more about Turin’s history, and to discover some of the city’s most beautiful corners up close. Visit the sprawling Piazza Castello, admire the distinctive facade of the Palazzo Carignano, gaze upwards at the Mole Antonelliana, venture into the old Roman Quadrilateral, and more. For a speedier way to explore, hop on an electric bike and zoom past Roman ruins, follow along the River Po, and catch your breath at the verdant Parco del Valentino. Alternatively, hop-on hop-off bus tours let you kick back and relax as you travel across the city. After your busy day of sightseeing, unwind with an aperitivo like a true Turinese. 

Day 2: Culture and Entertainment

Turin certainly doesn’t lack in cultural offerings, and your second day in town is the perfect time to explore its many museums. The city’s most celebrated cultural institution is the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum). It’s home to one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, and a must-see for history buffs and would-be archaeologists. Explore its galleries in the company of an expert egyptologist to learn even more about Egyptian history and traditions. The National Museum of Cinema, housed in the Mole Antonelliana, is another Turin highlight. If you’ve got a sporty streak, venture to the Juventus Stadium and Museum, or explore the National Automobile Museum, where visitors can glimpse rare Ferraris and other supercars on display. Finish your cultural day out on an indulgent note with a gourmet meal or a roving food tour.

Day 3: A Piedmont Wine Tour

Piedmont makes some of the world’s most celebrated wines, which means you can use Turin as a jumping-off point for various vinous adventures. Book a private driving tour for a seamless way to explore the scenic (and UNESCO-listed) Barolo wine region. Visit numerous wineries, tour vineyards and cellars, and taste Barolo, widely considered to be one of Italy’s best wines. You’ll also want to sample other regional wines, including Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto. Alternatively, see another perspective on the Barolo region with a hot-air balloon tour. Admire castles, wineries, and the Turin cityscape as you go (you’ll even soar by the Alps, located just northwest of the city).

The northern Italian city of Turin (Torino) may be best known for its religious relics like the famous Shroud of Turin, but it is also home to myths, legends, and a reputation for magic. Read on to learn about Turin’s supernatural side and how to engage with it during a visit. 

History of Black Magic in Turin

The location of Turin contributes to its reputation for magic. The city supposedly lies on the axis of black magic (along with London and San Francisco) and on the axis of white magic (together with Lyon and Prague). Legends of black magic go as far back as the times of the ancient Romans, and stories of the occult have thrived here for centuries. Today, Satanic faces and devilish sculptures are seen throughout the historic city center, and locals point to sites like the location of Turin’s medieval gallows when discussing the city’s black energy.  

Ways to Experience Black Magic in Turin

You can discover Turin’s rich history of black magic through a range of tours and activities. After dark, board a coach to explore the streets of Turin for a tour focused on the occult. Along the way, hear about Turin’s two types of magic (black and white), see an ancient Roman burial site, and check out the city’s top landmarks including the Duomo. A nighttime walking tour featuring spooky ghost stories and legends of unsolved murders offers another lens into Turin’s mysterious past. 

The capital of Italy’s Piedmont region, Turin has a reputation for elegance. From its beautiful architecture and internationally renowned museums to its culinary scene, the northern Italy city is a showstopper on many fronts. Covering sightseeing, food tasting, and everything in between, here’s how to spend two days in Turin.

Day 1: Sightseeing in Style

**Morning:**Start with an overview of Turin on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Keep your eyes peeled for top-drawer attractions like the Mole Antonelliana, the Palazzo Castello, the Villa della Regina, and more.

**Afternoon:**Turin is a city that takes its culture seriously, and its diverse museums number among its top attractions. The Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) is a dream destination for would-be egyptologists, while the National Automobile Museum should appeal to anyone with a need for speed. And if you count yourself as a cinephile, make way to the National Museum of Cinema.

**Evening:**Though it’s always enchanting, Turin takes on a rare magic after the sun sets, thanks to its golden-lit squares and illuminated palaces. An evening walking tour lets you see the city’s romantic, after-dark persona.

Day 2: Italian Indulgence

**Morning:**One of Europe’s top chocolate-making cities, Turin has crafted prized sweets for centuries (gianduja—a chocolate-hazelnut treat—was even invented here). Discover the city’s sweet side on a chocolate-themed walking tour. Don’t forget to order a bicerin: an irresistible chocolate and espresso drink.

