Fabrizio Lucci
Founder & Tour Guide of Italia Sweet Italia
Fabrizio Lucci
Founder & Tour Guide of Italia Sweet Italia
Price: €3,095
Fully escorted small groups tour up to 12 travelers
05 – 12 October 2025
11-18 October 2026
19-26 April 2026
Embark on an 8-day journey to uncover the heart of Liguria, where the azure sea meets the vibrant tapestry of Italian life. This is more than a tour; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the region’s authentic soul.
Imagine being welcomed into the world of Roberta and Daniela, our passionate local guides (click here to meet them virtually). They, alongside Fabrizio from Italia Sweet Italia, have lovingly crafted this itinerary, a symphony of experiences designed to connect you with the true spirit of Liguria.
Together, they’ve woven a journey that goes beyond the typical tourist trail. You’ll share meals with Roberta and Daniela’s families, explore hidden villages steeped in history, and savor the region’s culinary treasures. Fabrizio’s expertise, combined with Roberta and Daniela’s intimate knowledge, ensures an experience that meets Italia Sweet Italia’s high standards of quality and authenticity.
You’ll explore with a mindful heart, supporting local artisans and small businesses, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. This is your chance to belong to Liguria, to feel its warmth, and to discover its hidden magic
This tour offers a unique blend of immersive local experiences, authentic culinary delights, and the discovery of hidden gems. We are committed to sustainability and social responsibility, ensuring that our journey supports local producers and partners.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Immerse yourself in the heart of Liguria, staying in centrally located hotels in Genoa and Rapallo
- Learn to make authentic Ligurian dishes like pesto with the guidance of local experts and the wisdom of le signore
- Discover Liguria's coastal towns and villages in a way that respects the environment and supports local communities
- Explore the unique "Vertical Genoa" and the picturesque seaside villages of the Italian Riviera
- Enjoy amazing landscapes, from the colorful Cinque Terre to the picturesque Gulf of Tigullio.
- Explore historical sites, including ancient pharmacies, churches, castels and abbeys.
ITINERARY
PM
- Genoa airport pick up at 2:30 pm, transfer to Genoa downtown*
- Check in and relax at your centrally located hotel
- Get to know your local guides Roberta and Daniela and learn more about this 8-day Italian cultural and responsible vacation
- Short visit to the historic center of the city to learn how to go around in the fascinating Genoa
- Genoese aperitif to start getting into the right mood
- Welcome dinner in a traditional restaurant in the heart of Genoa
*For travelers arriving by train, Genova Piazza Principe station is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from the hotel
AM
- After breakfast, we’ll begin our day with a guided walking tour through the historic center of Genoa. Accompanied by our local guide, we’ll wander through the labyrinth of winding alleys and medieval streets, visiting hidden corners, old shops, historic palaces, and churches that reflect the city’s rich art and architectural heritage
- During our stroll, we’ll stop for lunch at Sa’ Pesta, the oldest Osteria in Genoa, where we will enjoy a typical Ligurian dish: “Farinata”, a delicious chickpea pancake that is a staple of Genoese cuisine
PM
- After lunch, we’ll head to a special Gold Leaf Gilding Workshop, where we’ll learn the age-old art of gold leaf gilding. The workshop, led by Master Craftsman Marco, the last remaining gold leaf laboratory in Genoa, will provide an exclusive opportunity to witness the meticulous craft and create our own gold frames as keepsakes
- In the late afternoon, we’ll visit the vibrant Mercato Orientale, a century-old indoor market that showcases the best of Ligurian produce. You’ll have time to explore the market, interact with the vendors, and discover the true flavors of Genoa
- The rest of the evening is free for you to relax, explore more of Genoa at your leisure, and enjoy dinner on your own in one of the city’s charming restaurants. Your guide will be happy to recommend some of his favorite spots for an authentic dining experience
AM
- After breakfast, we’ll take a short walk through a lesser-known part of Genoa, exploring hidden areas that offer a unique perspective of the city. We’ll ascend and descend through its winding streets, admiring the views from different angles
- For an exciting experience, we’ll board a funicular to reach the hill of Castelletto. This ride is part of the Vertical Genoa system, offering a thrilling way to explore the city’s steep landscape
- Next we’ll visit the Antica Farmacia Sant’Anna, a hidden gem on the hills of Genoa. This ancient pharmacy and herbal dispensary, established by friars in the 16th century, has a rich history of plant-based remedies. This peaceful, historical place is often unknown to even the locals and is not found in traditional tourist guides
