While the Italian Riviera is legendary for its sun-drenched cliffs and world-class pesto, most travelers only scratch the surface. This journey invites you to uncover the hidden layers and discover the soul of Liguria in Italy’s northwest coast.
We’ve designed an itinerary that bypasses the crowds to reveal the region’s authentic heartbeat. Cruise the Gulf of Poets, explore ancient marble quarries, hike through Cinque
Terre’s terraced vineyards, and wander in the historic “caruggi” of Genoa.
This exclusive tour has been created by my good friend Ruth Manfredi, an American who
has called the village of Vernazza home for over 30 years. Ruth knows all the secret spots for fun, food, and enjoying the region away from the tourism madness. Ruth is a tireless advocate for the Cinque Terre, and was one of the forces behind the recovery from the 2011 floods that almost destroyed it. Join us for a meaningful adventure in responsible travel that enriches both the visitor and the destination.
This tour needs a minimum of 10 guests to run.
Day One
Overnight: La Spezia
Your Italian adventure begins in the vibrant port city of La Spezia. Meet Ruth and Cristiano at 5:00 PM for a warm welcome and tour preview. We’ll kick off the trip like locals with a twilight stroll through the city’s charming streets, followed by a classic Italian aperitivo and a celebratory welcome dinner.
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Day Two
Overnight: La Spezia
Experience Liguria from its best vantage point: the sea. We’ll spend a full day exploring the Gulf of Poets by boat. Stroll through the pastel-hued coastal village of Portovenere. Enjoy a private lunch at a hidden gem restaurant on the island of Palmaria. Swim in the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Your evening is free to enjoy La Spezia.
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Day Three
Overnight: La Spezia
Go behind the scenes of Italy’s most famous export. We’ll head inland to Carrara for a thrilling 4×4 Land Rover tour through the towering white marble quarries. After a rustic homemade lunch in the mountain village of Colonnata, we’ll visit a medieval fortress in Sarzana. We will learn how to make traditional pesto and savor panigacci—a rare, ancient specialty of the region.
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Day Four
Overnight: Levanto
Today we move our home base to the relaxed beach town of Levanto. We’ll take the train to Monterosso to begin our exploration of these iconic cliffside villages. Walk the legendary Via dell’Amore. Savor and trace the history of Cinque Terre wine with a local expert sommelier in Manarola. After a sunset hike through Manarola’s gravity-defying terraced vineyards, we enjoy an exclusive dinner at our favorite local restaurant in Vernazza.
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Day Five
Overnight: Levanto
Today is your “vacation from your vacation.” Join us for a guided E-bike tour of flat, converted railway tunnels to the charming villages of Bonassola and Framura. Spend your free afternoon soaking up the slow pace of Levanto or revisiting your favorite Cinque Terre village. We’ll reunite for dinner at a family-run restaurant in the heart of Levanto.
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Day Six
Overnight: Genoa
We head north to Portofino, the crown jewel of the Riviera. After a guided tour of this world-famous harbor, enjoy leisure time by the water. Our journey continues by ferry to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, a hidden medieval treasure nestled in a secluded bay. After a final coastal stop in the postcard-perfect village of Camogli, we arrive in historic Genoa for a free evening to explore at your own pace.
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Day Seven
Overnight: Genoa
Experience why the New York Times loves Genoa (and we do too) naming it a 2026 NYT “52 Places to Go.” Taste Genoa’s delicious food like focaccia with a food tour and lunch of local specialties in a legendary 1880s trattoria. Explore medieval “caruggi”(medieval alleys), grand UNESCO palaces, and the secrets of a city that once ruled the Mediterranean. Tonight, we toast our shared adventures in Liguria and Cinque Terre at our Farewell Dinner.
Day Eight
Tour Ends
Our tour ends after breakfast. Ruth and Cristiano will be on hand to help with transfers to the airport or to wherever your adventures take you.
Arrivederci e grazie!
Ruth Manfredi and Cristiano Francesco Fornelli are a dynamic duo sharing their deep love for Vernazza and the Cinque Terre through personalized, local-led tours.
Ruth, originally from New York, has called Vernazza home for over 30 years. She’s a passionate advocate for the region, playing a key role in Vernazza’s recovery after the devastating 2011 floods. With a deep appreciation for local wine, food, and hospitality, Ruth brings warmth and insight to every experience.
Cristiano is a certified tour leader, sommelier, boat captain, and lifelong Vernazza resident. He met Ruth on the Vernazza pier years ago, and together they’ve built a life and a travel business rooted in their shared passion for the Cinque Terre.
2027 Price: $5275 (International air not included) per person for a double room, and a single occupancy room is $6120.
We welcome singles and if you do not have a travel partner, please sign up for a single spot. In the event that a roommate is found, your booking can be changed to a double before final payment is due.
Click the Book Now button to start the booking process. Remember, you can save yourself the credit card fees (2.9%) by choosing US Checking Account/ACH instead as your payment method on our booking system.
What’s included: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunch and 4 dinners, 1 wine tasting, 1 cooking class, 7 nights lodging in boutique hotels. All admissions and fees for group activities. Transport within the tour and private guides, tips included.
Deposit Policy: A non-refundable deposit of $600 per person is due upon booking.
Liguria and Cinque Terre tour begins in La Spezia, with the nearest international airport being Pisa (PSA) or Florence (FLR). The tour ends in Genoa (GOA).
If you have additional questions please email us at: info@adventureswithsarah.net
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