The Italian Riviera: Cinque Terre, Portofino, and the birthplace of pesto.
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Honfleur, Nice +12
Hi - I'm Marianna! I love nature and animals. I'm athletic, but I don't have a favourite sport because I like to change things up and try new activities. The important thing is to be active. I love discovering secret and unknown places, and I'd like to be a citizen of the world to share experiences with friends old and new! As a nature enthusiast, I studied forestry and environmental sciences, and this is what attracts me most about the world: seeking out pristine, wild places and, of course, animals! I love exploring foreign cultures and experiencing them like a local, sharing unique and unforgettable moments! Travel is part of my life; every place I visit is a discovery within me. My favourite destinations: • Asia (Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam) • Africa (South Africa, Zimbawe, Botswana, Morocco, Egypt, Horseback trekking) • USA (Metropolises, itinerant & coast-to-coast trips, Park Tours and Monument Valley) • Europe (Italy, Spain, France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands, Greece) I can help you find exclusive places and unforgettable experiences!
Sanremo, Genoa +3
Hi there! My name is Francesca I’m passionate about arts, languages, and genuine connections. At the moment, I’m majoring in economics and communication for tourism in Lugano, Switzerland. Originally from Sanremo, I grew up on the Ligurian coast, where I lived for 18 years before moving to Turin to start college. I know Liguria quite well—I loved exploring new places there, and I also lived in quite a number of cities while growing up. I love sharing its culture and hidden gems with people who are not yet familiar with this beautiful region. Because I lived in Turin for almost four years during college, I also feel confident in my knowledge of its best local trattorias, must-visit corners and neighborhoods, and how to get the best views of the city’s skyline. Additionally, I’m half-Brazilian on my mom’s side, so I can also provide explanations in Portuguese if needed!
Amalfi, Sorrento +11
5.0(6)Born and raised in Italy's Marche region, I have explored the country from north to south during travels and study periods away from home. I have lived part of my life in amazing cities such as Venice and Bologna, and have visited Rome a lot since I have family and friends there. I am an experienced trip planner for destinations all over Italy, from the breezy Cinqueterre in Liguria down to the sun kissed Amalfi coast. If you want someone to help you with all-encompassing guidance and make the best out of your trip to Italy, I will be most happy to help you!
Latina, Rome +13
I'm Andrea, I have visited over 50 countries around the world. I speak English and Spanish, and traveling has always been my way of truly understanding how places work, not just seeing them. Despite this, Italy remains the place I'm most attached to. I've always lived and worked there, and over the years I've traveled extensively throughout the country: not as a tourist, but by immersing myself in local dynamics, getting to know the people, businesses, and regions firsthand. This is precisely what makes the difference. I've built a solid network of local contacts throughout Italy: entrepreneurs, professionals, and reliable operators, people I've worked with or know directly. These aren't generic suggestions, but real connections. I love Italy because it's incredibly diverse: each area has its own identity, rules, and opportunities. It's a country that can offer so much, but only if you know how to navigate it. I've invested years learning this firsthand, and today I can guide people in a practical, direct, and effective way. In short: I don't just offer advice, but access to a proven local network and concrete knowledge of the area!
Liguria is a slender crescent of coastline where the mountains plunge into the Mediterranean. It's home to the famous Cinque Terre, the glamorous harbour of Portofino, and the historic maritime republic of Genoa. But beyond the postcard views, there's a quieter Liguria of terraced vineyards, hidden fishing villages, and trails that wind through lemon groves. The cuisine is defined by the sea and the hills: pesto genovese made with Prà basil, focaccia di Recco oozing with stracchino cheese, and the freshest anchovies you'll ever taste.
May to June or September to October. The Cinque Terre trails are most enjoyable in spring and early autumn. Summer brings crowds to the coast, especially in August.
The stretch between Sestri Levante and Portofino hides bays like the 'Bay of Silence' that are just as beautiful as Cinque Terre. A local knows the paths and the timing to have them to yourself.
Pesto genovese has only 7 ingredients, but technique is everything. A local can arrange a lesson with a Genoese nonna who still uses a marble mortar and pestle—the only proper way.
Genoa's Rolli Palaces are UNESCO-listed but barely visited. A local will take you through the Strade Nuove system of aristocratic palazzos that once hosted kings and emperors.
Cecilia, a local expert from Genova, shares her honest two-day guide. The caruggi, Monte Fasce, the eastern villages of Nervi and Boccadasse, and what to eat beyond the tourist traps.
Local expert Francesca shares her honest guide to Liguria. Where to go, what to skip, the best restaurants, and why focaccia di Recco beats everything else on the coast.