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Italy Bespoke Tours is a boutique travel agency founded by Italian travel designer Fabio Ilardi.
We design custom travel itineraries across the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre, helping international travelers explore Liguria with clear planning and reliable ground support. We organize private driver services, coastal boat tours, guided walking excursions, and hotel bookings tailored to your schedule. With 24/7 local support throughout your stay, we ensure your travel across the Italian Riviera is comfortable, simple, and well-coordinated from start to finish. |
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A NOTE FROM THE FOUNDER
Fabio Ilardi - Founder & Travel Agent
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Having lived in six countries across Europe, Asia, and Oceania, and traveled to nearly fifty more, I bring a global perspective to local travel design.
I understand the standards international travelers expect when booking high-end accommodations, private driver services, and well-organized day tours. The Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre combine steep cliffside villages, terraced vineyards, historic coastal ports, and seaside dining. My focus is simple: to use local knowledge and reliable ground support to build a clear, personal itinerary tailored to your schedule. Consider me your direct contact on the ground, handling all local transport and logistics so you can experience Liguria comfortably. Get in touch to start planning your trip. |
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The Step-by-Step Process
1. Initial Inquiry & Discovery Once we receive your request via contact form, email, or WhatsApp, we will reach out to understand your expectations, preferences, and budget. This discovery phase allows us to design not just where you’ll go, but how you’ll experience the Italian Riviera & Cinque Terre. 2. Preliminary Bespoke Proposal Based on our conversation, we will create a first draft of your personalized itinerary, along with an initial cost estimate. This serves as the creative foundation of your journey. 3. Refinement & Personalization We will review the proposal together and refine it as needed, until it feels just right. 4. Your Journey: 24/7 On-Site Assistance Once we finalize the itinerary together, we will take care of everything for you and remove the stress of having to book everything on your own. We work closely with our trusted partners and arrange every detail for you. We provide all the essential information needed to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. We also include curated recommendations for restaurants and local specialties in each destination and region you’ll visit. During your stay in Italy, you will always have our dedicated support. |
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THE "GETTING AROUND" SOLUTION
Moving around the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre can be challenging for international visitors. Narrow coastal roads, heavy seasonal traffic, and crowded trains or public ferries often lead to unnecessary delays.
We handle all your local transport with a clear, reliable plan built around your itinerary.
Whether you need a private driver service, airport transfers, or a private boat charter, we organize every leg of your trip so you can travel comfortably and on time.
Moving around the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre can be challenging for international visitors. Narrow coastal roads, heavy seasonal traffic, and crowded trains or public ferries often lead to unnecessary delays.
We handle all your local transport with a clear, reliable plan built around your itinerary.
Whether you need a private driver service, airport transfers, or a private boat charter, we organize every leg of your trip so you can travel comfortably and on time.
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Your Italian Riviera & Cinque Terre experience includes:
- ✓ 24/7 Concierge Assistance for any need or emergency
- ✓ Curated Recommendations, from hidden trattorias to exclusive reservations
- ✓ Last-Minute Adjustments, whenever possible
Italian Riviera & Cinque Terre Tour Experiences
Sample multi-day itineraries designed for private travel along the Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre.
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DAY 1 | ARRIVAL ON THE ITALIAN RIVIERA
Your private driver meets you at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport for a scenic coastal transfer across the border to Sanremo, the elegant "City of Flowers" on the western Italian Riviera, about one hour away. Check into your hotel and stroll along the palm-lined Corso Imperatrice promenade. Your local contact can arrange a welcome dinner at a favorite restaurant in town. DAY 2 | SANREMO & THE MEDIEVAL VILLAGE OF DOLCEACQUA A private guide leads a morning walk through La Pigna, Sanremo's medieval old town, a maze of narrow lanes and covered passages climbing the hillside. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church and admire the Belle Époque Casino. In the afternoon, travel inland to Dolceacqua, whose stone bridge was painted by Claude Monet, for a tasting of local Rossese red wine. |
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DAY 3 | ALASSIO & ALBENGA
Travel east along the coast to Alassio, famous for its long sandy beach, the celebrity-signed Muretto wall, and the lively Budello shopping lane. Continue to nearby Albenga, a medieval town known for its red-brick towers and early Christian baptistery, before returning to your hotel in Alassio for a relaxing evening by the sea. DAY 4 | FINALBORGO, VARIGOTTI & THE PORTOFINO COAST Begin the day in Finalborgo, a walled medieval village listed among the most beautiful in Italy, then enjoy lunch by the sea in Varigotti, a former fishing village of pastel houses on a sandy bay. In the afternoon, your private driver continues east to Santa Margherita Ligure, an elegant seaside town just minutes from Portofino, your base for the next three nights. |
