Italy

Landscapes by Claude Monet, rural churches, castle and wineries

Day 1. Dolceaqua

Tiny Dolceacqua has been involved in wars and feudal strife for centuries. Today the city hardly resembles a military fortress. The mountain settlement was awarded a quality mark,&nbsp;the orange flag of the Italian Tourist Club. Therefore, be sure, in addition to pastoral landscapes, you will find excellent service, cultural and historical locations, traditional dishes and products from local farmers.

Osteria dell'Acqua Dolce is a traditional Italian trattoria with over 20 types of pizza. Mussel soup and gnochi de pan, bread dumplings with cheese, cannot be ignored.

Osteria dell'Acqua Dolce

The Ristorante A Viassa offers authentic Ligurian cuisine with recipes that every inhabitant of the region has known and adored since childhood. We recommend trying barbagiuai, fried ravioli stuffed with pumpkin, cheese, eggs, garlic and parsley.

Ristorante A Viassa

In the gastronomy of Dolceacqua, Alpine influence appears, such as an abundance of game, vegetables and dairy products. At CASAeBOTTEGA, you can order a typical Western Ligurian dish: brandacuiun, mashed potatoes and dried fish, and for dessert a tacunà cake sprinkled with sugar. Meat-eaters will be pleased with lamb, wild boar or rabbit cooked in the local Rossese wine.

CASAeBOTTEGA

Wineries from Dolcequa confidently enter the top of the leading Italian guide Gambero Rosso, and receive the prestigious Three Glasses mark. The Maixei estate produces natural wines and olive oil. Grappa, dry white wine from Vermentino grapes and red wines with fruity notes are tasted here.

Maixei Winery

Winery Mauro Antonio Zino is one of the oldest estates in Dolceacqua. It is still worked by hand, and the wine is fragrant, deep and rich thanks to the climate and soil. The drink is made from grapes of 100% Ligurian varieties: pigato, vermentino and rossese.

Azienda Agricola Mauro Zino Winery

The province of Imperia has long established itself as a wine corner where the best rosé wine is made. Napoleon adored Rossese di Dolceacqua, and modern connoisseurs agree with him, the local rose was the first Ligurian wine marked with DOC quality status. You can try rosé wine at the du Nemu family winery.

du Nemu Winery

Dolceaсqua

While traveling on the Italian Riviera, Claude Monet stopped at Dolceacqua. The artist was so impressed by the medieval village that he even dedicated four paintings to it, three of them depicting the Old Bridge. The bridge connects the old Dolceacqua with the newer part of the village.

Old Bridge

The village church is located on the banks of the Nervia River. Inside, the temple is decorated with beautiful gold stucco, 16th century frescoes and a marble altar created by Genovese craftsmen.

Church of Saint Anthony

From anywhere in the city, you can see the austere stronghold of Castello dei Doria. It is believed that the castle began to be built in the 11-12 centuries, then it was constantly expanded and rebuilt. Its owners, the Doria family, managed to turn the medieval fortress into a majestic feudal residence. The family castle was badly damaged during the war with Austria in 1745, and after another 150 an earthquake turned the noble's nest into ruins. Its restoration project was completed several years ago, and today Castello dei Doria is a cultural center with regular exhibitions and concerts. You can get to the castle through vicolo, a labyrinth of narrow streets. And just believe, it's worth it, from the height of Castello dei Doria you can see the old town, the bridge, the river and the surrounding wineries.

Doria de Dolceaqua Castle

Apricale is chosen not only for vacation, but also for life. Like Dolceaqua, the settlement was awarded the orange flag and included in the list of the most beautiful borgo (historical village) in Italy. We recommend exploring the winding and multi-level streets of the village, which are called here caruggi, and visit the Lizard Castle, which is a museum of the history of Apricale. The exhibits of the museum are rare photographs and official documents from the Middle Ages, for example, the famous "Statuti apricalesi" of the 13th century, the harshest and oldest set of rules in Liguria.

