Summary
- 24 or 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour Ticket
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Center
- Traditional Food Tour
- Genoa Old Town 2-Hour Audio Guide Tour
- Aquarium of Genoa Guided Tour
- 1-Hour Segway Tour
- Palazzi dei Roll and Palazzo Reale Guided Tour
- Private Tour with a Local
- Guided Gourmet Food Tour with Tastings
- 24 or 48-Hour Genoa Museum Card
- 2 ½-Hour Private Guided Tour of Music Traditions
- Genoa Street Food Tour with Local Guide
- Guided Tour of Rolli Palaces UNESCO Site
- Triple-Attraction Maritime Experience
- Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Situated on Italy’s northwest Mediterranean coast, Genoa serves as the capital of the Liguria region and is home to nearly 600,000 inhabitants.
This status positions it as one of the ten most populous cities in the country. Furthermore, it is recognized as Italy’s busiest seaport in terms of volume and holds the 12th position overall within the European Union.
With origins tracing back to medieval periods, Genoa emerged as a hub of maritime trade, playing a crucial role in the formation of Italy’s affluent merchant class.
The city boasts a wealth of historical, cultural, and artistic landmarks, many of which are over a millennium old.
Outlined below are 15 recommended tours available in Genoa.
1. 24 or 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour Ticket
Hop-on hop-off tours are increasingly favored by travelers seeking to utilize their vacation time according to their own preferences.
Depending on the selected option, these tickets are valid for either 24 or 48 hours from the moment of purchase.
Tours are conducted on a multi-level bus that provides unobstructed views of many of Genoa’s principal attractions, including Piazza Caricamento Acquario, Via Garibaldi, and the aquarium. Participants have the freedom to disembark and explore the sites that interest them while bypassing others that do not.
Along the route, visitors will enjoy the multilingual commentary facilitated by the complimentary audio guide.
2. 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Center
For those with an appreciation for history and culture, Genoa serves as a remarkable repository best navigated alongside a local guide.
This two-hour walking tour encompasses the city’s historic center, including ancient neighborhoods, elegant residences from bygone eras, and iconic landmarks such as the Opera House, San Lorenzo Cathedral, and the art galleries of Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco.
Commencing in the Old Port area, the tour winds through the intricate maze of narrow streets that characterize the old city, many of which remain largely unexplored by tourists.
This makes it ideal for those wishing to escape the crowds and experience the city from a local’s vantage point.
3. Traditional Food Tour
Like many regions of Italy, Genoa offers a remarkable culinary scene, combining traditional and modern dishes with various international influences.
This three-hour food-centric tour includes guidance from a local culinary expert. Guests will explore diverse neighborhoods, markets, and dining establishments, providing insights into local food, history, and culture.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with locals, dine at their preferred spots, and taste an array of dishes, which may include fresh seafood, pasta, baked goods, artisanal cheeses, coffee, and desserts.
To ensure a fulfilling experience, it is advisable to arrive with an empty stomach.
4. Genoa Old Town 2-Hour Audio Guide Tour
Renowned for its lavish palaces, charming fountains, historic cathedrals, and neoclassical palazzi, Genoa’s Old Town stands out as one of the city’s most magnificent locations.
This concise audio guide tour provides excellent value for individuals who prefer not to be subjected to an overly detailed tour guide for two hours.
Instead of a live guide, each participant receives a portable audio device and headset, which explains the sights at each tour stop.
The journey begins at Piazza Fontane Marose and concludes in the Old Port area.
Key highlights encompass the residence of Christopher Columbus, the Rolli Palaces, and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo.
5. Aquarium of Genoa Guided Tour
Home to more than 10,000 individual animals from numerous land and marine species, the Aquarium of Genoa serves as an excellent diversion for those who may have exhausted their interest in the city’s historical attractions.
As the largest aquarium in Italy, it attracts visitors from both near and far, though it can become quite crowded during peak times.
This tour includes skip-the-line tickets. Participants benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable local guide, who provides valuable insights that may be overlooked by those exploring on their own.
Noteworthy features include bottlenose dolphins, vibrant reefs, jellyfish, and a variety of shark species of different sizes.
6. 1-Hour Segway Tour
While largely recognized for their employment by airport security personnel and mall law enforcement, Segways are also advantageous for visitors who wish to see attractions from street level without exerting excessive energy.
Following a brief instructional session on the operation of the two-wheeled devices, guests and their guide will embark on an exploration of Genoa’s significant monuments, cathedrals, and palaces within the historic center of the city.
Guided Segway excursions are enjoyable, engaging, and informative, catering to individuals of varying ages and fitness levels.
Tours proceed in all weather conditions, thus appropriate attire is recommended.
7. Palazzi dei Roll and Palazzo Reale Guided Tour
Throughout history, Genoa has been home to a prosperous merchant class, with numerous affluent families constructing luxurious residences or palazzi that epitomized elegance for their time.
