Genoa & Portofino Day Trip from Milan with Boat Cruise
- Duration12 hours
- Daily
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Overview
Swap the city for the Italian Riviera on this shared day trip from Milan. A tour leader and an air-conditioned bus take you to Genoa, the old maritime capital with its UNESCO-listed palaces and lively harbour, then a boat ride brings you to Portofino, the pastel-coloured fishing village with a famous little harbour. Time in Santa Margherita Ligure completes a relaxed seaside day, suited to couples, families and anyone who wants the Ligurian coast without the driving.
Highlights
- Full-day trip from Milan to Genoa and Portofino by air-conditioned bus
- Explore Genoa's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Discover the city where Christopher Columbus was born
- Boat ride to Portofino along the Ligurian coast
- Free time in the colourful harbour of Portofino and in Santa Margherita Ligure
- Shared tour with an English-speaking tour leader from Milan
Full Description
Genoa historic centre and the Rolli Palaces
Genoa was one of the great sea powers of medieval Europe, and its old centre still shows it. Around Via Garibaldi and the Strade Nuove stand the Palazzi dei Rolli, the grand merchant palaces that earned Genoa a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and behind them run the narrow medieval lanes known as caruggi.
For anyone planning a Genoa day trip from Milan, the old centre is the highlight: striped San Lorenzo Cathedral, small piazzas, focaccia bakeries and churches hidden between tall houses. Wear comfortable shoes, because the lanes climb and turn, and the guide will point out the best places to spend free time.
The port and Columbus's Genoa
Genoa is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and the city keeps his memory alive in monuments and in the old house associated with his family near the medieval gate. The Old Port, redesigned by the architect Renzo Piano, is the modern face of the city, with the big aquarium, a panoramic lift and the lighthouse called the Lanterna beyond it.
The harbour tells you why Genoa mattered for centuries, and a walk along the quay is an easy way to see it. Whether you spend your free time at the port, the cathedral or the shopping streets is up to you, and the tour leader will suggest a simple plan for the hours you have.
The boat cruise along the Ligurian coast to Portofino
The boat ride is the highlight for many travellers, because the Riviera di Levante looks its best from the water. You pass wooded headlands, villas painted in soft yellow and pink, and small coves that cars cannot reach.
The cruise is a short crossing rather than a long voyage, and it gives you a good answer to how to get to Portofino without a car, since the coast road is narrow and parking is scarce. Sea conditions decide the exact schedule, and your tour leader will confirm departure times on the day.
Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure
Portofino is a very small village around a tiny harbour, where pastel houses reflect in the water and yachts line the quay. Visitors walk up to the church of San Giorgio or to the castle above the bay for views of the coast, or sit at a harbour cafe and watch boats come and go.
Santa Margherita Ligure, a short distance along the shore, is the relaxed neighbour, with a palm-lined seafront, villas and shops. Portofino is best visited early or late in the day for fewer crowds, and the tour gives you free time to enjoy the harbour before returning to Milan.
Itinerary
- Meet the tour leader in MilanBoard the air-conditioned bus at the meeting point shown on your voucher and head south to Liguria.
- Bus to GenoaAround two hours of driving, with a briefing about the day and a comfort stop on the way.
- Genoa historic centre and harbourExplore the old town, the cathedral area and the Old Port with the tour leader and some free time.
- Boat to PortofinoTravel by boat along the coast to the small harbour village of Portofino.
- Free time in Portofino and Santa Margherita LigureWalk the harbour, visit the viewpoints, browse the shops and enjoy a seaside break.
- Return to MilanRejoin the bus and travel back to Milan, arriving in the evening.
What's included
- Return coach transfer between Milan and Genoa
- English-speaking tour leader
- Boat trip to Portofino
Not included
- Hotel pickup
- Food and drinks
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Anyone who wants to see it from the water
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 12 hours
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- You get seasick easily
Not suitable for
- Travellers who get seasick, since the tour includes a boat ride
- Guests with limited mobility, because Genoa's lanes and Portofino's paths have steps and slopes
- Anyone who wants a short day, since the tour lasts around 12 hours
Meeting point
The tour starts at a meeting point in Milan, which is shown on your voucher with the departure time after you book. Hotel pickup is not included, so please arrive about 15 minutes before departure. The bus takes the whole group together and the tour leader stays with you throughout the day.
Important information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobbled lanes and slopes
- Bring sun protection, a light jacket, water and a small day bag
- The boat ride depends on weather and sea conditions, and the plan may change for safety
- Hotel pickup and drop-off, food, drinks and tips are not included
- Bring photo ID and your voucher on your phone
- Be back at the meeting points on time, because the bus cannot wait for late arrivals
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Genoa and Portofino day trip cost?
The price depends on the option shown on this page. The booking panel shows the current price for adults and children before you pay.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The tour begins at a meeting point in Milan sent with your voucher, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
How long is the tour from Milan to Portofino?
It is a full-day tour of about 12 hours, including the bus journey, time in Genoa, the boat ride and free time in Portofino.
Is the boat ride included?
Yes. The boat ride to Portofino is part of the tour, together with the bus transfer and the tour leader.
Is Portofino worth visiting on a day trip?
Yes. Portofino is small, so a few hours are enough for the harbour, the viewpoints and a seaside break.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, and there are child rates for ages four to eleven. It is a long day, so bring snacks and consider your child's stamina.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable shoes, light layers, sun protection and water. Bring photo ID and your voucher on your phone.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes when spaces are open. The booking panel shows the dates you can choose, and busy days may sell out early.
What will I see in Genoa?
The historic centre, the medieval lanes, the cathedral area and the Old Port, with the tour leader explaining the story of the city and Columbus.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included, so you can choose your own meal during the free time in Genoa or on the coast.
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