Apricale Village

If you want to spend the night in a country estate surrounded by fields and vineyards overlooking the Apennines, head to the Terre Bianche winery. You will not only taste the famous Rossese di Dolceacqua Bricco Arcagnа, awarded with the honorary Three Glasses, but you will also experience the real rural Liguria.

Terre Bianche

Sooner or later, many people think about escaping from a stuffy office to meet the joys of country life. The married couple Sarah and Andre did not oppose this and bought out an old peasant house. For 12 years they have been hosting guests on a farm in the middle of an olive plantation. The house is completely renovated and equipped with household and digital appliances.

Farm Once Upon A Time

The good thing about Italian villages is that their residents do not seek to convert their homes into ultra-modern apartments. Prea Runda's rooms are cosily furnished with antique wood furnishings, knitted lampshades and lavender bouquets.

Prea Runda

Beach holidays and ancient monuments

Day 2. Varigotti

Italy is rich in sunny beaches, some of the best in the Ligurian province of Savona. Varigotti harbor is considered to be the quietest and the calmest in the entire Italian Riviera. The settlement was part of the Byzantine Empire, and even managed to become a fortress during the war with the Lombards. In the 12 century, Saracen pirates took refuge here, who, having sailed here once, remained forever, mixing with the locals. Therefore, the Varigotti architecture is atypical for the Ligurian coast and vaguely resembles North African houses.

For fish and seafood head to Muraglia - Conchiglia d'Oro. The restaurant is loved by guests and residents of Varigotti for its exquisite service, traditional recipes and homemade desserts.

Muraglia - Conchiglia d'Oro

The restaurant with a view will introduce tourists to Ligurian cuisine, Italian and regional wines. The concept of La Ruggia is clear, and at the same time incredibly tasty dishes from local products. The restaurant also offers vegan and gluten-free delicacies.

La Ruggia

Varigotti

The defensive tower at Cape Crena was built in the 16th century to defend against Turkish raids. The harsh times have passed, but Saracen Tower has remained, now it serves more as an observation deck, from which you will see the Saraceni Bay and the city from a bird's eye view.

Saracen Tower

A picturesque cape from which you can descend into a small rocky bay. Be careful, the winding path runs along a sheer cliff.

Punta Crena

The colorful wall was built by Giuseppe Cerisola, a man with an amazing destiny. During the Second World War, the British exiled him to an Australian labor camp. Cerisola finally returned to Italy only in 1976. At Varigotti, he taught children to swim and rescued people drowning in the sea. The wall is a kind of ode to the sea, his main passion.

Cerisola Mausoleum

The gloomy but atmospheric Benedictine temple was abandoned for a long time. At the end of the 16th century, the parish residence moved to the new church of San Lorenzo on the coast, and the old one was used as a cemetery chapel. The temple was restored, retaining its original appearance.

Medieval Church of San Lorenzo

In the Middle Ages, the bay served as a natural port, which was then destroyed by the Genoese. Today it is one of the longest Ligurian beaches with a length of about two kilometers. The sandy and pebble coast seems to have been specially created for an excellent holiday, thanks to clear, bright blue water and a smooth descent into the sea. The coast is equipped with changing cabins, showers and parking, beach bars and cafes, you can rent an umbrella or a sun lounger. You have to pay to enter the beach.

Saraceni Bay

A little further from the Saraceni Bay there is another wide sandy beach with parking. Malpasso is as beautiful as the Saraceni Bay, but unlike its neighbor, it is free. So, get ready for the influx of tourists in the summer months, but the rest of the time this is a piece of paradise.

Malpasso Beach

The owners of Arabesque sought inspiration from Varigotti's Moorish past. The result is a vibrant hotel with a touch of the East.

Arabesque

Followers of good nutrition will appreciate La Selva Farm. The owners of the house treat guests with jams, juices, sauces and liqueurs made from vegetables, fruits and herbs from their own garden.

