Rapallo & Pesto Tasting

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

One of the best ways to get to know a city's culture is a tour of its most fascinating sites and a sampling of its cuisine. Enjoy both during this comprehensive tour that takes you to the village of Rapallo. Perched on the Riviera di Levante (Italy's Riviera), this charming seaside hamlet dotted with palms and a seafront lined with hotels is the perfect getaway for history buffs, gourmands and inquisitive travelers alike. So get ready to set your sights and camera on the magnificent landmarks that help define Rapallo.

To thoroughly enjoy your excursion it's best to wear comfortable shoes and to bring a camera to preserve the everlasting memories you'll make today.

After boarding your coach at the pier you'll travel south to Rapallo. Settled in antiquity Rapallo's fabled history includes one of the most celebrated events in military warfare. According to legend, Hannibal crossed a nearby Roman bridge during his invasion of Italy in 218 B.C. While the truth may be lost in time it is a fact that an invasion of literary giants in the early 20th century placed Rapallo firmly on the map: Ezra Pound, D.H. Lawrence and Ernest Hemingway visited the area and fell under the spell of Rapallo's charm.

About 45 minutes later, you'll arrive in Rapallo, disembark and set out on a guided walking tour of the village. As you walk past glitzy, up-scale shops and quaint pastel-colored 300-year-old buildings it may be hard to believe that this quiet town was the scene of a fierce attack in the 16th century. The castle, located on a rocky base at the edge of the sea, was the town's only defense against Barbary pirates. The buccaneers may be long gone but the views and fresh ocean air still remain.

By now you may have worked up an appetite so you'll stop at an ocean front venue for a tasty slice of focaccia bread, a regional specialty. Breathe in the scent of olives and aromatic herbs as you gaze out to sea and anticipate your next activity: shopping! Following your snack, you'll have free time to browse the many shops, take more photos or just people watch.

Then, you'll climb back aboard the coach and drive to a local restaurant for a delightful Ligurian snack of handmade pasta and pesto.

Finally, at the end of this unique adventure, sit back, relax and savor the wonderful panoramic views as you return to port.

Special Notes:

Please note, free time may be modified to adhere to local regulations and guidelines for COVID 19 protocols.

Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.