Portofino and St. Margherita Private Tour from Genoa port/hotel

Make the most of your time in the Italian Riviera with this private 8-hour tour from Genoa that covers three of the most picturesque villages in Liguria. For $737.53 per person, you enjoy the convenience of luxury transportation, private guides, and ferry tickets that connect Portofino, Santa Margherita, and Rapallo. This tour is ideal for those who want an efficient, personalized experience that combines sightseeing, cultural insights, and free time for shopping and dining. The group size is limited, ensuring a tailored pace and attention from your guides, who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

While the tour covers notable highlights and offers a luxurious vehicle, it does not include entrance fees or meals, so some additional costs might be expected at each stop. With 19 reviews rating a perfect 5.0/5, this experience clearly appeals to travelers seeking a well-organized, flexible day along the Ligurian coast.

Key Points

• Private 8-hour tour with luxury vehicle and driver
• Visits to Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Rapallo with guided walking tours
• Ferry roundtrip tickets included for groups of 12-15 people
• Free time at each village for shopping, photos, and dining
• Pickup and drop-off from Genoa cruise port or hotel
• Recommended booking is about 108 days in advance due to high demand

Starting from Genoa with Seamless Pickup and Private Transport

This private tour departs from Genoa, with the option for pickup at the cruise port, hotel, or preferred location. The private luxury vehicle and driver are reserved for 8 hours, providing a smooth journey between the villages. The flexibility of a private guide ensures a customized pace, making the experience comfortable whether travelers seek extensive sightseeing or leisurely exploration.

The transportation arrangement includes roundtrip ferry tickets between Santa Margherita and Portofino, which is a key highlight for many. The ferry rides offer scenic views and a relaxed way to move between the towns, avoiding busy roads and parking hassles.

Exploring Portofino’s Iconic Beauty and Main Sights

The tour begins with a 2-hour visit to Portofino, often considered one of Italy’s most beautiful towns. Your private official guide leads a walking tour of its charming harbor, colorful buildings, and iconic Church of San Giorgio. The guide shares insights into the town’s history and points out main sights.

Portofino’s reputation as a chic resort shines through its luxury yachts and boutique shops, making it a favorite for photo sessions and leisurely strolls. While the tour does not include admission tickets, the guide highlights areas of interest, ensuring visitors can explore at their own pace.

Santa Margherita Ligure: The Pearl of Tigullio

Next, the 2-hour stop in Santa Margherita Ligure offers a chance to enjoy “The Pearl of the Tigullio”. Known for its vibrant old town and scenic waterfront, this town provides a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Portofino. The guided walking tour covers its colorful streets and historical sites, including the medieval castle.

Many travelers appreciate the free time here to shop at local boutiques, take photos of the harbor, or enjoy a casual lunch. The ferry ride between Santa Margherita and Portofino is included for groups of up to 15, adding a scenic element to the day.

Rapallo’s Charm and Coastal Views

The 3rd stop in Rapallo is another 2-hour visit to a town famed for its seaside promenade and medieval castle. The guide provides insights into its history and emphasizes its role as a lively port town. Visitors often spend their time exploring the town center, relaxing at cafes, or capturing photos of the waterfront.

Rapallo’s unique appeal lies in its combination of historic sites and coastal scenery, making it a worthwhile addition to the itinerary. The flexibility of this private tour allows for personalized exploration at each stop.

Return to Genoa with Optional Lunch Break

After the 2-hour free period in Rapallo, the tour concludes with a return journey to Genoa. The driver drops off at the original pickup location, with some time allocated for a lunch break during the drive or upon return.

While food and drinks are not included, the tour’s flexible schedule makes it easy to dine at local restaurants or cafes in each town. The overall pacing ensures that travelers experience each village without feeling rushed.

What’s Included and What to Budget Extra For

The package includes a private luxury vehicle, driver, private official guide for 8 hours in Portofino and Santa Margherita, and ferry roundtrip tickets for groups of 12-15. The local taxes are covered, and the tour is exclusive to your group, ensuring a personalized experience.

Excluded from the price are entrance fees and food and drinks, so travelers should budget extra if they wish to visit museums or enjoy meals in each town. The ferry tickets are a significant feature, providing scenic transit and saving time.

The Experience of Guides Praised for Knowledge and Flexibility

Reviews consistently highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides like Ana, Paola, and others, who share detailed information about each location. They are also praised for their flexibility, accommodating teenagers’ photo sessions and weather changes.

Many mention guides’ storytelling abilities and their photography skills, which enhance the overall experience. This personalized service is a key reason why the tour receives a perfect 5.0/5 rating based on 19 reviews.

Pacing, Physical Requirements, and Accessibility

The tour involves two-hour stops at each town with walking tours, so some moderate walking is expected. The vehicle and ferry rides are comfortable, but travelers with mobility concerns should consider this. The private nature allows for some customization of pacing, making it suitable for most guests who can handle a few hours of walking and standing.

The tour is designed to be family-friendly, with guides who make the experience engaging for all ages. Since most travelers can participate and the tour is private, it can be tailored to individual needs.

Comparing This Tour with Other Ligurian Riviera Excursions

Unlike group tours or self-guided visits, this private experience offers personalized attention, flexibility, and the comfort of luxury transportation. The ferry rides between Santa Margherita and Portofino are a distinctive feature, providing scenic views without the hassle of driving.

Other options might include city hop-on-hop-off tours or group excursions, but this tour’s private guide and customized pace make it particularly appealing for travelers wanting an intimate, relaxed day with expert insights.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Advance booking is highly recommended, with most reservations made about 108 days in advance. The tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility for changes in plans.

The full experience is designed for most travelers, with confirmation provided immediately upon booking. The private nature means only your group participates, ensuring an exclusive and tailored experience.

Final Thoughts on the Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour

This private 8-hour tour presents a well-rounded way to explore the Ligurian coast’s most iconic villages comfortably and efficiently. The luxury vehicle, expert guides, and ferry inclusions add to the experience, making it ideal for those who value personalized service and scenic transport.

The notable strengths—like the knowledgeable guides, flexible pacing, and beautiful stops—are consistently praised in reviews. Travelers seeking a relaxed, customized day exploring Portofino, Santa Margherita, and Rapallo will find this tour a very worthwhile option.

While entrance fees and meals are not included, the tour’s structure allows ample opportunity for shopping and dining, making it adaptable to different tastes and plans. Overall, this experience offers a memorable taste of Italy’s Riviera in a convenient, intimate format.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, a private luxury vehicle and ferry tickets are included, with transportation reserved for 8 hours.

Can I customize the itinerary?
As a private tour, it offers flexibility in pacing and stops, allowing some level of customization based on your interests.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there will be free time for lunch at each village.

What towns are visited on this tour?
The tour covers Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Rapallo.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, with guides who make the experience engaging for all ages.

What is the booking lead time?
Most bookings are made about 108 days in advance due to high demand.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before the start; otherwise, no refund.

How experienced are the guides?
Guides like Ana, Paola, and others are praised for their knowledge, storytelling, and flexibility.

Can I book this tour for a large group?
Yes, the ferry tickets are for groups of 12-15 people, and the private vehicle can accommodate your group comfortably.