Grand Cities and Classic Riviera Villages: Turin, Santa Margherita Ligure, Cinque Terre, & More - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Milan, Transfer to Turin

Welcome to Italy! From one of Milan's international airports, you'll be taking a train ride west to Torino, known as Turin to the English-speaking world. The journey is around 2.5 hours from the airport, usually changing at Milano Porta Garibaldi station. The capital of the Piedmont region, Turin is known for its elaborate architecture and excellent local cuisine. The train station where you'll be arriving is centrally located, so you can quickly check in to your hotel and familiarize yourself with your surroundings.

Take a walk to a city square—both Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo are good options—for coffee and a delicious baked sweet treat to reinvigorate you after your travels. The following activities are all excellent ways to spend your next several hours.

• Visit the interactive National Cinema Museum, housed in a 19th-century Jewish Synagogue. 
• Wander through Turin's old town and Europe's largest open-air market, Porta Palazzo. The Piedmont region is famed for its truffles, cheeses, and meats- sample and purchase many mouthwatering examples of these here.
• Cross the river over the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I bridge to the Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini church. The walk is uphill but not steep, and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire city after the climb. 

To experience excellent examples of regional cuisine, head to the riverside area near the Piazza Vittoria Veneto for a delicious meal.

Day 2: Turin Walking Tour

After breakfast, you'll resume exploring Turin, a city famous for its sophisticated and historic architecture, shaded gardens, libraries, museums, and theaters. It's one of Italy's most fascinating cities, named in the New York Times "52 Places to Visit" in 2016. 

Spend the day exploring the city on a walking tour. After meeting your guide, you'll start in the heart of the city at the iconic Piazza Castello and visit the Royal Palace, one of the city's most distinctive buildings. The Palace was the main symbol of the Savoy house when the capital moved from Chambery to Turin, and the greatest artists of the time were commissioned to create this Baroque masterpiece. Visit the ornate galleries and library, stroll through the gardens and the Royal Armory, and see the adjacent Cathedral that houses the Holy Shroud. 

The entirety of the Piazza Castello was designed in concert to give the buildings a cohesive style. One of the buildings hides a great architectural treasure, the San Lorenzo Church. This baroque, octagonal building contains beautiful inner chapels and a soaring cupola with eight windows bathing the interior in sunlight.

Afterward, visit the Turin Egyptian Museum, the world’s oldest museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian culture and artifacts, with your guide. When the tour finishes, enjoy a coffee at a historic cafe nearby. Turin's cafes are legendary, with a long history as meeting places for artists, writers, and political refugees. Aristocracy, poets, bella gente, opera composers, and other lovers of the arts also sought out these cafes for their cozy atmosphere. Try the local drink, bicerin—a decadent mix of drinking chocolate, coffee, and whipped milk or cream.

In your free time, immerse yourself in Italian culture and buy your lunch from a local street food vendor. You'll see many Italians standing around eating sandwiches and catching up on their lunch breaks. We recommend spending your afternoon at one of these places of interest:

• Head to the Parco del Valentino for a late afternoon stroll through the sprawling medieval riverside park and check out the replica medieval village.
• Stop by the Parco Archeologico Torri Palatine to see the Palatine Towers, the world's best-preserved Roman city walls from the 1st century.

In the evening, you'll find many restaurants in the Quadrilatero market district serving great regional specialties for dinner. Feel free to ask your guide for a local recommendation.

Day 3: Turin to Santa Margherita Ligure, Visit Portofino

Leave the city behind after breakfast and transfer to the Italian Riviera. The train journey is around 3 hours from Turin, traveling through Emilia-Romagna. You will stay in the capital of the Liguria region in the beachfront town of Santa Margherita Ligure. It is a picturesque and compact town, meaning you have everything you need within walking distance. From the train station check-in to your hotel, change into your beach clothes and head out on a self-guided day discovering the coastal towns of Santa Margherita Ligure and nearby Portofino.

In the summertime, Santa Margherita Ligure has a holiday atmosphere, the beaches are filled with Italians laying on sunbeds and terraces are filled with people enjoying a drink or gelato whilst they look out to the sea. Enjoy a walk down to the fishing port where you'll see the small boats and fishermen who supply the town's hotels and restaurants with fresh fish daily. On your walk stop by the Santa Margherita Ligure Castle and Villa Durazzo. The castle was positioned on the promenade, and many people stop to take a photo of the ancient Genovese remains. Villa Durazzo is a famous 17th-century property, built by the Durazzo family as their summer home. The beautifully decorated house and art collections are open all year round for visitors. Outside the gardens were designed much later by Alfredo Chierichetti in the 1920s, and are divided into four main areas: a citrus orchard, the Italian garden, the romantic English woods, and a secret garden. 

