Highlights
- Three Riviera destinations in one cruise day — Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli
- Maximum 8 guests per 8-seat van in an 8-seat van — larger groups may be split across multiple vans
- Local English-speaking guide who knows the coastal roads and port schedules
- Free time in Portofino's famous piazzetta and harbour
- Scenic drive along the Tigullio Gulf with photo stops
- Return-to-ship timing built around your cruise schedule
About this tour
This is our most recommended shore excursion for cruise passengers calling at Portofino — a Approx. 4 hours shared small-group excursion. Ships anchor offshore and tender into the village; the tour is planned around that reality, with a meeting point at Farmacia and enough margin to get you back before all aboard.
Your local guide leads a small group along the Riviera coast to Santa Margherita Ligure, where you explore the elegant promenade and working harbour. From there, continue to Camogli — a colourful fishing village with waterfront trattorias and a more authentic Ligurian atmosphere than the celebrity resort crowds in Portofino.
The day finishes in Portofino village itself, with free time in the piazzetta and harbour to photograph the iconic harbour, enjoy gelato, or relax at a waterfront café before returning to the tender pier.
Why this tour works well for cruise passengers
- Covers three famous Riviera villages without navigating local buses or ferries on a tight schedule
- Meet at Farmacia, Piazza della Libertà, 2, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy. 5–7 minute walk from the tender pier (approximately 300 metres). Look for your guide at the meeting point. Sign and contact details are on your booking confirmation.
- Aim to arrive 10 minutes before departure and use an early tender where appropriate. Portofino is a tender port.
- Your guide monitors traffic on the coastal road and adjusts the pace if queues at the tender pier are building
- Independent travel to Camogli from the tender landing involves multiple connections with unreliable timetables — a guided tour removes that risk
Itinerary
- 1
Meet at Farmacia
Meet at Farmacia, Piazza della Libertà, 2, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy. 5–7 minute walk from the tender pier (approximately 300 metres). Look for your guide at the meeting point. Sign and contact details are on your booking confirmation. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before departure and use an early tender where appropriate.
- 2
Scenic coastal drive along the Tigullio Gulf
Travel by small vehicle along the Riviera road with views of the Ligurian coastline. Your guide shares local context as you head toward Santa Margherita Ligure.
- 3
Santa Margherita Ligure
Explore the elegant seafront promenade and harbour. Enjoy free time to stroll, take photos, or grab an espresso before continuing along the coast.
- 4
Camogli fishing village
Discover one of Liguria's most authentic harbour towns — colourful waterfront houses, working fishing boats, and relaxed village streets away from the Portofino crowds.
- 5
Portofino village free time
Return to Portofino for free time in the piazzetta and harbour. This is your chance for the classic Portofino photos before heading back to the tender pier.
- 6
Return to the tender pier
Your guide ensures the group reaches the Portofino harbour with time to queue for the return tender. Be at the pier well before all aboard — typically 45 minutes ahead on busy days.
Who this tour is best for
- First-time visitors who want the classic Italian Riviera experience in one port day
- Passengers with five or more usable hours ashore once tender transfers are counted
- Travellers who prefer small groups over large coach tours
- Anyone who wants Portofino plus nearby villages without transport stress
- Not ideal for very short port calls under five usable hours — consider the Portofino coastal walk instead
What's included
- Small-group guided tour with limited spaces
- Local English-speaking guide
- Coastal transport between Santa Margherita, Camogli, and Portofino
- Free time in Portofino village
- Return-to-ship timing coordination
What's not included
- Tender boat between ship and shore (provided by your cruise line)
- Food, drinks, and personal shopping
- Gratuities for your guide
- Travel insurance or personal expenses
Cruise passenger timing advice
Check your cruise app for tender departure times, all aboard, and final departure before booking. Treat all aboard as your hard deadline.
Allow 45 minutes before all aboard to queue for the return tender, clear any security, and board without stress.
Aim to arrive 10 minutes before departure and use an early tender where appropriate. Disembark on an early tender on busy port days.
Compare your hours in port using our cruise planner to confirm this tour fits your schedule comfortably.
Review our tender information, check meeting point guide, and plan your day with our one day in Portofino itinerary and cruise planner.