Cinque Terre Boat Tour: Portovenere & Vernazza

Travel from La Spezia to Portovenere - a half hour journey - and learn about the history of the lovely Gulf of Poets. It was so named because of the early 19th-century English Romantic poets who lived here, such as Lord Byron and Percy Shelley. At Portovenere, walk on the seafront that has been a source of inspiration to visitors and artists from around the world. See the famous 'palazzata' with the colorful tower houses. Admire the medieval complex of the Church of San Pietro, famous for its stunning black and white facade.

Then, visit the parish church dedicated to San Lorenzo and then go further up to the panoramic point at the foot of the Doria fortress. Break for lunch (not included) and return to the boarding dock and continue your stroll along the steep and terraced coast of the Cinque Terre up to Vernazza. From the sea, you'll think the village looks like the prow of a ship. In fact, the village is built on a promontory that ends at sea. It is surrounded by imposing fortifications built by the Genoese. On the tour, you will head over to the bay and see the Gothic-Ligurian church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia.

Continue along the bustling main street, through colorful houses connected by bridges and passages. You'll also get to see the ruins of the fortress known as the Doria Castle, which is what makes Vernazza one of the most photogenic villages in Italy. After the visit, free time before returning to La Spezia.