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DAY 5 | PORTOFINO & SAN FRUTTUOSO BY PRIVATE BOAT
Board a private boat with an experienced skipper for a day along the Portofino Promontory. Arrive in Portofino by sea, the most beautiful way to see its colorful harbor, and explore the village and Castello Brown. Continue to the hidden Abbey of San Fruttuoso, reachable only by boat or on foot, with time to swim in secluded coves before lunch at a beachside trattoria. DAY 6 | CAMOGLI & PRIVATE PESTO MASTERCLASS Visit Camogli, an authentic fishing village known for its tall pastel houses and pebble beach. In the afternoon, join a local family for a private, hands-on pesto masterclass, learning to prepare true Pesto Genovese with a marble mortar, followed by a relaxed lunch of trofie, focaccia, and regional wines. |
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DAY 7 | SESTRI LEVANTE & TRANSFER TO THE CINQUE TERRE
Your driver takes you south along the coast to Sestri Levante and its famous Bay of Silence, one of Liguria's most romantic bays. Enjoy lunch by the water before continuing to the Cinque Terre. Check into your hotel in Monterosso or Vernazza and enjoy the village in the evening, after the day visitors have left. DAY 8 | GUIDED HIKE ON THE BLUE PATH Walk the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path) with a private guide, from Monterosso to Vernazza, one of the most spectacular coastal trails in Italy. The path climbs through olive groves and terraced vineyards with sweeping sea views. After lunch in Vernazza, take the train to Manarola to watch the sunset over its cliffside houses. |
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DAY 9 | CINQUE TERRE & PORTOVENERE PRIVATE BOAT TOUR
See all five villages from the water aboard a private boat. Your skipper stops for swimming in quiet coves before continuing to Portovenere, a UNESCO-listed village on the Gulf of Poets. Explore its seafront and the Church of San Pietro, then cruise around Palmaria Island before returning to your hotel. DAY 10 | TERRACED VINEYARDS & SCIACCHETRÀ TASTING Visit a family-run winery on the steep terraces above the sea, where grapes are still harvested by hand. Taste local white wines and the rare Sciacchetrà dessert wine, paired with regional products. In the afternoon, explore Corniglia, the quietest of the five villages, perched on a cliff high above the water. |
DAY 11 | DEPARTURE
Enjoy a final breakfast with sea views. Your private driver then transfers you to Pisa, Genoa, or Florence for your departure, or on to your next destination in Italy, such as Tuscany, Florence, or Rome.
Enjoy a final breakfast with sea views. Your private driver then transfers you to Pisa, Genoa, or Florence for your departure, or on to your next destination in Italy, such as Tuscany, Florence, or Rome.
Free Bespoke Quote
We plan custom trips built entirely around what you want to see and do.
Whether you prefer a wine tasting led by a local sommelier, a private tour of a historic villa, or a relaxed day on the water, we organize every detail to fit your schedule. Ready to start planning your trip to the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre? |
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Complete the form on this page and receive your free, personalized quote.
We are not satisfied until you are.
Our philosophy is simple: your happiness comes first.
Unrivaled Support & the “Happiness Guarantee”
Our service doesn’t end once your trip is booked: it’s only the beginning.
While you are in Italy, we remain at your side as a discreet yet constant point of support, available 24/7 (phone, email, or WhatsApp) to handle last-minute changes, secure exceptional experiences, or resolve any unexpected issues. Our philosophy is simple: your happiness comes first. |
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SEASONALITY & PLANNING TIMELINE
Understanding seasonal differences helps you choose the right time to visit the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre and secure your preferred hotels, private boat charters, and guided tours.
We help you pick the best time to travel based on your schedule and handle all reservations well in advance.
Understanding seasonal differences helps you choose the right time to visit the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre and secure your preferred hotels, private boat charters, and guided tours.
We help you pick the best time to travel based on your schedule and handle all reservations well in advance.
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Planning Timeline: Boutique hotels, private drivers, and boat charters across the Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre often book up 6 to 12 months in advance. Contacting us early helps us secure your preferred accommodations and transport before availability becomes limited.
MULTI-DESTINATION SEAMLESS SUPPORT
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Most travelers combine the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre with neighboring regions, such as Milan, Lake Como, Tuscany, or Piedmont.
Moving between coastal villages and major regional hubs requires clear planning and reliable transport. We act as your single point of contact, managing your multi-destination itinerary so every connection is simple and well-coordinated.
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Accredited Travel Agent IATA - International Air Transport Association
Is the Italian Riviera Worth Visiting?
