Romance on the Italian Riviera: Getaway Tour for Couples

What to expect on this itinerary
Romance and beauty are inseparable from the land and seascape of the Italian Riviera as tradition, culture, charm, and luxury emanate from castle ruins and villas. Café tables decorate cobblestone streets beneath the starlight as sailboat masts sway in the wake of the calm harbors. The scents of strawberry and orange trees accentuate the luscious, secluded countryside as vineyards overtake terraces that are spread along the steep cliffs and ceramic tiles shimmer on historical promenade walls in the sun. Your customizable couple’s tour will encompass both the Riviera delle Palme and the Riviera dei Fiori, for a romantic experience cast in passionate discovery.
Customizable Itinerary
Albissola – Arrive in Genoa and Venture to the Coastal Village of Albissola
The Alps and the Apennines slope down into the Mediterranean and shape the daily life and landscape of the Italian province of Liguria. Gardens and farms overtake the steep terraces and fishing villages that are set along the secluded promontories. The Italian Riviera stretches from the French Border to the edge of the Ligurian border and has towns with medieval charms, brightly painted homes, and romantic hints of the former wealth and prestige of the Genoese Republic. Your flight will land at Cristoforo Colombo Airport in Genoa where your private transfer will collect you both. You will first venture west towards the French border and arrive in the town of Albisola.
Albisola rises out of the steep slopes of the mountains with red-tiled roofs and bleached-white facades. The 12th-century ruins of Il Castellaro add a storybook atmosphere to the stunning setting as the ruins of Roman villas speckle the banks of the Sansobbia Stream. The castle’s outer walls resemble a ship set atop an artificial cave where sentries once stored powder kegs. A narrow, underground passage connects the castle to the old Roman villa, and the town has an enchanting and artistic atmosphere that welcomes you immediately into the hinterlands. You will arrive at the comforts of your luxurious 18th-century villa set between the turquoise Mediterranean Sea and an elegant country garden that is blossoming with bright flowers.
What's Included:
Albissola – Discover the Charms of Medieval Villages on the Coast and Hills
Albissola – Continue your Exploration of the Romantic Towns of the Riviera
Monterosso – Wander Genoa and Historic Towns en route to Cinque Terre
Monterosso – Delight in a Tour Guided by a Local to Traverse Famous Trails
Monterosso – Enjoy a Wine and Food Tasting Followed by a Cooking Class
Monterosso – Travel by Boat to Visit the Villages and Towns of the Riviera
Monterosso – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Discover the preserved medieval villages along the Italian Riviera to immerse yourself in romantic storybook ambiance
- Explore the treasured coastline of the Cinque Terre on a private boat that will connect you to hidden coves on route to Portofino, and Portofino National Park
- Indulge in the thriving landscape with a private tour, led by a local guide, to taste the tender wild and harvested produce, including locally made wines
- Learn about traditional provincial cuisine after an intimate couple’s cooking class taught by a private chef
- Wander the trails of Cinque Terre for unparalleled panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea and the secluded medieval villages
- Traverse the cobblestone lanes and ancient piazza of Finalborgo, a gorgeous town known for its fortified walls and castle ruins
- Bask in the beauty of the colorful houses and pebbled beach of Camogli as an introduction to the charms of Cinque Terre
- Relish uninterrupted time lounging on the beaches, lingering in cafes and delighting in enchanting ambiance with your partner on the Italian Riviera
Detailed Description
Refined beaches with rich forests combined with captivating villas with charming fishing villages assure the perfect recipe for romance. Your 8-day custom-tailored vacation to the Italian Riviera will immerse you as a couple into luxury set inside the rich history of the Ligurian coastline. Whether strolling across unique medieval bridges or enjoying an incredible view from the top of a plateau, you will share unforgettable pleasures together that you will never forget. The journey will begin with your arrival in Genoa, the capital of Liguria and home of the former grand Genoese Republic. Your private transfer will meet you at the airport and escort you west to the town of Albissola, which stands between the hills and the sea. After you settle in, you will enjoy a marvelous introduction to your Italian vacation with a romantic dinner with a view of the water.
The next day, you will venture out with a private guide to discover the beautiful historical villages of the Italian Riviera. See the famous arching bridge at Dolceacqua and wander the narrow streets of Finalborgo. The next day will give you the same marvelous freedom of discovery along the Riviera delle Palme. Visit the artistic town of Albenga and wander along the narrow lanes of Apricale. Your private transfer will then meet you the next day to escort you to Genoa for a private tour of the city’s elaborate past.
