Private Tour and Lunch in a typical restaurant in old town

Genoa, Italy, is a city bursting with character—narrow alleys, majestic palaces, bustling squares, and a storied port. This private 4-hour tour offers a fantastic way to see many of its highlights without the fatigue of walking or the constraints of big group tours. For $248.88 per group, you’ll be taken on a personalized journey through the historic center, riding comfortably in a rickshaw and ending with a lunch at a traditional local restaurant.

Two things we particularly love about this experience: First, the expert guides who share entertaining stories and fascinating anecdotes that bring Genoa’s past vividly to life—these guides clearly love their city. Second, the culinary component offers a genuine taste of Genoese cuisine in a cozy, authentic setting, making the tour more than just sightseeing.

One consideration is that this tour relies on a rickshaw, which might not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues or those uncomfortable with close quarters. Also, since it’s a private experience, it’s best suited for couples, families, or small groups seeking a tailored, immersive visit.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate a blend of culture, history, and local flavor. If you love authentic neighborhoods, enjoy storytelling from passionate guides, and look forward to savoring regional dishes in a welcoming atmosphere, this tour will likely check all your boxes.

Key Points

• Personalized experience with a private guide and rickshaw
• Focused on Genoa’s historic center, including landmarks and hidden gems
• Delicious local lunch in a cozy, traditional restaurant
• Expert guides who share engaging stories and curiosities
• Flexibility in pacing and stops based on your preferences
• Good value for a comprehensive half-day tour combined with culinary delights

Genoa is a city made for wandering—its alleys whisper stories of merchants, explorers, and artists. This private tour offers a chance to explore its old town comfortably, riding a rickshaw through the narrow streets and bustling squares. The experience is about more than just scenery; it’s about understanding the city’s soul through an intimate, guided journey paired with authentic regional cuisine.

Starting Point: Porto di Genova

The tour kicks off at the Porto di Genova, a lively hub of activity in the city’s port area. From here, you and your guide, Lupe or Annalisa (as praised in reviews), will climb into your rickshaw—a cozy, two-person vehicle perfect for navigating the tight streets of Genoa’s historic center. This mode of transport is great for feeling the city’s pulse up close, and it allows your guide to share stories in a relaxed, engaging manner.

The Itinerary: From Ancient Squares to Artistic Streets

The round trip is designed to hit many of the city’s highlights, each with its own story. The stops are brief but packed with significance, making every minute informative and visually rewarding.

Piazza Sarzano marks what’s believed to be Genoa’s original nucleus. It’s a lively place, full of local life, and free to explore. It sets the tone for the tour—authentic and bustling.

Next, you’ll visit the Chiesa Santi Cosma e Damiano, a prime example of Genoese Romanesque architecture, standing as a testament to the city’s medieval past. It’s a quick stop, but one that hints at Genoa’s religious and architectural history.

Via Giuseppe Garibaldi is a highlight—an elegant street lined with palaces that once housed Genoa’s wealthy merchant families. The facades are stunning, featuring stucco, marble, and frescoes. The guide will tell you that even Rubens made sketches of these residences, emphasizing Genoa’s influence on European art and architecture.

A brief visit to La Casa di Colombo, believed to be the childhood home of Christopher Columbus, adds a touch of exploration history. Although reconstructed, it gives a sense of the environment where the explorer grew up.

Moving to Piazza Banchi, you’ll see where Genoa’s merchants once traded in grain and money. The Loggia dei Mercanti is a beautiful relic of the city’s commercial past, and the square’s history as a bustling port hub is palpable.

The Duomo di San Lorenzo is next—a grand cathedral containing the relics of Genoa’s patron saint, San Giovanni Battista. Its architecture and interior art are stunning, and it’s an essential stop for understanding Genoa’s religious and cultural identity.

The Luzzati Gardens introduce a modern, community-focused space revitalizing the historic center. It’s a peaceful spot, often hosting cultural events, reflecting Genoa’s ongoing efforts to blend history with community life.

Piazza Raffaele De Ferrari takes center stage as the city’s main square, lined with elegant buildings like the Teatro Carlo Felice. It’s a vibrant area where locals gather and where history and modernity collide.

A visit to Palazzo San Giorgio offers a glimpse into Genoa’s maritime power, with its medieval and Renaissance architecture. It now functions as a port authority headquarters but remains a symbol of Genoa’s seafaring legacy.

