The 10 best experiences to do in Portofino and Rapallo on vacation

Embark on a 2-hour Cinque Terre sunset boat tour with aperitif, departing from Riomaggiore.

Sunset is the somewhat more romantic time to go on a boat tour to the 5 Terre and enjoy a delicious aperitif. When the sea is calm, at this time of day you can see and, if lucky, touch the dolphins that are in the Cinque Terre nature reserve.

During the tour, which takes about two hours, local appetizers will be served and some local wines, which are produced in the nearby areas.

During this private ride to Cinque Terre from Monterosso, it is possible to explore parts of the trails, traverse the woods, and experience a different way of experiencing Cinque Terre for those who love horses and nature.

Because of the Ranch's location on the high ground in Monterosso al Mare, it is possible to ride along sections of the coastline and parts of the trails while admiring the sea, the colors, and traversing the forests of maritime pine and chestnut trees from Cinque Terre during the horseback ride.

Horseback rides are reserved for a maximum of 2 participants, and the minimum age to participate is 18.

Classic boat mini-cruise to the Cinque Terre departing from Riomaggiore. You sail by boat to reach and discover all the 5 most iconic and famous villages in Liguria.

You will stop in front of each of the Cinque Terre: Manarola, then Corniglia, Vernazza and finally Monterosso.

During the boat ride there will also be time to stop in front of a cove for a dip, in a beautiful lair with a small waterfall over the sea. At the end of the tour, you will return by boat to Riomaggiore or Manarola.

On the 3-hour boat tour, you can make a one-hour stop in Vernazza to take a walk around the town and learn about the local reality.

This group boat excursion takes you to discover the Cinque Terre from the sea.

This experience allows you to admire of breathtaking views and swim in places that can only be reached by boat.

You can choose from several options

Morning and afternoon tour

This experience starts from Montenero, then continues to Riomaggiore. Afterwards, you can see the picturesque Manarola with its typical terraces and vineyards, and then see Corniglia from the sea and the enchanting Vernazza.

The last planned stop is Monterosso, but before returning to Riomaggiore a swimming stop at the wild Guvano beach is planned. 

Sunset Tour

This experience allows you to admire the Cinque Terre at sunset while sipping local wine and savoring Ligurian focaccia.

You will have the opportunity to observe Riomaggiore from the sea while sipping your first glass of white wine. You will then proceed north and admire the "Via dell'Via dell'amore", Manarola, Corniglia and the Guvano beach.

You will then continue to Vernazza, where you will stop in the small harbor to take some photos of the village from the sea. Before returning, you can admire Monterosso in the distance.

Portovenere and Islands

Leaving Riomaggiore, you will proceed southeast where you can admire a wild coastline where cliffs, Mediterranean scrub and several beaches alternate.

Passing Ferrale you will pass by Campiglia beach and then continue to Portovenere which will welcome you with the view of the mighty castle facing the sea and the renowned bay known as Grotta Byron.

After a swimming stop you can visit the medieval town of Portovenere with the church of San Pietro and the castle.

Back on board, you will skirt Palmaria Island and Tino Island, then head for La Spezia.

This private boat excursion takes you to discover the Cinque Terre from the sea. You can admire of breathtaking views and swim in places only reachable by boat.

This experience is perfect for spending a fun and relaxing day with friends or family, for groups of up to 12 people.

You can sail the Gulf of La Spezia, Lerici, Portovenere and Palmaria Island on an exclusive gozzo.

Swimming stops are scheduled: the skipper will take you to coves and beaches away from the crowds.

You can choose from several tours with different durations: from 2 to 8 hours, departing in the morning and afternoon. There is also the possibility to choose the sunset tour, lasting 2 hours.

In case of bad weather, the facility may cancel or change the itinerary and its duration.

Explore the Cinque Terre on a boat that will take you along the Ligurian coastline and take you through the most beautiful beaches in Liguria, from Manarola to Monterosso.

Leaving from Manarola, the group boat excursion lasts 3 hours.

During the cruise, available in the morning or afternoon, you will visit Riomaggiore, Monterosso and Corniglia to the Golfo dei Poeti, near La Spezia.

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, stops may be subject to change.

The boat can carry up to 12 people on board.

Embark on a 2-hour Cinque Terre sunset boat tour with aperitif, departing from Riomaggiore.