Agriturismo La Selva

Palazzo, museums, cathedrals and local street food

Day 3. Genoa

Homeland of Paganini and Columbus, and the largest Italian port that rivals Marseille for the title of the sea capital of the Mediterranean. &quot;Proud Genoa&quot; stretches for 30 kilometers along the Ligurian coast and offers tourists the largest ancient center in Europe, hundreds of magnificent palazzos and cathedrals and distinctive dishes that were invented in the Ligurian capital!

Huge covered market where you will find typical Genoese street food. Locals enjoy farinata, a chickpea flour tortilla, or focaccia, a pie with butter or cheese. Of starchy food, try Pasqualina cake, which previously, was only eaten at Easter, but the pie has become so popular that it is now cooked all year round. The classic Pasqualina recipe is puff pastry and a filling of beets, artichokes and peas, sometimes with slightly sour cream cheese. If you want something more hearty, order minestrone, soup with beans, potatoes and, of course, polpetta di cabannina, meatballs made from Ligurian beef Cabanne.

Eastern Market

At Pasticceria Tagliafico, be sure to try the canestrelli cookies sprinkled with powdered sugar. At Christmas, the people of Genoa bake tons of sweet bread (pandolce) with pine nuts, candied fruits, raisins or almonds. Tourists do not have to wait for the holiday to try the local delicacy, because Pasticceria Tagliafico treats pandolce all year round.

Pasticceria Tagliafico

Osteria Il Cadraio is a Genoese and Ligurian restaurant. We recommend trying the delicious and hearty trofie al pesto pasta. The key ingredient of this traditional dish is pesto sauce, one of the symbols of Ligurian gastronomy. A savory sauce is made from basil, cheese, olive oil and pine seeds.

Osteria Il Cadraio

In Genoa, the unusual coffee parfait panera is popular. You can taste a fragrant dessert at the Cremeria Buonafede cafe. The restaurant uses only natural local products, and does not add preservatives, dyes, chemical flavors and thickeners.

Cremeria Buonafede

Raviolhouse Genova delights guests with classic, vegetarian, huge and tiny ravioli stuffed with beans, potatoes, veal and pork, and panissa, sticks made from chickpea flour and water fried in oil.

Raviolhouse Genova

The Genoese believe that their cuisine is the best not only in Italy, but throughout the world. And you can't argue with that. Visit the Il Genovese restaurant for traditional Genoese dishes, for example, pansotti, triangular ravioli with spinach and ricotta.

Il Genovese

Genoa

The Museum of the History of World Cultures is located in the former mansion of Captain Enrico Alberto d'Albertis, a man of adventure. The captain founded the first yacht club in Italy and then sailed the Columbus route using the navigation instruments of that era. He traveled three times around the world, circled Africa, and even participated in archaeological excavations. Found relics d'Albertis bequeathed to the city. The museum contains the weapons of the indigenous people of North America, ancient Chinese spears, musical instruments of the peoples of the world, yacht models, navigational instruments and personal photographs, and the captain's own records.

D'Albertis Castle

Genoese aristocrats knew a lot about luxury and spared no expense on their residences. Some compare the Palazzo Reale with Versailles, others call it the most beautiful building in Genoa, both are right. The elegant palace passed from owner to owner, and from this it only became prettier. Now the palazzo belongs to the state, and its halls are open to tourists. It has preserved antique furniture, marble sculptures, baroque stucco moldings, paintings by famous artists and magnificent terraced gardens.

Royal Palace

Today, the building houses the departments of the humanities faculties of the University of Genoa. The interiors of Balbi Senarega are dedicated to ancient Roman mythology, for example, the gallery of the abduction of Proserpina, the hall of Apollo, the hall of Hercules, the main hall, Sala del Carro del Tempo with the image of Kronos, and the orange garden with a fountain and a sculptural complex of Neptune.

