Private Tour and Lunch in a typical restaurant in old town

Explore Genoa’s Historic Heart with a Private Rickshaw and Culinary Experience

The Private Tour and Lunch in a typical restaurant in old town offers an engaging way to uncover the beauty and stories of Genoa’s historic center. For $248.88 per group, up to four people, the tour lasts approximately 4 hours and combines a scenic rickshaw ride with visits to iconic sites and a local lunch in a charming old town restaurant. This experience is perfect for those who want a personalized, relaxed exploration of Genoa’s narrow alleys and grand facades, with the added delight of tasting authentic Ligurian cuisine.

What makes this tour stand out is its combination of a guided rickshaw ride led by an expert guide, and a culinary stop at E prie rosse, a restaurant known for serving incredibly local dishes. The tour offers pickup options and uses a mobile ticket, making planning smooth. While it has a highly positive rating of 5.0/5 from 3 reviews, travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides, flexibility, and delicious food. The only consideration is that some stops are brief, but that’s balanced by the total variety of sites visited.

This tour appeals most to those who prefer a personalized, comfortable way to explore Genoa’s rich history and vibrant streets without strenuous walking, thanks to the rickshaw. It’s suitable for most travelers, including families with children, given the small group size and easy mobility options.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with a maximum of 4 participants
• Guided rickshaw ride through Genoa’s historic district with expert narration
• Visits to top sites like Piazza Sarzano, Via Garibaldi, the Duomo, and the Old Port
• Culinary stop at a local restaurant offering traditional Ligurian dishes
• Approximate duration of 4 hours with flexible timing and pickup included
• Highly rated for knowledgeable guides and authentic food experiences

Discovering Genoa’s Historic Center from Piazza Sarzano to De Ferrari Square

The tour begins in Piazza Sarzano, recognized as Genoa’s or Ianuas’ original nucleus. This lively square offers a glimpse into the city’s roots and provides a perfect starting point for your exploration. It’s free to visit and sets the tone for the tour’s focus on Genoa’s historic development.

From there, the guide leads you to Chiesa Santi Cosma e Damiano, a fine example of Genoese Romanesque architecture. Though just a 5-minute stop, this church highlights the city’s medieval past and religious heritage. Its significance lies in its age and architectural style, giving visitors insight into the city’s early history.

Exploring Via Giuseppe Garibaldi’s Elegant Dwellings

One of the most striking parts of the tour is a 15-minute walk along Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. Known for its stately residences of wealthy merchants, the street showcases magnificent facades decorated with stucco, marble, and painted details. These homes from the mid-1500s display grand atriums, lush gardens, and art collections. The influence of artists like Pieter Paul Rubens, who drew the buildings’ facades, adds cultural richness to this area.

Visiting the House of Christopher Columbus

Near Porta Soprana, the tour stops at La Casa di Colombo, believed to be the childhood home of Christopher Columbus. Though likely a reconstruction from the 18th century, this building marks a significant historical connection. It was probably destroyed during the 1684 French bombardment, but the site remains a key link to Genoa’s famous explorer. The two-floor house shows where Columbus’s family lived—upstairs as the family home and downstairs as a workshop.

Discovering Old Market Squares and Medieval Buildings

Piazza Banchi offers a snapshot of Genoa’s bustling past as a grain market site in the 12th century. The fire of 1398 devastated the square, but restoration in the 16th century brought back the lively market atmosphere. Visitors see the Loggia dei Mercanti, designed by Andrea Ceresola, which once sheltered bankers and money-changers. This square highlights Genoa’s history as a trading hub.

Visiting the Iconic Genoese Cathedral

The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo is a central stop, built around 1098 and dedicated to San Lorenzo Martire. It houses the ashes of San Giovanni Battista, Genoa’s patron saint, and features artistic elements that spark curiosity and legend. The cathedral’s sovereign architecture and religious treasures make it a must-see for those interested in Genoa’s spiritual life and artistic heritage.

Relaxing in the Luzzati Gardens

The Giardini Luzzati are located in the city’s historic center and are a noteworthy example of urban revitalization. This green space fosters community activities and cultural events, making it more than just a park. It’s an inviting spot to appreciate the mixture of urban renewal and local culture, with the well-being of residents in mind.

