Tour of Apericena at Sunset and Dinner on Boat

Experience the Charm of Ligurian Coast with a Sunset Apericena and Dinner Boat Tour

Imagine cruising along the Gulf of Poets as the sun begins to dip, casting golden hues over the water, with a glass of Prosecco in hand. That’s exactly what this 3.5-hour boat tour offers, starting from Porto Mirabello in La Spezia. You’ll explore iconic sights like the Portovenere village, Byron Cave, and Palmaria Island, then settle in for a sunset apericena on open water, followed by a delicious dinner overlooking Portovenere’s illuminated coastline. The tour costs approximately $107 per person, with a cozy group size capped at 12, ensuring a more intimate experience.

What we love about this tour are two specific features. First, the combination of spectacular scenery and cultural sights makes it a well-rounded experience — from the historic Doria Castle to the romantic Church of San Pietro. Second, the unlimited drinks during the apericena, including Prosecco, wine, and beer, make the evening feel relaxed and celebratory without breaking the bank.

A possible consideration is that the tour’s success depends heavily on good weather — rain or wind could diminish the experience, especially since so much of the enjoyment comes from being on the water and watching the sunset. Travelers should also be comfortable with roughly 3.5 hours on a boat, including some swimming and sightseeing, so it’s best suited for those in good health and with no fear of water.

This tour fits travelers who love scenic coastal views, enjoy culinary experiences, and prefer a relaxed, social atmosphere. If you’re looking for a unique way to see La Spezia and Portovenere beyond the typical on-land visits, this combination of sightseeing, swimming, and dining on open water is ideal.

Key Points

• Stunning coastal scenery with views of Portovenere, Byron Cave, and the Gulf of Poets
• Multiple stops including historic islands and natural pools
• All-inclusive drinks and food during apericena and dinner, with unlimited Prosecco and wine
• Authentic experience with visits to WWII buildings, lighthouses, and ancient sites
• Relaxing atmosphere with options to swim and enjoy the sunset
• Small group ensures a personalized experience and more interaction

In-Depth Review of the Sunset Apericena Boat Tour

Starting Point and Practical Details

The journey begins at Porto Mirabello in La Spezia at 6:30 pm. While most travelers find it accessible via public transportation, one review notes that locating the exact meeting point can be tricky, so arriving a bit early and having a map or contact info handy is wise. The tour is limited to 12 travelers, which means you’ll get a more personal and relaxed vibe, unlike larger, more hurried excursions.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Stop 1: Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere
Leaving from the marina, the boat crosses the Gulf of Poets, famous for its poetic inspiration and stunning natural pools. Here, you’ll get your first glimpse of the area’s rugged coastline and the Torre Scuola, a WWII military fortress that still whispers tales of the past. This stop is perfect for taking photos of the dramatic rocks and azure waters. It lasts about 50 minutes; a good amount of time to soak in the views and snap some shots, according to reviews.

Stop 2: Isola Palmaria and Cala dell’Ammiraglio
Next, you’ll cruise toward Palmaria Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to natural beauty and WWII remnants. The highlight here is swimming in Cala dell’Ammiraglio, a peaceful beach backed by historical WWII buildings. You’ll have about 30 minutes to relax, swim, and enjoy a drink in the open sea. The fact that the tour includes admission tickets to this area adds to its value.

Stop 3: Isola del Tino and Tinetto
The boat then heads to Isola del Tino, where a historic lighthouse and fortress await. The tiny Tinetto Island is also part of the stop, famous for its Madonnina statue emerging from the water. The brief 15-minute visit gives you a taste of the area’s maritime history and natural beauty, making it an easily digestible but enriching experience.

Stop 4: Byron Cave and San Pietro Church
Passing behind Palmaria, you’ll see the Byron Cave, linked to Lord Byron’s visits, and the Church of San Pietro perched right on the cliff. Here, you’ll witness the sun setting directly into the water, a highlight that makes this trip especially memorable. This stop lasts about 25 minutes and offers plenty of opportunities for romantic photos.

Stop 5: Portovenere Dinner
After the sightseeing, the boat anchors close to Portovenere for a delicious dinner. The menu includes Pesto Troffie, Caprese, and Focaccia, showcasing authentic Ligurian flavors. Unlimited Prosecco, wine, and beer keep the mood lively, and the meal’s scenic setting makes it a real treat. The dinner lasts about an hour, giving you ample time to enjoy both the food and the surroundings.

Stop 6: Return to La Spezia
The tour ends with a relaxing cruise back to port, with music, limoncino, and the chance to unwind while sharing the evening’s highlights with fellow travelers. This segment is about 30 minutes, making it the perfect wind-down.

Authenticity and Experience

Many reviews highlight the authenticity of the experience — not just a touristy cruise but one that includes historic sites, natural beauty, and local flavors. The inclusion of WWII buildings, ancient lighthouses, and the Byron Cave adds depth beyond the typical boat tour.

One reviewer mentions, “The tour operator needs to give a detailed map for the meeting location,” but they still found the experience to be “excellent” once they arrived. This points to an area for improvement — clearer meeting instructions would make the start smoother.

Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

The apericena (a Ligurian-style appetizer spread) paired with unlimited drinks creates a relaxed, party-like atmosphere on the water. The menu’s focus on local flavors like Pesto, Focaccia, and Limoncello** is a nod to the region’s culinary traditions. Several reviews praise the delicious food and generous drinks, making it not just scenic but also tasty.

Value for Money

At just over $100, the tour offers a full evening with sightseeing, swimming, and a delicious dinner. When you consider the multiple stops, the inclusion of admission tickets, and the personalized small-group experience, it’s a good value. Especially for travelers wanting a blend of adventure, culture, and gourmet bites in one outing.

Considerations and Tips

While the experience is largely positive, the weather can influence the trip significantly. Wind or rain could limit swimming and viewing opportunities, and the sunset experience is best on clear evenings. Also, some travelers found the meeting point slightly tricky to locate, so arriving early and having contact info ready helps.

If you’re not comfortable on boats or have mobility issues, check with the operator beforehand. Also, pack sunscreen and a hat for the daytime segments, and bring a light jacket for the evening.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This boat trip is ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a romantic evening amid stunning scenery. It’s perfect if you love culinary delights paired with scenic views and want to see Portovenere and surrounding islands from the water. It’s also suitable for travelers wanting an authentic, relaxed experience that combines history, nature, and good food without the rush of larger tours.

Those who prefer active exploration on land might find this a bit limited, but if your idea of travel is scenic cruising and coastal charm, you’ll cherish this outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including sightseeing, swimming, and dinner.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers all sightseeing stops, admission tickets for sites like the natural pools and islands, apericena with unlimited drinks, and a dinner overlooking Portovenere.

Is this suitable for children or non-swimmers?
While the tour is generally suitable for most, children or non-swimmers should be aware they might want to stay on the boat during swimming stops. It’s best to check with the operator if in doubt.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps a light jacket for the evening. Swimsuits and towels are recommended if you plan to swim.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour will be canceled or rescheduled if the weather is poor. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How do I find the meeting point?
The start point is Viale Italia, Porto Mirabello, in La Spezia. Arrive early, and consider having a map or contact info ready, as some travelers have reported difficulty finding it.

To sum it up, this Sunset Apericena and Dinner Boat Tour offers a memorable blend of stunning views, historic sites, and delicious local cuisine. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate relaxed, intimate group sizes and want to enjoy La Spezia’s coast from a different perspective. If you’re after an experience that combines scenic beauty with genuine flavors and a touch of romance, this tour definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary.