The Italian Riviera

A One-Week Stay on the Ligurian Coast

9 days from $4,790 Includes $250 special savings

Special air rates available

June 10–18, Sept. 2–10, Oct. 21–29, 2023

Stretching along the Mediterranean and dotted with jewel-like villages, the rugged Ligurian Coast is known as the Italian Riviera. From your base in Sestri Levante, spend a delightful week soaking up the culture and ambiance of northwestern Italy. Explore warm-hued coastal villages from Santa Margherita to Cinque Terre, and go on excursions to historic sites in nearby Tuscany and Piedmont. Between wine tasting, a cooking class, and walking tours, enjoy free time to discover the spectacular Italian Riviera on your own.

Highlights Include

Sestri Levante: Settle into the gem-like town of Sestri Levante, perched on a narrow peninsula. In your free time, relax on the beaches that edge the town, stroll past coralcolored houses along the Bay of Silence, and watch the sunset from the rooftop lounge of your elegant hotel.

Sailing the Italian Riviera: Cruise to the glitzy resort town of Portofino by boat and enjoy time at leisure to explore. Then sail into the sheltered harbor of beautiful Santa Margherita for a walking tour.

Lucca and Carrara: Travel into Tuscany and take a walking tour of the walled city of Lucca. See carvings by 13th-century sculptor Nicola Pisano at the Duomo di San Martino, and enjoy free time in this enchanting town. At the quarries of Carrara, where Michelangelo sourced his marble, see artisans at work at a privately owned quarry.

Piedmont Wine Region: Venture into the vineyardcovered hills of Piedmont, a World Heritage site, and enjoy lunch and wine tasting at the Castle of Tagliolo, where wines have been produced for centuries.

Cinque Terre: Experience the dramatic Cinque Terre, where steep coastal slopes shelter five picturesque villages. Take a walk in Portovenere and Manarola, and ride a boat to Vernazza for a traditional seafood lunch at a trattoria.

Local Experts: Delve deeper into the art history, geography, current events, and cuisine of the Italian Riviera during presentations—and a tasting—led by local experts.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Janetta Benton (June)–professor and author with expertise in art history. Sanjaya Thakur (Sept.) and Glenn Bugh (Oct.)–experts in the classics.