Enjoy this fascinating excursion through two Italian coastal towns of universal renown: Genoa and Santa Margherita Ligure. A tour that covers two "fairytale" cities, reminiscent of the Middle Ages and splendid origins of the Roman Empire.

Santa Marguerita Ligure, known as "the pearl of Tigullio", welcomes us to the slope of Mount Portofino, in the heart of the Genoese province. Strolling through its streets is to return to the past, and discover why it was a privileged place to live for centuries. Both its area of Pescino (where the Basilica of Santa Margherita is located) and the area of Corte (summer resort of Genoese families for centuries) denote its glorious past as an international tourist center.

The capital of Genoa had its golden period at the cultural level in the so-called "Century of the Genoese", which has left us magnificent buildings, facades decorated with frescoes and stuccoes, sumptuous churches and precious art collections. Even its famous Renaissance street "Strada Nuova" was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2006. Did you know that – according to historians – Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, and that he was baptized in the church of San Esteban?

Be sure to come to this magnificent tour. One of the best excursions in Italy, which will undoubtedly make you keep an indelible memory of your cruise. Book your place now!

PROGRAM

Departure of the excursion.

When leaving the boat, after passing the security control, look for the exit to "City Center- Metro- Tourist Info". Take the escalators to reach the roundabout with the propeller-shaped fountain; At this point the guide awaits you.

We will travel by bus to the Levante Coast to reach the Gulf of Tigullio, a charming corner of the Ligurian coast. We will continue through Rapallo, enjoying from the bus a view over its cove, the promenade and the port of the sailing boats. We will pass under the medieval bridge of Hannibal. We will also have a beautiful panoramic view of the Portofino peninsula and the coast. The guide will explain you throughout the tour

Arrival in Santa Margherita. Old fishing village that became in 1800 a tourist center of international fame.

The current city consists of two ancient areas:

Pescino: It has many pedestrian alleys that lead to the Main Square where the Baroque Basilica dedicated to Santa Margherita and Nostra Signora della Rosa, also known as the Parish Church, is located. (The visit to the Basilica of Santa Margherita and Nostra Signora della Rosa will be inside, in case there are special celebrations the explanation will be made outside.)

Court: Located on the hill, it was since the seventeenth century settlement of many Genoese families who began to build their summer mansions here. Witness of this period is the villa Durazzo, residence of the noble Genoese family, which has next to it the church of Santiago. This area is not included in the pedestrian route, it will be contemplated from afar, but you can visit it in your free time. You will be surprised by the colors of its houses, villas and luxury hotels, as well as by the elaborate trompe l'oeil that decorate its facades.

Free time. You can have a drink in one of the many cafes and ice cream parlors, or go to one of the many bakeries to try the famous "focaccia".

Departure to Genoa.

In Genoa we will start with a panoramic tour of the modern city with its streets, squares and monumental buildings of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries (Piazza della Vittoria, Via XX Settembre, Piazza de Ferrari, Porto Antico). You will also see the walls of the sixteenth century, the Church of San Esteban where, tradition says, he was baptized Christopher Columbus, as well as his house, located near the walls of the twelfth century.

During the tour we will pass near "Strada Nuova", Renaissance street built by Genoese bankers of the sixteenth century and since 2006 was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The visit will continue with a walking tour of the old town in which you will see (exterior visit):

• Ferrari Square. Presided over by a beautiful fountain, flanked by representative buildings such as the Teatro Lírico Carlo Felice, Palazzo della Borsa, Palazzo della Accademia di Belle Arti and Palazzo della Regione.
• Doge's Palace: Seat of the former government of the Republic of Genoa and residence of the Doge.
• Church of Jesus. A jewel of Genoese Baroque art.
• Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Keep the precious relics of St. John the Baptist.
• Palazzo San Giorgio. From the fifteenth century it housed the Bank of St. George, one of the first public banks in Italy.
• Old Port. Where are the Aquarium of Genoa (the second largest in Europe), Galata Museum of the Sea, among other sites of tourist interest.

This tour will take place through the suggestive network of "carruggi" alleys and squares that reveal at every step the immense historical, cultural and artistic wealth of the city.

Return to the ship.

End of the tour.

PRICES

• Coach.
• Guide in Spanish.

The price does NOT include:
Tickets. If there are, they are paid on site.

• Discount for children, applied only on individual excursions.
• Not combinable with other offers.
• It is essential to send a copy of the child's Identity Document.
• From 13 years old pay like an adult.
• 5-hour excursion.
• Attention: You can not enter the churches with low-cut clothes, nor above the knees and shoulders must be covered.

The duration of the excursion is approximate, it will be subject to the time of arrival of the ship and disembarkation of the passengers.