**Afternoon:**Use the rest of your day to explore more of Turin’s gastronomic highlights. Book a cooking class with a local chef and learn how to make pasta, risotto, and other local specialities. Alternatively, go on a culinary-focused walking tour to visit the city’s bustling markets and tempting eateries (and do plenty of sampling along the way).

**Evening:**The Piedmont region produces some of the world’s most coveted wines—including Barolo, Barbera, and Barbaresco—and a trip to Turin is the perfect excuse to do some tasting. Book a tasting tour of the city that emphasizes its vinous bounty. Alternatively, go on a vermouth tour to discover one of Turin’s other preferred beverages.

Tourists in Turin tend to make a beeline for Piazza Castello, the Royal Palace, the Shroud of Turin, the Egyptian Museum, and the 548-foot (167-meter) Mole Antonelliana tower. But, if you’re looking to find some hidden gems, you’re going to want to stray from the beaten path—see below for our top picks of alternative attractions in Turin.

Underground Turin

Many travelers in Turin are unaware that a secret network of tunnels, cellars, and shelters, lies beneath their feet. Visitors can embark on guide-led tours of this subterranean realm, walking through darkened underground corridors—originally built for defensive purposes—and chambers that were once used as air-raid shelters. 

Casa Martini

Set within an historic 19th-century building where the well-regarded Martini vermouth was first produced, Casa Martini now serves as home to a wine museum and Mondo Gallery Martini. The former exhibits objects relating to wine-making over the centuries, including Greco-Roman artifacts, while the latter chronicles the history and heritage of Martini & Rossi, one of Italy’s leading alcohol companies.  

Cesare Lombroso Museum of Criminal Anthropology

One of Turin’s best-kept secrets, this thought-provoking museum is set inside the University of Turin. Examine objects from the collection of Italian criminologist Cesare Lombroso, including skulls used for study, crime weapons, wax death masks, and scientific equipment.

Borgo Medievale

Set within Parco del Valentino is the Borgo Medievale, a faithful full-scale replica of a medieval village. Originally built in the 1880s, the village mimics the style of a 15th-century medieval town, with porticoed houses, a drawbridge, and even a castle. Many of the buildings are modeled on real-life structures from throughout the Piedmont region. 

Renowned for its opulent palaces, grandiose public squares, and high-brow gastronomy, stately Turin is one of northern Italy's gems. Happily, even a single day is enough time to discover many of the city’s key highlights. From picturesque monuments and immersive museums to top-notch restaurants, here’s your perfect 1-day itinerary.

Morning: Introducing Turin

When you have just one day to discover Turin’s charms, make the most of your time and embark on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. In the space of just a couple hours, you can look forward to discovering everything from the elegant Piazza Castello and the Mole Antonelliana (a soaring monument that’s a symbol of the city) to the Turin Cathedral and the Villa della Regina palace, depending on the route that you select. Alternatively, a bike tour lets you discover the sights up close while also providing a speedy overview of the city.

Afternoon: A Turin Museum Tour

One of Turin’s most popular attractions is the Museo Egizio, or Egyptian Museum: Founded several centuries ago, the museum today hosts one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including sarcophagi, mummies, statues, and more. Book a skip-the-line tour to save time, or explore the galleries in the company of an egyptologist for a more in-depth experience. For a different kind of museum outing, spend an afternoon at the National Automobile Museum. See close to 200 cars on display, including vintage Fiats, Ferrari racing cars, and other prized vehicles.

Evening: Sample Turin’s World-Class Gastronomy

It isn’t a visit to Turin without a culinary adventure, especially considering that languorous meals, preprandial drinks, and indulgent dishes are the norm here. Enjoy a classic Turinese experience when you sign up for an aperitivo tour: In the early evening, venture to several traditional local bars and cafes for vermouth, cocktails, and generous platters of snacks. For a more varied experience, dinnertime walking tours broaden the gastronomic scope and include stops at multiple local eateries—a perfect way to sample widely when you only have one day to get acquainted with Turin’s delectable bounty.

