Italy's historic maritime city, with grand Renaissance palaces, a maze of medieval lanes, pesto and easy trips along the Riviera.
Genoa is a major port city on Italy's Ligurian coast, once the center of a powerful maritime republic and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Ships dock at the passenger terminal right by the old port, within walking distance of the historic center.
Genoa is a wonderful surprise for travelers who love history, architecture and food, and it is easy to explore on foot. It is also the gateway to the Italian Riviera, including Portofino and the fishing villages along the coast.
Average daily high and low in °F, from the nearest weather station with long records: Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport. Source: Meteostat station records, 1991–2025.
Here are my favorite ways to spend a cruise day in Genoa. Each one opens on Viator, where you can check the times, reviews and price before you book.
Leave from the cruise terminal for the pastel harbor of Portofino, including a boat ride along the Ligurian Riviera and free time in the village.
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Taste your way through Genoa's old town with a local foodie: fresh focaccia, pesto from its birthplace, farinata and more, adding up to a full meal.
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A relaxed two-hour ride through the narrow lanes and grand palazzi of Genoa's historic center, one of the largest medieval old towns in Europe.
View detailsNo sailings to Genoa in the catalog right now. Ask me for a quote and I'll find one for you.
My favorites: see the Renaissance palaces along Via Garibaldi, part of the UNESCO Palazzi dei Rolli; visit the striped Cathedral of San Lorenzo in the old town; get lost in the caruggi, the narrow medieval lanes of the historic center; stroll the Porto Antico waterfront and its large aquarium; take a day trip to the harbor village of Portofino on the Riviera.
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The historic center is a short walk from the cruise terminal, and trains and boats connect Genoa with the Riviera towns.
Search sailings that stop in Genoa on our site, or ask me for a quote. I book it for you with no fees, and I watch for price drops after you book.
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