Portofino is around 5km from Santa Margherita Ligure in the heart of the Italian Riviera. For those active travelers, it's possible to walk to Portofino and would take around 1 hour at a steady pace. The walk along the coast is very relaxed, as you pass nice beaches and cafes where you can stop for lunch or a gelato break. Alternatively, you can also take a quick taxi ride from the center of Santa Margherita Ligure. Portofino, one of the many small fishing villages that lie along the Ligurian Sea, is a sight to behold, with colorfully painted houses tumbling down to a historic fishing port. One of Portofino's main sights is the Statue of Christ of the Abyss, which lies 56 feet (17 m) below the waves on the seafloor in memory of Dario Gonzatti, the first Italian to use diving gear. Other notable sights include the 16th-century Castello Brown, the 12th-century Church of St. Martin, and the Gothic Oratory of Santa Maria Assunta. 

But of course, the main attraction is the town itself. Narrow streets lined with shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants lead up from the water, and the beaches and tranquil town piazzas are full of families and couples enjoying the sunny weather. Spend the afternoon unwinding by exploring the town's charming streets on foot.

For dinner, you can stay in Portofino or head back to Santa Margherita Ligure. Both have similar types of cuisine and restaurants serving fresh seafood with a sea view. To get back to Santa Margherita Ligure take a taxi from Portofino or walk the 5km route before sunset. Find the perfect evening spot and relax.

Day 4: Self-Guided Day Trip to Genoa

The scenic coastal train from Santa Margherita Ligure to Genoa is around 50 minutes, passing through other Riviera towns before arriving at Genoa Brignole Station. The city of Genoa is replete with beautiful historic palaces and monuments from the 12th century onward. With a full day to explore at your own pace, you have an embarrassment of stunning buildings, interesting museums, and iconic streets to wander. There are two sides of this city, both worth seeing: the historic center and the waterfront harbor and port. 

Upon exiting the train station, head right onto Via Serra and over the Piazza Corvetto roundabout. Continue straight through the Villetta Di Negro park and on the left you will find the beginning of Via Garibaldi, the most famous street in Genoa. On Via Garibaldi, there are many extravagant and luxurious Renaissance palaces open to the public. You can purchase a ticket to enter all the Rolli Palaces, which together make up the Strada Nuova Museums- each one is unique and spectacular. Together, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beautifully maintained since the 1550s to display the rich work of their architect, Bernardino Cantone.

There are no less than 13 palaces on this street. Wander from one end of the street to the other,  entering the ones which catch your eye. You can't always judge a building by its exterior- we recommend visiting:

• Palazzo Doria Tursi (a very important building to Genoa and museum dedicated to the Italian musician Niccolo Paganini)
• Palazzo Rosso (identifiable by the red bricks and accessible roof with views across the city and port)
• Palazzo Bianco (which houses European art in the Gallery of the White Palace)

These three palaces are all located toward the end of Via Garibaldi.

From here, walk down towards the seafront along the harbor, passing by Europe's biggest aquarium and the Maritime Museum. There are lots of nice waterfront restaurants in the many squares- feel free to stop for lunch, typically served between 12-2 pm in Italy. Be sure to get the local specialty, pasta with Genovese pesto made from basil, olive oil, parmesan, and pine nuts.

If you prefer to keep walking, the medieval center also offers quality places for lunch just off Via San Lorenzo. Genoa is also known for its thriving street food scene, so you can find snacks sold in sciamaddes and friggitories (small food vendors). You will find fresh foccacia, chick-pea crepes (farinate), fried anchovies, and roasted snails among the delicacies to try here. Most of these vendors are located in the Carruggi, a series of narrow cobbled streets in the medieval part of the center, close to the San Lorenzo Cathedral. 

While in the Old Town, we recommend: 

• San Lorenzo Cathedral, a Romanesque building constructed from white marble and local Ligurian black stone.
• The Palazzo Ducale, or the Doge's Palace. There are 42 palaces in Genoa and this is one of the most significant. You can buy a combination ticket for the Palace and other museums in the Piazza Giacomo Matteotti square.
• Having a coffee and snapping photos by the fountain at Piazza De Ferrari.
• Browsing the best shops in Genoa on Via XX Settembre and Via San Vincenzo.
• Taking in the smells and tastes of the Mercato Orientale food market (off the Via XX Settembre).
• Walking up to the Piazza Portello, a square just behind the Via Garibaldi where you began the day (follow the main roads up from Piazza De Ferrari). This hidden spot is worth your time. Here, you'll find the elevator of Castello Levante/Spianta to take you to a panoramic viewpoint. It's best to watch the sunset and enjoy a gelato or aperitivo here, while taking in the whole city. You'll notice the monuments and buildings you've visited throughout the day as you sit atop the site of an old fortress. 

