Genova
Day 1
Genova - Arenzano
Day 2
Arenzano - Varazze
Day 3
Varazze - Savona
Day 4
Savona - Albenga
Day 5
Albenga - Imperia
Day 6
Imperia - Vado Ligure
Day 7
Vado Ligure - Cogoleto
Detailed Itinerary by days
Day 1Genova - Arenzano
Start in the labyrinthine port of Genoa, where Marco Polo's ghost echoes through mediaeval lanes. Leave the hum of the city for peace with pine-scented sailing west to Arenzano. Anchor close to Spiaggia Libera, a pebble beach used for sunbathing like seals by residents. Wander to Parco Negrotto Cambiaso, its Renaissance gardens whispering stories of nobility, then feast on focaccia al formaggio at a hole-in-- the wall bakery, the cheese spilling golden under your fingertips.
Day 2Arenzano - Varazze
Glide past Capo Santo Stefano; its lighthouse watches over emerald depths. Dock in Varazze, where nonnas knit on seawalls and fishing net dry in rainbow coils. Search for sea glass at *Spiaggia di Ponente or snorkel the hidden reef filled with bream. Join the passeggiata for lemon-drenched fritto misto eaten right from paper cones at evening.
Day 3Varazze - Savona
Sail into the famous harbor of Savona, where Columbus once mended vessels. Climb the Priamar Fortress, its stone walls marred by Barbary pirate raids, then plunge into the Mermaid's Grotto, a secluded cove under local protection. Dine at *Osteria dell'Acciughetta, where sun-baked cliff tastes of sharp Vermentino complement in-house anchovies cured since 1953.
Day 4Savona - Albenga
From Coast west to Albenga, a living Roman museum. Moor beside the Battistero Paleocristiano, its five-century mosaics shining underwater. Kayak among the Centum Pagine ruins, Roman columns standing like spectral sentinels from the water. Feast on buridda, or fish stew, under the shadow of mediaeval towers; then sip Pigato wine in a vineyard where grapes grow salted from sea spray.
Day 5Albenga - Imperia
Follow the sunset toward Imperia, twin cities divided by the olive-oil-rich Prino River. After sampling oil so peppery that you cough, cruise to Spiaggia d'Oro, a golden arc where Italian matriarchs hold court under striped umbrellas. Dine on sardenaira (Ligurian "pizza" topped with tomatoes and anchovies) as the port lights reflect constellations.
Day 6Imperia - Vado Ligure
Sail east to Vado's working-class soul, where yachts count less than fishing trawlers. Then circle the Pista Ciclabile, a seaside road snaking through tunnels created by 19th-century engineers, from Baia dei Saraceni, a cove named for Arab invaders. Let Signora Maria hand-feed you a towering seafood salad that is edible art at *Trattoria della Nonna.
Day 7Vado Ligure - Cogoleto
Hug the shoreline past Bergeggi Island on your last day; the sea caves there are echoing with seagulls. Stopped in Cogoleto, the birthplace of Columbus's grandpa, to swim beneath the decaying watchtower of Punta Martinetto. Come back to Genova as evening gilds the oldest lighthouse in Italy, the Lanterna. In a lofty caruggi trattoria, toast with pesto lasagna; the oceanic pulse of the city now thrums in your veins.
