The ancient port city of Genoa rewards curious travelers with outstanding guided experiences that bring its rich maritime history to life. The best tours focus on three key areas: historic walking routes through the UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli district, hands-on food experiences showcasing authentic Genovese pesto and focaccia, and private cultural tours led by local experts.
I’m particularly fond of the walking tours that wind through the medieval caruggi (narrow lanes), where skilled guides share fascinating stories about Christopher Columbus and Genoa’s powerful banking families. For food lovers, the market-to-table cooking workshops are a fantastic way to learn traditional recipes while meeting local artisans.
Let’s explore the most worthwhile guided tours Genoa has to offer.
Key Points
- Genoa offers a variety of guided tours, including walking tours, food tours, and custom private tours, ranging from 2 to 8 hours in duration.
- Guided tours provide immersive experiences exploring Genoa’s rich history and culture, with small group sizes for personalized attention.
- Culinary tours showcase local delicacies such as focaccia, pesto, and artisan ice cream, starting at around $99 per person.
- Private custom tours allow for tailored itineraries based on individual preferences, with pricing starting from $47.92 per person.
- Artisan workshop tours focus on Genoa’s craftsmanship, allowing participants to engage with local artisans and learn about traditional techniques.
Guided Walking Tour in Genoa
The guided walking tour in Genoa offers visitors an immersive experience exploring the city’s historic old town. Led by local expert Antonio, the 2-hour tour covers key landmarks like the Piazza de Ferrari and Cathedral of San Lorenzo.
Guests can expect to learn about Genoa’s rich history through engaging stories and anecdotes. The small group setting, limited to 15 travelers, allows for interactive discussions and the discovery of hidden treasures and local traditions.
While some reviews note a lack of historical depth and limited stops, the majority of participants praise Antonio’s knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling abilities. The tour also provides an opportunity to sample local delicacies like focaccia.
Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed, and it’s conveniently located near public transportation. Despite a few customer service issues reported, such as guide no-shows and rescheduling problems, the company has demonstrated a willingness to address concerns and issue refunds when necessary.
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Genoa: Guided Gourmet Food Tour With Tastings
Genoa’s rich culinary heritage comes alive on the Guided Gourmet Food Tour. This 3.5-hour experience showcases the city’s historic eateries, modern cafes, and trendy restaurants. Priced from $99 per person, the tour includes at least five food stops featuring local delicacies like focaccia, pasta with pesto, artisan ice cream, and gourmet coffee.
Guests will learn about Genoa’s history and culinary culture from a knowledgeable local guide, available in English and Italian. The tour’s highlights include dipping focaccia into cappuccino and sampling authentic Genoese dishes and beverages.
With a maximum group size of 12, the experience is intimate and family-friendly, even accommodating children under 5 for free.
Positive reviews praise the tour’s quality of food, engaging guides, and overall enjoyment. Specific mentions of guides Marina and Valentina as exceptional further enhance the experience.
Travelers can reserve the tour now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Genoa : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Local Guide
For those seeking a personalized exploration of Genoa’s rich history and culture, the Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide offers a compelling option. This 4.4-star rated tour allows travelers to customize their itinerary based on their preferences, with a knowledgeable local guide providing valuable insights along the way.
With prices starting from $47.92 per person, the tour offers excellent value, especially for small groups. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience provides added flexibility.
While local transportation isn’t included, the walking tour format allows for an intimate exploration of the city’s charming streets and hidden gems.
Reviewers praise the tour’s guides for their warmth, historical expertise, and ability to showcase Genoa’s unique character. However, a few negative experiences have been reported, leading the operator to address customer concerns and demonstrate a commitment to improving the overall experience.
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Genoa: Private City Walking Tour With Guide
Travelers seeking an immersive exploration of Genoa’s thousand-year-old history and cultural heritage can embark on the Private City Walking Tour with Guide. This 3-hour private walking tour allows visitors to discover the city’s significant sites, including the Genoa Cathedral, Doges Palace, Palazzo Ducale, and Strada Nuova.
Along the way, guests will navigate through the charming caruggi (narrow alleys) and small squares, experiencing the city’s rich traditions firsthand.
Priced at $136.55 per person, the tour is available in Spanish, English, and Italian, catering to a diverse audience. With the option to reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can book with flexibility.
The tour includes a certified guide and hotel pickup and drop-off service, ensuring a seamless experience. However, the tour isn’t recommended for individuals with mobility impairments, and comfortable walking shoes are advised.
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Genoa Private Walking Tour With a Local Guide
A private walking tour led by a local guide offers the chance to explore Genoa’s medieval city center intimately. This 141.71 GBP per person experience takes participants through the city’s intricate alleyways, the old harbor, Piazza De Ferrari, the Opera house, St. Lawrence Cathedral, and the Palace of the Doges.
Along the way, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into the city’s rich culture and history, helping visitors avoid tourist traps. The tour includes food, drinks, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance tickets.
While not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for travelers with back problems, the tour operates in rainy weather, with a full refund for exceptionally heavy rain cancellations.
With an overall rating of 3.8 from 4 reviews, the tour offers an engaging experience, though one review mentioned a no-show incident. Feedback is valued to improve the service.
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Genoa: Guided Walking Tour With Visit to Artisan Workshops
Guided walking tours of Genoa’s historic artisan workshops provide visitors an immersive experience exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage.
These tours offer a unique opportunity to witness master craftspeople at work and gain insights into time-honored traditions.
One highly-rated option is the Genoa: Guided Walking Tour with Visit to Artisan Workshops, which lasts approximately 2 hours.
During this small-group tour, you will stroll through the picturesque Old Town, stopping at workshops specializing in metalwork, glassblowing, and other artisanal crafts.