Sunset is the somewhat more romantic time to go on a boat tour to the 5 Terre and enjoy a delicious aperitif. When the sea is calm, at this time of day you can see and, if lucky, touch the dolphins that are in the Cinque Terre nature reserve.

During the tour, which takes about two hours, local appetizers will be served and some local wines, which are produced in the nearby areas.

During this private ride to Cinque Terre from Monterosso, it is possible to explore parts of the trails, traverse the woods, and experience a different way of experiencing Cinque Terre for those who love horses and nature.

Because of the Ranch's location on the high ground in Monterosso al Mare, it is possible to ride along sections of the coastline and parts of the trails while admiring the sea, the colors, and traversing the forests of maritime pine and chestnut trees from Cinque Terre during the horseback ride.

Horseback rides are reserved for a maximum of 2 participants, and the minimum age to participate is 18.

Classic boat mini-cruise to the Cinque Terre departing from Riomaggiore. You sail by boat to reach and discover all the 5 most iconic and famous villages in Liguria.

You will stop in front of each of the Cinque Terre: Manarola, then Corniglia, Vernazza and finally Monterosso.

During the boat ride there will also be time to stop in front of a cove for a dip, in a beautiful lair with a small waterfall over the sea. At the end of the tour, you will return by boat to Riomaggiore or Manarola.

On the 3-hour boat tour, you can make a one-hour stop in Vernazza to take a walk around the town and learn about the local reality.

This group boat excursion takes you to discover the Cinque Terre from the sea.

This experience allows you to admire of breathtaking views and swim in places that can only be reached by boat.

You can choose from several options

Morning and afternoon tour

This experience starts from Montenero, then continues to Riomaggiore. Afterwards, you can see the picturesque Manarola with its typical terraces and vineyards, and then see Corniglia from the sea and the enchanting Vernazza.

The last planned stop is Monterosso, but before returning to Riomaggiore a swimming stop at the wild Guvano beach is planned. 

Sunset Tour

This experience allows you to admire the Cinque Terre at sunset while sipping local wine and savoring Ligurian focaccia.

You will have the opportunity to observe Riomaggiore from the sea while sipping your first glass of white wine. You will then proceed north and admire the "Via dell'Via dell'amore", Manarola, Corniglia and the Guvano beach.

You will then continue to Vernazza, where you will stop in the small harbor to take some photos of the village from the sea. Before returning, you can admire Monterosso in the distance.

Portovenere and Islands

Leaving Riomaggiore, you will proceed southeast where you can admire a wild coastline where cliffs, Mediterranean scrub and several beaches alternate.

Passing Ferrale you will pass by Campiglia beach and then continue to Portovenere which will welcome you with the view of the mighty castle facing the sea and the renowned bay known as Grotta Byron.

After a swimming stop you can visit the medieval town of Portovenere with the church of San Pietro and the castle.

Back on board, you will skirt Palmaria Island and Tino Island, then head for La Spezia.

This private boat excursion takes you to discover the Cinque Terre from the sea. You can admire of breathtaking views and swim in places only reachable by boat.

This experience is perfect for spending a fun and relaxing day with friends or family, for groups of up to 12 people.

You can sail the Gulf of La Spezia, Lerici, Portovenere and Palmaria Island on an exclusive gozzo.

Swimming stops are scheduled: the skipper will take you to coves and beaches away from the crowds.

You can choose from several tours with different durations: from 2 to 8 hours, departing in the morning and afternoon. There is also the possibility to choose the sunset tour, lasting 2 hours.

In case of bad weather, the facility may cancel or change the itinerary and its duration.

Explore the Cinque Terre on a boat that will take you along the Ligurian coastline and take you through the most beautiful beaches in Liguria, from Manarola to Monterosso.

Leaving from Manarola, the group boat excursion lasts 3 hours.

During the cruise, available in the morning or afternoon, you will visit Riomaggiore, Monterosso and Corniglia to the Golfo dei Poeti, near La Spezia.

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, stops may be subject to change.

The boat can carry up to 12 people on board.

Choose horseback riding in Lurisia Terme and aperitif, and spend a pleasant and peaceful horseback ride through the woods and beautiful landscapes of the area in the province of Cuneo.

A horseback ride is a panacea for body and mind. In the company of equestrian hiking guides, you will have an unforgettable experience, discovering the treasures of the area and experiencing the authentic emotions of a ride in nature.

