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Get acquainted with Genoa's aqua culture with a tour of its huge aquarium, one of the largest in Europe. More than 12,000 specimens of over 500 species call the Genoa Aquarium their home. With one million gallons spread out over seven acres, it's the perfect venue to get lost and find yourself face-to-face with fish in all shapes, sizes and colors as well as dolphins, penguins, sharks, manatees, jellyfishes and other sea creatures.

So put on your walking shoes, grab the family, and bring your camera as you set off to discover Acquario di Genova, one of Genoa's hidden treasures.

The fun begins when you meet your guide at the pier and travel by motorcoach to the old harbor, or "porto antico" at the site of the Genoa Expo '92, an international event timed to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Discovery of America by the Genoese explorer Christopher Columbus. Along the way your guide will point out areas of interest and share his knowledge of Genoa's history and culture.

Once your reach the Genoa Aquarium you'll have the opportunity to set your own pace and walk through at your leisure. Touch tanks, hands-on exhibits and creatures from the different ocean bodies around the world all add to the fun.

With so much to see and do where do you begin? You may wish to start at the ancient pier that occupies almost the entire wall behind the reception area and proceed to jellyfish, manatees, tiger sharks, and penguins in their natural environments, and the tactile tanks, where you can carefully touch fascinating sea critters like stingrays. Stroll over to the "Acquariologia" for a look at the dolphins against the backdrop of city views.

But there's more to the Genoa Aquarium than marine life. The underwater environments of the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and Madagascar have been recreated, along with the tropical rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. And the hummingbird sanctuary and a biosphere that contains a tropical garden are also must-see sights.

At the end of your visit, you can browse the shops that line the newly renovated harbor then rejoin your coach for the short drive back to your ship.