The 10 best experiences to have in La Spezia over the weekend

Day sailing in the Gulf of Portofino is a relaxing mini-cruise suitable for anyone who wants to explore the world from the sea.

Embarkation is scheduled at 10:00 am from Rapallo. During the boat trip there will be plenty of opportunities for swimming and photography of the beautiful panorama of the gulf between Rapallo and Portofino.

On board you will be served a lunch of local specialties, water, beer, dessert/fruit and coffee.

Return of the tour is scheduled at 6:00 pm in Rapallo.

This horseback ride on the High Way of the Ligurian Mountains begins with an hour of learning and lesson on the basics of getting in the saddle and getting to know the horse.

This is followed by an hour-long horseback ride with fantastic views of the LigurianMountains High Way. The riding stables are surrounded by spectacular natural scenery; an entire hillside is available for those who want to explore nature on horseback!

The horses alternate between life in the pastures, in their natural state with immense spaces at their disposal, and life in the riding stables for constant care and training.

Comfortable clothing, long pants, closed shoes, gloves and riding helmet (provided on site) are recommended for the horseback riding trip.

For daily insurance, €3 will have to be paid on site.

Wine tasting and winery tour in Sestri Levante è a unique experience!

During the guided tour of the wineries and Ligurian wine production facility, you will have the opportunity to understand how wines are made and feel the love and passion with which they are produced. The guided tour will continue with a tour of the underground Caveau which will be followed by a tasting of the most representative wines.

The Classic tasting includes 3 glasses: Il Bianco Trevigne / Bianchetta “U Pastine” Portofino DOC / Il Musaico Portofino DOC.

The Special Tasting includes five glasses: Il Bianco Trevigne / Bianchetta “U Pastine” Portofino DOC / Cimixà l’Antico / Portofino DOC / Il Musaico Portofino DOC / Granaccia Colline del Genovesato.

To pair with the wines will be offered a generous board with cheeses, cured meats, vegetable pies and garden delicacies (subject to change throughout the seasons).

After the wine tasting you can enjoy a lunch (not included) that can take place either on the premises inside the winery from the large windows – that let you admire the beautiful vineyard – or outdoors.

A clothing appropriate for the low temperatures of the wineries is recommended for this experience.

Your flyboard experience in Rapallo will begin with a 10-15 minute briefing on land, during which you will receive an introduction and practical advice on how to get started flying.

Next, you will move to the sea and enter the water. The instructor will be the one wearing the Flyboard to show you more accurately what it is all about. After that, it will be your turn to begin the lesson.

During the lesson you will be supervised by Paul, who will be on the jet ski and provide you with the power you need for the Flyboard. The instructor will be on another bike and will follow you closely to ensure safety.

Overall, the experience will last about 30 minutes and you will be immersed in the thrill of flying above the water.

In case of more than one participant, the experience will still be done one at a time.

The jet ski tour in Rapallo consists of renting a jet ski that you can drive yourself, if you have a boat license, or you can rely on a driver.

The vehicle è versatile and allows you to visit the Gulf of Tigullio, the Paradise Gulf, Camogli, Portofino, Santa Margherita and many other small locations on the cliffs of Liguria.

The jet ski allows you to quickly and agilely reach the different resorts along the coast, get in the saddle and discover the thrill of riding it in one of the most picturesque locations in Italy.

The capacity of the motorcycle è of 3 people (2 passengers + 1 guide). Fuel is not è always included, as it varies from the speed à and distance covered, you can ask the guide directly for indicative costs.

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, stops may vary. È minimum age of 18 years required.

The boat tour to Portofino, San Fruttuoso and Camogli is a classic and comprehensive boat tour of the Portofino Natural Park area.

The starting point of the boat excursion is in Rapallo, but a pickup in Portofino or Santa Margherita Ligure can also be arranged, agreeing this after booking.

Spending half a day by boat or a full day in the Portofino area, you can enjoy all the best that the area has to offer: sea, sun, beautiful views, local food, wine, and a pristine natural environment like few others in Italy.

This horseback riding tour in Garfagnana is suitable for beginners and even the most experienced, always accompanied by experienced staff.

During these rides, nature is explored in all its magnificence and splendor, the route takes in heterogeneous and picturesque scenery between forests and open countryside, ideal for all those who love nature.

Recommended clothing for the horseback riding trip includes closed shoes and long pants. The facility will provide you with all equipment for horseback riding, including helmet.

The’quad bike excursion in the Val di Lima, in the mountains above Florence in Tuscany é an’activity’that makes you experience the nature of the’Tuscan-Emilian Apennines in a fun way, together with the performance Quad Yamaha Kodiak 700.

1-hour excursion - Livizzano:

.

•    Departure: Livizzano Base Camp
•    Trail Duration: 11km - average 1 hour
•    Altitude: 600m

You will start the hike from the mule tracks, dirt roads, fords and small streams of ‘Livizzano’, continuing then along wooded trails that will allow you to return to the starting site.

3-hour hike (half day) - Monte Prato Fiorito:

•    Departure: Livizzano Base Camp
•    .
•    Trail Duration: 33km - average 3 hours
•    Altitude: 600m to 1200m (elevation gain: 600m)

You will again start the hike from the mule tracks, dirt roads, fords and small streams of ‘Livizzano’.

The hike will then continue along wooded trails that will allow you to reach the spectacular views that await you on the slopes of Mount ‘Prato Fiorito’ at 1200m altitude.

5-hour hike (day) - Botri Gorge:

.

•    Departure: Livizzano Base Camp
•    .
•    Trail Duration: 40km - average 5 hours
•    Altitude: 600m - 1200m - 900m (total elevation gain: 1200m)

Also in this option you will start the hike from the mule tracks, dirt roads, fords and small streams of ‘Livizzano’.

