General information Visit the resort of Nervi with the collection of clocks , fabrics , furniture and lace in the Villa Luxoro and its Galleria d ’ Arte Moderna . Genoa , a busy port and bustling city , also has fine palaces such as the Palazzo Reale and the Palazzo Bianco and the fascinating Steglieno Cemetery , full of elaborate tombs . The wild beauty of the Cinqueterre should be seen from the ancient footpath , the Sentiere Azzurro , which links the coastal villages . The Abbbazia di San Fruttuoso on the Portofino Peninsula can be reached by boat or on foot . In Camogli sea shells adorn the house walls and the castle contains a display of sea creatures . Clockmaking in Recco west of Camogli . Flower market in Sanremo early mornings . Giardino Hanbury near Ventimiglia . Diano Marino known for its olives and sandy beaches . Visit Andora Castello , inland from Alassio , known as the finest mediaeval building on the western Riviera .
Cultural highlights The 12th Century Church of San Matteo in Genoa , with its striped black and white Gothic facade . The 16th Century Via Garibaldi in Genoa , designed by Cantone . The ‘ Adoration of the Magi ’ by Joos van Cleve in the Church of San Donato in Genoa . Cruxifiction by Van Dyck in the Church of San Michele di Pagana between Santa Margherita and Rapallo .
Festivals Blessing of the Fish in Camogli in May and the Stella Maris procession of boats to the Punta della Chiappa in August . Procession at Montallegro , above Rapallo , beginning July . La Spezia holds a ‘ Festa del Mare ’ on first Sunday in August .
Gastronomic highlights Influenced by the sea in particular and the mountains to the north . Local specialities include dishes made with pesto for example Trenette al Pesto and Farinata which is a flat bread of chickpea flour and oil , thin like a pancake and eaten as a snack . Pansoti with walnut sauce is a Ligurian speciality of spinach and egg filled pasta with a sauce of nuts , garlic , herbs , ricotta and olive oil .
Our two centre recommendations The Ligurian Riviera lends itself well to a combination with the Italian Lakes or Tuscany in particular . Our ‘ Romantic Interludes ’ touring holiday is a way of combining the Ligurian Riviera and both the coast and countryside of Tuscany .
How you get there By air Fly into Genoa with British Airways . Milan and Turin are also possible . There are ' No-frills ' airlines also flying into these airports .
Hire�cars We include a hire�car with all the holidays to the Ligurian Riviera although you may prefer us to arrange a private car transfer for you . Please contact us for the price differences . With your own car You can reach the Ligurian Riviera from the French Riviera to the west or from the Mont Blanc and Frejus tunnels to the north and west of Turin respectively . If you take the route through the tunnels you can reach the Ligurian coast with just one overnight stop , perhaps in the French Alps although a second night makes the journey more comfortable . We can arrange overnight stops for you in France . You might want to consider combining the Ligurian Riviera with a stay on the Cote d ’ Azur .
Riomaggiore
Nice
San Remo
LIGURIAN RIVIERA
Portofino
Genoa IE35
IE35A Santa Margherita Rapallo
EXH445
La Spezia
A coastline of dramatic cliffs dropping towards the sea , sheltered coves and fishing harbours and stretches of sandy beach . The region is steeped in luxuriant , fragrant , colourful vegetation
Average temp . in ° Centigrade for Genoa . Source : Italian State Tourist Office .
30
25 20 15 10 5 0 J F M A M J J A S O N D
Portofino
Phone 01392 441275 to make a reservation or to discuss your holiday plans 139