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Culinary Vacation on the Italian Riviera
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Italian Riviera Food Tour in Liguria
October 6 – October 15, 2026
Join Pittsburgh culinary instructor Dorothy Tague and friends on a 9-night Italian Riviera tour, a small group culinary journey through one of the most scenic regions of northern Italy.
The Italian Riviera, also known as the Ligurian coast, stretches along the Ligurian Sea, where mountains rise sharply above the coastline. This creates a landscape of picturesque villages, colorful harbors, beaches, and steep cliffs. It also shapes Ligurian cuisine, a cornerstone of Italian cuisine known for fresh seafood, olive oil from local olive trees, herbs, and simple, flavorful local dishes.
A highlight of any Italian Riviera food tour is the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of five iconic coastal villages. Beyond the Cinque Terre villages, you will explore Genoa’s historic center, along with elegant seaside towns such as Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, each rich in history, charm, and local food.
Your journey begins in Chiavari on the eastern Riviera, where you will explore nearby coastal towns, wander narrow streets, and experience authentic local life. Midway through your trip, continue west to Sanremo in the Riviera di Ponente, near the French border, for a new perspective on the region. From here, enjoy a full-day excursion to the French Riviera and Monaco.
Throughout your food and wine tour, you will experience cooking classes, wine tastings, and guided food tours focused on traditional recipes. Learn to prepare fresh pasta, pesto, and dishes made with chickpea flour, and enjoy specialties such as freshly baked focaccia, local cheeses, and regional cuisine paired with local wine.
Combining culinary discovery with cultural exploration and scenic beauty, this Italian Riviera tour offers an immersive journey filled with great food, memorable moments, and a true taste of Italy.
Culinary Vacation in Liguria with Dorothy Tague
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Day One - October 6 – Welcome to the Italian Riviera
- Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival at Milan Airport, you will meet your private driver and enjoy a comfortable transfer to the Italian Riviera, where the beauty of the Ligurian coast, pastel-colored villages, and sea views set the tone for your journey.
- After check-in at your hotel, take some time to relax and settle in before gathering for a welcome dinner — your first introduction to Ligurian cuisine, featuring fresh local food and regional specialties.
- Overnight in the Eastern Ligurian Riviera.
Day Two - October 7 - Santa Margherita and Camogli Tasting Tour
- After a leisurely breakfast, meet your local guide and travel by train to Santa Margherita Ligure, one of the most elegant towns along the Italian Riviera. Start the day with a traditional Italian cappuccino or espresso at a historic café, then enjoy a walking tour through the charming streets lined with painted palaces and seaside views.
- Continue by public ferry to the iconic harbor of Portofino, a postcard-perfect village known for its colorful buildings and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
- Next, travel by boat to Camogli, a picturesque fishing village and a highlight of any Italian Riviera food tour. Here, enjoy a guided stroll along the waterfront before heading to a terrace overlooking the sea for a live focaccia-making demonstration. Taste freshly baked focaccia and enjoy a light lunch paired with local wine, showcasing the simple flavors of Ligurian cuisine.
- In the afternoon, return by train to Chiavari for some free time to relax or explore on your own. Dinner is at your leisure.
- Overnight in the Eastern Ligurian Riviera.
Day Three - October 8 - Genoa Old Town and Cooking Class a Palazzo
- Today, travel by train to Genoa with your tour guide and explore Genoa’s historic center, one of the largest medieval old towns in Europe. Wander through its maze of narrow streets, discovering artisan shops and experiencing the authentic atmosphere of this historic city rich in Italian history and culture.
- Your culinary experience continues with a traditional pesto-making class in a noble palace. A local expert will guide you through the preparation of pesto using a mortar and pestle, following traditional recipes that have defined Ligurian cuisine for generations.
- After the class, enjoy a meal featuring your freshly prepared pasta along with other local dishes, offering a true taste of the region’s food and wine culture.
- Finally, return to Chiavari by train, and spend the evening enjoying dinner and relaxation at your hotel.
- Overnight in the Eastern Ligurian Riviera
Day Four - October 9 - Cinque Terre Exploration and Exclusive Cooking Experience
- After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to the Cinque Terre, one of Italy’s most iconic destinations and a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your local guide, explore two of the Cinque Terre villages, wandering through narrow streets, small piazzas, and scenic promenades while discovering hidden gems and local traditions. The itinerary is designed to avoid strenuous walking while still allowing you to fully experience this spectacular part of the Italian Riviera.
- After your exploration, head to a beautiful wine estate in the hills for a hands-on cooking class focused on fresh pasta. Under the guidance of your hosts, you will prepare traditional recipes before enjoying a relaxed lunch featuring your creations, paired with local wine as part of your food and wine experience.
- Return to your accommodation.
- Optional: PRIVATE PORTOVENERE AND THE GULF OF POETS SUNSET BOAT TOUR
Enhance your day with a sunset boat excursion along the Ligurian coast. Depart with an expert captain and admire the coastline and Cinque Terre villages from the sea. Onboard, enjoy a delicious Italian aperitivo while taking in the views. (Cost: $900, max 8 people.) - Dinner in Chiavari.
