Excursion Villages of rapallo & sestri levante tour at Genoa

Explore two of the most beautiful gems of the Tigullio Gulf during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion to Rapallo and Sestri Levante.

Rapallo, Riviera di Levante, Gulf of Tigullio, Rapallo

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to the charming Riviera di Levante (Coast of the Rising Sun), a popular destination for travellers since the time of Byron and Shelley. Your first stop is at the lovely seaside resort of Rapallo. Part of the Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino, Rapallo is the largest town of the Gulf of Tigullio, and renowned for its climate, making it a perennially favourite winter haunt of wealthy Italians living in north-western Italy, and past luminaries such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Ezra Pound.

Historic Sites, Castles, Basilica, Museum, Beaches, Marinas, Shops, Restaurants, Cafés, Free Time

During your guided walking tour, sites to be seen may include the beautiful, 16th-century Castello sul Mare (Castle by the Sea) and Basilica dei Santi Gervasio e Protasio. Rapallo has also some beautiful beaches, two marinas, and numerous sports facilities. The Old Town maintains its maritime feel, and is studded with shops, restaurants, and cosy cafes. Following your tour, some free time is made available for independent shopping and exploration.

Sestri Levante, Ligurian Riviera, Beautiful Bays, Free Time

Next, re-board your coach and head to Sestri Levante, a beautiful little town on the Ligurian Riviera, approximately halfway between Genoa and La Spezia. Whilst Portofino and the Cinque Terre are probably the most renowned tourist destinations on the Italian Riviera, Sestri Levante is becoming increasingly popular. The original part of Sestri Levante is actually on a peninsula, with the beautiful Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence) on one side and Baia delle Favole (Bay of the Fables) on the other. After your guided tour, some free time is made available for shopping and exploring on your own. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Genoa, Riviera di Levante, Rapallo, Castles, Basilica, Shops, Restaurants, Cafés, Sestri Levante, Ligurian Riviera, Bays, Free Time

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.93 miles (about 1.5 kilometres), at times over uneven, natural, and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, and at the churches in Rapallo and Sestri Levante. Walking in Rapallo and Sestri Levante during free time is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, bottled water, and Euros and/or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Proper attire is required to enter the basilica; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. The tour sequence may vary.