stretch of coastal towns and
villages; Genoa, Portofino and
Cinque Terre are responsible for
a world of longing and Italian
daydreaming.
Genoa has found an urban edge
in its marriage of grit, old-world
glamour and heavy art and
architecture. It is unrefined and
authentic. Like walking into a
black-and-white movie scene,
the old town air is thick with
cigarette smoke and men’s
croaky laughter, the overflow of
noisy bars and restaurants in the
maze of narrow clogged arteries
and women touting for business.
On the fringes, former palaces
are filled with exquisite art and
the crumbling air of a noble
history. One such building, the
Grand Hotel Savoia, is an exquisite historic palazzo of high-level
art, which has hosted eminent
personalities and royals.
Drive the dramatic coastline
towards Portofino, the firm
favourite of the glitterati, jetset
and elite. Every occasion on this
route is a stunning vista, delicious food and a vivid palette
of colour. On the Italian Riviera,
you don’t just eat food; you see
it, smell it, touch it and then
eat it. Portofino is the priciest
cup of coffee on the riviera
with a billionaire crowd and
cliff-top bars and holiday home
to designers Giorgio Armani
and Dolce and Gabbana. The
eponymous Hotel Splendido is
synonymous with luxury of the
366
highest level. Lamborghinis,
Ralph Lauren and impending
paparazzi awaiting the latest
celebrity guests, is standard.
The converted monastery is
a lush, landscaped labour of
love. Indulge here in the finest
cheeses, red wines and pesto
catch of the day.
Further along, the 5 villages of
the Cinque FW'&Rf