- Subsequent short walk will bring us to Spianata Castelletto, where we can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the sea. From here, we’ll experience another unique transport method as we descend back to the city center via a Liberty-style lift, offering a charming, scenic descent
- Later we’ll head to a delightful pesto-making class, where we’ll learn how to prepare the iconic Genoese pesto using the traditional marble mortar and pestle. Afterward, we’ll indulge in the freshly made pesto, served over focaccia and paired with a local wine
PM
- Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant, savoring more authentic Ligurian flavors
- The afternoon will be free for you to continue exploring Genoa at your own pace. You can visit the Real Palace near your hotel, shop along Via XX Settembre, or take a stroll through the old harbor area and enjoy a refreshing gelato while gazing at the sea
- In the evening you may experience dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants of Genoa
AM
- After breakfast and check out, we’ll begin our day with a car transfer to Sori, a small seaside village located on the East Riviera, just 15 km from Genoa
- Upon arrival in Sori, Roberta, our local guide, will guide us through this authentic coastal village. We’ll explore its picturesque streets and visit the Baroque Church of Santa Margherita and the old Oratory, soaking in the peaceful, slow-paced life of the area
- Later, we’ll head to Roberta’s family home for a fun, hands-on experience. Roberta, Nonna Tina and mamma Silva will teach us how to identify and use local herbs to prepare the traditional “pansotti” (a type of ravioli). After the pasta-making session, we’ll enjoy a delicious family lunch in the beautiful garden, featuring fresh pasta, local focaccia, and savory vegetable pies
PM
- Following a delightful lunch, we’ll journey to Rapallo. Upon arrival, we’ll settle into our seaside hotel, and then, as the afternoon sun softens, we’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town’s charming center. Starting along the elegant Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, the palm-lined promenade, we’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Gulf of Tigullio and visit the Castle on the Sea, a 16th-century fortress overlooking the water
- We’ll then wander through Rapallo’s Historic Centre, discovering its charming narrow alleys filled with colorful buildings, boutique shops, and artisan stores. We’ll also explore Piazza Cavour, the lively central square, and admire the striking Basilica of Saints Gervasius and Protasius with its bell tower
- For a moment of tranquility, you can stop by the Chiosco della Musica, an elegant Art Nouveau bandstand, or relax in the greenery of the Parco Casale before the evening
- In the evening you may experience dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants of Rapallo. Obviously, your guide will suggest you his favorite places and you could have dinner or aperitivo
AM
- After breakfast, we’ll meet Roberta at the hotel and take a short train ride from Rapallo to the charming village of Camogli
- Once in Camogli, we’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautiful promenade, admiring the colorful, tall houses that the local fishermen used to recognize from the sea. These houses are part of the Golfo Paradiso (Paradise Gulf), a truly enchanting location
- We’ll stop for an authentic Italian cappuccino in the Piazzetta, a picturesque square, before heading to the harbor to soak in the maritime atmosphere
- From Camogli, we’ll embark on a public ferry boat to the hidden cove of San Fruttuoso*, enjoying magnificent views of the Portofino promontory along the way
- Arriving in San Fruttuoso, you’ll have time to visit the ancient abbey, which has a rich history—once a monastery, later a pirate’s den, and eventually the residence of the Doria family. Alternatively, you can relax and take a dip in the crystalline waters of the bay
- We’ll then enjoy a delightful seafood lunch at one of the oldest restaurants in the bay, with a spectacular view over the sea. Here, we’ll savor the delicious specialties, including the famous crispy fritto misto
PM
- After lunch, we’ll set sail again, enjoying panoramic views of the Portofino Promontory as we head to Portofino. Once there, we’ll explore the charming Piazzetta, a hotspot for the international jet-set, and visit the San Giorgio Church, which offers breathtaking views of the area. You’ll also have some free time to explore more, perhaps walking to the nearby lighthouse for stunning views and a drink at a seaside bar
- To finish the day, we’ll return to Rapallo by boat, passing through the beautiful Tigullio Gulf and taking in views of Santa Margherita Ligure
- The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure, discovering more of this stunning Riviera and you may experience dinner on your own in one of the typical restaurants.
*Bad Weather/Sea Conditions
In case of bad weather or sea conditions, the journey will be adapted to take local trains and buses, visiting all the villages except for San Fruttuoso.
