
Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 28 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems worth booking?
Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems is a 4-hour experience in Genoa, Italy, from $400 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 28 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (28)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $400 per person
Discover the jewels of the Ligurian coastline—Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure—on a private tour tailored to your preferences. Begin your journey in Portofino, a favorite of the elite, or the charming Santa Margherita. Stroll through the vibrant Piazzetta, admire historic sites, enjoy breathtaking views, and shop for souvenirs or local treasures like Pesto sauce. Then, relax with a complimentary aperitivo. Immerse yourself in the essence of the Dolce Vita, guided by a local expert. Cruise the picturesque shoreline by ferry between villages, and for those who wish, take a refreshing dip in crystalline waters—don’t forget your towel and swimsuit! Customize your experience with optional culinary activities, including wine tastings and traditional Ligurian cooking workshops. During winter or bad weather, when ferries are unavailable, transportation will be provided by bus or car.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the jewels of the Ligurian coastline—Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure—on a private tour tailored to your preferences. Begin your journey in Portofino, a favorite of the elite, or the charming Santa Margherita. Stroll through the vibrant Piazzetta, admire historic sites, enjoy breathtaking views, and shop for souvenirs or local treasures like Pesto sauce. Then, relax with a complimentary aperitivo. Immerse yourself in the essence of the Dolce Vita, guided by a local expert. Cruise the picturesque shoreline by ferry between villages, and for those who wish, take a refreshing dip in crystalline waters—don’t forget your towel and swimsuit! Customize your experience with optional culinary activities, including wine tastings and traditional Ligurian cooking workshops. During winter or bad weather, when ferries are unavailable, transportation will be provided by bus or car.
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- Transportation
- Private Guide
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Portofino
Prepare to step into the timeless elegance of Portofino, where every corner exudes a sense of history and exclusivity. As you stroll through the iconic Piazzetta, absorb the picturesque views of the marina, where the atmosphere is graced by luxury boats and yachts, a symbol of the elite lifestyle that has long defined this coastal gem. Your local guide will offer insights into the natural beauty that surrounds Portofino, from the lush greenery embracing the village to the captivating scenes of the Ligurian Sea. Embark on a scenic ferry ride along the coastline, admiring the stunning panoramas as you travel from one village to the other.
180 minutes here
Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita Ligure, nestled along the Italian Riviera, invites travelers to a coastal haven where charm and exclusivity converge. Wander through its colorful streets adorned with vibrant facades, taking in the breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea. The air is filled with tempting scents of local culinary delights, creating an ambiance that blends sophistication with genuine warmth. This seaside village offers a unique escape, inviting you to experience coastal living at its finest. Relax and enjoy the soothing ferry ride as you travel back to starting point.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Genoa
For visitors arriving to Santa Margherita Ligure on CRUISE SHIPS, our guide will be waiting at the pier where the tenders disembark holding a sign with agency's name: ODUSIA VIAGGI.
Meeting point
Genoa
For visitors arriving to Portofino on CRUISE SHIPS, our guide will be waiting at the pier where the tenders disembark holding a sign with agency's name: ODUSIA VIAGGI.
Meeting point
Genoa
Meeting point next to the Tourist Information Office and Bus stop. Our guide will meet the guests holding a sign with our agency's name: ODUSIA VIAGGI.
Meeting point
Genoa
This is Portofino iconic central little square. Our guide will meet the guests holding a sign with our agency's name: ODUSIA VIAGGI.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
For visitors arriving to Santa Margherita Ligure on CRUISE SHIPS, our guide will be waiting at the pier where the tenders disembark holding a sign with agency's name: ODUSIA VIAGGI.
Ends at
For visitors arriving to Portofino on CRUISE SHIPS, our guide will be waiting at the pier where the tenders disembark holding a sign with agency's name: ODUSIA VIAGGI.
Ends at
Meeting point next to the Tourist Information Office and Bus stop. Our guide will meet the guests holding a sign with our agency's name: ODUSIA VIAGGI.
Ends at
This is Portofino iconic central little square. Our guide will meet the guests holding a sign with our agency's name: ODUSIA VIAGGI.