Also in the two-hour horseback riding tour, you can choose, after the excursion is over, to enjoy a fantastic aperitif in the open air!

The horseback ride begins at the riding school in Lurisia Terme, a hamlet of Roccaforte Mondovì, in the province of Cuneo. For beginners, there will be a time to approach and become familiar with the horses.

An itinerary of varying length (depending on the level of the participants and the duration chosen) will be covered on wooded trails around Lurisia. This is a very interesting area from a naturalistic point of view, offering valuable spring waters for wellness and spa treatments.

The horseback riding excursion will take place on a trail totally surrounded by greenery, of great relaxation and coolness, particularly suitable for those who are new to horseback riding, but very enjoyable for the more experienced as well.

embark on an adventure with a snowmobile excursion in Limone Piemonte. Guided tours can be one hour or one hour and 45 minutes starting from Limonetto, and will give you an experience immersed in the beauty of the Maritime Alps.

The tour è perfect for immersing yourself in the snowy landscapes, allowing you to savor the adrenaline rush as you pass through silent forests and admire breathtaking views.

Snowmobiles are designed for a maximum of 2 people and please note that è a B driver's license is required to ride them, ensuring a safe and immersive experience among alpine wonders.

The visit, followed by a tasting, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the historic local winery of the Luzi Donadei winery in the heart of the Langhe.

The duration of the experience is about 2 hours and, with favorable weather conditions, the visit will conclude with a walk through the streets of the village to discover the estate's vineyards. It is also possible to conduct the visit in English and French.

The visit is suitable for all ages and animals are also allowed.

Piedmont Classics.

Tasting of 3 local wines:

•    Langhe Doc Chardonnay
•    Dogliani Docg
•    Langhe red

The tasting is accompanied by a mixed platter of cured meats and cheeses.

Piedmont's top wines

Tasting of 4 local wines:

•    Donna Cecilia Dogliani Doc Sup.
•    Claves Januae Barbera d'Alba doc Sup.
•    Barolo docg
•    Ester Ferrero Brut Metodo Classico

The tasting is accompanied by a mixed platter of cured meats and cheeses.

Enjoy a’snow experience with a fantastic snowmobile ride in Prato Nevoso, reaching Chalet il Rosso amid snowy landscapes and breathtaking views.

The snowmobile ride lasts about 1 hour on a 10km route with incredible views.

The departure è scheduled near the Rosso Panoramica chairlift on Corona Boreale street, from which you will depart by snowmobile and reach the Chalet il Rosso. From the chalet you will have the opportunity to see a suggestive sunset, accompanied by an aperitif. At the end of the aperitif, the guide will lead you to the meeting point.

During the snowmobile-guided excursion, the landscapes of Prato Nevoso will be explored from a’different perspective.

È important to wear snow clothing (gloves and clothing that keeps warm recommended). Helmets willà be provided by our staff. It will beà possible to request photos and videos of your experience from the staff entirely free of charge.

The snowmobile tour will take you through the snowy landscapes of the Maritime Alps by moonlight. Departure is from Limonetto, in the Piedmont province of Cuneo, at 8 p.m. and allows you to combine adventure and taste, offering a stop for dinner at high altitude.

Dinner will be at a local hut and will consist of 3 courses depending on the seasonal ingredients available: appetizer, main course and dessert. Water and coffee are also included.

Throughout the experience you will be accompanied by an experienced guide opener who will set the speed and show you the way. At least 2 snowmobiles are required to participate, and a B driver's license is required to drive them.

In case of allergies or specific dietary needs, it is important to contact the partner directly in advance.

The snowmobile ride to Prato Nevoso è a perfect experience to discover the famous mountain resort in Piedmont with a little extra adrenaline.  

The departure è at 8 p.m. near the Rosso Panoramica chairlift on Corona Boreale Street. From here you will depart, accompanied by an open-air guide along a very scenic route until you reach Chalet il Rosso.

The chalet will host you for dinner giving you the opportunity to enjoy dishes prepared with local and seasonal products. The menuù includes an appetizer, a first course and a second course, while drinks are not included.

Among the hut's offerings you can find chopping boards, polenta, gnocchi and much more. At the end of the dinner, the guide will lead you to the meeting point.

The snowmobile canà be driven only by those who have a type B license.

In case of allergies or specific dietary needs it will be necessary to contact the partner directly.

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.