Balbi Senarega Palace

The observation deck hovers over the historic center of Genoa and offers a 360-degree view. Those wishing to admire the Baroque palazzos and towers climb up Castelletto using the elevator in Piazza Portello or along the Circonvallazione a Monte trail.

Belvedere Castelletto Observation Deck

Via Garibaldi is deservedly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We need to thank the wealthy Genoese merchants, who settled on this street and rebuilt magnificent palazzo. You will see Palazzo Bianco, the mansion has been turned into an art museum. In front of it you will see the bright red Palazzo Rosso, which houses a collection of paintings and antique furniture from the Brignole Sale family. Further there is Palazzo Doria Tursi, the headquarters of the city municipality. The parade ends with one of the most photogenic buildings in Genoa, the elegant Palazzo Podesta.

Via Garibaldi

It is not known exactly where the famous navigator was born, but according to one version, Genoa was the birthplace of Columbus. Rumor has it that the sailor distributed the money received from the discovery of America to the Genoese poor.

Christopher Columbus House

The medieval gate was the main eastern entrance of the fortress wall in the 12th century. Two centuries later, the gates were swallowed up by the rapidly expanding city. In the 19th century, criminals were kept in high towers.

Porta Soprano Gates

The main square separates the old city from the modern quarters. In the center there is the symbol of Genoa, a large fountain, installed in the last century. The area is surrounded by elegant palazzo: the most recognizable one is the Stock Exchange building in Liberty-style, to the right of it is the Teatro Carlo Felice, then the Academy of Arts "Ligustika", Gallery Palazzo Doria De Ferrari, Palazzo Giulio Pallavicini, Palazzo Ducale, which is also a history museum of the city, and, finally, Palazzo della Regione Liguria, where the administration of Genoa sits today.

Ferrari Square

Although the temple was consecrated in the XI century, the construction was finally completed only six centuries later. For a long time, the porch of the Cathedral replaced the main square. If you look inside, pay attention to the right nave, there is an exact replica of the missile of the British Navy. In 1941, such a missile hit the Cathedral, but never exploded. The basement museum also contains a lot of interesting things: jewelry and art objects from the 11th to the 19th centuries, religious relics and the ashes of Saint John the Baptist, patron saint of Genoa.

San Lorenzo Cathedral

The largest oceanarium in Europe! 12 thousand species of marine animals live here from exotic fish to sharks, manatees and penguins. Next to the aquarium, you will see a large glass dome, Biosphera, a tropical zoo with amazing flora and fauna, for example, a beautiful red ibis and a tree from which chewing gum is made.

Oceanarium

Modern and comfortable apartments with a touch of antiquity, all this is about the apart-hotel Charming Genova, where minimalist design peacefully coexists with classic Genoese frescoes.

Charming Genova Residenza d'epoca

The stylish loft with author's design is 300 meters away from the legendary Via Garibaldi. In addition to secure parking, WI-FI and the ability to take pets with you, the owners of the apartments offer a spacious outdoor terrace.

T-Loft

Become an Italian aristocrat even for one night at the exquisite Palazzo Zecchino. The 15th century mansion belonged to the Spinola family, a noble Genoese family. Inside, there are preserved authentic marble columns, an old fountain and traditional Italian terrazzo mosaics.

Palazzo Zecchino

Colorful embankment, medieval architecture and creative art museum

Day 4. Portofino

The ancient Romans romantically named the settlement &quot;The Dolphin Port&quot;. A toy-like Portofino seems to have come off a colorful postcard. Despite its size, the town will give odds to the popular resorts of the French Riviera, annually receiving thousands of tourists, including the world celebrities, Madonna, Sylvester Stallone, Silvio Berlusconi and George Clooney.

Ristorante Cracco Portofino returns again and again, and all thanks to high-quality cuisine, friendly and helpful staff, as well as a stunning view of Molo Umberto I. The chef of the restaurant turns iconic Italian dishes: ravioli, tagliatelle, lobsters into works of culinary art.