- Overnight in the Eastern Ligurian Riviera
Day Five - October 10 - Chiavari Artisans and Flavors Ligurian Cooking Class Led By a Food Writer
- After breakfast, meet your expert tour guide and explore Chiavari, a charming town rich in history and local character. Wander through its narrow streets, browse the lively open-air food market, and discover artisan workshops that reflect the traditions of the Ligurian coast.
- Pause at a historic pastry shop to sample local sweets, then visit a traditional trattoria to taste Farinata, a classic dish made from chickpea flour and one of the region’s most beloved local dishes.
- In the afternoon, meet Valentina, a food writer and cookbook photographer, at her cottage overlooking the hills and sea. During this hands-on cooking class, you will learn to prepare iconic Ligurian cuisine, including cheese focaccette, Torta Pasqualina, and Farinata, using traditional recipes and fresh ingredients.
- Afterward, enjoy a garden dinner featuring your creations, paired with local wine — a true food and wine experience in a relaxed setting.
- Return to your hotel for rest and relaxation.
- Overnight in the Eastern Ligurian Riviera
Day Six - October 11 - Towards the Western Liguria Riviera
- Breakfast and check-out
- Depart with a private transfer toward the Western Ligurian Riviera, with a stop along the way in the beautifully preserved medieval village of Finalborgo. Accompanied by a local guide, enjoy a walking tour through its picturesque streets and lively squares, taking in the historic architecture and enduring charm of this lesser-known destination.
- Enjoy lunch in Finalborgo before continuing your journey along the Italian Riviera to Sanremo.
- Upon arrival, check in at your hotel, take time to relax, and enjoy a welcome aperitif.
- Dinner on your own.
- Overnight on the Western Ligurian Riviera
Day Seven - October 12- From Market to table: Italian Home Cooking
- Today is dedicated to the joy of home cooking — an essential part of Italian cuisine and daily local life along the Italian Riviera. In traditional Italian homes, meals are about sharing great food, warmth, and memorable moments together.
- Begin your day with a leisurely visit to the Sanremo fruit and vegetable market, where you will stroll among stalls filled with fresh, seasonal local food. This vibrant market offers a glimpse into the ingredients that define Ligurian cuisine, from vegetables and herbs to regional specialties.
- In the afternoon, return to the kitchen for a hands-on cooking class led by a local expert. You will learn to prepare a complete Italian meal using traditional recipes, along with helpful techniques and insights. The experience also includes an Italian aperitivo with Prosecco, as well as tastings of extra virgin olive oil and Taggiasca olives, key ingredients of the region.
- Enjoy a relaxed, family-style lunch featuring your creations — a true food and wine experience — followed by free time for the rest of the day.
- You may choose to explore Sanremo further, visit the casino, enjoy a seaside walk, or dine in “La Pigna,” the historic old town.
- Overnight on the Western Ligurian Riviera
Day Eight - October 13 - Nice Food Tour and Monte Carlo Stop
- Today enjoy a full-day excursion combining food and wine with coastal exploration beyond Italy.
- A private transfer will take you from Sanremo to Nice, where you will meet your local guide for a food tour through the city. As you explore the streets, you will taste regional specialties such as Socca, Pissaladière, and Farcis Niçois, accompanied by a glass of rosé — an opportunity to experience another side of Mediterranean local cuisine.
- After the guided walking tour and tastings, enjoy some free time for lunch at your leisure in Nice.
- In the afternoon, continue to Monte Carlo, where you can explore the city and its elegant atmosphere. An optional visit to the Monte Carlo Casino is available.
- At the end of the day, the transfer will return you to Sanremo.
Day Nine - October 14 - Sanremo's Olive Grove Escape: Visit to a Family Olive Mill
- Today, leave the coast behind and head into the rolling hills of Liguria, where terraces of olive trees shape the landscape.
- Visit a historic, family-run olive mill, where the tradition of producing Taggiasca olive oil has been passed down through generations. During a guided tour, you will learn about the production process and the importance of olive oil in Ligurian cuisine. The visit concludes with a tasting of their extra virgin olive oil, paired with regional specialties and local beer.
- Afterward, enjoy lunch at a nearby trattoria, offering another opportunity to savor local dishes and the flavors of the region.
- Return to your hotel in the afternoon for time to relax before your farewell dinner.
- Overnight on the Western Ligurian Riviera
Day Ten - October 15 - Arrivederci Day
- After breakfast and check-out, private transfer to Milan Airport for your departure.
Custom Culinary Vacation in the Italian Riviera with Dorothy Tague Trip Details
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Included in the 9-Night Culinary Vacation on the Italian Riviera
Accommodations- 5 nights 4* hotel in Chiavari with breakfast (Hotel Monte Rosa: Deluxe Rooms)
- 4 nights 5* hotel in Sanremo with breakfast (Hotel Europa Palace: Rooms with a view of the casino)
Food & Beverages- 9 breakfasts
- 5 dinners (wine included)
- 7 lunches (wine included)
- Additional food tastings as per program
Classes & InstructorsYour exclusive Italian Riviera tour includes four hands-on cooking classes, each highlighting the flavors and traditions of Ligurian cuisine and led by talented local chefs.
