Silversea Luxury Cruises A PORTOFINO

You will meet your English speaking guide at the tender pier and walk to the minibus. After a 45 minutes' drive you will reach Camogli where you will have a guided tour and some free time. Camogli is a small fishing village and a famous tourist resort located just at the basis of Monte di Portofino, in the province of Genoa, on the Italian Riviera. The name Camogli has a double meaning in Italian. The first translation, "houses close together" - "case a mucchi" is the italian translation of the Genoese dialect sentence "cà a mûggi" - is apparent when strolling through the town's narrow streets, which are lined by tall columns of pastel-colored homes. The second meaning, "houses of wives" - "casa delle mogli" is the italian translation of the Genoese dialect sentence "cà de möggê" - refers to the sea captains, sailors, and fishermen's wives, who traditionally spent their time at home while their husbands were out in the sea. Camogli has ancient origins, since prehistoric times, as shown by traces of human settlements found at Castellaro dating to the XII and XIII centuries BC. In the same area were also found some Roman artefacts dating back to the second century BC. The next historical certified evidence of Camogli existence is contained in a document of the Middle Ages, the date ranges between 1018 and 1045, in which Camogli is cited with as 'Villa Camuli'. The first core of the village dates back to medieval and develops in the area called 'Isola', where there is the Castel Dragone also known as 'Castello della Dragonara'. In the Middle Age the castle was built as a fortress to defend Camogli during the pirate raids from the sea. In the sixteenth century, the castle ceased to be a fortress and was used as a prison. Camogli features a small harbor, with colorful houses built right up to the fine beach and guarantees a very special gastronomy tradition (focaccia in particular). The basilica Santa Maria Assunta, the largest of the town's five churches, is beautifully decorated with art and gold left by many of the town's seamen when they died. Right next to it, you'll find an old castle which today houses a small aquarium. Return to Portofino by minibus afterwards.

You will meet your hiking guide at the tender pier and you will hike to San Fruttuoso.

This route is a very scenic one and it does not present major difficulties even if it must be pointed out that the initial stretch is a steep and strenuous climb. So the guests must be aware of this difficult part. The departure is in Via Fondaco, the road to the parking lot at the bottom of Portofino, which goes through under the Carabinieri station. Beyond the hotel, the road turns into a flight of wide stone steps and concrete, very well kept, which winds through the vegetation. After 10 ', in the locality Palara, a gate bars access but only to prevent the entry of wild animals, then you can go with the recommendation to close it behind. At the exit of a short tunnel created by the shrubs, left to the right, the detour to the village of San Sebastian, the trail continues to climb straight. A second gate meets a little later to Cappeletta, turn right after 50 meters the trail forks: left reaches "Base 0" (and then San Fruttuoso), right up to Pietre strette.

The trail, mostly dirt roads and flat, winds through the countryside to places Vessinaro, where the deviation to "Cala degli Inglesi" (beautiful cove accessible only by feet or by boat), the path goes right under the chestnut trees and after 5' is entered, a short distance, on a steep paved road that ends in front of some houses. Having taken the path on the left that move to the western side of the promontory that overlooks the numerous coves below, alternating short stretches to flatter many ups and downs in the midst of protruding rocks, we arrive, after 1 hour and 10 'from the start, in the locality Base 0. Base 0, military post during World War II, is today a staging point from which panoramic, turning right you can get stones Narrow. From here the trail enters the woods and down in a steep and irregular path, with large panoramic views over the village. The arrival in San Fruttuoso is based at the landing of helicopters, from here you continue in the middle of some homes and, passing under a porch, you enter the first of two enchanting bays.

The monumental San Fruttuoso Abbey comprises the church, which is located at the end of a narrow valley. The small, two-level cloisters between the church and the Abbey feature an open area in the centre flanked by the monks' cemetery to the east, the tombs of the Doria family to the west and the Gothic Abbey facing towards the sea. The first community of devotees of the martyr from Tarragona settled in this small bay at the beginning of the 8th century, and built a church that repelled Saracen raids until the 10th century. The abbey reached its greatest splendour in the 15th century. It has been the main political and economic centre of the promontory until the last century, and influenced the organisation of the territory, agricultural system and fishing economy.