Options you can book
Wine Tasting Add-On
Local Wine Tasting: Enhance your tour with an expert-led tasting of three Ligurian wines paired with a selection of local bites. Pickup included
Standard Tour
Pickup included
Olive Oil Tasting Add-On
Discover Italian Olive Oils: Enhance your tour with a guided tasting of Italian olive oils, followed by traditional pasta and a glass of local wine. Pickup included
Pesto Making Add-On
Traditional Pesto Experience: Enhance your tour with a hands-on pesto-making session using fresh, local ingredients, followed by pasta and a glass of wine. Pickup included
Start from Genoa
Pick-up from Genoa: Private panoramic transfer from Genoa (port or hotels) to the tour starting point. Starting point: P.za Vittorio Veneto, 1, 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure GE, Italy Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, ru, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Odusia Riviera
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- During the winter months or in the event of bad weather, when ferries are unavailable, transportation between villages will be provided by bus or car.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 28 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
28 verified traveler reviews for Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Tour of Santa Margarita and Olive Oil tasting and lunch
Allessandra was an excellent tour guide. We had a tour of Santa Margarita and ended up with an olive oil tasting and a delicious lunch. Highly recommend
via Tripadvisor
Tour of Portofino and Santa Margarita.
I could not be happier with our guide Alessandra. She was personable, knowledgeable and very intelligent. I would definitely recommend her! Thank you for a wonderful day! Very educational and fun. Fraser family
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure spending the day you. Alessandra
via Tripadvisor
Meh - there are better places
Guide was great… there just isn’t anything there really worth a guided experience. A minor amount of google and you could guide yourself. The area has a TON of painted facades which in my opinion gave it a fake theme park kind of feel to trap tourists and get their money. I would not call this an authentic experience of Italy. If I were to have a stop here again I’d consider a tour that is out in the country rather than Portofino or Margarita.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review and for taking the time to share your feedback. We're really glad to hear that you found the guiding itself great! I’m sorry to hear that the destinations themselves didn’t meet your personal expectations. The trompe-l'œil painted facades are actually a cherished, centuries-old Ligurian architectural tradition, but we understand that aesthetic tastes vary from traveler to traveler. As tour creators, our priority is always to deliver high-quality, informative, and seamless experiences alongside top-rated local guides. Thank you again for joining us, and we wish you wonderful travels ahead!
via Viator
Well worth it!!!
Alessandra was amazing. Portofino and Santa Margherita were both stunning and well worth the visit. Alessandra was so accommodating and tailored the experience to what the group wanted.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much Richard! It was a pleasure spending the day with you and showing you the beauty of Portofino and Santa Margherita. Wishing you all the very best. I hope your travels bring you many wonderful memories!
via Viator
Beautiful Portofino
We arrived in Santa margherita with a cruise ship and our guide, Francesco, met us right where the tender boats docked. We immediately took a ferry to Portofino, where he gave us a nice introduction to the town, and then gave us a quick tour around the island before we stopped for lunch and some free time for shopping. Upon return to Santa Margherita, he gave us a quick intro to this town too before we stopped for a tasting of local specialties and a beverage. We had a great time with our guide and thoroughly enjoyed our day!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review. We're glad you enjoyed the day in the Riviera, and that Francesco helped make the experience smooth and enjoyable. It was a pleasure having you with us.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $400 to $790
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 10
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Genoa.
How much does Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems cost?
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Prices start at $400 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Genoa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Genoa is not rushed.
Is Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 28 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Genoa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems?
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Around 10 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Genoa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Genoa and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Genoa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Genoa?
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On Outty we rank every Genoa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Rooftop Cooking Class in Genoa: Pesto, Fresh Pasta & Wine, Genoa Small-Group Food Tour with Full Meal & Local Food Expert, Genoa Food, Wine Tasting & History Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Genoa?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Genoa?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems?
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Included: Snacks; Transportation; and Private Guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 31 listed pickup locations in and around Genoa.
What languages is Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems offered in?
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It is offered in German, Russian, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Genoa. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems?
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Across 28 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Portofino and Santa Margherita Private Tour of Ligurian Gems?
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There are 5 options to choose from, including Wine Tasting Add-On, Standard Tour, Olive Oil Tasting Add-On, Pesto Making Add-On. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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