Ristorante Cracco Portofino

DaV Mare is famous for its outdoor terrace with a romantic view of Martiri dell'Olivetta square. The restaurant's seasonal menu is inspired by Liguria itself. Among the traditional regional dishes, we advise you to try cappon grasso, a vegetable salad garnished with oysters, langoustines and lobsters.

DaV Mare

Portofino

For the first time, the temple was mentioned in documents of the 12th century, but according to legend, the Dowager Queen Adelaide presented this church to the monks two centuries earlier. The yellow-gray stripes on the facade of the temple are a typical feature of the medieval architecture of northern Italy and neighboring territories of France and Switzerland. In the church, you will see a gilded altar, frescoes and wooden sculptures of saints. Although the church of Divo Martino is no match for the grand cathedrals of Genoa, Imperia and Savona, the people of Portofino love this modest church and consider it the main sanctuary of the city.

San Martino Church

A small square, Piazzetta, as the townspeople call it, is the heart of Portofino. It is surrounded by colorful houses and a descent to the yacht pier. Here life is in full swing not only during the day, but also in the evening, and in local cafes you can order a glass of white Ligurian wine and admire the bay.

Martiri dell'Olivetta Square

A park where sculptures from contemporary masters are collected. The unusual art space was opened in the 1980s and since then the collection of objects from a variety of materials from iron to glass has only grown bigger.

Park Museum

Elegant yachts and sailboats moor at the marina. From here you can take a cruise to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso and a two-meter statue of Christ in the waters of San Fruttuoso.

Molo Umberto I

The church was erected on the site of an ancient chapel of the Order of St. Columban. The church is very popular with pilgrims from all over the world, because it is here that the relics of St. Giorgio, another patron saint of Portofino, are kept. The shrine was brought to the city by the Genoese knights after the Crusade in the 11th century. It is worth going up to the church at least for the sake of observation decks, one looks at the azure waters of the Tigullian Gulf, and the other offers a panoramic view of the city port.

San Giorgio Church

To protect the city during endless civil wars in the 16th century, the townspeople rebuilt a powerful fortified castle on a hill. The fortress was erected on the site of an old fort, where Richard the Lionheart himself was staying. The castle owes its unusual for Italy name to the English consul Montague Yates-Brown. He bought the castle and turned it into a private villa in 1867. The castle has belonged to the city for more than half a century, but the name of the previous owner remained behind it. Inside there is an art museum, a garden, exhibitions, conferences, and even private events are held: weddings, anniversaries, christenings, etc.

Brown Castle

A small lighthouse, surrounded by rocks and pine trees, stands at the very edge of the cliff. Visitors are not allowed to enter the lighthouse itself, but you can enjoy the seascape from the open terrace. Don't forget to bring your binoculars, there are dolphins in the waters of Portofino!

Portofino Lighthouse

For an intimate atmosphere, head to the family-run Hotel Nazionale. The hotel is located at the epicenter of the cultural life of Portofino, a few steps from the famous Piazzetta.

Hotel Nazionale

Private apartments are suitable for a large company, and the view from the windows to the Portofino Bay will pleasantly complement the relaxation.

Portofino Above the Sea Exclusive Seafront Apartment

The farmhouse is designed for introverts and those who want to relax in the wilderness in the middle of a natural park. There are no TVs and only guests are allowed to use a car. You can be sure, you will not be disturbed by the resort noise!

Terre Rosse Portofino B&B

Romantic village of Riomaggiore and wine traditions

Day 5. Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre is the19th century Italy. The colorful villages hanging from the cliffs over the Gulf of Genoa have become the region&#39;s most recognizable picture today. The vibrant fishing villages of the Cinque Terre became part of the country&#39;s first ecological park, and in 1997 the Cinque Terre were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Start your acquaintance with the Cinque Terre from the village of Riomaggiore, which is unofficially considered the most romantic corner in the park. Make sure of this by following a rocky path to the natural bay, or take a walk along the route with the telling name &quot;Way of Love&quot;.

