Portofino & Santa Margherita: Boat Tour, Pesto Class & Lunch

Summary

Santa Margherita to Portofino by boat with pesto making and seaside lunch

You’ll board a ferry from Santa Margherita to Portofino with a local guide, taste fresh focaccia, learn how to make pesto in a hands-on class, and enjoy trofie al pesto for lunch overlooking the harbor. With round-trip ferry tickets included and time to explore at your own pace, you’ll feel part of daily life on the Italian Riviera.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide right by the pier in Santa Margherita Ligure—she waved at us with a bright scarf, which made it easy to spot her in the little crowd. The ferry ride out along the Italian Riviera was quieter than I expected. You could smell salt and sunscreen, and the water had that deep blue-green thing going on. Our guide pointed out painted facades as we drifted past them; honestly, I’d seen photos of Portofino before, but seeing those houses curve around the Piazzetta for real just feels different. There’s this hush when you pull into the harbor—everyone sort of pauses, even if they’re locals.

Walking through Portofino felt like wandering onto a movie set, except there were fishermen mending nets and a kid chasing pigeons near the water. We ducked into a small place for a focaccia tasting (still warm, olive oil everywhere), and then got handed mortars and pestles for the pesto class. I tried to say “basilico” properly—our instructor laughed and corrected me gently. Crushing pine nuts is harder than it looks, by the way. The basil smelled so strong my hands carried it for hours after. Lunch was trofie al pesto right on the harbor, glass of wine in hand. It wasn’t fancy but tasted like summer.

I liked that we could take our time after—the return ferry ticket meant we weren’t rushed out of Portofino. Some people wandered off for gelato or just sat by the water watching boats come and go. There was this older couple next to us who said they do this day trip from Santa Margherita every year; I get why now. I still think about that view as we left—the colors don’t really fade in your memory.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour and visit Portofino

• Meet tour leader in Santa Margherita Ligure
• Enjoy Italian Riviera coast boat ride
• Arrive at Portofino Piazzetta
• Explore Portofino painted houses
• Appreciate Mediterranean resort atmosphere

Top questions

How long does the Portofino boat and walking tour last?

The tour lasts several hours, ending in Portofino where you can return to Santa Margherita at your own pace using your included round-trip ferry ticket.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Santa Margherita to Portofino?

Yes, a light lunch is included—traditional trofie al pesto with wine, water, and coffee served at a waterfront restaurant in Portofino.

Does this tour include a pesto cooking class?

Yes, you’ll join a traditional pesto cooking class using mortar and pestle as part of the experience.

Are ferry tickets between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino included?

Round-trip ferry tickets are included; you’ll receive them at the meeting point before departure.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

The tour is family-friendly with options for infants and children; specialized seats are available if needed.

What happens if there’s bad weather on the day of my booking?

If poor weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip ferry tickets from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino (collected at check-in), guided walking tour with local insights, warm focaccia tasting, hands-on pesto making class using traditional tools, and a light lunch of trofie al pesto with wine overlooking Portofino’s harbor before you return whenever you’re ready.