The Old Port, redesigned by Renzo Piano, offers a lively, contemporary contrast. It’s now a hub for dining, shopping, and leisure, with the Lanterna lighthouse serving as an iconic backdrop.

The Culinary Experience: Lunch at a Typical Genoese Restaurant

No tour of Genoa would be complete without tasting its cuisine. After a series of stops, you’ll head to “E prie rosse”, a cozy restaurant in the old town. The reviews highlight that the dishes are local, traditional, and inspired by Genoese recipes, revisited with a modern touch.

Guests rave about the quality of the food, describing it as delicious and authentic, with some noting that the service can be a bit slow but worth the wait. This time spent enjoying regional specialties adds depth to the experience, turning sightseeing into a cultural culinary journey.

The Viewpoint: Spianata Castelletto and the Art Nouveau Lift

After lunch, the tour continues with a ride in the Art Nouveau lift to Spianata Castelletto. Here, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Genoa, its port, and the surrounding hills—an essential stop for photos and a moment to appreciate the cityscape.

From this vantage point, the medieval towers, Baroque domes, and the shimmering sea create a breathtaking backdrop. The highlight, as one reviewer poetically put it, is the lift itself—”an enchanting experience,” reminiscent of a little slice of heaven.

Final Stop: The Castelletto View and Farewell

Your tour ends with a short ride down to the Castelletto area, where the ambiance is relaxed and scenic. The guide will share interesting details about Genoa’s fortifications and how the city’s landscape has shaped its history.

We loved how the guides brought Genoa’s stories alive, blending historical facts with engaging anecdotes. Lupe, in particular, received praise for her extensive knowledge and personable style. The personalized nature of the tour makes it a flexible and immersive way to explore the city at your own pace.

The culinary part is a real highlight—it’s one thing to see a city, but tasting its traditional dishes in a local restaurant makes the experience genuinely authentic. Reviewers mentioned the food as being of high quality, showcasing Genoa’s regional flavors.

A potential drawback is that rickshaw riding might not suit everyone—especially if you have mobility concerns or prefer more space. Also, since this is a private tour, it’s best for small groups or couples, which may not be ideal if you’re traveling solo or in a large group.

The tour’s timing and duration fit well for a half-day, allowing you to enjoy a thorough overview without feeling rushed. The cost, while higher than some group tours, includes the personalized guide, private transportation, and a memorable meal—making it a good value for those seeking an in-depth, tailored experience.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want more than just a superficial glance at Genoa. If you enjoy rich storytelling, exploring historic neighborhoods, and savoring local cuisine, you’ll find this tour engaging. It’s especially well-suited for couples, small families, or friends who prefer a private, flexible adventure.

It’s also a great choice if you appreciate authentic, off-the-beaten-path spots rather than just the main tourist sights. The guided commentary, combined with the chance to taste regional flavors, means you’ll walk away with both visual and culinary memories of Genoa.

If you’re eager to discover Genoa’s hidden corners and vibrant history without the exhaustion of solo wandering, this private rickshaw tour with lunch offers an excellent balance of sightseeing, storytelling, and regional eating. The personalized approach means you can enjoy the city at your own pace, with expert guides ensuring you don’t miss the stories behind the sights. Plus, ending with a delicious Genoese meal makes this experience a well-rounded introduction to the city’s culture.

While it’s best suited for those who enjoy guided tours and are up for a bit of adventure in a small, intimate vehicle, the focus on authentic local places and food makes it a memorable way to connect with Genoa beyond the typical tourist trail.

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  Yes, the rickshaw can accommodate up to two adults and two children under six, making it a good option for families.

• What’s the duration of the tour?
  Approximately four hours, including the tour and lunch.

• Does the tour include transportation?
  Yes, transportation is provided in the form of a private rickshaw, which is ideal for navigating Genoa’s narrow streets.

• Is pickup offered?
  Yes, pickup is available, making it more convenient to start your experience.

• Are tickets included for the various sites?
  Most stops are free to explore; the tour focuses on the guided experience and does not specify additional admission fees.

• Can I cancel the tour?
  Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.

• Is this a group or private experience?
  It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate.

• What’s the price for the tour?
  $248.88 per group, which offers good value for a personalized experience, guided insights, and a meal.

• What language are the guides speaking?
  Guides are fluent in English, as noted from reviews.

• What should I wear or bring?
  Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be riding in a rickshaw and walking through various neighborhoods.

This Genoa tour combines the best of history, local flavor, and scenic views—a charming way to experience the heart of one of Italy’s most intriguing cities.