Piazza Raffaele De Ferrari: Genoa’s Vibrant Main Square

Piazza De Ferrari serves as Genoa’s main square, lined with impressive art nouveau palaces such as the Palazzo Ducale and the Palazzo della Regione Liguria. The bronze fountain at its center, crafted in 1936, and the nearby Teatro Carlo Felice create a lively atmosphere. The square regularly hosts city events and offers a lively setting for sightseeing.

Visiting Palazzo San Giorgio and the Old Port

Palazzo San Giorgio stands out for its medieval and Renaissance architecture and is now home to the Port Authority. The nearby Old Port was redesigned by Renzo Piano in 1992 and has become a hub for dining, shopping, and leisure. From here, views of the Lanterna lighthouse and the Genoa Gulf are spectacular, especially from the Magazzini del Cotone.

Enjoying a Traditional Ligurian Lunch at Rollipop Bistrot

The lunch stop at Rollipop Bistrot is a highlight, offering locally inspired dishes that blend traditional recipes with a modern twist. Located inside Palazzo Spinola Pignone, the restaurant emphasizes local raw materials and flavors. The 1.5-hour meal complements the tour’s cultural exploration, giving visitors a taste of Genoa’s culinary richness.

Climbing Spianata Castelletto for Panoramic Views

The Spianata Castelletto offers a breathtaking panoramic view over Genoa and its port. Accessed via an Art Nouveau lift, this spot is often called a “balcony” over the city. Visitors can admire rooftops, medieval towers, and baroque domes, with the sea and hills creating a stunning backdrop. The 20-minute stop provides a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate Genoa’s landscape.

Ascending Castelletto in the Art Nouveau Lift

The Ascensore di Castelletto Levante is a historic lift that whiskers visitors up to Spianata Castelletto. As poet Giorgio Caproni noted, the lift feels like a journey to heaven, offering a smooth, charming ascent. The 10-minute ride adds a touch of elegance to the tour, with spectacular views unfolding as you go.

Practical Details and Booking Insights

This private tour departs from Porto di Genova and is designed for up to four participants, ensuring an intimate experience. The guided rickshaw ride can host up to two adults and two children under 6, making it suitable for families. The tour includes pickup options and mobile tickets for convenience. Travelers often book 75 days in advance due to the high demand, and the cancelation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

Why This Tour Offers a Unique Genoa Experience

What sets this tour apart is the blend of history, architecture, and local flavor in a personalized format. The guided rickshaw allows for an up-close view of narrow streets and landmarks that might be missed on larger tours. The inclusion of a local restaurant serves authentic Ligurian cuisine, adding a delicious cultural layer to the historical exploration.

While some stops are brief, the overall variety of sites and insight from guides—praised as charming and knowledgeable—make this experience rich and engaging. The small group size ensures a relaxed pace and flexibility to explore preferred spots longer.

The Perfect Tour for Culture and Food Enthusiasts in Genoa

This private, personalized experience is ideal for history lovers, foodies, or anyone wanting an authentic taste of Genoa without the hustle of large group tours. The 4-hour format balances sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing, making it suitable for families, couples, or small groups seeking an intimate city adventure.

The combination of scenic routes, iconic landmarks, and a delicious Ligurian meal provides excellent value, especially given the high praise for guides and food quality. It’s a well-rounded introduction to Genoa’s vibrant old town, promising memorable moments and a deep sense of the city’s past and present.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can participate in this tour?
Up to 4 participants, as it’s a private experience designed for small groups.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the rickshaw can host up to two children under 6, making it family-friendly.

What is included in the lunch?
The lunch features local Ligurian dishes, inspired by traditional recipes, served at a typical old town restaurant.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Porto di Genova and concludes at the same meeting point.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves riding in a rickshaw, which is a relaxed activity suitable for most, including those with limited mobility.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours before the start.

Is transportation included?
The pickup option is offered, but the main activity involves a guided rickshaw ride rather than separate transportation.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 75 days in advance due to popularity.

What makes this tour different from other Genoa experiences?
The personalized private format, guided rickshaw ride, and culinary stop create a more intimate and cultural experience compared to larger city tours.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The provided data does not specify accessibility details, but as it involves a rickshaw, physical mobility considerations should be checked in advance.

This Private Tour and Lunch in Genoa’s old town offers a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and tasting, making it a compelling option for those looking to explore Genoa in a relaxed, personalized way.