From captivating city streets to colourful cliffside fishing villages, Genoa and Liguria holidays immerse you in some of Italy’s most sublime scenery. The often overlooked city of Genoa in the north is an underrated gem. Both gritty and glorious, it blends the unassuming air of an ancient port with a maze-like medieval centre and humble seaside suburbs. In the heart of the old city, the cobbled caruggi (narrow streets) conceal unexpected delights, including grand galleries within former palaces and unpretentious eateries serving exceptional cuisine. The capital of the Liguria region, Genoa is perhaps best known as the gateway to the Italian Riviera, where Ligurian lovelies like chic Portofino and the pastel-hued Cinque Terre await. Come for the sea views, the seafood and the oh-so-Italian sense of sophistication. Stay to discover the secrets of la dolce vita (the sweet life), which is lived to the full in Liguria.

Genoa and Liguria Holiday Ideas

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Genoa and Ligurian Coast Guide

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Italy Testimonials

30 reviews
4.7 / 5
"Emily really understood what mattered to us and created a trip that felt completely personalised and thoughtfully organised. We had time to relax in Naples after each excursion, our transport provider was friendly and always on time, and it was a pleasure to be looked after by a local, who added an authentic touch to the whole trip. Visiting Herculaneum and Pompeii was a particular highlight - our guide was truly exceptional, making the visits truly memorable with an excellent command of English and an impressive knowledge of world history as well as the sites themselves."
L - UK
Published on 23rd February 2026
"Our Concierge was brilliant and super helpful - we'd recommend travelling with Original Travel based on her help alone! The Concierge was a new thing for us as previous travel companies did not have this feature, and we thought this was invaluable. We particularly enjoyed the food tour in Ragusa, seeing Mount Etna, driving in Ortigia and the sunset in Marsala. It is the first time we have used Original Travel and we were very happy with the service."
M - UK
Published on 29th September 2025
"Emily really listened and understood what I was looking for, and developed a fantastic itinerary based on that. The personalised tour of Siena was a real highlight - I had asked if we could see some James Bond filming locations, and our guide took a lot of time to review the films and take us to the exact streets, balconies, doorways and squares seen in the films. We all loved it, especially our boys, who are James Bond enthusiasts."
G - UK
Published on 29th September 2025

Special things to do on a Genoa and Liguria holiday

Many visitors to Genoa and Liguria spend time exploring the Cinque Terre; five charming fishing villages that have clung to the cliffs of the Italian Riviera for centuries. And this enchanting stretch of seaside is popular for a reason. The sight of brightly-coloured cliffside houses perched above an azure sea makes for an iconic Italian postcard, while lazy drinks on the waterfront are a well-earned reward after walking the picturesque coastal trails or strolling the steep cobbled lanes. The Cinque Terre may be a tourist hotspot, but the villages remain car-free and retain much of their authentic appeal. For cooler temperatures and thinner crowds, plan your Genoa and Liguria holiday for the springtime.


Who is Genoa and Liguria best for?

If you’re planning an Italian city break, Genoa is here to tempt you away from the same old spots. While Turin and Milan are often first choice for a long weekend in northern Italy, the port city of Genoa remains under the radar for most travellers. Eclectic and vibrant, it has all the rough-and-ready charm you’d expect from Italy’s largest port, alongside a medieval centre that’s a joy to explore on foot. Combine this with easy access to the Italian Riviera (the coastal jewel in Liguria’s crown) and Genoa and Liguria are perfect for those who want a trip that spans both ancient streets and adorable seaside.

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