During your time in Chiavari, you will meet Chef Valentina, a celebrated food writer and cookbook photographer, at her cozy cottage overlooking the hills and sea. In this intimate setting, you will learn to prepare classic Ligurian street food such as cheese focaccette, Torta Pasqualina, and the famous Farinata made with chickpea flour. After the class, enjoy a relaxed garden dinner featuring your creations, paired with local wine.
Your second class takes place in the Cinque Terre, at a beautiful wine estate in the hills. Here, you will focus on the art of making fresh pasta, learning traditional techniques from expert hosts. The experience concludes with a lunch of your dishes, accompanied by a thoughtful wine tasting.
In Genoa, your culinary journey continues with a truly special experience: a traditional pesto-making class held in a noble historic palace. A local chef will guide you in preparing pesto using a mortar and pestle, following time-honored methods that define Ligurian cuisine. Afterward, enjoy your freshly made pasta along with other local dishes.
Your final class takes place in Sanremo, where you will prepare a complete Italian meal from start to finish. Guided by your chef instructor, you will bring together techniques and flavors learned throughout your food and wine journey. The experience includes an Italian aperitivo with Prosecco, as well as tastings of regional specialties such as extra virgin olive oil and Taggiasca olives — a fitting conclusion to your culinary exploration of the Italian Riviera.
Excursions- Private guide in Santa Margherita, Portofino & Camogli.
- Half-day guided visit in Chiavari.
- Full-day private guid in Cinque Terre.
- Full-Day Excursion to Genoa with Guide
- Tastings in the old shops of Genoa
- Half-day private guide in Finalborgo
- Food Tour in Sanremo
- Excursions to Nice and Monaco with Private Guide
- Food Tour of Nice
- Visit to an Historic Olive Mill
Transfer Details- Group transfers are included to and from the Milan Airport.
MiscellaneousDue to circumstances beyond our control, the itinerary and activities may be subject to change without notice and be replaced with similar tours and activities of equal or greater value
Not Included
- Meals and beverages other than those mentioned above
- Transfers other than those mentioned above
- Entrance fees
- City tax (a few Euros per person, per night)
Accommodation Information
The 4* Hotel Monte Rosa in Chiavari is a historic building located at the center of town, just a stone’s throw from the sea. The accommodations feature a pool and jacuzzi, with multiple dining options including a restaurant and a more casual bistro. The hotel’s chef is an expert in regional dishes with a dedication to honoring Mediterranean cooking traditions in his dishes. Your deluxe room includes typical luxury amenities as well as a waterfall showerhead and air conditioning.
Enjoy time in the jacuzzi or pool between activities
Your deluxe bedroom
Get cozy in your deluxe accommodations
Enjoy a premium view with luxury amenities
Each room features a unique interior design
Spacious bathroom with waterfall shower
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Hotel Europa Palace will be your home away from home during your time in Sanremo. The iconic 5-star hotel has been a landmark of Riviera hospitality since 1874. The building has been fully refurbished in an elegant, contemporary style, and it is now a destination within a destination in the city of flowers and music. The hotel offers several dining options, with terrace dining available as well as a restaurant on the ground floor. Guests may choose to book spa or wellness services, and may enjoy access to the on-site gym at their leisure. You will stay in a room overlooking the famous Sanremo Casino, built in the early 20th-century with a strict adherence to the Art Nouveau style, making it a beautiful and complex feat of modern architecture.
Your historic accommodations in Sanremo
You will enjoy a premium view of the casino
Room includes plenty of storage and space to relax
Deluxe bathroom with waterfall shower
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Custom Culinary Tour on the Italian Riviera
See the pricing and tour dates of our custom tour of the Italian Riviera and book your vacation today!
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The Italian Riviera 9-Night Tour Pricing
See moreUS$6485 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$1260 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!Gastronomic Tour on the Italian Riviera with Dorothy Tague Tour Dates
See moreOne Time Departure – October 6 – October 15, 2026
This trip requires a minimum of 6 participants and a maximum of 12.
Let Us Help You Plan Your Italian Riviera Culinary Journey
Planning a trip along the Italian Riviera should be as enjoyable as the journey itself. From coordinating transfers and accommodations to ensuring every detail of your food and wine experience runs smoothly, we are here to make the process effortless.
Whether you would like to extend your stay in northern Italy, combine this itinerary with other destinations, or tailor certain elements to better suit your interests, our team can help customize your experience. We can assist with pre- and post-tour arrangements, additional nights, and complementary travel throughout Italy — all designed to enhance your time exploring Ligurian cuisine, local food, and the region’s stunning coastal landscapes.
With our expertise and on-the-ground knowledge, you can focus on enjoying the cooking classes, wine tastings, and cultural discoveries that make this journey so special. Reach out to begin planning your Italian Riviera adventure, and let us take care of the details.