Genoa is a great city to explore on your own and, hopefully, you're returning back to Santa Margherita Ligure feeling full, satisfied, and the best kind of tired. Lean back into your seat and return by train to enjoy a rejuvenating evening at your accommodation.

Day 5: Santa Margherita Ligure to Cinque Terre

You're moving on down the Riviera coastline again today! You will transfer by train to your hotel in one of the villages of Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre is a rugged strip of the Ligurian coastline made up of five old fishing villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The coast, villages, and surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and the abundance of Mediterranean plants that cover the scrubby hillside, tumbling down to the turquoise water. The historic villages and breathtaking appearance of the region make it a popular choice for travelers. The historic towns prohibit vehicles in order to preserve the traditional charm, so most travelers arrive by train that runs along the coast, or by tour boat.

The area's coastal hiking trails are some of the world's best, linking the small villages together via a beautiful footpath. The path from Riomaggiore to Manarola is called the Via Dell'Amore (Italian for Lover's Walk). Its midpoint, The Lover's Lock, a statue of two people kissing, is a favorite place for couples to stop and copy the gesture for a photo. Bring a small lock to attach to one of the gates or rails if you like, it is considered a gesture that seals your eternal love.

The Cinque Terre villages are all equally charming and worth a visit during your stay. You'll be able to board the local express train, which connects all five villages. We recommend getting a day pass ticket, which will allow you to hop on and off the local train throughout the day, visiting the villages at your leisure. The train arrives hourly at each town. Keep in mind that the train stations are located above the towns and require a bit of a walk uphill or down through the steep town streets. Peruse the following suggestions, then head out to make the most of your time on this sunny coast: 

• Soak in the sunshine, sunbathe on the rocks, or dive off the steep cliffs into the turquoise water at one of the Cinque Terre's beaches. The sandy Monterosso Beach has both public and private sections. Vernazza Beach is rocky and perfect for sunbathing, and while not technically part of the Cinque Terre, Levanto Beach is unusually long, rare for the area
• Visit the 17th-century Church of San Francesco to see fine art, including a depiction of the Crucifixion by Antoon Van Dyck, as well as notable Italian painters of the 17th- and 18th- centuries
• Tour the 1,000-year-old Castello Doria in Vernazza, the Cinque Terre's oldest surviving structure, for sweeping views of the town and harbor
• Climb the Scalinata Lardarina, a steep 377-step staircase that connects the harbor with the village of Corniglia. Here, you'll find some of the Cinque Terre's best views
• Dive into the 14th century at the Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Manarola, an immersive experience into the art and architecture of that time period
• The Cinque Terre has no shortage of churches—visit a few of them, including the Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero in Riomaggiore and the Church of San Giovanni Battista in Corniglia
• Explore the 13th-century Castello Di Riomaggiore, which dominates the Cinque Terre coastline. Built to protect the town from seafaring pirates, the castle is now simply a throwback to a different time, as well as a great place for photographs. Head inside the castle to see the exhibit displaying centuries of town history.
• Walk up to the Torre Aurora, a medieval castle that stands on the intersection of Monterosso's Old Town and New Town
• Pay a visit to Cantina 5 Terre in Riomaggiore, the Cinque Terre's only major winery, to learn about how ancient traditions mix with modern-day production techniques here, producing a unique and flavorful wine. Sample the wines, especially the local white, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Spend the day exploring the towns at your leisure, before heading back to your hotel. If you have a favorite village, make a reservation for dinner and return later in the evening. You'll be sure to head home feeling wowed by the places you've visited today.

Day 6: Wine Tasting in the Cinque Terre

Start the day today with a guided hike up to a Riomaggiore vineyard, where your expert guide will explain the region's tradition of wine-making. Here, each family owns a small piece of terraced vineyard on the steep cliffs above the village. The family lots, which pass down from generation to generation, have been terraced and cultivated in the same way for centuries. The locals take a lot of pride in growing their own family wine and taking care of the delicate grapevines the same way their ancestors did. 

The town and vineyard both enjoy sweeping views over the coastline and surrounding hills. Learn about this region’s centuries-old techniques as you walk through the rows of grapes. The focus here is on making high-quality wine without using any chemical products, and the results are the pride of the Cinque Terre region.  