AM
- After breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic train journey to Cinque Terre, one of the most breathtaking regions of Liguria. Known as the “Five Lands,” this area is famous for its dramatic seaside villages built on rocky cliffs, surrounded by terraced vineyards and olive groves
- During our visit, we’ll explore three of the iconic Cinque Terre villages, including Manarola and Vernazza, each offering stunning views of the mountains and the sea. We’ll walk through their charming centers, where narrow streets lead to picturesque beaches, hidden bays, and crystal-clear waters
- We’ll then take a short ride on a public minibus up to Volastra, a hilltop village offering panoramic views of the Cinque Terre vineyards and coastline. This is a perfect spot to admire the area’s famous terraced vineyards, where grape varieties like Vermentino, Albarola, and Bosco are cultivated
- Here, you’ll meet a local winemaker who will share the secrets of the “heroic” viticulture in this rugged landscape. After learning about the history and techniques behind these vineyards, we’ll enjoy a light lunch paired with the region’s refreshing white wines and local specialties
PM
- After a memorable experience, we’ll head back to Manarola to catch the train returning to Rapallo, concluding our day in the stunning Cinque Terre
- In the evening you may experience dinner on your own in one of the typical restaurants of Rapallo
AM
- After breakfast, begin your day with a journey into the Ligurian hills, where tradition and nature blend to create some of the finest olive oil in the world. Visit lush olive groves cultivated on historic dry stone terraces and learn about the art of olive oil production. You’ll also explore the local Cooperative’s mission to revitalize abandoned groves and preserve the territory’s agricultural heritage, followed by a tasting of exquisite locally produced olive oil
- Continue your experience with a walk through a hazelnut grove, offering further insight into the region’s diverse farming traditions. By participating, you’ll support the cooperative’s efforts to maintain these groves, and even adopt an olive tree to contribute to preserving this beautiful land
PM
- Afterward, head to Chiavari, where you’ll enjoy an aperitif at the historic Defilla café, experiencing a local tradition of chatting over a Spritz or fine wine in the charming streets of the Caruggio
- We’ll then explore the heart of Chiavari, strolling along Caruggio Dritto, the town’s main historic street, filled with artisan shops*, antiques, family-run boutiques, and delightful patisseries. This sensory journey will immerse you in authentic Ligurian life, offering a true taste of local culture
- In the late afternoon, return to your hotel for some rest and time to pack, before enjoying a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the memories made during your Ligurian journey
*On the second Saturday of each month, you’ll have the chance to experience the antique market, filled with vintage treasures and unique collectibles
AM
- After breakfast departure (normally at 09:00 am) for Genoa airport (around 40 minutes driving from your hotel, so make sure to get a late morning or afternoon flight) or your next destination in Liguria if you want to explore more fascinating places of Liguria or other Italian regions (don’t hesitate to let us know and we’ll be happy to support you to continue your Ligurian and Italian trip)
- For those needing to catch a train to explore further destinations, the Rapallo station is conveniently located just a two-minute drive or a five-minute stroll from the Hotel
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NOTE ABOUT YOUR ITINERARY
Your Itinerary is a guide to your activities during the week. However, sometimes we modify the final itinerary to take advantage of the season and the weather. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has a fabulous time, and that sometimes means tweaking the schedule even after your arrival. Your guide will provide suggestions during the week, and the group will decide if any modifications are desired. Be assured that only enhanced experiences are ever considered.
Suggestions
- Bring sturdy comfortable shoes and a windbreaker as there are short cross-country walks leading to amazing sites and views.
- Along the way you may wish to purchase items from the wonderful artisans and local producers we visit. Remember to leave a little room in your suitcase for this.
PRICE
PRICE PER PERSON
8-day package
5 – 12 October 2025: € 3,095.00*
19-26 April 2026: € 3,245.00*
11-18 October 2026: € 3,245.00*
*Prices are per person and land only, with accommodation in a twin/double room with ensuite bathroom. Airfare and travel insurance are not included. Single occupancy supplement: + € 300.
