• After breakfast, set off for Lerici, one of Liguria’s most romantic towns, celebrated by writers and painters for its golden light.
• Stroll along the harbour, then climb up to Lerici Castle for sweeping views of the Gulf of Poets.
• Continue to Tellaro, a tiny cliffside village where pastel-coloured houses tumble down to the sea.
• Wander through narrow lanes, discovering tiny squares and shops selling olive oil, honey, and artisanal liqueurs.
• Stop for lunch at a seaside trattoria, savouring testaroli al pesto or mussels marinara-style (not included).
• Spend the afternoon at leisure, take a dip in the sea or watch the sunset as the water glows gold.
• Return to your hotel for the night, immersed in the tranquillity of this coastal paradise.

DAY 4: RIVIERA DEL LEVANTE – SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE – PORTOFINO – RAPALLO

• After breakfast and check-out, leave the peaceful hills behind and drive along the Riviera di Levante, a route brimming with coastal panoramas and elegant seaside villages.
• Stop in Santa Margherita Ligure, stroll along the palm-lined promenade, browse boutiques, and sample treats from historic patisseries.
• Continue to Portofino, a jewel nestled between the sea and Mediterranean scrub.
• Walk to the Punta del Capo lighthouse, visit the Church of San Giorgio, and enjoy a seaside lunch featuring trenette al pesto or spaghetti ai frutti di mare (not included).
• In the afternoon, arrive in Rapallo and check in at the elegant Hotel Europa Design & Spa 4*.
• Evening at leisure to stroll along the waterfront and dine at a harbour restaurant: grilled king prawns, Recco cheese focaccia, or a comforting Genoese minestrone (not included).

DAY 5: SESTRI LEVANTE

• After breakfast, depart for Sestri Levante, the “City of Two Seas”, where a narrow strip of land separates the Bay of Silence from the Bay of Fables, two poetic spots that inspired Andersen and many other writers.
• In the afternoon, take part in a unique private Genoese pesto-making class.
• Each participant receives their own marble mortar and wooden pestle to craft authentic Ligurian pesto, carefully blending basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and extra virgin olive oil.
• At the end of the class, take home your fragrant, freshly made pesto, a genuine and convivial memento of the experience.
• For dinner, stay in Sestri and savour a local fish soup or fried anchovies, perfectly paired with a chilled glass of Pigato white wine (not included).

DAY 6: RAPALLO – DEPARTURE

• After breakfast, check out of your room and prepare for departure.
• Take a final stroll through the charming streets of Rapallo, soaking up the town’s atmosphere one last time.
• Pick up a few local delicacies to bring home: a jar of pesto, a ceramic oil cruet, or a bottle of handmade limoncello.
• Cherish these last moments of Ligurian charm and coastal tranquillity before your journey onward.

• After breakfast, set off for Lerici, one of Liguria’s most romantic towns, celebrated by writers and painters for its golden light.
• Stroll along the harbour, then climb up to Lerici Castle for sweeping views of the Gulf of Poets.
• Continue to Tellaro, a tiny cliffside village where pastel-coloured houses tumble down to the sea.
• Wander through narrow lanes, discovering tiny squares and shops selling olive oil, honey, and artisanal liqueurs.
• Stop for lunch at a seaside trattoria, savouring testaroli al pesto or mussels marinara-style (not included).
• Spend the afternoon at leisure, take a dip in the sea or watch the sunset as the water glows gold.
• Return to your hotel for the night, immersed in the tranquillity of this coastal paradise.

DAY 4: SARZANA – LA LUNIGIANA – CASTELNUOVO MAGRA OR FOSDINOVO – ARCOLA

• After breakfast, set out to discover the picturesque Ligurian hinterland.
• Arrive in Sarzana, a charming cultural gem with elegant streets, antique shops, and the imposing Fortezza Firmafede dominating the town.
• Wander through the historic centre to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, then stop at a historic patisserie to taste spungata, a traditional cake filled with honey and dried fruit.
• In the afternoon, venture into nearby Lunigiana, a land of castles and Romanesque churches.
• Explore Castelnuovo Magra or Fosdinovo, visiting ancient fortresses and savouring an authentic rural landscape.
• We suggest dining at a Lunigianese trattoria: try testaroli with pesto or porcini mushrooms, panigacci with cured meats and cheeses, and torta d’erbi, a sweet pie made with chard, wild herbs, sugar, and raisins.
• Return to Arcola for your final night at the relais, immersed in the tranquillity of the countryside.

DAY 5: RIVIERA DEL LEVANTE – SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE – PORTOFINO – RAPALLO

• After breakfast and check-out from the relais, leave the tranquillity of the hills behind and drive along the Riviera di Levante, a route filled with breathtaking coastal views and charming seaside villages.
• Stop in Santa Margherita Ligure, stroll along the palm-lined promenade, explore boutiques, and sample delights from historic patisseries.
• Continue to Portofino, a gem nestled between the sea and Mediterranean scrub.
• Walk to the Punta del Capo lighthouse, visit the Church of San Giorgio, and enjoy a seaside lunch of trenette al pesto or spaghetti with seafood (not included).
• In the afternoon, arrive in Rapallo and check in at the elegant Hotel Europa Design & Spa 4*.
• Evening at leisure to stroll along the waterfront and dine at a harbour restaurant: grilled king prawns, Recco cheese focaccia, or a comforting Genoese minestrone (not included).

DAY 6: SESTRI LEVANTE

• After breakfast, depart for Sestri Levante, the “City of Two Seas”, where a narrow strip of land separates the Bay of Silence from the Bay of Fables, two poetic spots that inspired Andersen and other writers.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a unique private Genoese pesto-making class.
• Each participant receives their own marble mortar and wooden pestle to learn how to create authentic Ligurian pesto, carefully balancing basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and extra virgin olive oil.
• Take home your fragrant, freshly prepared pesto – a genuine and convivial memento of this experience.
• We recommend dining in Sestri: savour a local fish soup or fried anchovies, paired with a chilled glass of Pigato white wine.

DAY 7: RAPALLO – CAMOGLI (SUGGESTION)

• After breakfast at the hotel, dedicate the day to exploring the Gulf of Tigullio.
• Discover Rapallo, a lively yet refined town: stroll along the seafront promenade, visit the Castello sul Mare, and for panoramic views, take the cable car up to Montallegro overlooking the entire coast.
• For those seeking a scenic excursion, take a boat trip to Camogli, a charming fishing village with pastel-coloured houses, famous for warm, cheesy focaccia.
• For your farewell dinner, indulge in an elegant seaside restaurant: try pansoti with walnut sauce, baked sea bass with potatoes and Taggiasca olives, and finish with a slice of Genovese pandolce accompanied by a glass of sweet, aromatic Sciacchetrà wine (not included).

DAY 8: RAPALLO – DEPARTURE

• After breakfast, check out of your hotel and prepare for departure.
• Take a final stroll through the charming streets of Rapallo, savouring the town’s atmosphere one last time.
• Pick up a few local specialities to take home: a jar of pesto, a ceramic oil cruet, or a bottle of handmade limoncello.
• Cherish these last moments of Ligurian charm before continuing your journey.