The Ligurian coast is home to Italy’s largest seaport as well as some of the country’s tiniest fishing villages. Take in both these extremes by spending a day in bustling Genoa, then heading out along the coastline to explore picturesque Portofino and the Cinque Terre. Here are a few ways to make the most of a 3-day stay.

Day 1: Genoa

A historic maritime republic and modern-day shipping center, Genoa is a fascinating blend of old and new. Begin your visit with a journey into the past: take a walking tour through the old city’s narrow carruggi alleys, stopping by the San Lorenzo Duomo. To pair sightseeing with cuisine, sample the city’s traditional street foods on a food tour of the historic center. Finish up at the opulent Palazzi dei Rolli, Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), and Royal Palace before returning to the city’s present at the revitalized port. End the day with a family-friendly attraction or two, such as the Aquarium, the Biosfera (a tropical garden biosphere), or Bigo (a panoramic elevator).

Day 2: Portofino

For many travelers, Genoa is the gateway to the Italian Riviera, and Portofino is one of the region’s crown jewels. The pocket-size harbor lined with pastel-colored houses and backed by steep wooded hills has become a favorite destination for the jet set. Wander around the town center, packed with pretty cafés and upscale boutiques; walk up to the sunny yellow Church of San Giorgio to enjoy sweeping views of the harbor; or explore the surrounding marine reserve and coastline by kayak or private boat. Alternatively, set off on a guided hike from the town to the beautiful Benedictine abbey in the secluded bay of San Fruttuoso.

Day 3: The Cinque Terre

On your final day, venture farther along the Ligurian coast to the five colorful fishing villages known as the Cinque Terre. Perhaps the most popular day trip from Genoa, these hamlets clinging to the coastal cliffs are among the most charming in Italy, and are easily visited via footpath or the scenic local train that connects all five. Guided tours depart from Genoa and La Spezia.

If you have a few days to dedicate to these five Ligurian fishing villages, you’re in luck. Not only can you savor the sleepy atmosphere that descends once the daytime crowds have left, you can also explore farther along the coastline to Portovenere or Portofino. Here are your options for three days in the Cinque Terre.

Day 1: On Land

For centuries, the Cinque Terre was accessible only by sea or via a small footpath skirting the coastline. Today, this historic trail is one of Italy’s most scenic, and a popular way to explore the area on foot. If you’d rather take it easy, tours are also available on the local train line. Head out first thing in the morning, before visitors flood the coast. When the crush becomes too much, hit the beach, join a paragliding experience for a bird’s-eye view of the coast, or sign up for a cooking class. Make your way back to the villages in the evening after the crowds have left, and unwind over a seaside meal.  

Day 2: On the Water

Like much of Italy’s coastline, the Cinque Terre is particularly picturesque when glimpsed from the water. Admire dramatic views of the national park during a full- or half-day boat tour that includes stops to swim in tiny coves—or look for local wildlife on a kayaking tour that takes you even closer to the craggy coastline. Alternatively, spend most of the day on land, then cruise away on a sunset boat tour with a cocktail in your hand, marveling at the view of the postcard-perfect villages in the golden light of dusk.

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Day 3: Portofino or Portovenere

The villages of the Cinque Terre are known for their humble charm, but Portofino has been a favorite among celebrities and the jet set for decades. Set sail north along the coast to this tony coastal town, stopping to shop on land and enjoy lunch on the water. Or, opt for an afternoon sail to Portovenere, located closer to the Cinque Terre to the south. Considered more sophisticated than the Cinque Terre but less glamorous than Portofino, Portovenere’s clutch of traditional fisherman’s dwellings is so romantic that it once attracted poets like Byron and Shelley. Both harbor towns are delightful spots for snapping colorful photos, poking around local boutiques, and relaxing over an alfresco meal.

The five gem-like villages of the Cinque Terre are one of the most popular destinations in Italy, which means they are invaded by thousands of visitors each day. By staying overnight, you can enjoy the quiet that descends on this stretch of coast after most tourists leave. Here’s how to make the most of two days in the Cinque Terre.

Day 1: The Cinque Terre by Land

**Morning:**Beat the crowds of day trippers, and set off early on the footpaths that have connected the villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore for centuries. Alternatively, join a tour that moves from village to village via the scenic local train.

