Portofino Boat and Walking Tour With Pesto Cooking & Lunch

Explore the enchanting seaside town of Portofino with our comprehensive boat and walking tour. This 3-hour experience combines scenic waterways, stunning vistas, and immersive culinary delights. From gliding through the harbor to savoring freshly made pesto, you’ll discover the best of Portofino’s natural beauty and rich gastronomic heritage. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises to unveil the essence of this captivating Italian destination. Let’s dive in and uncover the charm that awaits.

Key Points

• A 3-hour immersive experience in Portofino, Italy, featuring a boat tour, walking tour, pesto cooking class, and traditional Ligurian lunch.
• Panoramic views from the Church of Saint Giorgio, showcasing the charming harbor and vibrant coastal scenery.
• Hands-on pesto-making class, revealing the secrets of this iconic Ligurian dish.
• Tasting of renowned focaccia at a local bakery, complementing the culinary journey.
• Waterfront dining with regional flavors, including the signature Trofie al Pesto, enhanced by crisp white wine.

Tour Overview

The "Portofino Boat and Walking Tour" is a 3-hour experience that allows us to discover the charming fishing village of Portofino, Italy.

Priced from $236.16 per person, the tour includes round-trip ferry transportation, a pesto cooking class, and a traditional Ligurian lunch overlooking the water.

With a maximum group size of 6 travelers, we’ll enjoy an intimate experience guided by a local expert.

The tour highlights include panoramic views from the Church of Saint Giorgio, a focaccia tasting, and free time to explore Portofino’s natural park or indulge in gelato.

Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and scenic beauty.

Exploring Portofino by Boat and Foot

Embarking on the boat tour, we’ll glide along Portofino’s scenic harbor, admiring the colorful buildings and yachts that dot the coastline.

Our walking tour will then take us:

1. To the Church of Saint Giorgio, where we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the town and its natural surroundings.

2. Through the charming narrow streets, stopping at a local bakery for a tasting of their renowned focaccia.

3. To a pesto-making class, where we’ll learn the secrets of this iconic Ligurian dish.

4. To a traditional waterfront lunch, savoring the flavors of the region as we bask in the Mediterranean atmosphere.

Panoramic Views From the Church of Saint Giorgio

As we make our way to the Church of Saint Giorgio, we’re treated to panoramic views that showcase Portofino’s natural beauty.

Perched atop a hill, the church offers a breathtaking vantage point over the charming harbor and the surrounding coastline.

We soak in the vibrant colors of the buildings, the glistening waters of the Ligurian Sea, and the lush, rolling hills in the distance.

This tranquil setting provides the perfect backdrop for our pesto cooking class later, giving us a deeper appreciation for the local culture and cuisine we’re about to experience.

Savoring Focaccia at a Local Bakery

After soaking in the panoramic views from the Church of Saint Giorgio, we make our way to a local bakery for a delightful focaccia tasting.

The warm, golden bread is a culinary highlight, offering:

1. A crisp, flavorful exterior
2. A soft, airy interior
3. Aromatic herbs and olive oil
4. A satisfying chew that melts in our mouths.

We savor each bite, appreciating the bakery’s time-honored techniques and the simple pleasures of authentic Ligurian cuisine.

This brief respite fuels us for the pesto cooking class to come, where we’ll learn to craft this regional specialty.

Mastering the Art of Pesto Making

With eager anticipation, we make our way to the pesto-making station, ready to learn the secrets of this beloved Ligurian staple.

Our expert guide walks us through the traditional technique, demonstrating the proper way to grind the basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil into a vibrant, aromatic paste.

As we take turns at the mortar and pestle, we feel a sense of connection to the local culture. The rhythmic motion and the fragrant scents transport us to the sun-drenched terraces of Portofino.

We savor the resulting pesto, appreciating the care and craft that goes into this iconic dish.

Indulging in a Traditional Ligurian Lunch

Fueled by the satisfying pesto-making experience, we eagerly make our way to the waterfront for a traditional Ligurian lunch.

The meal offers a feast for the senses:

1. Trofie al Pesto, the classic Ligurian pasta dish, made with the pesto we crafted just moments before.
2. Crisp white wine, perfectly paired to complement the flavors.
3. Panoramic views of the picturesque harbor, with Portofino’s colorful buildings as the backdrop.
4. Unhurried conversation, savoring every bite and sip as we soak in the ambiance.

This delightful lunch, included in the tour package, is the perfect way to immerse ourselves in the local culinary traditions of the Italian Riviera.

Hiking in Portofino Natural Park and Gelato Tasting

Having savored the delectable pesto-infused lunch, we now have the opportunity to explore the scenic Portofino Natural Park.

With comfortable shoes and a water bottle in hand, we can embark on a guided hike through the lush greenery and stunning vistas. Along the way, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Ligurian coastline.

For those seeking a sweet indulgence, we can cap off our adventure with a scoop of authentic Italian gelato in the charming town square.

This well-rounded experience allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural beauty and culinary delights of Portofino.

Inclusions, Transportation, and Additional Information

The tour includes round-trip ferry tickets from Santa Margherita Ligure, allowing us to conveniently access Portofino by water.

Plus, we’ll enjoy a pesto cooking class, a light lunch featuring Trofie al Pesto, wine, water, and coffee, as well as the expertise of a professional tour leader.

The tour is:

1. Not wheelchair accessible, but stroller accessible.
2. Suitable for service animals, with infant seats available.
3. Requires a minimum of 2 people per booking.
4. Subject to weather, with options for alternative dates or full refund if canceled.

Comfortable shoes, hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle are recommended to make the most of this immersive Portofino experience.

The Sum Up

This immersive Portofino tour offers a delightful blend of sightseeing, culinary experiences, and stunning coastal vistas. From picturesque boat rides to hands-on pesto making and a traditional Ligurian lunch, it’s a well-rounded experience that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re a foodie or simply seeking a memorable day, this tour is a fantastic way to discover the charms of Portofino.