Click here for exchange rate
- 3 nights in Genoa at Hotel Continental 4* and 4 nights in Rapallo Hotel Miramare 4* or similar (standard rooms for both hotels and rooms upgrade available on request, we may use similar accommodations if needed)
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 full meals (starters, a first or second dish, dessert, water, coffee and locally sourced wine) and a light lunch in selected restaurants, farmhouses, and a bakery based on traditional regional dishes. The other meals are free for you to explore the towns by yourself
- 2 aperitifs (a glass of wine or a cocktail or a beer or a soft drink plus some traditional appetizers)
- 2 guided tastings of wine in Cinque Terre, olive oil and hazelnut, and visits to the producers
- 1 hands-on authentic Liguria cooking class and associated food costs
- Pesto-making experience
- Personalized cooking booklet and apron
- Daily trips, excursions, boat trip and guided tours to Genova, Sori, Rapallo, Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Portofino, Cinque Terre, Chiavari
- All transports for daily trips and excursions in an air conditioned minibus or car
- Pick up and drop off in Genoa airport in an air conditioned minibus or car
- English-speaking professional tour director and local guides as per itinerary
- All taxes except city tax
- We recommend using www.skyscanner.comto check the flights
- Money spent for personal interests
- Snacks/Drinks between meals, or any meals not listed on the itinerary
- Admission to unspecified museums and monuments
- Personal expenses like phone calls, visa costs, laundry or tips
- Travel insurance (not obligatory, but recommended)
- Drinks not listed in the itinerary (an extra bottle of wine, for example)
- The cost of additional excursions or activities
- City tax (at the moment €30 per person for the entire trip)
WHY US?
WE ARE PROUD TO BE LOCAL
- Only 100% authentic experiences
- Deep connections with the people who live here
- We have a passion for our culture and our communities
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME TRIP
- We know how to let you feel that at home
- We keep our groups small to take care of all the details
- Discover our guest reviews on Tripadvisor
SUSTAINABILITY AND PASSION
- We promote the local culture as a sign of responsible travel
- We are focused on preserving our way of life
- We involve small, family-run and passion-driven businesses
FAQ
Italia Sweet Italia (ISI) is a small incoming tour operator specialized in organizing vacations around Abruzzo Italy, our home. ISI is a fully licensed company covered by insurance policy no. 4378340 by Europe Assistance Italia S.p.A. and authorised by the local government to create and sell tour packages from 2011.
Our mission is to show people from all over the world the beauty of Abruzzo and other Italian regions so they can experience our homeland, traditions, arts and folklore in a unique way, also demonstrating the benefits of sustainable tourism to everyone. In order to help you discover everything Abruzzo and other Italian regions have to offer, we organize small groups (up to 12 people) escorted tours including cultural, culinary, active, pottery, Italian language and ancestry experiences. We are happy to create a tailored vacation around your wishes. Our tours provide you with the rare opportunity to be invited into homes and farms, as well as into the daily lives of locals.
ABRUZZO TOURS
Yes, Fabrizio will be happy to guide you to let you discover his Abruzzo although there may always be some unforeseen events that may make it necessary to replace Fabrizio with another experienced and trusted Abruzzese guide who has worked with Fabrizio for many years.
ABRUZZO AND PUGLIA TOUR
Yes, Fabrizio will be happy to guide you for the first 5 days of the tour to let you discover his Abruzzo although there may always be some unforeseen event that may make it necessary to replace Fabrizio with another experienced and trusted Abruzzese guide who has worked with Fabrizio for many years. In Puglia there will be Katia, an enthusiastic local guide who share our philosophy and we prefer to have people that love and know everything (or almost) about their region just like Fabrizio does for Abruzzo. It’s best to have the knowledge of a local to appreciate all that is local. Rest assured that we designed the tour together and Fabrizio has personally met the local suppliers to make sure they share Italia Sweet Italia’s philosophy and style to create new and unique trips to support small local businesses and sustainable tourism.
TOURS IN OTHER ITALIAN REGIONS
No, Fabrizio won’t personally lead these tours. We prefer to entrust our trips to enthusiastic local guides who share our philosophy. While it would be wonderful to have Fabrizio accompany the tour, we believe in giving space to individuals from the area who have a deep love and knowledge of the region. Nonetheless, Fabrizio has worked closely with local suppliers to ensure they align with Italia Sweet Italia’s values and style. This collaboration allows us to create new and unique trips while supporting small local businesses and sustainable tourism.
Here are some general information, please read in the final part of the tour brochure that you can download by clicking on the Download free brochure button (button you will find on the page you are reading) all the details about the pick up time, drop off, the duration of the transfer to and from the hotel and the meeting point which is very simple.