**Afternoon:**By midday, the trains and footpaths are often clogged with tour groups, so this is the perfect time to retreat to a village center for a food and wine tour or to a local kitchen for a cooking class. Not a foodie? Take to the skies with a paragliding experience, or to the water with a beach break.

**Night:**The evening hours are the most magical in the Cinque Terre; the coast empties out, and a sleepy, authentic atmosphere returns to the villages. Relax over a quiet dinner in a traditional restaurant overlooking the sea, or enjoy a home-cooked meal of classic Ligurian dishes by dining in a local home.  

Day 2: The Cinque Terre by Sea

**Morning:**Though the footpaths and villages of the Cinque Terre are lovely to explore by land, this stretch of coast is particularly spectacular when seen from the water. Set sail in the morning on a full-day boat tour along the coast to access amazing views, stop at hidden beaches, and take a break from the crowds.

**Afternoon:**If you’d rather not spend your entire day on the water, opt for an afternoon boat tour that offers the same views, swimming breaks, and respite from the chaos on land. Alternatively, choose a kayaking trip along the coastline. 

**Night:**Sunset is one of the best times of day to admire the pastel-hued villages of the Cinque Terre, which take on a golden glow as the sun dips into the Mediterranean. Enjoy this spectacular sight with a sunset sail down the coast, and toast your final evening with an aperitivo on board.

The Ligurian coast is home to the modern seaport of La Spezia as well as the time-capsule fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. With three days, you can explore both and still have time to adventure farther down the coastline to the spectacular marble quarries of Carrara. Here’s how to make the most of three days in La Spezia.

Day 1: La Spezia

La Spezia’s modern port area belies the charm of its nearby old town, a delightful stretch of lanes thick with small shops and old-school restaurants—and hardly a tourist in sight. Soak in the authentic atmosphere and pretty art nouveau architecture along the main thoroughfares and seaside promenade, stopping to take in sights such as San Giorgio Castle and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. In the afternoon, discover the city’s excellent cuisine with a food tour through the historic center, stopping at delis and trattorias to sample local specialties such as focaccia and pasta with pesto or walnut sauce. Finally, participate in a home-cooking class or demonstration to learn the history and techniques behind La Spezia’s most beloved dishes, followed by a family-style meal. 

Day 2: The Cinque Terre

For many travelers, La Spezia is the gateway to the Cinque Terre. On your second day, follow the crowds and visit this clutch of five delightfully colorful fishing villages on a driving tour, boat or sailboat trip, or an e-bike tour. Most guided tours include a stop in one or two of the five villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—and time to have lunch at one of the tiny trattorias tucked among the steep, narrow lanes. Wine enthusiasts can combine a tour of the Cinque Terre with a tasting to discover the excellent wines grown on the terraced hillsides of the Ligurian coast.

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Day 3: Carrara

Farther down the coast into Tuscany, the marble quarries of Carrara are one of the most unique sights in the steep foothills of the Apuan Alps and an easy day trip from La Spezia. Devote your third day to exploring these historic quarries with a 4WD, learning about the white rock used to to create everything from the ancient Roman Pantheon to Michelangelo’s David. See how massive blocks have been excavated from deep inside the mountains for two millennia, and tour open-air, terraced, and underground quarries in the mountains above the Colonnata Valley. End your tour by tasting the local delicacy,lardo di Colonnata, a traditional fatback cured with salt and herbs and aged in Carrara-marble basins. 

A historic maritime republic and Italy’s largest port, Genoa offers a mix of old and new, with a warren of narrow medieval streets and majestic Renaissance architecture in the historic center and the contemporary buzz of massive ships and modern museums along the harbor. Here’s how to take in both sides of the city in one day.

Morning: Genoa Past

The heart of Genoa’s old city is its maze-like web of narrow alleys, called “carruggi.” Begin exploring with a walking tour through this neighborhood, a masterpiece of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Gourmands can opt for a food tour to combine sightseeing with samples of the city’s classic street foods.

Afterward, take in the grandeur of some of the city’s 16th-century palaces, beginning with the Palazzi dei Rolli on Via Garibaldi, an architectural jewel rivalled only by the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) and Royal Palace, all reminders of the immense power and wealth once wielded by this former maritime republic.

