Explore Genoa’s vibrant streets and indulge in its authentic cuisine on the Genoa Eats Expedition, a 3.5-hour private food and walking tour led by a local guide. Starting outside the Aquarium of Genoa, this tour takes you through the city’s historic piazzas, with stops at Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza De Ferrari. Enjoy genuine Genoese pizza and seasoned pasta bites, all while uncovering stories that connect Genoa’s seafaring past with its culinary traditions. This experience is perfect for those who want an intimate, in-depth look at Genoa’s food scene and history, with the convenience of a private group and flexible booking options.

While the tour emphasizes local flavors and storytelling, it’s worth noting that the duration is 3.5 hours, making it a nicely paced introduction to Genoa’s gastronomy. The tour may appeal most to visitors who enjoy guided experiences with a focus on food and local culture. Its 4.2 rating reflects overall satisfaction, with a balance of delicious tastings and engaging narratives.

Key Points

Private, exclusive experience with your own local guide
3.5-hour duration starting from outside Genoa’s Aquarium
Includes food tastings of pizza and pasta, highlighting Genoese culinary traditions
Stops at Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza De Ferrari, two key historic squares
Guided walk with stories intertwined with Genoa’s history and cuisine
Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

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Starting Point at the Aquarium of Genoa

This tour begins outside the main entrance of the Aquarium of Genoa at Ponte Spinola, with precise coordinates 44.41124725341797, 8.927221298217773. From here, the guide greets the group to start an engaging exploration of the city’s streets.

The initial part of the tour involves a 25-minute walk to Chiesa di San Pietro in Banchi, where a guided explanation reveals details about Genoa’s religious architecture and its historical significance. This stop sets the tone for a deeper understanding of the city’s layered past.

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Discovering Genoa’s Iconic Piazza delle Erbe

The Piazza delle Erbe is a focal point of this experience, with 85 minutes dedicated to walking, sightseeing, and food tastings. Here, you can expect to sample aromatic Genoese pizza that captures the city’s culinary soul, along with seasoned pasta, representing Italy’s rich food heritage.

This piazza offers a lively atmosphere where stories about Genoa’s ancient seafarers and merchant history come alive through the guide’s narration. The food tasting at this stop acts as a delicious introduction to Genoa’s flavors.

Exploring Piazza Raffaele de Ferrari

Next, the tour moves to Piazza Raffaele de Ferrari, with another 85-minute segment of guided walking and tastings. The food experiences here deepen your appreciation for local cuisine, pairing well with insights into Genoa’s architectural and cultural landmarks.

This square is a central hub of Genoa’s social life, and the guide highlights its historical role, adding context to the pasta bites and other local delicacies sampled during this part of the tour.

Architectural Landmarks and Cultural Stories

Throughout the walk, notable sites like the Genoa Cathedral receive a 15-minute photo stop with a guided explanation. This brief visit offers a chance to admire the cathedral’s architecture and hear stories about its historical importance, enriching the overall experience.

Between stops, the guide shares narratives intertwining Genoa’s history with its food traditions, making each tasting meaningful within the city’s broader story.

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The Guide’s Approach and Personalities

The tour is led by a local guide, who speaks English and Italian, ensuring clear communication. The guide’s storytelling style emphasizes personalized attention due to the private group setting, creating an intimate experience tailored to your interests.

The guide’s expertise shines as they share stories about Genoa’s seafaring past and its influence on local cuisine, making the tasting moments more engaging and memorable.

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Practical Details: Booking, Cancellation, and Flexibility

This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for flexible travel plans. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is ideal for those finalizing their itinerary.

The duration of 3.5 hours makes it suitable for travelers seeking a manageable, off-peak activity or a perfect addition to a day of sightseeing. The tour runs in English and Italian, catering to a broad audience.

Logistics and Meeting Point

The meeting point is conveniently situated outside the main entrance of the Aquarium of Genoa, making it easy to locate. The precise coordinates help in planning your arrival, ensuring a smooth start to your culinary journey through Genoa.

Since it is a private tour, the experience is tailored exclusively for your group, avoiding large crowds and enabling personalized attention from the guide.

Comparing Similar Experiences in Genoa

This tour compares favorably to other Genoa activities like hop-on-hop-off bus passes or visits to the Genoa Aquarium, but it offers a more intimate, food-focused narrative. For those interested in combining culinary delights with historical insights, this private walk provides a balanced, enriching experience.

Other options include Portofino trips or cooking classes, but none focus solely on walking and tasting in Genoa’s key piazzas, which makes this tour distinct.

Final Thoughts on the Genoa Eats Expedition

The Genoa Eats Expedition offers a delightful blend of food and storytelling within a 3.5-hour private setting. It’s especially well-suited for those eager to experience Genoa’s culinary traditions alongside its historic streets and squares.

The private guide ensures a personalized, engaging approach, and the food tastings of pizza and pasta provide authentic flavors directly from the city’s kitchens. While the tour is not overly long, it packs in a comprehensive taste of Genoa’s culinary and cultural identity.

The experience stands as an excellent choice for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike, offering an authentic, relaxed way to explore this bustling Ligurian port city.

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Genoa Eats Expedition Food and Private Walking Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Genoa Eats Expedition tour?
The tour lasts 3.5 hours, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing, tastings, and stories without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is outside the main entrance of Genoa’s Aquarium, at Ponte Spinola, with specific coordinates provided for easy access.

What food is included in the tour?
You enjoy authentic Genoese pizza and seasoned pasta, highlighting local culinary traditions at specific stops in Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza De Ferrari.

Is this tour suitable for groups?
Yes, this is a private tour, exclusively for your group, ensuring a personalized experience with a local guide.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in English and Italian, accommodating a diverse range of travelers.