Christmas in Liguria 2024/2025
7 Days from £1,799
As you spend Christmas on the beautiful Italian Riviera you'll explore the chic resorts of Rapallo and Portofino and discover the delightful clifftop villages known as the Cinque Terre. A sightseeing tour of Genoa, with its UNESCO-listed palaces, and a festive Christmas lunch in your elegant hotel are two more highlights. You can also opt to admire the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and the medieval walled city of Lucca on a fascinating optional day out.
Your Holiday Includes
- Private Chauffeur Service, Free Airport Parking or £150 reduction if you make your own arrangements
- Return flights from Heathrow with British Airways
- 6 nights in a 4-star hotel
- 13 meals: 6 breakfasts, Christmas Day lunch, 6 dinners
- Travelsphere Tour Manager and Specialist Local Guide
- Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage
Included Holiday Highlights
- Visit the beautiful Italian Riviera resorts of Rapallo and Portofino
- Tour of the historical port city of Genoa and its UNESCO-listed palaces
- Explore the stunning Cinque Terre
- Enjoy a stroll in Chiavari on Christmas Day
Itinerary
Day 1 UK – Pisa
Make your own way to the airport or be collected by our Private Chauffeur service (if you've pre booked) for your flight to Pisa today. On arrival we will transfer you to your elegant hotel in Chiavari, a beautiful seaside resort on the Italian Riviera.
Day 2 Rapallo & Portofino
Look forward to a day of exploration in lovely surroundings, as you enjoy an included excursion today. Your discoveries begin in the beautiful riviera town of Rapallo, which boasts a small medieval castle, seaside promenade and a historic centre.
You've plenty of free time here to stop for a spot of lunch if you wish before we visit Portofino, which we'll reach by boat. What used to be a small fishing village is today an exclusive resort favoured by Italy's rich and famous. A walk along the cliff past the church of San Giorgio will reward you with unrivalled views of its picturesque harbour lined with pastel-shaded houses.
Day 3 Genoa
You'll discover the large port city of Genoa today on an included guided tour. In the birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus, you'll wander through medieval alleyways and admire the UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli. These magnificent palaces were built in the Strade Nuove district between the 16th and 18th centuries as residences for aristocratic families, as well as to host visiting dignitaries.
You'll have free time for lunch and to explore Genoa further at your own pace. It is home to a wide range of museums and art galleries, as well as Italy's largest aquarium, where you can discover more than 500 species of fish.
Day 4 Christmas Eve Cinque Terre
After breakfast you'll head to the area known as the Cinque Terre. These five enchanting villages are perched high on cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea and are accessible only by train, boat or footpath. On your included excursion you will take the train to visit a few of them.
Back at the hotel, enjoy dinner and an evening of live music.
Day 5 Christmas Day Chiavari
Enjoy a relaxing start to Christmas Day with a leisurely breakfast and a stroll around Chiavari with your Tour Manager.
As you walk along the seafront promenade, you might see locals out buying cakes and pastries to enjoy on this special day.
Back at the hotel we'll be served a traditional festive lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing, before dinner this evening.
Day 6 Boxing Day Chiavari – at Leisure
Today is free for you to spend just as you wish. You can relax at the hotel or explore lovely Chiavari further.
However, if you'd like to discover more of Italy, why not join an optional excursion, which begins as we admire the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. One of four buildings that make up the Field of Miracles, this iconic landmark took 176 years to complete and began to lean shortly after construction.
Next, you'll continue to the well-preserved walled town of Lucca, which is renowned for its medieval and Renaissance architecture. It is also famous as the birthplace of the composer Puccini and home of the Volto Santo Crucifix, which is kept in the exquisite cathedral.
Day 7 Pisa – UK
After breakfast, we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK. Upon arrival, either make your own way home or your Travelsphere Private Chauffeur Service will be waiting for the journey home (if you've pre booked).
Accommodation
Hotel Monte Rosa
This family-run hotel is located in the beautiful medieval town of Chiavari, close to the seafront on the Ligurian Coast. Facilities include a bar and restaurant. Guest rooms feature en suite facilities with a shower or bath, air-conditioning, hairdryer, TV, mini-bar, safe and wi-fi.