After the visit and some free time, you will return to Portofino by public motor boat. It will be a short ride of approx. 30 minutes.

You will meet your tour leader at the tender pier and you will walk to Niasca bay where the kayak experience will begin. This tour will make you explore the beauty of the Tigullian Bay by kayak. Guided by marine biologists and local experts in off-track excursion, the staff assures not only the best company and highest quality of sea sport instruction and guiding, but the chance to come in contact with the most peculiar and traditional aspects of this small and rich natural sanctuary and its costumes. Guides of the Marine Protected Area will bring you in an ecological tour to discover ecosystems, habitats, and wildlife.

You will start from Niasca where you will be briefed on how to paddle on a kayak and then you will be ready to explore the Tigullian Bay coast, starting from Niasca and leaving the spectacular view of Paraggi Gulf behind you. You will then reach the port of Portofino and reach the "Olivetta" small beach, soared above by century-old maritime pine trees. A stretch of coast rich with caves and inlets - which are accessible only by kayak - will soon start. Here you will be able to spot a great variety of species (grey herons, cormorants and dolphins). Passing by the "Punta del Faro", the lighthouse, the panorama will change: no trace of civilization can be seen as the wild nature is finally prevails! After you kayak experience, you will paddle back to Niasca and return to Portofino on foot afterwards.

You will meet your English speaking guide at the tender pier and begin the walking tour of Portofino.

Through the centuries Portofino functioned primarily as a fishing village and, occasionally, as a small naval port, today it is a classy resort-village. Portofino's miniscule bay is neatly packed with pricey yachts, common pleasure boats and, as a vestige of its past, some fishing boats. The waterfront is lined with multicoloured pastel buildings, canopied outdoor cafes and a quay fit for strolling young lovers and its surrounding hills host bougainvillea-garnished villas owned by the rich and famous. If you don't bring your camera to Portofino you will regret it. The town is striking with its brightly colored antique buildings hovering over sparkling blue water. And the surrounding luxuriant green hillsides of the Portofino Promontory are equally stunning.

A very pleasant walk heads up to the right as you face the harbour: here you'll find a very attractive walking path through one of the largest concentrations of flora and fauna in the Mediterranean. For some fantastic views of the entire bay and the Tigullian Gulf, you will walk up the hill to the Church of San Giorgio. Perched high above the town, this church contains relics of St. George brought over by crusaders from the Holy Land. From here you can walk to another great lookout point at the Punto del Capo, the Portofino lighthouse.

You will then head to the public pier and board the public boat for a short ride to Santa Margherita Ligure.

A beautiful old resort town favored by well-to-do Italians, Santa Margherita Ligure has everything a Riviera playground should have-plenty of palm trees and attractive hotels, cafés, and a marina packed with yachts. Some of the older buildings here are still decorated on the outside with the trompe l'oeil frescoes typical of this part of the Riviera. This is a pleasant, convenient base, which for many represents a perfect balance on the Italian Riviera: more spacious than the Cinque Terre; less glitzy than San Remo; more relaxing than Genoa and environs.

After 45 minutes' tour with your guide you will have free time in this little town. You can have lunch in one of the many nice restaurants or do some shopping.

The guide will give you the public boat ticket that you can use to return to Portofino independently whenever you wish.

Here is the timetable of the public ferry from Santa Margherita to Portofino:

13.15

14.15

15.15

A very pleasant walk heads up to the right as you face the harbour: here you'll find a very attractive walking path through one of the largest concentrations of flora and fauna in the Mediterranean. For some fantastic views of the entire bay and the Tigullian Gulf, you will walk up the hill to the Church of San Giorgio.

This small church, sitting on a ridge above Portofino, is said to contain the relics of its namesake, brought back from the Holy Land by the Crusaders. Portofino enthusiastically celebrates St. George's Day every April 23.

Pristine views can be had from the deteriorating faro (lighthouse) at Punta Portofino, a 15-minute walk along the point that begins at the southern end of the port. Along the seaside path you can see numerous impressive, sprawling private residences behind high iron gates.

