Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch in Genoa, Italy
Genoa, Italy

Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch

Outty Ranking 82 4.9 · 134 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $257
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Outty Ranking

82/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 134 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch worth booking?

Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch is a 3-hour experience in Genoa, Italy, from $257 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 134 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
82 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (134)
Duration
3 hours
From
$257 per person

Breathtaking sights of the Italian Riviera’s coastline from Santa Margherita to Portofino. Appreciate the wonder of this little hidden gem with a certified guide. Learn how to make pesto the traditional way and enjoy a light lunch at a waterfront restaurant.

What you get

    About this experience

    Breathtaking sights of the Italian Riviera’s coastline from Santa Margherita to Portofino. Appreciate the wonder of this little hidden gem with a certified guide. Learn how to make pesto the traditional way and enjoy a light lunch at a waterfront restaurant.

    What's included

    Included

    • Tasting of the unforgettable Focaccia
    • Pesto cooking class
    • Professional tour leader
    • Light lunch in Portofino on the harbour
    • Round-trip ferry boat tickets from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino

    Not included

    • Transportation to/from meeting point
    • Everything not listed in "Inclusions"

    What you'll see and do

    1. Santa Margherita Ligure

      Meeting in the morning with our professional tour leader in Santa Margherita Ligure near the ferry boat pier and enjoy the unforgettable Italian Riviera coast on the way to Portofino. The colors of the painted facades, the blue of the sea and the green of the mountain, will accompany you along this pleasant tour until the famous “Piazzetta”.

      30 minutes here

    2. Portofino

      Portofino is such an iconic place with its rows of painted houses curving around its famous Piazzetta. This part of the Mediterranean is one of the most renown tourist resorts in the world today. Every year Portofino attracts thousands of travelers from all over the world.

      120 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Genoa

    Meeting point is in Santa Margherita Ligure just in front of the Ferry Boat pier. Address is: Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 1 City: Santa Margherita Ligure The tour leader will be holding a sign saying "EXPERIENCE MY PORTOFINO"

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The tour ends in Portofino. You will receive a round-trip ferry boat ticket to come back to Santa Margherita in the same day at your own preference

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Experience My Portofino

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • A minimum of 02 people per booking is required
    • Subject to favorable weather and sea conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
    • Ferry boat tickets are included and will be collected at the meeting point on the day of the tour
    • Family friendly
    • Comfortable shoes, hat sunglasses are recommended witha bottle of water
    • Light lunch includes the traditional Trofie al Pesto, a glass of wine, water and coffee
    • Lunch is suitable for vegeterians
    • The tour ends in Portofino. You will receive a round-trip ferry boat ticket to come back to Santa Margherita in the same day at your own preference

    Photos

    Portofino view, Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch in GenoaPortofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch in Genoa, photo 3Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch in Genoa, photo 4Ferry boat, Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch in GenoaPesto cooking, Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch in GenoaPortofino, Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch in Genoa

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 134 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    6 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    134 verified traveler reviews for Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    124
    4 star
    4
    3 star
    4
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    florenceh667 · October 2026

    Lovely experience

    Great experience with Nicoletta. Meet up was easy and shared a lovely day on the boat ride and learning about the history of Portofino before pesto pasta making

    via Tripadvisor

    Scott_F · September 2026

    We had the best day on...

    We had the best day on our tour. It was a lovely ferry ride to Portofino and we learned a lot about the town as we walked around. Making the pesto was so much fun and it was amazing to eat the fruits of our labor.

    Response from the operator: Thank you Scott, it has been a pleasure having you two and your friends with us in Portofino.

    via Viator

    I3005EHadamb · July 2026

    A perfect balance for history cooking and connecting

    This was a highlight of a cruise vacation. Francesca was frendly, kn wledgeble and took care of every detail. We appreciated the personal tour, her lives experience and the pesto making experience followed by a tasty pasta lunch. Our son enjoye this experience and was our pesto chef. We appreciates the history the views and the experience of this tour. Would 10/10 recommend. Thank you Francesca for helping make this trip so special.

    Response from the operator: Thank you guys, we spent a lovely morning together!!! Hope to see you again in order to tailor some unforgettable tasting tour for your experienced palates! Arrivederci. Francesca

    via Tripadvisor

    saltydianne · July 2026

    Perfect Portofino tour with Francesca

    Francesca met us on time in Santa Margherita ferry. She shared all of her local knowledge about the area and history. It was like having a best friend show you around! We walked around Portofino and many points of interest we never would have found on our own! The tunnel with the cold air! She showed us all the best photo places and let us take our time and enjoy the beautiful historical port. We had the most amazing pesto making at a fantastic restaurant! We chose our lunch and finished our homemade pesto. She treated us like family. It was myself and 2 adult daughters. This was the best part of our Italy trip. We booked the 10:00 am tour and upon arriving in Portofino it was not crowded. Book this tour and ask for Francesca. Thank you for a great day.

    Response from the operator: Dear Dianne, Thank you for your kind review! It was such a pleasure spending the day with you, Kim, and Kellyann. I still smile thinking about your faces when the cool air suddenly came through the secret tunnel—that was such a fun moment! I'm so happy you enjoyed discovering Portofino and sharing the pesto-making experience with me. It was a joy meeting your family, and I hope to see you again someday. Wishing you many more wonderful travels together! Warmly, Francesca

    via Tripadvisor

    Scott_F · June 2026

    Awesome local private guide!

    Gabriel was so great. This was the best tour of our vacation - he knew all of the locals, and shared so much interesting history. We noticed other people around us listening to him as he clearly knew what he was talking about. I did t realize he would be teaching us the pesto making, that was amazing too. I would do this again for sure!

    Response from the operator: Hi Scott, thank you very much for your review! Gabriel

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    47
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Why this scores 82

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)87
    Booking momentum (14% weight)85
    Value for money (12% weight)58
    Listing quality (10% weight)62
    Local standing (8% weight)70
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Genoa.

    How much does Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch cost?

    +

    Prices start at $257 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 Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 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 Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 134 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 Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch?

    +

    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 Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch?

    +

    Around 47 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?

    +

    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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch?

    +

    Included: Tasting of the unforgettable Focaccia; Pesto cooking class; Professional tour leader; Light lunch in Portofino on the harbour; and Round-trip ferry boat tickets from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino. Not included: Transportation to/from meeting point; and Everything not listed in "Inclusions". Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch?

    +

    Meeting point is in Santa Margherita Ligure just in front of the Ferry Boat pier. Address is: Piazza Martiri della Libertà. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. 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 Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch?

    +

    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 Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch?

    +

    Across 134 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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