Accompanying persons's programme

... "One evening I slipped into the dark lanes that wind down to the waterfront, between very poor houses. But at every crossroad I saw little and richly adorned statues of the Lady, at whose feet silver lamps were burning, between huge bunches of flowers..." * (Joseph Autran)

The Historical Centre of Genoa is the vaster and one of the oldest in Europe. High walls and narrow lanes defend medieval churches and old cloisters where time stands still and noise comes muffled. By exploring it, it will be possible to rediscover the history of Genoa "The Superb", its trades and its secrets, and to taste the typical dishes of the regional gastronomy.

... "Like a dream flows in another dream... so Genoa slopes down to the sea..." * (Paul Klee)

The aquarium of Genoa is an impressive complex: the biggest in Europe and the second in the world for dimensions; in its 50 pits, where more than 1000 animal species are hosted, the marine enviroment of the Mediterranean Sea and of the Oceans has been reproduced in the most perfect respect of the biological balances.

..."All this side of the Italian Riviera is pleasant beyond compare. In a large and deep bay laying in front of us we catch glimpses of Santa Margherita, then Rapallo (...) Having the yacht tacked, it glides close to the rocks and then, by the end of this headland we have just rounded, we suddenly discover a hidden, deep and almost unreacheable inlet, thick with pinetrees, olivetrees and chestnuttrees. A small village, Portofino, spreads like a moon-arch around this calm basin..." * (Guy de Maupassant)

We start from Camogli, a small village of navigators that has remained unspoiled from the times when its brigantines sailed the seas of the whole world. We then reach by boat the wonderful Bay of San Fruttuoso, where the ancient monastery of the Doria family stands out, surrounded by the fishermen's houses and protected by a medieval watchtower. After having tasted the local dishes in one of the many characteristic restaurants, we will reach the Bay of Portofino, with its famous small square and the coloured façades of its houses. There, it will be possible to discover the secrets of the last naval carpenters and the virtuosity of the women making macramé, filet and laces with tombolo. Again by sea, we will reach Santa Margherita, a small town renowned for the grace and the luxury of its shops and its places, and for its precious villas, such as Villa Durazzo.

* free translation