The Italian Riviera, Portofino & the Cinque Terre

Starting in Pisa, this Travelsphere escorted tour settles into the seaside town of Marina di Pietrasanta, an excellent base just a short walk from sandy beaches. Early visits include Cantine Lunae Winery in Luni, where traditional wine-making tools sit alongside tastings, then on to Carrara’s marble quarries, which reach 800 metres into the mountains.

Midweek, the pace eases with free time in Marina di Pietrasanta and a full day exploring the Ligurian coast by boat, stopping at the abbey in San Fruttuoso, then the pastel buildings of Portofino before a brief visit to Santa Margherita Ligure. Another optional excursion visits the village of Portovenere and the harbour town of Lerici, both with notable castles and rocky coastlines favoured by Romantic poets.

On day six the tour heads to the Cinque Terre by train, calling at Riomaggiore, Manarola and Vernazza, villages clinging to cliffs with narrow alleys and fishing boats. The final full day offers another chance to relax or head to Genoa, a city rich in maritime history and grand architecture. The route strikes a steady balance of walking, sightseeing and downtime.