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Yes. The Italian Riviera is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Europe and a highlight of any trip to Italy.
Located in the region of Liguria, in northwest Italy, the Riviera runs along the sea from the French border to Tuscany. It is home to some of Italy's most famous destinations, including Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli, Portovenere, and the Cinque Terre. What makes the Riviera special is its combination of dramatic scenery and authentic village life. Colorful houses cling to steep cliffs, fishing boats fill small harbors, and terraced vineyards and olive groves rise above the sea. The region is also a paradise for food lovers. Liguria is the birthplace of pesto and focaccia, and its cuisine is built on fresh seafood, olive oil, and local herbs. Unlike larger cities such as Rome or Florence, the Riviera offers a slower, more relaxed pace. It is ideal for couples, honeymooners, families, and travelers who want to combine sightseeing, coastal walks, boat trips, and fine dining. For travelers seeking Italy's classic seaside charm, the Italian Riviera is often one of the most memorable parts of their journey. |
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How Many Days Do You Need for the Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera?
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To explore the whole Italian Riviera, from Sanremo to the Cinque Terre, we generally recommend 10 to 12 days. For travelers focusing only on Portofino and the Cinque Terre, five to seven days is ideal.
The Riviera is divided into two coasts. The Riviera di Ponente, west of Genoa toward France, is home to Sanremo, Alassio, Finale Ligure, and Albenga, with long sandy beaches and medieval villages inland. The Riviera di Levante, east of Genoa, includes Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli, and the Cinque Terre. A balanced itinerary might include two to three nights on the western Riviera, three nights near Portofino, and three to four nights in the Cinque Terre. This allows time for boat trips, hikes, food experiences, and simply relaxing by the sea. Many visitors see the Cinque Terre as a day trip from Florence or a cruise ship, but this is rarely the best way to experience it. Day visits are often rushed and coincide with the busiest hours. Staying overnight lets you enjoy the villages early in the morning and in the evening, when they are at their most peaceful. At Italy Bespoke Tours, our most popular Italian Riviera itineraries range between eight and twelve days, often combined with the French Riviera, Lake Como, Florence, or Rome as part of a longer journey. |
Where Is the Best Place to Stay on the Italian Riviera?
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The answer depends on your travel style, and many of our clients choose to combine two or three bases along the coast.
The Portofino area, including Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli, and up to Sestri Levante, offers elegant hotels, refined restaurants, and a sophisticated seaside atmosphere. Santa Margherita Ligure is often our first choice: it is well connected, easy to walk, and just a short drive or boat ride from Portofino. The western Riviera is quieter and less international. Sanremo offers elegant Belle Époque hotels and easy access to the French Riviera, while Alassio is ideal for travelers who love long sandy beaches and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. The Cinque Terre is more rustic and authentic. The five villages are small, steep, and car-free, with charming boutique hotels and guesthouses rather than large luxury properties.
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For travelers who prefer five-star hotels, we often suggest staying near Portofino or in nearby Levanto or Portovenere, and exploring the Cinque Terre with private boats and guides.
What Is the Best Time to Visit the Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera?
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The best time to visit is generally from April to June and again from September to mid-October.
Spring brings mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers along the trails, and fewer crowds than the summer months. It is an excellent time for hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor dining. Summer, particularly July and August, is the busiest season. The sea is warm and perfect for swimming, but the villages and trains can be very crowded, especially during the day. Hotels fill up early, and advance planning is essential. September is often considered the very best month. The sea is still warm, the weather is pleasant, and the grape harvest begins in the terraced vineyards. October is ideal for walking, food, and wine, although boat services and some hotels begin to reduce their schedules later in the month. In winter, many hotels and restaurants close, and boat services stop running. At Italy Bespoke Tours, we generally recommend May, June, and September for the ideal balance of weather, atmosphere, and crowds. |
Do I Need a Car in the Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera?
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For most visitors, we do not recommend renting a car on the Italian Riviera, and especially not in the Cinque Terre.
The five villages of the Cinque Terre are largely closed to private traffic. Roads leading to them are narrow and winding, and parking is extremely limited and expensive, often located far above the village centers. The Portofino area presents similar challenges. The single road into Portofino is narrow and often congested in high season, and parking in the village is very limited. The Cinque Terre is connected by a regional train line between Levanto and La Spezia, with frequent services between the villages. Boats also connect the villages from spring to autumn, weather permitting. However, trains and ferries can become very crowded during the busiest months. For this reason, we generally recommend private transfers for arrivals, departures, and longer journeys, combined with private boats to explore the coastline. Staying in walkable towns such as Santa Margherita Ligure, Monterosso, or Vernazza means restaurants, beaches, and promenades are always within easy reach on foot. In our experience, the Riviera is best enjoyed from the water, on a coastal trail, or from a terrace overlooking the sea, not from behind the wheel. |
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Can You Hike Between the Cinque Terre Villages?