You will meet your guide at the pier and you will walk to the coach parking. Here you will board your 13 / 14-seater minibus to Rapallo. Liguria is home to some of Italy's most iconic foods and no one is more passionate about pasta, pesto, focaccia and other local products than your local host Guido. Join him on today's tour behind the gastronomic scenes of lovely Rapallo. WB Yeats, Max Beerbohm and Ezra Pound all garnered inspiration in Rapallo and it's not difficult to see why. With its bright-blue changing cabins, palm-fringed beach and diminutive 16th century castle perched above the sea, the town has a poetic and nostalgic air. It's at its busiest on Thursdays, when market stalls fill central Piazza Cile. The city prides itself in showcasing the best of Ligurian cuisine, a tradition that capitalizes on the treasures of the mountains and the sea, and there's no one better to show you around than keen connoisseur, master chef and all-around charmer Guido!

Meet him at one of the city's most unique monuments, the Musical Kiosk with its fanciful fresco, before continuing on to Rapallo's vibrant food market to explore the produce and herbs that feature in Ligurian recipes.

The tour continues to a nearby artisanal pasta factory, where a local chef makes traditional stuffed pasta called pansoto with market-fresh herbs, a few ingredients and his trusty rolling pin. Next it's time for some street food - Guido introduces you to his favorite focaccia baker serving this cheesy, decadent treat hot from the iron with a glass of local Vermentino wine. For the final stop, follow Guido to his own bottega, a veritable emporium filled to the rafters with delicacies like cured meats, oils and vinegars, and handmade pasta. Here, you'll have the chance to make pesto alla Genovese - 'pounding' (pestare, like the name says) the aromatic basil leaves into a fine paste with garlic, cheese, pine nuts and Ligurian extra virgin olive oil using a marble mortar and a pear-wood pestle. Pandolce is also on the menu; enjoy this traditional Christmas cake containing raisins, nuts and sundried raisins with a sweet Moscato from nearby Portofino and toast to the stellar recipes and lifelong memories you'll be taking home.

The ancient fishing technique called "Tonnarella" has been used for centuries by the fishermen of Camogli, a village located in the Paradise Gulf (Liguria). The Tonnarella tradition and the Fishermen Cooperative of Camogli have a main role in preserving the biodiversity and the local economy.

The Fishermen Cooperative of Camogli has been managing the fishing nets system since 1982 and they sell their catch wholesale, in the local restaurants and fish shops, and also to Eataly Genova (the ensemble of shops and restaurants that promote the high-quality Italian Food.

Meeting with the expert biologist and the fishermen of the Cooperative of Camogli; Boat ride to visit the "Tonnarella"; Aperitif at "La Rocca" restaurant;

Transfer to Camogli, an approximately 45-minute drive from the port of Portofino. Camogli is a splendid seaside village with multi-colored buildings overlooking the Paradise Gulf. It is an enchanting area surrounded by the sea and mountains.

Upon arrival you will meet the expert biologist and you will have the chance to meet some of the fishermen. Visit the headquarters of their cooperative, including the fish shop where they display and sell their products daily.

Your tour to the Tonnarella will take place in the Maritime Protected Area of Portofino. The length of the experience depends on the weather, sea currents and amount of fish found in the nets. You will take a boat to where the Tonnarella is located and dock next to the system of nets. See how the Tonnarella works and have a look at the fishermen's activities, while Valentina will explain the details and secrets of this ancient tradition.

Transfer back to Camogli, where Lastly, transfer to "Rocca" in San Rocco di Camogli, an elegant private building with stunning views of the Paradise Gulf. It is a unique, well-preserved place often used for events dedicated to the promotion of the territory and/or the local culinary traditions.

Upon arrival, enjoy a meal consisting of local fish dishes, such as the "Caponadda", prepared by Valentina Mulas, the current owner and "keeper" of the venue.

At the conclusion of your S.A.L.T. Experience, re-board your coach for your return drive back to the pier.

Your Hosts - Valentina Cappanera & Valentina Mulas

Valentina Cappanera is a passionate Genoese biologist who has been working with the Maritime Protected Area of Portofino since 2006 on the management of the maritime environment, focusing on its preservation and the promotion of consumer awareness of local seafood. She is the CEO of the "Cooperative Ziguele", mainly made up of biologists. Established in 2016, the organization has two main goals: the promotion of the Ligurian territory by spreading the knowledge about the maritime area and the preservation of the area and its resources through the development of sustainable tourism. She has worked side by side with the fishermen of the "Tonnarella" for many years.