Pick up
For all the small group tours listed in our calendar, the pick up is planned at 12:30 pm on day 1 at Rome Fiumicino airport for tours in Abruzzo and Le Marche, at 2:30 pm at Genoa, Bologna and Palermo airports for tours in Liguria, Emilia Romagna and Sicily, at 1:00-1:30 pm or at 4:00-4:30 pm at Bari airport or Train station for the 7-day Puglia tour (see details in the brochures).
Drop-off
For the drop-off we usually leave the hotel at 9:00 am after breakfast.
Private pick-up and drop-off for group tours
Of course, we are always happy to support you to organize a private pick up/drop off only for you to let you join our small group tours listed in our calendar.
Make sure to arrive at the meeting point on time but don’t get stressed
Please note that all guests joining our tours are responsible for ensuring they make it to the meeting point by the indicated time. Those who are unable to be on time will not be guaranteed a transfer from the airport and will have to seek other arrangements to participate in the remainder of the tour. Anyway, don’t worry, in most cases, there are public buses or trains that connect the airport with our locations.
Private pick-up and drop-off for group tours
Of course, we are always happy to support you to organize a private pick up/drop off only for you to let you join our small group tours listed in our calendar which needs to be quoted as an extra cost.
Connecting to or from another part of Italy
If you are connecting to or from another part of Italy we are happy to assist you in planning your pre and post trip connections. If your planned arrival or departure does not coincide with the specified meeting time we can assist you in booking a private transfer at an additional cost or some extra nights inItaly.
Once a complete booking is made you may also contact us directly for further details and assistance. We are always here to help and have the insider knowledge and on the ground support to ensure you find the best option available to arrive or depart from your tour.
- Our tours are suitable for everybody that travelled enough to know that touristy vacations are just not them and long for more authentic travel, ways to truly experience the culture and people they’re visiting
- Our travellers appreciate la dolce vita and the pleasures of exquisite food, wine, and fellowship with others who share their passions
- Our guests are not afraid to take bold steps…to learn something new…to explore something completely out of the ordinary
- The minimum age for pre-arranged tours is 14 (14-18 accompanied by an adult) with no upper age limit. For tailor-made and private tours any age is fine
- Our tours are perfect for solo travellers (we don’t charge single room supplements for our 7-day tours in Abruzzo), couples, groups of friends and even families are welcomed
- Our guests don’t need to have any experience in cooking or painting or do pottery or speaking Italian to join our tours. Our experienced course tutors will soon discover your level of knowledge and will adapt their approach accordingly
All classes are taught in both Italian and English so you’ll have the opportunity to learn and practice a little bit of Italian
The booking process with Italia Sweet Italia is very simple. All you have to do is follow the 2 easy steps. At any stage you are welcome to contact us and we will help you with any doubts or problems:
- To Pay a deposit of 25% per person by:
- Credit card using the book now button on the tour page
- Bank Transfer to Italia Sweet Italia Holidays S.R.L. Unipersonale
Account number: 1230542024 IBAN: IT41Y0526277910CC1230542024 SWIFT: BPPUIT33
Banca Popolare Pugliese – Società cooperative per azioni Via XXIV Maggio, 25 66054 Vasto (CH) – Italy. Motivation of the payment: Deposit for Tour… to add name of the tour, month and year). Please inform your bank to make it directly in €.
- You pay the 75% balance within 45 days before arrival
You can pay the balance by Bank Transfer or Credit card (you will receive an automatic email from our booking platform).
Tours booked less than 45 days before their start date must be paid in full.
Welcome to Italia Sweet Italia, where each day blends cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and culinary delights. Arriving at Rome Fiumicino airport, our team whisks you away to Sulmona or Vasto amidst the stunning Abruzzo landscape. After settling in, explore at your leisure before a warm welcome briefing with our guide. Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine at local eateries, with flexibility to accommodate preferences. From optional activities to leisurely strolls, every moment promises an unforgettable Italian adventure. Read more
To check the availability of thus tours, please follow these steps:
- Click the green “Book Now” button on the tour page.
- Select your preferred departure date.
- The system will show you the real time availability of the selected date. If the tour is full, it will be stated during the reservation process.
- If you do not find availibility, you can contact Fabrizio at: fabrizio@italiasweetitalia.it or proceed with the booking proccess and sing up to the waiting list.
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Price: €3,095
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