Outside of Genoa, you will stop in the town of Camogli to enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the fishing village before you reach Monterosso. The next day, your local guide will meet you at your hotel eager to introduce you both to the magnificent trails of Cinque Terre, which connect the five villages both along the coastline and over the hilltops. Continue as your guide will lead you along the terraces that contain the gardens, farms, and vineyards of the province to learn about the history of production and taste the flavors enriched by the seaside soil.
Sample a list of wines made in a local vineyard before you meet a private chef ready to lead you and your partner through a couple’s cooking class to make dishes unique to the towns of Cinque Terre. The next day, you will step aboard a private boat to visit the secluded coves and remarkable towns south of Cinque Terre. Wander the trails of Portofino National Park before you stroll through the luxurious streets of Portofino Town. Visit hidden coves along the Riviera coastline before you return to Monterosso. Conclude as your private transfer will meet you at your hotel and escort you to Cristoforo Colombo Airport in Genoa for your flight home.
Starting Price
$3,600 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Verified Traveler Reviews
Based on 1510 reviews
We loved the hotels you selected. The drivers were prompt and the guides were good. We especially loved our guide in Florence. Monterosso al Mare was beautiful.
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Our trip to Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Lake Como, and Milan was exceptionally well planned and executed by Zicasso's tour operator.
The transportation from one location to another was efficient, even when challenged by the high tides in Venice. Overall, the hotels selected were very good. The one in Montalcino was exceptional. Every guide was knowledgeable and professional. We appreciated their willingness to be flexible. Our driver for the ride to Como and back to Milan was personable and exceptional as well.
We really enjoyed the truffle hunting experience, the first wine tasting in Montepulciano, where we met the entire charming family, the cooking class in Bellagio with a chef who treated us like family, and the boat rides on Lake Como and to the islands in the lagoon of Venice. All of the dinner reservations were spot-on and when there was a slight misunderstanding regarding our wine tasting in Bellagio, where the staff at the hotel in Bellagio had no idea what had been arranged by our agency, this was quickly resolved by our guide through texts and emails with the agency.
The only aspect of the trip that could have been improved was day eight, when our activities, travel time, and late dinner reservation resulted in a late-night drive back to the villa. The hotel in Milan was difficult to find at first due to its location not being visible from the street. Once we found it and settled in, it was in an excellent location for our sightseeing. The gifts of sparkling wine at two of our stops was thoughtful and appreciated.
We thank our agent and the staff at the agency for a wonderful trip and would not hesitate to recommend the firm to our friends and family.
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Zicasso’s tour operator planned the most amazing trip to Italy for us! My requirements were culture, romance, and relaxation. She delivered on every aspect. Although we missed our tour of the Vatican due to the Pope's funeral, my husband and I actually attended his funeral!! Our hotel, though planned many months before, was next to the basilica where Pope Francis was laid to rest. Talk about being a part of history!
We stayed in a beautiful converted villa to boutique hotel in Florence; got whisked away through the Tuscan countryside in a vintage Fiat 500; took cooking classes; sipped lovely wine, accompanied by excellent lunches on our winery tours; soaked in Italy's rich culture and museum scene; and even ticked the relaxation box by spending time by the pool, in the spa, and resting on our large deck overlooking the Amalfi coastline.
Every tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and personable, and it was evident they loved their jobs. Between memories of the boat ride along the Amalfi Coast, tips from the cooking classes I have already started using at home, and the cases of wine we are eagerly awaiting delivery of, my husband and I will forever hold Italy in our hearts and la dolce vita it provided us.
Talk with our tour operator; you will be glad you did!
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My first solo trip was something I had dreamed about for years. I wanted it to be more than sightseeing. I wanted adventure, comfort, safety, and freedom without the stress of planning it all alone. Through Zicasso, I was connected to two specialists and Zicasso's travel consultant stood out immediately. She delivered an itinerary that gave me everything I asked for and more: maximum cities, maximum fun, and maximum value, all without compromise.