Guests can observe the artisans in action and even try their hand at select techniques.
The tour also includes visits to notable landmarks like the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and Palazzo Ducale.
With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 26 reviews, this guided experience offers travelers an intimate look at Genoa’s vibrant maker culture.
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Genoa Sestiere Del Molo Guided Tour
While exploring the historic Sestiere del Molo district of Genoa, visitors can embark on a guided tour that unveils the area’s rich maritime heritage.
The Genoa Sestiere del Molo Guided Tour takes participants on a journey through this charming neighborhood, starting at the Consorzio Liguria Viamare Whale Watching Ticket Office and concluding at the Christopher Columbus House.
During the tour, participants can expect to discover the district’s architectural gems, learn about its seafaring past, and gain insights into the local artisan workshops.
Priced from $15.97 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
With a 4.0 rating based on one review, the tour offers accessibility features, including wheelchair and stroller access, as well as service animal allowance.
Guests can secure their spot with the Reserve Now and Pay Later option, and additional information is available at the Genoa Porto Antico information point.
The tour starts at 10:00 am, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
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Genoa: Half-Day Guided Walking Tour
This half-day guided walking tour of Genoa offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s storied history and iconic landmarks.
Priced at $225.83 per person, the 3-hour tour is available in multiple languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian.
Beginning at the Palazzo San Giorgio, you will discover the Cathedral of Genoa, the Palazzo Ducale, the House of Christopher Columbus, and the elegant Via Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Along the way, they’ll sample the city’s renowned soft focaccia and enjoy panoramic views from the Spianata di Castelletto.
Although the tour is wheelchair accessible, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera and water, and have a passport or ID on hand.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this guided walking tour presents an excellent opportunity to take in Genoa’s rich cultural heritage.
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Genoa Street Food Tour With a Local Guide
What better way to explore Genoa’s culinary delights than with a local guide leading the way on a Genoa Street Food Tour? For $104.73 per person, this 2.5-hour experience takes you through the city’s historic streets, stopping at various food locations to sample local specialties.
You’ll start your tour at the Molo Ponte Calvi, near the aquarium, at 11:30 am. Along the way, you’ll try fried squids, focaccia, farinata, and savory pastries. For dessert, you’ll indulge in artisan ice cream. Alcoholic beverages are also included.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, you’ll enjoy personalized attention from your local guide, who’ll share insider tips and recommendations. The walking tour includes sightseeing of Genoa’s beautiful buildings and fountains.
According to reviews, the tour offers a delightful mix of delicious food and local culture. As one traveler noted, it’s an easy walk from the cruise terminal, making it a convenient option for visitors.
With a 5.0 rating, this tour is a must-try for foodies exploring Genoa.
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Genoa: Palazzi Dei Roll and Palazzo Reale Guided Tour
Explore the stunning Palazzi dei Rolli, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the opulent Palazzo Reale on this 3-hour guided tour through Genoa’s architectural and artistic heritage.
Priced at €16500 per person, this private group tour is available in English, Italian, French, and Spanish.
Stroll through the Strade Nuove, admiring the sumptuous 16th-century residences that showcase Genoa’s Golden Century.
Marvel at the Baroque and Rococo art inside Palazzo Reale, including over 100 paintings by renowned artists like Van Dyck and Tintoretto.
Your knowledgeable guide will provide insightful commentary on the sites’ history, architecture, and artistic significance.
Discover the public hospitality houses established by the Republic of Genoa in 1576.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers flexibility and convenience.
Rated 5/5 by previous guests, this immersive experience is highly recommended for families and history enthusiasts seeking to explore Genoa’s rich cultural heritage.
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Guided Tour of Genoa
Embarking on a guided tour of Genoa offers visitors an immersive journey through the city’s rich history and architectural wonders.
With a rating of 4.8/5 from 4 reviews, this private tour provides a personalized experience for groups of up to 7 people. Priced at £180.36 per group, the tour includes snacks and entrances to palaces or museums, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of the city.
Guests can choose from convenient pickup locations, including all hotels in the city center, Palazzo San Giorgio, and Piazza Caricamento. The tour concludes at Piazza Raffaele de Ferrari, making it easy for participants to continue their Genoese adventure.
The tour is accessible for wheelchair users, stroller owners, and those with service animals, ensuring an inclusive experience.
Positive reviews from past guests, such as Lois_Z and Raquel_S, praise the knowledgeable guides and their ability to provide a good understanding of Genoa’s rich history and culture.
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Genoa: Private City Tour With a Local Guide
Although Genoa boasts a rich tapestry of history and architectural marvels, navigating the city’s labyrinth of charming alleyways and hidden gems can be daunting for first-time visitors. That’s where the private city tour with a local guide comes in.
Priced from $4727 per person, this customizable experience allows you to explore Genoa at your own pace, with a knowledgeable local as your guide. The tour can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, and you can even arrange for hotel pickup.
The highlights include the city’s main tourist sights as well as its lesser-known gems, all tailored to your personal interests. Your guide will provide insights into local life and culture, and can even assist with booking tickets for any attractions you wish to visit.
While the tour itself is on foot, transportation around the city isn’t included. Overall, with a 4.7/5 rating based on 99 reviews, this private tour offers an immersive and personalized way to discover the enchanting city of Genoa.
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The Sum Up
Genoa offers a variety of guided tour options for visitors, from walking tours to specialized food and cultural experiences. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s historic landmarks, indulging in local cuisine, or discovering hidden gems, there’s a tour that can cater to your interests. With knowledgeable guides and unique perspectives, these tours provide an engaging and enriching way to experience the vibrant city of Genoa.