Afternoon: Genoa Present

The city’s historic port has been dramatically reworked over the past decades by star Genovese architect Renzo Piano and is now home to a number of museums, restaurants, and attractions. Dedicate the afternoon to visiting the highlights along the port, including the Genoa Aquarium; Galata Maritime Museum; Biosfera, a tropical garden biosphere; the children’s museum; the Dialogue in the Dark sensory experience, and Bigo panoramic elevator.

These are the most popular attractions in the city, and lines to enter can be long. Purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid spending time waiting outside.

Night: Food and Fun

Now that you’ve discovered Genoa’s past and present, enjoy the city’s coastal cuisine. Hands-on cooks can prepare classic dishes during a class, the cuisine-curious can opt for a pesto-making demonstration and tasting, and indulgent gourmands can sit down to dinner in a local home. 

Genoa is also the gateway to the Italian Riviera, so those who want to savor timeless fishing-village charm can make the short jaunt to Portofino, a colorful, now-upscale village just an hour south. Or, stay in the city and take the Corso Italia promenade to Boccadasse, a tiny district that has retained its quaint village atmosphere.

Like many of Italy’s busy port cities, La Spezia is often overlooked by travelers passing through on their way to higher-profile destinations. Before continuing on to the nearby Cinque Terre, however, take time to explore La Spezia’s old town and sample the excellent local cuisine. Here are your options for one day in La Spezia.

Morning: La Spezia’s Historic Heart

A modern cruise and shipping hub, La Spezia’s port area is home to the largest naval base in Italy. Walk a bit farther into the old town, however, and you will be rewarded with a lively grid of lanes lined with locally owned shops and restaurants and imbued with a refreshingly authentic atmosphere. Stroll down the main Via del Prione and Via Garibaldi, being sure to admire the art nouveau architecture; wander through the market in Piazza Cavour; and take in the sea breezes along the palm-lined promenade of Costantino Morin. Stop in at San Giorgio Castle and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta before settling on one of the city’s many old-school trattorias for a leisurely lunch.

Afternoon: Ligurian Cuisine

Liguria is the birthplace of pesto and focaccia, two universally beloved specialties. Sample these and other delicacies from the coastline by joining a food tour through the city. Stroll through the old town to explore traditional delis and trattorias, sampling Ligurian favorites such as stuffed anchovies and mussels, octopus salad, farinata (a crepe made with chickpea flour), mesciua (garbanzo-bean soup), and trofie al pesto (twisted pasta with pesto sauce). If you’re a hands-on gourmand, take a cooking class to learn how to prepare many of these dishes on your own. Hone your skills with a professional chef either in a home setting or a restaurant kitchen, and then enjoy what you’ve created over dinner.

Night: The Cinque Terre and a Home-Cooked Meal

Italy’s most famous cluster of picturesque fishing villages are just minutes away along the coast, a quick jaunt by land or sea from La Spezia. Take a sunset sail past the Cinque Terre, or opt for a driving or e-bike tour to admire the five famous fishing villages along the Gulf of Poets in the cooler hours late in the day. End your day with a cooking demonstration and family-style meal in the home of a local cook, featuring four courses of classic Ligurian dishes paired with local red and white wines.

Discover Genoa’s history as the center of a powerful maritime republic, explore a hub of modern museums clustered at its port, and wander local fishing villages. The city’s location makes it a convenient jumping-off point for towns along the Italian Riviera, so here’s how to visit both city and coast in two days.

Day 1: Genoa

**Morning:**Stroll through the narrow alleys, called “carruggi,” surrounding the soaring Cathedral of San Lorenzo with a walking tour of Genoa’s old town. Then, move on to the city’s lavish palaces: the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale); the Royal Palace; and the Palazzi dei Rolli on Via Garibaldi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

**Afternoon:**Make the most of your afternoon at the revitalized port, booking advance skip-the-line tickets to popular draws like the Genoa Aquarium. The old port today houses museums, restaurants, and attractions, such as the Galata Maritime Museum, a tropical garden biosphere, panoramic elevator, and the Dialogue in the Dark sensory experience.

**Night:**Genoa’s distinct cuisine combines delicacies of land and sea. Take a food and wine tour through the city or opt for a hands-on cooking lesson to learn how to recreate classic dishes. Other foodie options include a pesto-making demonstration and tasting or a family-style dinner in a local home.