Enjoy a tour of the vineyard, then sample two local wines to experience the delicate fruit flavors for yourself, and see how organic wine-making makes a difference in flavor. Nibble on traditional Ligurian focaccia bread as you learn more about the production of the specific vintages and take in the views from the vineyard. 

After the three-hour tour, head back to town to find a family-owned cafe for lunch, then spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the rest of the Cinque Terre villages, easily accessible through the network of boat and train lines that ferry locals and travelers from town to town.

There will be plenty of time in each village to learn about its past, explore its individual charms, and buy gifts before returning to your home base for the evening.

Day 7: Day Trip to Portovenere

Portovenere is also known as the Port of Venus, as the town is named after the goddess. The Gulf of Poets, a deep and wide bay stretching between Portovenere and Lerici, is so named due to its popularity with esteemed writers such as Byron and Shelley. A nice way to travel to Portovenere is by boat from La Spezia. It's an easy 15-minute walk from the train station to catch the boat (which runs every hour) and a scenic 30-minute ride to Portovenere. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from La Spezia station directly.

Both the Cinque Terre and Portovenere offer an abundance of charm, beautiful views, and UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Most travelers skip Portovenere in favor of the villages next door, meaning you'll see fewer tourists and be able to enjoy a great day trip unfettered by crowds.

The position of Portovenere as a strategic base goes back to Roman times. There are many churches and castles built high up, a display intended to show their importance to those approaching the port by boat:

• San Pietro Church, a gothic style church on a cliff overlooking the Palmaria Islands and Nature Park of Portovenere. The church was built on the site of an ancient temple for Venus. 
• Lord Byron's Grotto, (Grotto dell’Arpaia), sits close to the San Pietro Church. It was a sacred place for the writer, a source of inspiration, and a place of meditation. Looking out at the sea you will understand the significance of the view on Byron's work.
• Doria Castle was built in 1161 high above the port. Originally belonging to the wealthy Doria family, the castle and gardens are now open to the public, for those who can brave the hike to the top. You're rewarded by scenic views across the bay. 
• The 12th-century San Lorenzo Church is located lower down the hill and has a marble altar dating from the 15th century. The miracle of the White Madonna is celebrated here each year on August 17th. 

The town also boasts an excellently preserved medieval center. Walk through the old city gate to enter the ancient narrow alleys. You'll find most of the restaurants and shops on the Via Capellini. Absorb the smells and tastes of local dishes. As in other Riviera villages, the pesto, focaccia, and seafood are all fresh and cooked to perfection by skilled chefs, whether in a restaurant or at a street food vendor. Explore the center before heading down to the picturesque port. 

The port is pedestrianized so, while you enjoy a nice walk, stop for a gelato or cappuccino and look out to the island of Palmaria and endless ocean. Whenever you're ready, board the boat back and make sure you take some photos of the beautiful colored houses lining the shore as you depart.

Day 8: Cinque Terre to Milan

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and make your way to Milan by train. From the Cinque Terre, the journey is around 4 hours, so sit back and enjoy the scenic ride. Milan is known as the fashion capital of Italy, the place where everything happens. The city is a center for business, shopping, and culture, as well as medieval art and beautiful architecture. Old monuments and buildings destroyed by World War II bombings have been restored, and the new construction and modern architecture give Milan a sophisticated vibe. Milan represents modern Italy.

Many of Milan's famous historical sights are clustered together in the heart of the city, with easy access from the train station. Consequently, it will be easy and straightforward to explore on your own today while you get acquainted with the city. Top sights include: the striking Gothic Duomo (one of the world's largest), the La Scala Opera House, the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele  (a glamorous early 20th-century indoor shopping mall), the Pirelli Tower, and the medieval Castello Sforzesco. Milan is also home to one of the world's most famous paintings, Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper', housed at the Santa Maria della Grazie monastery. 

If there's enough time in the afternoon, a stroll through the downtown district is an excellent way to spend part of the day. We recommend a visit to the 16th-century Royal Palace, a sprawling neoclassical palace turned art museum, to explore the city's history and art. Although the building suffered great damage during World War II, it has been beautifully restored and is now a renowned cultural center. 

In the evening, head to the Navigli at Porta Genova, Milan's ancient network of canals and passages used for transporting goods and supplies across the city. At night, these streets transform with crowds of locals and tourists meeting friends at bars and enjoying aperitivos. Come for the festive energy, stay for the great wine bars and people watching before finding a nearby spot for dinner.

Day 9: Goodbye Italy

Your journey in Italy will end after breakfast, with a transfer to the airport to catch your flight home or to your next destination. Arrivederci!