4 days, 3 nights · Best for First-timers seeking a compact tour of the Ligurian Riviera
A taste of Cinque Terre Tour
Experience Rapallo, Cinque Terre and Portofino as seaside villages, coastal trails and Ligurian cuisine create the perfect Italian Riviera escape.
Your Adventure Starts Here
This is a starting point. Change the nights, choose the style of hotel, add the experiences you want. Your planner takes it from there.
Stop 1Rapallo, Liguria
Rapallo
Your base for exploring the Ligurian coast
Rapallo sits in a gentle bay on the Gulf of Tigullio, a working resort town with a waterfront promenade and a train station that connects you to the entire coast. You sleep here three nights and make day trips by rail and boat to Cinque Terre, Portofino and Camogli. The town itself has a medieval castle that stands on a small island, a Thursday market under the porticoes, and restaurants serving trofie al pesto and fresh anchovies.
We arrange a welcome dinner on your first evening, then on the second day a private guide meets you for a full exploration of Cinque Terre National Park. On the third day you travel independently by train and boat to Santa Margherita, Portofino, San Fruttuoso and Camogli, with time in each village to walk the harbors and try the local focaccia.
Arranged for you: We arrange three nights in Rapallo, a welcome dinner on arrival, private guided day trip to Cinque Terre by train with optional boat return, and train and boat tickets for your independent day to Portofino and Camogli.
Your hotel
Styles, not names. We name the property once we know your dates and your party.
Interests in Rapallo
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Private cooking class in a Ligurian home Day Trips · Half day
Learn to make fresh trofie pasta and pesto by hand in a local kitchen, then sit down to lunch with your host and a glass of Vermentino.
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Private boat tour from Portofino to San Fruttuoso Day Trips · Half day
Charter a small boat with a captain to explore the protected marine area, swim above the submerged Christ statue, and visit the abbey accessible only by sea or trail.
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Guided hike on the Sentiero Azzurro coastal trail Day Trips · Half day
Walk the cliffside path between Monterosso and Vernazza with a naturalist guide who explains the terraced vineyards, native plants, and history of the park.
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Wine tasting in the Colline del Levante Day Trips · Half day
Visit a hillside winery above Portofino producing Vermentino and Pigato, taste four wines paired with Ligurian antipasti, and tour the cellar and vineyard terraces.
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Portofino, Santa Margherita and Rapallo Shore Excursions · Tour in a DayOur Portofino, Santa Margherita and Rapallo tour lets you explore three stunning Ligurian villages, learn about their history and enjoy a relaxing shore excursion during your cruise around Italy.
Day by day in Rapallo
Arrive in Rapallo and check in at your hotel, then enjoy a welcome drink and some time to relax. In the evening, savor a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you can start discovering Ligurian flavors. Overnight in Rapallo.
After breakfast, meet your guide and take the local train into Cinque Terre National Park. Explore the five cliffside villages of Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Corniglia, with lunch on your own in Corniglia and time to relax. If conditions allow, we suggest returning to Monterosso by boat to admire the coastline from the sea before heading back to Rapallo for the night.
After breakfast, take the train to Santa Margherita Ligure and continue by boat or bus to Portofino, the iconic jet‑set village. Enjoy time to explore the harbor and viewpoints, with the option (weather permitting) to continue by boat to San Fruttuoso to see the submerged Christ of the Abyss and its abbey. In the afternoon, stop in colorful Camogli and try the famous cheese focaccia from Recco before returning to Rapallo.
Day 4
Portovenere
After breakfast, check out of your hotel, marking the end of services. If you have extra time, consider visiting Portovenere in the Gulf of the Poets, where colorful houses line the seafront and the Church of Saint Peter offers breathtaking views over the sea and rocky coastline.
Why plan with Trips 2 Italy?
Designed around you by Italian-born planners
Guides, drivers and boats for your party alone
Hand-selected hotels in every destination
Local English-speaking guides who know their city
Met at the airport, private transfers throughout
Testimonials
Hear from travelers who have planned Italy with us
They took the time to understand our preferences and designed an itinerary that was comfortable, personalized, and enjoyable. They offered thoughtful recommendations while never being pushy.
We missed our connecting flight in Munich. I had just got through customs and was looking up the number to call when Trips 2 Italy called me. They told me exactly what to do and they already knew what flight we had been rebooked on.
Ready to make it yours?
Send us this adventure with your changes. An Italian-born planner builds the first full draft and calls you to walk through it.
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Questions travelers ask
What destinations does this package visit?
Over 4 days this journey brings you to Camogli, Cinque Terre, Portofino, Rapallo, and Santa Margherita Ligure. Each stop is woven into the itinerary with time for the landmarks, the views, and the local flavor that make it special.
How is transportation handled on this trip?
Transportation is arranged as part of the itinerary, with comfortable train segments between the cities and vehicle transfers where they serve you best. Every connection is planned for you, so you can focus on the scenery instead of the logistics.
Who will enjoy this itinerary most?
It suits independent travelers who love the freedom of the open road with the security of arranged hotels and routing.
Can we tailor this trip to our wishes?
Yes. This sample itinerary is a starting point, and every Trips 2 Italy package is fully customizable. Your travel consultant will adjust the destinations, hotel category, pace, and experiences to fit your plans. A minimum of 2 travelers applies.
When is the best time to take this trip?
The package is available all year around on request. Late spring through early fall is prime time on the coast, with warm seas and long evenings, while April, May, September, and October pair gentle weather with quieter towns.