Santa Margherita | Tuesday, May 22, 2018

A Day in Cinque Terre

Duration: 7:45am - 4:15pm

Hike to Portofino

Meet your guide at Santa Margherita pier and board a minivan for a ride up to Nozarego, where you will set out on a hike to beautiful Portofino. The path leads through the Mediterranean flora, vineyards and olive groves. At Molini, stop at a restored olive oil mill, which now houses a small museum in one room and a café. Enjoy a sample of local white wine with a slice of focaccia bread before continuing your hike past elegant villas nestled among luxurious tropical plants and olive trees. Upon reaching Portofino, you’ll have some free time before boarding the minivan for the ride back to Santa Margherita. Guests can also choose to stay in Portofino and return to the pier at their leisure. Athletic clothing and hiking shoes are suggested. Lunch is not included, but will be available in Portofino or aboard the Seabourn Odyssey.

Duration: 8:30am - 12:15pm

Camogli, San Fruttuoso & Portofino

Board a private boat and set out to explore the history and culture of this region of the Italian Coast. Your first stop will be
in the little Bay of San Fruttuoso, famous for its 10th-century abbey—the ancient residence of the Doria family. The fascination of San Fruttuoso village lies in the architectural
value of the abbey and church, as well as in its splendid natural surroundings. The cliffs encircling the inlet, the small beach, the rich Mediterranean vegetation and the almost unreal absence of
vehicles create a truly unique and enjoyable atmosphere. Enjoy the view while staying on the boat for 10 minutes inside the bay. Continuing up the coast, you will arrive at Camogli, a small, typical fishing village, once the site of bustling shipyards that helped build one of the world's greatest merchant fleets. Camogli's original medieval setting was centered around the local parish church, located on an island that was completely detached from the mainland. Today, this island is connected to the mainland by a small square, surrounded by colorful buildings and one of the most beautiful Baroque churches along the Italian coastline. Here, you will take a guided walking tour through the village, and enjoy some free time. Then you will proceed on the motorboat ride to Portofino. With your guide, you will take a short stroll through Portofino to the Church of San Giorgio and enjoy some free time to browse on your own before you return to Santa Margherita. 

Please note: If weather conditions prevent the visit to Camogli, time in Rapallo will be substituted. Comfortable attire is suggested, along with flat shoes for walking. Lunch is not included, but will be available in Portofino or aboard the Seabourn Odyssey.

Duration: 8:45am - 1:45pm

Splendido Olive Oil Tour

Meet your guide in Santa Margherita and drive to the Splendido Hotel, where you can experience the cuisine of this world-famous hotel -- a magnificent landmark that overlooks the picturesque harbor of this tiny resort enclave. Favored by the rich and famous, the hotel is known for its superb dining. Seabourn has arranged for the maître d'hôtel to meet with you privately and explain the many uses and varieties of olive oil. Each guest will have a chance to try the different kinds of olive oil presented, and learn how each is used in the preparation of delicious Italian dishes. A bruschetta snack will be served at the table, then a lunch of traditional trenette with pesto sauce, grilled sea bass with pine nuts and black olives, olive oil sherbet and coffee. White wine and mineral water will be offered, and coffee is served. You will then have approximately 30 minutes of free time in Portofino village before you return to Santa Margherita. Comfortable attire is suggested, along with flat shoes for walking. Lunch will be provided at the Splendido Hotel.

Duration: 12:00pm - 3:30pm

Portofino on Own

For those wishing to explore Portofino at their own leisure, a shuttle boat will be provided. The pick-up and drop-off point in Santa Margherita is located on the same pier of the ship tender and the drop-off and pick-up point in Portofino is located at the tendering pier area of the village. The boat will run
approximately every 60 minutes from each location. Please
refer on-board for the precise service schedule and for the last run.

The small fishing village of Portofino can be easily navigated from the harbor. Via Roma is the main shopping street, filled with a variety of boutiques, and the pretty Piazzetta close to the harbour is lined with cafes and restaurants, which are ideally located for a relaxing drink as you watch the boats come and go. A series of steps from the harbor leads up to a look-out point with fantastic views back over the bay. You can reach Saint George Church or even push you forward to the Lighthouse to capture the most inclusive views of this world-famous destination.Timing will be provided closer to the trip. Comfortable attire is suggested, along with flat shoes for walking. Lunch is not included, but will be available in Portofino or aboard the Seabourn Odyssey.

Duration: 8:30am - 4:30pm

Walking Tour of Portofino with Visit to Brown Castle

After a 30-minute motorboat ride you will arrive at the picturesque, half-moon shaped seaside village of Portofino. On arrival, your guide will take you on a walking tour to Castle Brown, an old fortress that has been turned into a museum.
With its Mediterranean gardens rich with flowers and pergolas combined with a stunning view over the bay, you will appreciate why it is a beautiful venue for weddings. Castle Brown has a long history of legendary events and famous guests include Marilyn Monroe. From the castle, you will continue to the
Church of St. George where the bones of the dragon-slaying saint are buried before concluding the tour with some time at leisure at the charming Piazzetta before you return to Santa Margherita.Comfortable attire is suggested, along with flat shoes for walking. Lunch is not included, but will be available in Portofino or aboard the Seabourn Odyssey.

Duration: 9:00am - 12:30pm

Half Day Tour to Genoa

Discover Genoa's lively inner city on a guided walking tour through its cultural and historic highlights. Begin with a stroll through Caruggi, the medieval center, the largest of its kind in Europe. De Ferrari Square bustles with activity. It is surrounded by public buildings, the 19th-century Stock Exchange, and the Neo-classical opera house. Continue to the ancient harbor front, newly transformed into an exuberant center of shops, eateries and attractions. Proceed to Caricamento Square for views of
the 13th-century St. George Palace, then see the little house where Columbus spent his childhood. You will pass by other highlights include the Palazzo Ducale, once used to house the courts, and the Loca Chiesa del Gesu, a Jesuit church, both constructed in the 16th century. The church contains two paintings by renowned artist Peter Paul Rubens. Finally, see the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo before enjoying free time to browse the fashionable boutiques and cafés. Comfortable attire is suggested, along with flat shoes for walking. Lunch is not included, but will be available in Genoa, upon arrival back to Santa Margherita or aboard the Seabourn Odyssey.

Duration: 8:30am - 1:00pm

Santa Margherita on Own

Guests will be able to leisurely disembark the ship and explore the town of Santa Margherita on their own. This quaint town is
a combination of new and old. On any given day you can still
find local fishermen unloading their daily catch, with a backdrop of yachts and sailboats.

You will want to visit the Santa Margherita Ligure Castle, which has a wonderful view of the city. Then make your way to the beautiful Villa Durazzo and stroll the breathtaking grounds. If you're lucky, you may also hear opera being practiced. In the afternoon, shops will be open and you can wander the streets of the main shopping area of Santa Margherita. Or take a walk along the palm lined harbor, filled with restaurants, cafes and gelaterie, selling delicious gelato, wander through the marina or enjoy the small-town beach. Italy is full of monuments, but Santa Margherita has a few that shouldn’t be missed. It’s worth visiting Vittorio Emanuele Monument and the Christopher Columbus Fountain. You can also check out the infamous carousel and the Italian Navy Ships while you’re at it! Lunch is not included, but will be available in Santa Margherita or aboard the Seabourn Odyssey.

Duration: 8:30am - 4:30pm