Private Portofino & Santa Margherita tour with local guide

Two towns, one ferry crossing, and the Ligurian coast between them

A private walking tour of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure led by a local guide in your choice of language, with a public ferry ride connecting the two villages. The tour covers Portofino's Piazzetta and harbour, then moves to Santa Margherita Ligure to visit Villa Durazzo, the Church of Santa Margherita, and the Church of San Giacomo di Corte, plus a snack is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure

• Meet guide at Portofino harbour
• Walk through Portofino Piazzetta and streets
• Ferry ride to Santa Margherita Ligure
• Visit Church of Santa Margherita
• Visit Church of San Giacomo di Corte
• Admire Villa Durazzo and gardens
• Stroll Santa Margherita streets and taste focaccia

The experience

The tour starts at Portofino's harbour, where you walk through the Piazzetta (the small square ringed by the village's signature colourful buildings), and explore the streets beneath the arcades where boutiques and restaurants sit tucked away. From there, you board a public ferry for the crossing to Santa Margherita Ligure, watching the Ligurian coastline unfold as you travel. The ferry itself is part of the route, not just transport.

Once in Santa Margherita Ligure, the guide leads you to Villa Durazzo, a 17th-century estate of two grand villas set in a formal garden where you can walk among the plantings and take in the space. You also visit the Church of Santa Margherita, built in the Baroque style in the 1600s and named for its depiction of the Virgin Mary holding a rose, and the Church of San Giacomo di Corte, a 17th-century church with three naves and frescoes by Nicolò Barabino. Between stops, you have time to stroll the town's streets and sample focaccia, the region's flatbread specialty. A snack is included in the price.

The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian or French. Choose the language when you book. The tour runs six hours total and ends with a ferry ride back to Portofino. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• A local guide in your choice of language.
• the public ferry ride from Portofino to Santa Margherita Ligure and back.
• a snack during the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (12 to 65 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Meet your guide at the exit of your tender. The guide will hold a sign with your name.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Guided Tours of Genoa

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you're comfortable following a guide in English, Spanish, Italian or French. The commentary is what brings the history and architecture of both villages into focus. The private format means the pace and stops are set for your group alone, and the ferry crossing is built into the route rather than arranged separately.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): 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 24h before the start.

What is Villa Durazzo and what will I see there?

Villa Durazzo is a 17th-century estate in Santa Margherita Ligure made up of two grand villas within a formal garden. You walk through the garden during the tour, where you can see the plantings and the architecture of both buildings.

Does the tour include the ferry ride between Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure?

Yes, the public ferry crossing is included. You board it after exploring Portofino and ride it again at the end of the day to return to Portofino harbour.

Is lunch included, or just a snack?

A snack is included. You have the option to try focaccia, a Ligurian flatbread specialty, during your time in Santa Margherita Ligure, though you can also explore the town's restaurants if you prefer a full meal.

How much walking is involved over the six hours?

The tour is built around walking through both villages and between the main sites: the Piazzetta in Portofino, Villa Durazzo, and two churches in Santa Margherita Ligure. The pace is set by the guide, and the itinerary is suitable for all fitness levels.