Day 2: Riviera

**Morning:**Genoa is the gateway to the Italian Riviera for many travelers, so spend your second day along the Ligurian coast visiting some of the most colorful fishing villages in the Mediterranean. Perhaps the most popular day trip is to the Cinque Terre, five pastel-hued hamlets clinging to the cliffs.

**Afternoon:**If you want to savor the charm of a time-capsule fishing village but would prefer to spend less time traveling, tour the village of Portofino just an hour’s drive south along the coast. Colorful houses line a doll-sized harbor, making this popular spot the quintessential coastal retreat.

**Night:**You may be surprised to learn that Genoa has its own fishing village, the pedestrian-only Boccadasse district at the end of the Corso Italia promenade just outside the city center. Spend your final evening relaxing over dinner or a gelato in this quaint and quiet corner of the city.

In the heart of the Italian Riviera, the medieval port town of Genoa is famous not only as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, but also for its regal heritage. Here are our picks for the city’s must-see palaces.

Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale)

Once a residence of the royal Savoy family and now an art gallery, the 17th-century Royal Palace is one of Genoa’s most impressive. Among its many highlights are the Hall of Mirrors (Galleria degli Specchi), the Valerio Castello Room (Sala di Valerio Castello), and the Throne Room (Sala del Trono), as well as the idyllic palace gardens.

Albertis Castle (Castello d'Albertis)

The 19th-century fortress of Albertis Castle looks down over the city from a hilltop in west Genoa. Once the home of sea captain Enrico Alberto d'Albertis, it now houses the Museum of World Cultures (Museo delle Culture del Mondo). With its crenellated ramparts and looming watchtower, the fortress makes for a striking photo subject.

Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Dating back to 1339, the Ducal Palace sprawls between Piazza Matteotti and Piazza de Ferrari in Genoa’s historic center. Once an official residence of the doges of Genoa, the legendary building is now open to the public as a museum and hosts regular art exhibitions. 

Rolli Palaces (Palazzi dei Rolli)

The most famous of Genoa’s many palaces are the magnificent Rolli Palaces in the city’s Strade Nuove quarter. The collection of noble homes, which date from the 16th to the 18th century, showcase a variety of baroque and Renaissance architectural styles and are preserved as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Many have been transformed into art galleries and fine art museums, forming part of the Strada Nuova Museums (Musei di Strada Nuova). 

Bianco Palace (Palazzo Bianco)

Standing proud over Via Garibaldi, Bianco Palace is among the most visited of the Rolli Palaces. Today it houses the Gallery of the White Palace (Galleria di Palazzo Bianco), an acclaimed art collection that includes works by Rubens and Van Dyck.

Rosso Palace (Palazzo Rosso)

A close neighbor of Bianco Palace, also on Via Garibaldi, the 17th-century Rosso Palace is the masterwork of architect Pietro Antonio Corradi. Inside, the palace boasts beautifully preserved frescos, period furnishings, and paintings by Reni, Guercino, Veronese, Dürer, and Strozzi. 

The busy seaport of La Spezia is a popular gateway for visiting the nearby Cinque Terre. Before setting your sights on these picturesque villages, however, spend a day in the lovely and virtually tourist-free old town of La Spezia to experience its authentic atmosphere and cuisine. Here’s how to visit both city and coast in two days.

Day 1: La Spezia

Morning: Leave La Spezia’s busy cruise and shipping port behind and head into this historic city’s old town, crisscrossed with lanes lined with lively shops and restaurants filled almost exclusively with locals. Take a turn along the main thoroughfares and seaside promenade to admire the art nouveau architecture, Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and San Giorgio Castle.

Afternoon: The cuisine of Liguria is one of the most beloved in Italy, with crowd-pleasers such as pesto and focaccia. Take a deep dive into the local cuisine with a La Spezia food tour that stops at storied delis and trattorias in the old town so you can taste Ligurian classics such as trofie (pasta) with pesto or walnut sauce, farinata (flatbread made with chickpea flour), and a variety of fish and seafood delights.

