Portofino & Santa Margherita Ligure tour: Shore excursion

See Portofino's harbor and two coastal towns without leaving your ship's schedule

A guided tour of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure for cruise passengers, with pickup at the pier and guaranteed return to your ship. The itinerary covers Portofino's famous harbor, Castello Brown, Piazza Caprera, Villa Durazzo, and the Christopher Columbus monument, with free time built in at Santa Margherita Ligure. English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transport included. The tour runs five to six hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Santa Margherita Ligure15m
2. Castello Brown20m

Explore Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure

• Welcome at cruise terminal
• Travel scenic coastal road
• Admire Piazza Caprera
• Photograph Castello di Santa Margherita
• Visit Christopher Columbus monument
• Photograph Villa Durazzo
• Free time at Piazza Martiri della Libertà
• Explore Portofino harbor square
• Admire Portofino harbor
• Visit exterior of Castello Brown
• Return to ship

The experience

Cruise passengers often face tight windows ashore, and this tour is built around that constraint. You're picked up at the cruise terminal and driven along the scenic coastal road toward Santa Margherita Ligure, where you'll see the 16th-century Castello di Santa Margherita Ligure overlooking the Ligurian Sea, walk through Piazza Caprera, and photograph Villa Durazzo, a 17th-century Baroque residence with terraced gardens. The Christopher Columbus monument stands in one of the town's central squares: a nod to Liguria's maritime heritage.

After free time at Piazza Martiri della Libertà (time for coffee, gelato, or browsing local shops), the tour moves to Portofino. You'll stroll through the harbor square surrounded by pastel-colored buildings and luxury yachts, then see Castello Brown perched on the hillside above the bay. The guide points out the castle's role as a 15th-century defensive fortress and its place in Portofino's evolution from fishing village to one of the Italian Riviera's most exclusive destinations.

The operator guarantees your return to the ship on time, with a certified English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transport throughout. The itinerary can shift based on traffic or crowds, but all the main sites are covered. Infants can travel in a stroller or on an adult's lap. The tour suits all fitness levels, though it does involve walking and is not wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• Modern air-conditioned transportation.
• pickup and drop-off at the cruise pier.
• English-speaking guide throughout.
• free time at Piazza Martiri della Libertà to explore Santa Margherita Ligure on your own.
• guaranteed return to your ship on time.
• 24-hour risk-free cancellation.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30, 09:00 and 09:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (3 to 15 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by JAT

Is this one for you?Book this if you're a cruise passenger: the guided route covers both Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure with a confirmed return time that fits your ship's departure window.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 15 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How much free time do I get to explore on my own during this tour?

You have a relaxing break at Piazza Martiri della Libertà in Santa Margherita Ligure, where you can stop for refreshments, shop, or simply sit and take in the atmosphere at your own pace.

What is Castello Brown and why is it part of the tour?

Castello Brown sits on a hilltop overlooking Portofino's harbor and has served a defensive role since at least the 15th century. You'll see its exterior and learn about its strategic importance to the town's history.

Will I have time to walk around Portofino's harbor, or is it just a drive-by?

You stroll through Portofino's harbor square itself, surrounded by the colorful buildings and yachts the town is famous for, so you get to experience the waterfront atmosphere firsthand, not just view it from a vehicle.

What happens if my ship leaves earlier than expected? Can I still book this tour?

The operator guarantees your timely return to the pier. You should check your email the day before for your exact pickup time, which is coordinated with your ship's schedule, and contact them directly if your departure time is unusual.