Private Portofino & Santa Margherita Tour: Scenic Riviera Gems
Description
Set off on a memorable private walking tour through two of Italy’s most charming towns: Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure, led by a knowledgeable local guide. Your journey begins in the scenic village of Portofino, where you’ll be enchanted by the vibrant Piazzetta, with its iconic harbour and colourful, captivating buildings. Then, enjoy a picturesque ferry ride along the breathtaking Ligurian coastline, taking in stunning views of the Mediterranean. Upon reaching Santa Margherita Ligure, your exploration starts with a visit to the tranquil Church of Santa Margherita and the historic Church of San Giacomo di Corte, before admiring the refined architecture of Villa Durazzo. Stroll through the town’s charming streets, soaking up its authentic atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. With a skilled guide leading you, this private tour offers a fulfilling, unforgettable experience. So, put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore the timeless beauty of the Italian Riviera!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Join your guide at the Portofino harbour and immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of the Piazzetta, with its distinctive marina and vibrant, colourful buildings. Stroll through the delightful streets, discovering the boutiques and restaurants tucked beneath the arcades.
Hop aboard the public ferry for a picturesque ride to Santa Margherita Ligure, taking in the stunning views of the Ligurian coastline along the way. Once you arrive, explore the charming town and treat yourself to a taste of the region's culinary specialty, the renowned "focaccia", a delicious Ligurian baked flatbread.
You can marvel at Villa Durazzo, an exquisite landmark in Santa Margherita Ligure. This stunning estate consists of two grand villas set within a magnificent 17th-century garden. Wander through the vibrant garden, where you can lose yourself in the fragrant aromas and the burst of colours surrounding you.
This church, named after the depiction of the Virgin Mary holding a rose, was built in the Baroque style in the 1600s. The sanctuary's rich history and stunning architectural details make it a remarkable example of the era. It stands as a testament to centuries of devotion and craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into the past with its timeless beauty.
The Church of Saint James, built in the 17th century, features a three-nave layout with a central statue of Saint James. The church also houses the statue of the Madonna of the Letter and several frescoes by the renowned artist Nicolò Barabino. Its blend of mysticism and historical charm creates a captivating and serene atmosphere, making it a true architectural gem.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(25)
Favlio was an excellent guide. He was very personable and informative. He was observant of people in our group that walked slowly. He purchased our ferry tickets and made sure we had plenty of time for the things we wanted to see and do. I would highly recommend Favlio.
What an amazing time we had with Polina. Unfortunately our original tour guide was unavailable due to a family emergency and the tour company quickly identified Polina to step in. She was incredible and shared so much history about Portofino and Santa Margherita. I would highly recommend this tour and ask for Polina.
Simonetta was a lovely guide. Full of knowledge and passion. She got our ferry tickets, foccacia, and drinks. Took us to amazing views and churches. Great seeing both cities.
It was simply perfect. We were able to see all the sites on this walking tour but we didn’t feel rushed and our tour guide Luca was so accommodating.
Great tour personalized to what we wanted to do. Got to see Portofino and Santa Margherita. Tour guide knew the area well and spoke in clear English.
This was our last of four excursions we booked through Viator and frankly it didn’t live up to the rest. Our guide was excellent so it was not her fault at all. But many places had already closed for the season, which we were not expecting, and honestly it felt like we just kept walking around to kill time. The price was extremely high and the value just wasn’t there on this one
We had a great time. The Guide very friendly and continuously telling us stories. We stopped in Santa Margarita, where we stayed for a while before catching the ferry to Portofino. When we arrived in Portofino we had time to walk around the town and take 1000 photos, it is a spectacular place for anyone who likes photography. Of course, we ordered 4 ice cream cucurucho, and we were charged 32€. It's an expensive place.
Simo(na) was an excellent guide. She had so much history to impart and allowed us to proceed at our own pace. The weather was very hot and she made the best of it. Santa Margherita and Portofino are true treasures of Italy!
My guide Alessandra was amazing!! I was on a solo trip and it was as if I was with a longtime friend. She was fun, knowledgeable and just an overall great person. Highly recommend!!
Excellent tour by Guilia. She is extremely knowledgeable of both Santa Margherita and Portofino, and showed us many things we would have missed on our own. Starting the tour in Santa Margherita Ligure and then taking the ferry to Portofino and was a very smart recommendation as there are too many people and very little parking in Portofino. We have done many Viator tours over the years, and this was one of the best private tour experiences we have had. Make sure Guilia is your guide. She is the best!