The hike will then continue along wooded trails that will allow you to reach the spectacular views that await you on the slopes of Mt. ‘Prato Fiorito’ at 1200m altitude.

The tour will then continue to the Orrido di Botri nature reserve where you will stop for lunch. Lunch consists of a set menu and must be paid for on site (15€ per person):

•    Tuscan appetizer
•    Bis of pasta
•    Water
•    Caffè 

For each selected tour, a briefing and initial test are provided before departure to explain how to use the ATV, so that you can ride it with ease and in complete safety.

The horseback ride behind Forte dei Marmi, in the middle of Versilia, is easy and suitable for everyone. The ride starts from Montignoso, a town a few kilometers from Forte dei Marmi, and continues to Lago di Porta, next to the Forte Golf Club.

This walk is quiet and even those who have never ridden a horse, or have little experience, can do it. Very nice to explore Porta Lake on horseback.

If you choose to participate in the Garfagnana rafting experience on the Lima, you will have the opportunity to decide between 2 different experiences, classic rafting and packrafting.

Classic rafting This experience consists of a 4 km long descent on the Lima stream. During the adventure there will be a rafting guide who will allow you to learn more about the river environment and the magical world of rafting. The activity includes a stop at the footbridge waterfall for photo ops, 5m plunge at the old hydrometer and aquatics test in rapid. Technical equipment is provided and helmets have attachments for your action-cams. You can have the experience from November to May.

Packrafting

The activity consists of an easy perscorso of about 3.8 km duration with the "Packraft," a portable, lightweight and surprisingly sturdy one-person inflatable boat designed to navigate in any type of aquatic environment.

Experience the thrill of riding a Packraft through rapids and nature in the beautiful Mediavalle of the picturesque Serchio River just a few steps from the renowned Devil's Bridge. Clear water, thrills, breathtaking views and rapids await you.

All technical and safety equipment for activities is provided on site.

Open from March to July and September to November.

Riverplay in Garfagnana at Strette di Cocciglia is a guided tour of a wild and natural canyon.

You will be completely immersed in nature, the route is characterized by three scenarios; the upper part of the "Golette" basins with clear water carved by the force of the stream into the rock, the middle part where the narrows open up and we meet the small rapids and finally the final large canyon the "Blue Lagoon" with crystal clear water and underwater caves up to 12m deep.

Along the way you will have the opportunity to go diving, natural slides, the "washing machine" slide, small rapids, swimming, playing in the waterfall bubbles, adventure and lots of fun.

If you choose to go rafting in Bagni di Lucca on the LimaIl River, you can rent a packraft, a lightweight boat that is practiced solo or in small groups. Four different tours are available for this experience:

Rafting 3h

3.5Km long excursion with a duration of 3h30minutes. Children can participate from 5 years old. You will raft on the Lima where you will find rapids and can take dives.

Rafting 4h

5Km long excursion from the duration of 4h. Children can participate from 5 years old. You will start this adventure from Lake Gioviano, continuing along the Serchio River and ending under the Devil's Bridge. June through October.

Packrafting 3h

3Km hike with a duration of 3h. This is one of the most exciting hikes in Tuscany, during which you will immerse yourself in the beauty of the Middle Lucchese Valley while diving and sliding.

Packrafting 4h

5Km hike with a duration of 4h. Children from 16 years old can participate. During this hike you will pass through second grade rapids, take dips and play fun aquatics games.

The boat tour to Portofino, San Fruttuoso and Camogli is a classic and comprehensive boat tour of the Portofino Natural Park area.

The starting point of the boat excursion is in Rapallo, but a pickup in Portofino or Santa Margherita Ligure can also be arranged, agreeing this after booking.

Spending half a day by boat or a full day in the Portofino area, you can enjoy all the best that the area has to offer: sea, sun, beautiful views, local food, wine, and a pristine natural environment like few others in Italy.

The boat tour in the Gulf of Portofino is a private excursion that departs from the marina in Santa Margherita Ligure with a skipper.

The boat trip will last half a day, in the morning or afternoon, or a full day. You will have the opportunity to sail to the fantastic coastlines of Portofino and Camogli.

On board you will find snorkeling equipment.

During the mini-cruise there will be an opportunity to swim offshore in the beautiful crystal clear waters, so don't forget to bring a towel and swimsuit.

Throughout the day on board, prosecco and accompanying flatbreads will also be served.

Explore a beauty of Portofino and the surrounding landscape with this kayak tour followed by a delicious Ligurian aperitif.

Kayak tour (1 1/2 hours)

This tour departs at 10:30 a.m. from Paraggi, a quiet little beach near Portofino, where you will be provided with a kayak, paddle and life jacket. During the kayak tour you will visit Niasca Beach in Paraggi Bay.

From there, the excursion continues to the Portofino Lighthouse, surrounded by unspoiled nature. Stops are provided to allow you to dive into the crystal clear waters of the area and relax.

It is recommended that you bring sunscreen and a bathing suit for this excursion.

Sunset tour (2 hours)

Departure for this tour is at 5:30 p.m. from Paraggi, a quiet little beach near Portofino, where you will be provided with a kayak, paddle and life jacket. During the kayak tour you will visit Niasca Beach in Paraggi Bay.

From there the excursion continues to the Portofino Lighthouse, surrounded by unspoiled nature. Stops are planned to allow you to dive into the crystal clear waters of the area and relax.

The tour ends with an aperitif of Ligurian products and local natural wine. The tour is available only in summer, from June 1 to September 30.