Genoa: Food & Wine Tasting Walking Tour with Local Dishes

Summary

Genoa’s flavors, winding alleys, and the warmth of shared tables

You’ll wander Genoa’s historic center tasting focaccia, farinata, and real pesto with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Sip two Ligurian wines as you explore palaces and cathedrals, pausing for laughter or quiet moments among locals. Dietary needs? They handle it easily — it’s all about sharing good food and feeling part of Genoa for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a slice of focaccia before I’d even finished saying buongiorno. The olive oil left a little shine on my fingers — I didn’t mind. Our guide, Marco, grinned and asked if we’d ever tried farinata (I hadn’t), then pointed out how the street outside the house of Christopher Columbus always smells like coffee in the mornings. Genoa is busy but not rushed; people still pause to talk with their hands. We wandered past the Palazzo Ducale and Marco told us about old merchant families — his grandfather used to work at the port, apparently. I liked that he knew which bakery had the “right” kind of panera (it’s a sort of coffee gelato — honestly, I’m still thinking about it).

The walk wasn’t long, but there were so many stops that I lost track of time. At San Lorenzo Cathedral, someone was lighting candles inside while outside a couple of kids played soccer against the striped marble wall. We tried pesto alla genovese with trofie pasta in a tiny trattoria — basil so fresh it almost stung my nose. One woman at our table was vegan; they brought her something special without fuss. The local white wine tasted salty somehow, like sea air got trapped in the bottle. Marco explained why Ligurian grapes grow on those impossible hillsides above the city — he made it sound like both hard work and magic.

I think what surprised me most was how much history you can feel just by walking Via Garibaldi with a glass in hand. The palaces are huge but you notice chipped paint and laundry flapping from windows too. We ended up standing around a wooden barrel table outside, sharing fried fish cones and stories about where we were all from (someone from Sweden tried to pronounce “farinata” — everyone laughed). There’s no rush to finish or move on here; nobody cares if you linger too long over your last sip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Genoa historic sites and palaces tour

• Start at Christopher Columbus house
• Admire Palazzo Ducale
• Visit San Lorenzo Cathedral
• Discover Palazzo San Giorgio fresco
• Explore palaces on Via Garibaldi

Top questions

How long does the Genoa food & wine tasting tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Are vegan or vegetarian options available on this Genoa food tour?

Yes, dishes can be tailored for vegans or vegetarians based on your preferences.

Is this Genoa walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

What foods are included in the Genoa tasting tour?

You’ll try five typical dishes: focaccia, farinata, pesto, panera (coffee gelato), and fried fish.

Do I need to book in advance if I have dietary requirements?

The team will contact you after booking to arrange any special dietary needs.

Which attractions do we visit during this Genoa food tour?

You’ll see Christopher Columbus’ house, Doge’s Palace, San Lorenzo Cathedral, Palazzo San Giorgio, and Via Garibaldi.

Is wine included in this Genoa tasting experience?

Yes, two Ligurian wines are included as part of your tastings.

Can children or infants join this Genoa walking food tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes five classic Genoese dishes like focaccia and pesto tailored to your preferences (vegan/vegetarian/family friendly), two Ligurian wines for tasting along the way, entry into key sites like Via Garibaldi and San Lorenzo Cathedral with stories from your local guide in English, Spanish or Italian—and everything is adapted for accessibility or special requests after booking.