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Yes. Hiking is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Cinque Terre, and the trails offer some of the most spectacular coastal views in Italy.
The most famous route is the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path), which connects all five villages along the coast. The most popular sections are Monterosso to Vernazza and Vernazza to Corniglia, each taking around two hours. The trails are rocky and include many steps, so good walking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended. The famous Via dell'Amore between Riomaggiore and Manarola reopened in 2024 after years of restoration. Access is regulated, and booking in advance is recommended. A Cinque Terre Card is required to walk the Blue Path. Sections of the trails can also close temporarily after heavy rain or for maintenance, so it is important to check conditions before setting out. Beyond the Blue Path, a network of higher trails leads through vineyards, chestnut woods, and hilltop sanctuaries, with far fewer walkers. At Italy Bespoke Tours, we arrange hikes with private local guides, who choose the best route for your fitness level and the day's conditions, and share the history of the terraces and villages along the way. |
What Are the Must-See Places on the Italian Riviera and in the Cinque Terre?
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The Italian Riviera offers a remarkable variety of seaside villages, each with its own character.
Highlights include:
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Together, these destinations showcase the beauty and diversity that make the Italian Riviera one of Italy's most beloved coastlines. |
What Food Is the Italian Riviera Famous For?
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Liguria has one of Italy's most distinctive regional cuisines, built on olive oil, fresh herbs, vegetables, and seafood.
The region's most famous creation is Pesto Genovese, made with local basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano, Pecorino, and Ligurian olive oil. It is traditionally served with trofie or trenette pasta. Liguria is also the home of focaccia. Each town has its own version, from the classic Genoese focaccia to the famous focaccia di Recco, a thin, crispy bread filled with soft cheese. Other local specialties include anchovies from Monterosso, fresh seafood, farinata (a chickpea flatbread), and pansoti, a stuffed pasta served with walnut sauce. The Cinque Terre also produces excellent white wines from its steep terraced vineyards, along with the rare Sciacchetrà, a prized dessert wine made from dried grapes. At Italy Bespoke Tours, we love to include pesto masterclasses, winery visits, and dinners at local trattorias in our itineraries, so you can taste the true flavors of the Riviera. |
Can the Italian Riviera Be Combined With the French Riviera or Other Italian Destinations?
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Yes, absolutely. The Italian Riviera is one of the easiest regions in Italy to combine with other destinations, both across the border in France and throughout Italy.
The French Riviera – Sanremo is only about one hour from Nice and even closer to Monaco and Menton. Many of our clients fly into Nice, spend a few days on the Côte d'Azur, then continue along the coast into Italy with a private driver. The border crossing is seamless, and the drive is short and scenic. Lake Como and Milan – Lake Como is around three hours from the Riviera by car, and Milan around two to three hours, depending on which part of the coast you visit. Combining the elegance of the lakes with the drama of the sea is one of our clients' favorite pairings, and Milan's international airports make it a convenient start or end point. Florence and Tuscany – Florence is around two hours from the Cinque Terre. On the way, you can stop in Lucca or Pisa, or continue to the Tuscan countryside for a few days among vineyards and hill towns. Rome – From Florence, the high-speed train reaches Rome in about an hour and a half. A route from the Riviera through Florence to Rome is a natural way to end a trip, with plenty of direct flights home from Rome. |
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Venice – Venice is easily reached by high-speed train from Milan or Florence, in a little over two hours from either city.
How we make it seamless: we plan open-jaw flights (for example, arriving in Nice and departing from Rome), so you never backtrack. We combine private door-to-door transfers with first-class high-speed trains where they are faster, and coordinate every hotel, guide, and connection. Some of our most popular routes include:
As a local travel agency based in Como, Italy Bespoke Tours specializes in designing seamless itineraries that combine the lakes, the coast, and Italy's great cities into one unforgettable journey. |
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ITALY BESPOKE TOURS SRLS
Via dei Mille 13, 22100 Como, Italy
+39 351 339 9365 | info@italybespoketours.com
Business VAT Registration: 04005400132 | Nobis Assicurazioni Spa n. 202505812 | REA MB-2648694
ITALY BESPOKE TOURS SRLS
Via dei Mille 13, 22100 Como, Italy
+39 351 339 9365 | info@italybespoketours.com
Business VAT Registration: 04005400132 | Nobis Assicurazioni Spa n. 202505812 | REA MB-2648694