Valentina Mulas has been the owner of "La Rocca" since 2015. A Milan Native, Valentina started a new life in San Rocco di Camogli after falling in love with its nature, people and culture -- traditional food and recipes included. She took care of the building's refurbishment, which lasted 3 years, and in the meantime, she had the chance to gather in-depth knowledge of the culinary tradition of the area.

Ride the waters of the Italian Riviera and discover the beauty of two of its highlights. Enjoy a coastal cruise within the Tigullio Gulf, and time to step off the boat and explore Sestri Levante and Santa Margherita Ligure.

Sestri Levante

Walk a short distance from the pier and step aboard your transportation for the day's 4-hour tour. Ride along the sparkling coast of the Tgiullio Gulf for 45 scenic minutes. Dock in beautiful Sestri Levante, formerly an island which has since been joined to the mainland. Its promontory stretches out into the gulf, creating two bays: the Bay of Silence (Baia del Silenzio) and the Bay of Fairytales (Baia delle Favole) in recognition of Hans Christian Anderson, the famous writer of fables who lived here for a short time.

While Sestri Levante was once a simple fishing community, it is changing in the face of growing tourism and a new town is developing alongside its charming old town. Pastel buildings dot the beautiful curved harbour, filled with luxury yachts and fishing boats alongside one another. On land, see the architectural evidence of this town's ancient roots, extending as far back as the 10^th century. Look for the medieval fortification remnants and Roman ruins of the Oratory of Santa Caterina that fell victim to the conquest of Napolean in the 18^th century.

Santa Margherita Ligure

Return to the boat to travel another 30 minutes to visit lovely Santa Margherita Ligure. Alight on land and enjoy an hour to yourself in this city that is known for its elegance and atmosphere that mingles many different historic eras in artful fashion. Stroll the charming streets and soak up the unique charm of this town nestled around its port, with nautical, medieval, and Belle Epoque influences in its architecture. Enjoy the effect of the cobbled streets, medieval churches and elegant hotels that make this place fascinating, refined, and yet still understated as compared to other Italian Riviera destinations.

After some time to shop or sit down and relax over a coffee, it is time to return to the more ostentatious Portofino. Enjoy your last brief boat ride (15 min) and return to the ship.

Explore Portofino (Tigullio area only) at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Portofino (Tigullio area only) at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Portofino (Tigullio area only) at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Portofino at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Indulge your senses at perhaps the most luxurious and prestigious grand hotel in all of Italy during this half-day, olive oil tasting and lunch excursion at the legendary Splendido Hotel.

Portofino, Splendido Hotel

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Splendido Hotel. This19th-century villa, grafted onto the remains of a 16th-century monastery, has been a hotel since 1901. A fabled retreat of the internationally rich and famous, rock stars and Oscar winners since the early-1950s,.the Splendido Hotel is perhaps the most luxurious, prestigious and famous grand hotel in all of Italy. It is perched in a panoramic position atop the headland. A series of olive-lined, rosemary-scented paths wrap around the scenic pool terrace, and stretch along the hillside to various little lookouts.

Welcome Cocktail, Terraced Gardens, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Breath-Taking Gulf Views

Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome cocktail served at the hotel's terraced gardens, which are situated above the swimming pool and overlook the sea. As regular guests at the Splendido know, Antonio is one of the world's great barmen. His regular refrain, "You're in my heart", reflects his dedication to everyone who visits. Following your glass of Bellini, you are seated at the hotel's restaurant, which also offers commanding views over the gulf.

Lunch with Olive Oil Tastings and Wine

The Splendido's Maître d'Hotel entertains you with an introduction to the tradition, history, secrets and properties of olive oil, the main ingredient of Italian recipes. Olive oil is an important component of Italian cuisine, and mainly used to prepare Ligurian pesto sauce, pasta and beans soup, minestrone, grilled or boiled fish, and cooked or raw meat. However, the best way to taste it is over a slice of baked bread or fresh green salad. During your delicious lunch with wine, sample olive oils from different parts of Italy, such as Puglia (southern Italy), Tuscany (central Italy) and Liguria (northern Italy). After this unforgettable lunch, re-board your minivan and commence the short drive back to the pier.