Night: End your day with an informal cooking class in a local home, following the lead of a passionate chef during a hands-on lesson to learn the secrets behind some of the city’s most historic dishes. Alternatively, relax and watch a home-cooking demonstration; both experiences end with a family-style meal to enjoy Ligurian delicacies.

Day 2: The Cinque Terre

Morning: Today, leave La Spezia behind and join the flow of tourists farther along the coast to the famed Cinque Terre. Join a driving tour along these five picturesque villages, or take in their timeless charm from the sea with a boat or sailing tour. Most full-day tours include stops to explore one or two villages and free time for lunch.

Afternoon: If you want to visit these time-capsule fishing villages but would rather avoid the crowds, consider joining a guided e-bike tour through the hillsides along the Gulf of Poets.Take off in the cooler hours of the afternoon and explore far from the throngs that fill the trains and walking trails along the coast.

Night: One of the best times of day to admire the jewel-like towns that make up the Cinque Terre is as the sun dips over the Mediterranean. Set sail on a sunset boat trip along the coast, and toast your final hours in La Spezia with an aperitivo on board.

With sweeping ocean views, picture-perfect cliffside villages, and endless sun, sea, and sand, the Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most idyllic getaways. But a visit would be incomplete without Italian cuisine and wine, so here are our top picks.

Must-Try Dishes & Drinks

Thanks to scenic coastal hikes and steep hillside villages, it’s easy to work up an appetite in the Cinque Terre, and there’s plenty to satisfy all tastes. Tuck into a bowl of frutti di mare (seafood spaghetti), enjoy fresh-from-the-ocean anchovies, or sample some Italy’s best pesto, used in a variety of tasty pasta dishes. Other local specialties include pansotti (ravioli with ricotta and walnut), focaccia (herbed flatbread), and farinata (chickpea flatbread) accompanied by local wines such as vino delle Cinque Terre or the famous dessert wine, Sciacchetrà.

Must-Do Experiences

• Explore the wine cellars and vineyards around Riomaggiore, then indulge in an expert-led wine tasting.

• Learn the secrets of Liguria cuisine or make traditional Italian pasta from scratch with a small-group cooking class in La Spezia.

• Sample an array of focaccia breads, olives, anchovies, olive oils, and pestos on a food tasting tour of Riomaggiore.

• Discover how pesto Genovese is made with a one-hour pesto-making class in Levanto.

• Tuck into fresh seafood as you watch the sunset from an oceanview restaurant in Monterosso or Vernazza.

Italy is well known for its diverse regional cuisine, and Liguria has several culinary claims to fame. Here are some local specialties—known for the simple flavors of Liguria’s incredibly fresh produce and seafood—to enjoy while dining in Genoa.

Must-Try Dishes

Flatbreads are a traditional delicacy across the Mediterranean coast, and Genovese ovens turn them out in spades. Focaccia is a delicious bread dressed simply with olive oil and salt, sometimes enhanced with added ingredients such as pine nuts and fresh herbs. Farinata is similar but is made with wheat-free chickpea flour, so it’s more like an unleavened pancake.

On the seafood front, the Ligurian coast is brimming with anchovies —especially in Cinque Terre—but you’ll find them on Genovese menus as well. You may also see orata and branzino —white fish, usually served whole.

If you’re a carnivore who’s up for a dining challenge, then cima alla genovese might be the dish for you. It’s a traditional Ligurian meal of veal breast stuffed with vegetables, cheese, eggs, and cow innards. For something a little more universally approachable, look for corzetti —round, freshly made discs of pasta that are stamped with a wooden tool to give each one an embossed design.

Basil grows fantastically well along the Ligurian coast, so no surprise that pesto is one of Liguria’s most famous culinary exports. Traditionally served on fresh pasta, you’ll find the sauce dished up all along the coastline, especially in the warm summer months.

Must-Do Experiences

• Take a hands-on cooking class in the old mariners’ neighborhood of Boccadasse, and learn how to make traditional pesto.

• Sample traditional sweet treats at the Pietro Romanengo fu Stefano candy shop in Genoa.

• Join a food-themed tour of Genoa and follow your guide through the historic streets, sampling the diverse flavors for which the city is famous all along the way.

• Sign up for a wine pairing course and learn how to match Italian vintages with traditional Genovese dishes.