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

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.

For the experience of trekking among the vineyards and picnicking at 5 Terre, you can choose from two different tours:

Wine Tasting:

An eno-sensory journey to discover the 5 TERRE and its many facets. A real Eno-Tour to discover the vineyards and the winery, illustrating both the winemaking process and the bottling, passing through the evocative barrel cellar where the aging of red wine takes place.

The tasting includes 4 glasses of wine (bubbly, 2 whites and a red). Accompanying you will enjoy bruschetta with anchovies, cherry tomatoes and homemade pesto.

Trekking among the vineyards and picnic:

Walk among vineyards and beautiful views of the Cinque terre with Pic Nic basket tasting. Departure from farmhouse in Monterosso.

The route is developed in 6 stages marked by signposts that draw a loop walk that starts and arrives at the entrance of the Estate. It winds through vineyards and the olive groves that surround the Estate.

A picnic basket and a bottle of wine will accompany your tour through the vineyards. You can choose from an array of gourmet sandwiches, including vegetarian or vegan.

During the walk, you will also have the opportunity to listen, in real time, to a story that guides you step by step to discover the territory, the grapes, the olive trees, the lemon grove, the places and the views that fill your eyes.

Recommended clothing for this tour includes comfortable clothes and hiking shoes.

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.

The Cinque Terre kayak tour from Monterosso is perfect for groups of friends, couples or families. After renting the kayak you will have a choice of 2 different tours:

Vernazza - 3 hours

During this tour you will travel along the coast from Monterosso towards Vernazza, covering the bays and coves and hidden nooks and crannies.

Monterosso - 2 hours

You will skirt the historic village of Monterosso. Afterwards you can make a short stop to snorkel in the calm, crystal-clear waters.

Remember to bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water and a snack.

At the facility you will have the opportunity to take a shower and have a cabin where you can leave your backpacks and belongings.

Skippered day sailing in the Cinque Terre is perfect for admiring the Cinque Terre from the sea.

The skippered sailing boat charter includes a 10:00 a.m. departure from La Spezia. You will then sail into the Gulf of Poets, through Portovenere and Palmaria Island, until you reach the Cinque Terre.

During the trip you will have the opportunity to take an offshore swim in the beautiful crystal clear waters; don't forget to bring a towel and swimsuit.

For lunch you can opt for a short stop to go ashore in one of the Cinque Terre or have lunch on board.

You will be served a small aperitif on board.

Return is scheduled at 6 p.m. to La Spezia.

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

Departing from Manarola, the boat excursion can be arranged on a shared basis, lasting 3 hours, or on an exclusive basis. During the sailing, available in the morning or afternoon, you will visit Riomaggiore, Monterosso and Corniglia to the Gulf of Poets, near La Spezia.

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, stops may change. The boat can carry up to 12 people on board.

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.

For the experience of trekking among the vineyards and picnicking at 5 Terre, you can choose from two different tours:

Wine Tasting:

An eno-sensory journey to discover the 5 TERRE and its many facets. A real Eno-Tour to discover the vineyards and the winery, illustrating both the winemaking process and the bottling, passing through the evocative barrel cellar where the aging of red wine takes place.

The tasting includes 4 glasses of wine (bubbly, 2 whites and a red). Accompanying you will enjoy bruschetta with anchovies, cherry tomatoes and homemade pesto.

Trekking among the vineyards and picnic:

Walk among vineyards and beautiful views of the Cinque terre with Pic Nic basket tasting. Departure from farmhouse in Monterosso.

The route is developed in 6 stages marked by signposts that draw a loop walk that starts and arrives at the entrance of the Estate. It winds through vineyards and the olive groves that surround the Estate.

A picnic basket and a bottle of wine will accompany your tour through the vineyards. You can choose from an array of gourmet sandwiches, including vegetarian or vegan.

During the walk, you will also have the opportunity to listen, in real time, to a story that guides you step by step to discover the territory, the grapes, the olive trees, the lemon grove, the places and the views that fill your eyes.

Recommended clothing for this tour includes comfortable clothes and hiking shoes.

The Cinque Terre kayak tour from Monterosso is perfect for groups of friends, couples or families. After renting the kayak you will have a choice of 2 different tours:

Vernazza - 3 hours

During this tour you will travel along the coast from Monterosso towards Vernazza, covering the bays and coves and hidden nooks and crannies.

Monterosso - 2 hours

You will skirt the historic village of Monterosso. Afterwards you can make a short stop to snorkel in the calm, crystal-clear waters.

Remember to bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water and a snack.

At the facility you will have the opportunity to take a shower and have a cabin where you can leave your backpacks and belongings.

Skippered day sailing in the Cinque Terre is perfect for admiring the Cinque Terre from the sea.

The skippered sailing boat charter includes a 10:00 a.m. departure from La Spezia. You will then sail into the Gulf of Poets, through Portovenere and Palmaria Island, until you reach the Cinque Terre.

During the trip you will have the opportunity to take an offshore swim in the beautiful crystal clear waters; don't forget to bring a towel and swimsuit.

For lunch you can opt for a short stop to go ashore in one of the Cinque Terre or have lunch on board.

You will be served a small aperitif on board.

Return is scheduled at 6 p.m. to La Spezia.

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

Departing from Manarola, the boat excursion can be arranged on a shared basis, lasting 3 hours, or on an exclusive basis. During the sailing, available in the morning or afternoon, you will visit Riomaggiore, Monterosso and Corniglia to the Gulf of Poets, near La Spezia.

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, stops may change. The boat can carry up to 12 people on board.

This sunset boat tour in Monterosso with aperitif is a relaxing and fun evening boat tour exploring the 5 Terre.

