Your guides will meet the group at 5:30 PM in the lobby of our boutique hotel in Genoa’s Port Anticio historical district. We will enjoy the Italian tradition of aperitivo (wine and a light snack) while receiving an orientation on trip details. Once completed, we’ll walk through the caruggi, tiny laneways, of the fascinating medieval center that dates back well over 1000 years. Our destination is a local Genovese restaurant, where we will have the first of a series of memorable meals on this trip. 

Overnight: Best Western Porto Antico

Meals: Dinner

We start in the heart of Genoa's centro storico and explore the labyrinth of tiny alleyways known as carrugi. Ahead is a day of discovery, including palaces, spectacular viewpoints, and hidden delights. We'll sample Genoa's unique street food, informed by Liguira's abundant seafood and the city's historic trade connections with North Africa and the Middle East.

Overnight: Best Western Porto Antico

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Boarding our van, we will drive along the Riviera through beautiful beach towns and past pastel-colored villas while enjoying enticing glimpses of the Mediterranean blue waters of the Gulf of Genoa. Arriving at our launch point in the town of Recco, we’ll have a brief but comprehensive introduction to the kayaks before setting off. Our first stop is the town of Camogli, and after a stop for refreshment, we’ll continue along the coast to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, which dates from the 13th century. A short paddle takes us to Stella Maris, a historical residence converted into a boutique hotel. One of the most magical spots on the Riviera, the current structure is built on the ruins of a monastery from the 8th century.

Overnight: Agriturismo Olivenere

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Setting off along the coast of Parco Naturale Regionale Portofino, our first destination is famous Portofino. Dating from Roman times, it has long been Italy’s premier coastal resort and still attracts celebrities from around the world. We’ll paddle into the famously beautiful harbor and stop for a gelato before continuing to our take-out at the Santa Margherita Ligure. A short drive takes us to the charming town of Sestri Levante. This charming seaside town's history dates back to the Roman Empire. There will be time to wander the town before dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Agriturismo Olivenere

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we'll drive along the Riviera coast to Monterosso al Mare, the first of the five towns comprising the Cinque Terre. Launching the kayaks, we'll paddle to our first stop, the picturesque village of Vernazza. After landing on the beach in the town's small harbor, we'll explore narrow alleyways and climb into the vineyards for a view that captures the iconic scenery of Cinque Terre. Kayaking beyond Vernazza, we'll get a sense of the grand expanse of Cinque Terre. Our home for tonight is Corniglia, where we will enjoy a sunset dinner on a terrace with spectacular views of the sea and this hilltop village.

Overnight: Hotel Cecio

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll load our kayaks and continue to paddle the coast of Cinque Terre National Park. As we glide through warm blue water, the panorama of Cinque Terre unfolds before us – cliffs topped with vineyards along which the towns are set a few kilometers apart. As we skirt the shoreline, Corniglia reveals itself like a castle set atop the cliffs overlooking the sea. Our destinations are the villages of Manarola and Riomaggiore. There will be time to explore the final two of the five villages of Cinque Terre. This evening, we’ll enjoy local wine and dining on the terrace of a seafood restaurant in Riomaggiore. 

Overnight: Hotel Cecio

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we board our van to climb along the high road above the Cinque Terre. The drive affords spectacular sweeping views on the way to Portovenere, the “sixth village” of Cinque Terre. Launching the kayaks, we make a short crossing to the island of Palmaria and a stop at the beach Spiaggia del Pozzale for lunch. Paddling around the island, we reach the dramatic entry to the harbor of Portovenre (the Port of Venus), which is marked by the soaring walls of Castle Doria and an 11th-century Gothic church built on a much older Roman site. Our ultimate destination is our waterfront hotel. After landing, there will be time to explore the town's winding lanes and castle ramparts before our final Riviera dinner.

Overnight: Le Terrazze

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a relaxed breakfast on the hotel’s terrace, we’ll transfer to La Spezia Centrale railway station. From this rail hub, it is possible to easily return to Genoa or continue to popular destinations in Tuscany and beyond. Your guides will ensure you connect to the next part of your Italian journey. Arrivederci! 

Overnight: N/A

Meals: Breakfast

Tofino Expeditions was the highest rated sea kayaking adventure travel company in a National Geographic Adventure survey of international outfitters based on:

• Quality of Service
• Education
• Sustainability
• Spirit of Adventure