This authentic place, Osteria La Torpedine, definitely knows a lot about seafood. Guests praise pasta with mussels, tuna tartare, clams in tomato marinera sauce and anchovies fried with pecorino cheese and basil.

Osteria La Torpedine

Anchovies are the main delicacy in the Cinque Terre. This small fish is served here in any form - fried, felted, with or without pesto sauce. At Dau Cila, Ligurian anchovies are served with roasted peppers.

Dau Cila

Italians would not be Italians without family traditions, and winemakers from Terra di Bargòn are no exception. For 60 years, a golden brown drink has been produced here, similar to young rum with a sweetish honey flavor. In Riomaggiore, such a wine is called Sciacchetrà, in neighboring Manarola it is called Renfursà, and in Vennration they call it Vin Dulce. The owners of the winery ask to inform about the visit in advance.

Terra di Bargòn Winery

The vineyards of the Cinque Terre end at the water's edge. It is sea salt that makes local wines unique. The artisanal winery Azienda Agricola Possa specializes in the production of sciacchetra, which is drunk here by both villagers and tourists. The owners of the winery ask to inform about the visit in advance.

Azienda Agricola Possa Winery

The tiny winery makes natural dessert wines from Vermentino, Bosco and Albarola. No chemical fertilizers are used here, and fermentation in barrels proceeds naturally. Winemakers do not filter or clarify the drink, so the wine retains its natural taste and aroma.

Azienda Agricola Campogrande Altare Bonanni

Cinque Terre National Park

The austere neo-Gothic building from the 14th century stands out against the backdrop of colorful houses. The Church of San Giovanni is built on a high hill, and from its square you can see the bay and the village at a glance.

Church of San Giovanni Battista of Riomaggiore

The chapel was built in honor of Saint Rocco, the defender from the plague. In this way, the inhabitants thanked the saint for ending the epidemic of the disease that struck the village at the end of the 15th century. On the front door you will see images of Saint Rocco himself and another martyr, Saint Sebastian, struck by arrows.

San Rocco Chapel

Built in the 13th century by the Marquis Turcotti, the austere fortress protected the settlement from sea invaders. Nowadays, the castle has turned into a conference room where weddings, ceremonies and business meetings are held.

Riomaggiore Castle

The main attraction of Riomaggiore is romantically named “Way of Love”. This 800-meter trail has received such a nickname because of the breathtaking views, the road runs along the cliff above the sea. Via dell'Amore appeared after the construction of the railway and led to the neighboring village of Manarola. Due to a landslide in 2012, part of the path collapsed, and now you can only walk to a small observation deck.

Via dell'Amore

The observation deck from which you can see the boat dock, colorful houses on the waterfront and the bay. From the site, you can walk to the local beach.

Observation deck of Riomaggiore

Small and rocky beach, which will please a diving enthusiast. The beach has two advantages: it is free and semi-wild. The road to the coast goes along the sea and rocks.

Riomaggiore Beach

The villa rises on the hills of the Cinque Terre, and therefore unrealistic sea views await guests. Just imagine, a table for two, homemade wine and a scarlet sunset over Riomaggiorre!

Il Nettare Agriturismo

Mia Home is a house in the center of Riomaggiore with friendly hosts, parking and a secret courtyard, for those who want to escape from the fuss of the outside world.

Mia Home

Liguria is in no way inferior to its neighbors, Monaco and the Cote d'Azur, becoming a tourist Mecca for travelers from all over the world. The Apennines, semi-wild beaches, trendy resorts and ancient cities are just a few of the Ligurian treasures. Explore the four provinces of the Italian Riviera on a 5-day tour of Liguria!

Mysteries of Liguria