The mini-cruise is scheduled to depart from Monterosso at 18:00. The return is also scheduled to Monterosso at 21:00.

During the tour you will be able to admire the five colorful seaside villages of the Cinque Terre from the sea at sunset lights, while an expert guide will tell you all about the local history and daily life.

In the warmer months you will discover beautiful coves for diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the National Park.

To make the most of the boat trip you will be treated to a small aperitif in Monterosso, which includes a prosecco and some delicious local products, including focaccia and pesto.

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.

Half-day quad bike excursion in the Val di Lima, in the mountains above Florence in Tuscany. An activity that brings the nature of the Tuscan Apennines to life in a fun way, along with Yamaha Kodiak 700 performance quads.

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

• Departure: Livizzano Base Camp, 600mt altitude
• Trail Duration: 33km - average 3 hours
• Altitude: 600mt - 1200mt Elevation gain: 600mt

You will start the hike from the mule tracks, dirt roads, fords and small streams of 'Livizzano', 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 1200mt altitude.

There is a briefing and an initial test to explain how to use the quad bike, so that you can ride it with ease and in complete safety.

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.

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.

Enjoy a fantastic snowmobile ride in Prato Nevoso, reaching Chalet il Rosso amid snowy landscapes and breathtaking views. You have a choice of two different experiences.

Aperitif Tour

The tour takes about 1 hour. Departure is at 5 p.m. near the Rosso Panoramica chairlift on Corona Boreale Street, from where you will depart by snowmobile and reach Chalet il Rosso from where you can enjoy an evocative sunset with an aperitif. At the end of the aperitif, the guide will take you to the meeting point.

Tour with dinner

Departure is at 8 p.m. near the Rosso Panoramica chairlift on Corona Boreale Street. The guide will take you on a very scenic route until you reach Chalet il Rosso. Here you will stop to enjoy a dinner of local products. The menu includes an appetizer, a first course and a second course, while drinks are not included.

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

This is a super fun opportunity to explore Snowy Meadow from a different perspective. Rent a snowmobile and you can drive on the snow and reach places where it is difficult to get to on foot or even by lifts.

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

The tour lasts one hour and offers an experience through snow-covered landscapes, allowing you to savor the adrenaline rush as you traverse silent forests and admire breathtaking views.

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

A wonderful panoramic snowshoe hike that will take you through the picturesque snowy landscapes of Prato Nevoso in the province of Cuneo.

You will walk on soft white snow with views of pristine winter scenery, the colors of winter and the tranquility of the mountains. A unique experience that will repay the effort (not too much) of snowshoeing! There are several ways to perform the snowshoe outing:

Panoramic snowshoeing
You will meet the guide and once you have your snowshoes on, you will set off on the approximately two-hour hike that will run along fresh snow in the Trucca Sape' forest. Thursday through Monday, start in the morning or afternoon.
The total elevation gain of the walk is approximately 300 mt.

Snowshoeing with Aperitif
If you prefer instead a shorter hike and end with an aperitif in the fresh air among the snow, you can choose the pre-summer outing "apericiaspola" starting at 5 p.m. and lasting 1 h 30 min (snowshoeing about 1 h).

Snowshoeing with lunch at the Refuge
A fantastic snowshoeing experience to Chalet il Rosso in Prato Nevoso with lunch included. Once lunch is finished you will then descend from the lodge back to the starting point.

If there is a lack of snow, the snowshoeing can be moved to higher elevation by adding the cost of the gondola.

Snowshoe in Prato Nevoso, one of the most beautiful winter resorts in Piedmont.

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.

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.

A snowshoe hike in Limone Piemonte will allow you to immerse yourself in pristine snowy landscapes while walking gently on a deep blanket of snow.

You can decide between the longer 6-hour day tour or the shorter half-day tour of about 3 hours. Based on weather and snow conditions, your guide will determine your snowshoeing destination a week in advance.

The easiest destinations, but without losing the beauty and scenery of the Maritime Alps, proposed by the guide are the Forts of the Colle di Tenda, the centuries-old Beech Forest in Palanfrè, the Capanna Chiara tour, the tour in the Vallone di San Giovanni, and the tour to the Alpe di Papa Giovanni.

Winter clothing is recommended. Snowshoes and wands will be to rent on site for 10€ for groups of more than 4 people.

SUP ride along the cliffs of Portofino, also suitable for those who have never tried SUP.

The experience includes a 45-minute course on how to paddle SUP and a 45-minute excursion in the Portofino Marine Protected Area.

The initial short course takes place in total safety in Paraggi Bay, where the sea is not very rough. The Bay is a wonderful natural setting in close contact with nature and is extremely safe as it is interdicted to boat traffic.

After the course it will be possible to explore the wonders of the Portofino headland and marine protected area from an unusual perspective.

In fact, thanks to the perfectly perpendicular position to the water, it is possible to enjoy breathtaking views, above and below the sea.

The protected area allows the activity to take place in all conditions.

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.

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 Portofino on this tour that combines kayaking and snorkeling with a typical Ligurian aperitif.

This tour is divided into three parts:

During the first half of the tour you will paddle admiring hidden caves and coves, and dive into the waters of the Portofino Marine Park. This excursion will allow you to admire the most striking places in the area from the sea and spot a wide variety of species.

From the sea you can also admire the most striking places in the area such as the Piazzetta, the Portofino Lighthouse and the Church of San Giorgio.

On the return to Paraggi it's time for snorkeling, where you can swim along with numerous different species. In fact, the bay is famous for its Posidonia meadow, rich in flora and fauna.

Finally, you will be able to relax with a typical Ligurian aperitif and "Triple A" natural wine.