This guided three-hour tour provides access to some of the most exquisite and royal residences constructed during Genoa’s Golden Century, many of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
These homes typically feature grand staircases, picturesque gardens, and remarkable works of art, inhabited by the city’s most affluent and influential citizens.
While hotel pick-up and drop-off services are not included, tours commence from a central and convenient location.
8. Private Tour with a Local
For newcomers eager to gain an insightful overview of Genoa’s principal attractions, history, and culture, this tour is an exceptional way to allocate a few hours.
Unlike many tours that primarily focus on attractions, this option delves into local culture and the unique aspects of its residents.
Previous participants have described their guides as passionate, knowledgeable, and accommodating, with many stops including some of the city’s hidden treasures.
Tours typically last between two and six hours, accommodating the interests and schedules of the participants, making them ideal for first-time visitors to familiarize themselves with the city.
9. Guided Gourmet Food Tour with Tastings
While Italian cuisine enjoys global acclaim, many visitors are pleasantly surprised to discover that Genoa’s culinary offerings are vibrant and distinct from those found in other cities and regions.
Upon meeting their guide at a designated location, culinary enthusiasts will embark on a walking tour through the city’s exotic and historical thoroughfares.
The tours encompass traditional family-run eateries, contemporary restaurants and cafes, as well as markets frequented by locals for their daily provisions.
Spanning approximately 3 ½ hours, these tours allow participants to sample gourmet pizza, aged cheese, Italian coffee, and delectable desserts while maintaining ample free time throughout the day.
10. 24 or 48-Hour Genoa Museum Card
On a per capita basis, Genoa boasts one of the highest densities of museums globally.
Individuals with a passion for history, art, and culture could easily spend days exploring its museums without exhausting their options. This cost-effective museum card is an excellent choice for those desiring to experience multiple museum visits at their own pace.
The museum cards are valid for either 24 or 48 hours from the time of purchase and provide discounted access to attractions such as Musei di Strada Nuova, Galata Museo del Mare, and Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola, among others.
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11. 2 ½-Hour Private Guided Tour of Music Traditions
From exquisite cuisine and renowned art to historic attractions and stunning natural vistas, Genoa offers something for every type of traveler.
This 2 ½-hour excursion centers on the city’s musical heritage and commences when guests meet their guide in the Old Harbor area.
Tour stops feature locations once frequented by musical greats such as Giuseppe Verdi and Wagner, as well as the site associated with Alessandro Stradella, who was murdered amid a series of scandals involving embezzlement and connections with influential figures also embroiled in affairs.
12. Genoa Street Food Tour with Local Guide
It has been said that without sampling local cuisine, one cannot truly understand a culture.
For those who adhere to this belief, this 2 ½-hour tour of Genoa’s culinary hotspots offers an excellent opportunity.
Starting from the Old Port, tours include visits to notable attractions such as the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and Piazza Corvetto, providing a valuable chance to connect with locals and fellow food enthusiasts from various backgrounds.
It is advisable to arrive with an empty stomach, as participants will have the pleasure of tasting local delights such as fresh seafood, baked goods, pasta with basil pesto, and sweets like canestrelli and gelato.
13. Guided Tour of Rolli Palaces UNESCO Site
During the Golden Century of Genoa, numerous extraordinarily wealthy merchant and aristocratic families resided in opulent homes that starkly contrasted with those of average working-class citizens.
The Rolli Palaces of Genoa stand among the city’s most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Engaging in a guided visit provides inquisitive guests with unique perspectives on the lives led by the affluent elite during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Tours encompass several palazzos, as well as the Bianco Museum, where visitors can view invaluable art, antiques, and household items, while also learning how maritime trade contributed to immense wealth.
14. Triple-Attraction Maritime Experience
Combination tours provide excellent value for those unwilling to limit their day to a single theme in Genoa.
This triple-attraction experience primarily focuses on the maritime history of the city while incorporating elements of commerce, culture, and the natural environment, making it enjoyable for individuals of diverse ages and interests.
Key attractions include the Aquarium of Genoa, the Galata Museum, and the WWII-era submarine S518 Nazario Sauro.
The aquarium experience is a perennial favorite for families traveling with young children seeking constant engagement.
15. Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Despite its lively urban environment, Genoa is remarkably pedestrian-friendly. For those preferring to explore on foot rather than being confined to a tour bus, walking tours present excellent alternatives.
The tours feature significant sites, such as the port and harbor, St. Lawrence Cathedral, and the Academy of Fine Arts. Although entry may not be guaranteed to all locations, participants often discover additional attractions they wish to explore post-tour.
Walking tours cater to enthusiasts of history, culture, and architecture, and are generally suitable for individuals of varying ages and physical abilities.