Before deciding, I researched and compared tours, packages, and individual prices online. The travel consultant’s proposal came out on top for value and content. While the other agent offered fewer cities and activities at a higher price, her plan was ambitious without being overwhelming. She booked my trains, arranged private transfers where needed, and selected boutique-style hotels that exceeded expectations. I was honestly surprised at how good they were. I stayed at hotels in Interlaken, Florence, and Sorrento. Each was clean, comfortable, and perfectly located for exploring. I had prepared myself for budget trade-offs, but instead, I found thoughtfully chosen hotels that balanced affordability with real quality.
Every document, train ticket, and activity confirmation was uploaded into the app. It became my lifeline throughout the trip, with every detail at my fingertips. The structure gave me confidence, while still leaving me free to explore.
Switzerland came first: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt. Each city felt like stepping into a postcard. Interlaken gave me the adrenaline rush of skydiving, while Zermatt charmed me with its close-knit magic and alpine beauty. Italy unfolded with equal ease: Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Sorrento, Amalfi, and Rome. Every destination felt curated, yet natural, from gondola rides in Venice to boat tours on the Amalfi Coast.
What I loved most was the balance between structure and freedom. Pre-booked activities and restaurant reservations gave me a strong framework, but I could just as easily decide to spend an afternoon wandering Florence, eating gelato, or sitting in a piazza. The rhythm of the trip was perfect, structured enough to tick off bucket-list highlights, yet relaxed enough to feel like a real vacation.
Food was freestyle, but memorable. Highlights included a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant in Zurich with its elegant Japanese-Peruvian flavors, a different Japanese restaurant, a restaurant in Como with its modern fusion menu, an Indian restaurant for comforting classics, and international favorites like those in one of the restaurants in Rome. Between those meals and plenty of gelato and crepes, every stop added its own flavor to the journey.
As a solo traveler, safety mattered. I felt comfortable walking around in the evenings and was usually back in my hotel by 1am to stay rested for the next day. What really gave me peace of mind was the travel consultant’s constant support. Communication was fast and responsive. I never had to wait long for answers, whether through the app or email. There was a moment when I made a mistake with the trains and missed an activity. She immediately stepped in and worked to reschedule it or secure a refund that same day.
Earlier in the planning process, I also had a card issue due to an address error. Even though policy would not normally allow it, she and her team patiently waited until I received the refund before finalizing the booking, just weeks before my trip. That flexibility and care spoke volumes.
The difference was clear. She used my budget to its fullest potential, giving me more destinations, more experiences, and better hotels than the alternative option. She managed to combine the efficiency of a fully organized tour with the freedom of independent travel. Everything was planned, yet everything was still mine to shape.
This trip was everything I wanted: good food, beautiful views, safety, and absolute reliability. It was an organized journey with freestyle flexibility, which is exactly what solo travelers dream of. The travel consultant’s planning let me chase adventure while always knowing I had a safety net. Switzerland and Italy gave me memories I will never forget, but it was the behind-the-scenes planning that made it possible. If you want a trip that is your way, your budget, your pace, but without the endless hassle of managing it yourself, the travel consultant at this agency is the person who can make it happen. My first solo trip became my dream trip and that is the highest praise I can give.
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Zicasso's travel agency far exceeded our expectations. We had our five-year-old and 11-year-old children with us, so the tour guides and walking needed to be kid-friendly.
Our hotel in Rome was wonderful, the location was perfect, and they had good A/C and a breakfast buffet. There were plenty of great restaurants within easy walking distance, as well as the Vatican.
Our tour guide for the Colosseum and Roman Forum was great. Pompeii was amazing. Our tour guide was basically a celebrity down there and knew exactly how to take us around the ruins without ever waiting.
Tuscany was our favorite by far. We did a cheese-making experience and lunch that was super-cool. The kids got to play with the farm animals and the owners were so attentive and interesting. We did a cooking class with a chef that was the kids' favorite thing on the entire trip. I would make a point to book this experience; the kids still talk about it and wear the aprons around the house. The resort in Tuscany was nice. We had our own private pool, plus the resort pool, and could easily walk to a small local town with some great food.
Venice was good, but probably our least favorite on the trip. You have to walk a ton, which was difficult for the kids, but it's still worth experiencing.
We travel a bunch and I would highly recommend using Zicasso's travel partner.
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This trip to Italy was a honeymoon trip for me and my husband. We had an amazing time and a wonderful experience with Zicasso's travel company! The planning phase was personalized and easy, and respected our budget. We went to Florence, Rome, Venice, and Sorrento over the course of two weeks. Every hotel was top-notch, the excursions were private, and the people we met were exceptionally kind and professional.
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