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ABBAZIA DEI FIESCHI AND SESTRI LEVANTE |
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| Leave the port and drive to S. Salvatore di Cogorno. It is a natural oasis where man’s hand has touched, surely, but without being able to master the environmental abundance of these places. Then you reach the thirteenth century Basilica dei Fieschi where the papal cross of Innocenzo IV is kept. It is one of the most important medieval monuments of eastern Liguria. The history of the basilica of San Salvatore is linked with the struggle between the papacy and the government which witnessed as rivals, using fair means or foul Frederick II of Swabia and Innocenzo IV. Together with the Basilica , in 1252, was erected the lavish residence of the Fieschi family following the black and white band decoration of the church. And finally you arrive in Sestri Levante . it is a very special place because it is divided by a narrow strip of land rich in vegetation and has two seas one on the “ baia del silenzio “ and one in the “Baia delle Favole “, named by Andersen taken by its beauty. Sestri levante has remained faithful to its marine village origins, but has also been able to promote summer tourism with shopping and art.
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CAMOGLI & SAN FRUTTUOSO |
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| You will discover the charm and magic of the inlets till you reach San Fruttuoso, an isolated fishing village which can be reached only by sea or on foot. San Fruttuoso dates back to the Roman age and is situated on the banks of an enchanting bay, set in the west side of the Promontory of Portofino beyond the lighthouse. Getting closer to the port, it appears with the majesty of its 13th century Abbey, which dominates the beach with the irregular arches and its antique three-mullioned windows. |
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GENOVA ED IL SUO ACQUARIO |
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| Genoa is one of the ancient Italian Sea Republics, and one of the main ports on the Mediterran sea. You will visit the heart of the old historical centre of Genoa, through Piazza Banchi along the old narrow streets to the beautiful gothic roman church of San Matteo. Walking along the narrow streets of the old city centre you will reach the Cathedral. It has been built between the 12C and 16C , has a splendid Gothic façade , typical of the Genoese style. French influence appears in the placing of the 13C doorways and the large rose window. Then you will arrive at Piazza de Ferrari, which is bordered by the theatre Carlo Felice which was restored a few years ago. There is the Ducal palace with its monumental façade overlooking on the square. Here you will be able to admire the city centre square with the fountain in the centre surrounded by old buildings. The tour then continues to the expò area , where you will visit the aquarium , which is the largest in italy and the second one in Europe after which one in Valencia ( Spain ) . It was open in 1992 in occasion of the Columbus’ celabrations. The three most important tanks are the ones which house dolphins, sharkes and seals .
The aquarium was enlarged using the hull of a ship called NAVE ITALIA and house a big number of open tanks . In some of them the guest can introduce his hands and touch directly the fishes.
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RAPALLO & SANTA MARGHERITA |
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| Rapallo was founded during the Roman domain and several monuments relating back to the medieval times are still conserved . Rapallo is also known for having been the centre where important international treaties were signed. In Rapallo there are many boutiques and shops specialised in local handicrafts such as hand made lace and slate objects. Passengers will have some free time. The tour continues sailing to Santa Margherita, another charming and colourful village on the Ligurian Riviera, where you will visit the church of Ns. Signora della Rosa in Baroque style . Santa Margherita reached its splendour during the Middle Ages as the personal estate of the noble Genoese Fieschi family. At the end of XVII century it was named Porto Napoleone and enjoyed an indipendent administration .a witness of the past is borne today by the remains of the fifteenth century castle.
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UNA PASSEGGIATA A PORTOFINO |
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| Located on a promontory that just out into the Mediterranean, Portofino is blanketed in olive, pine, cypress and palm trees. This town is known for its unspoiled charm, romantic land and seascapes, and spectacular holiday homes. Leaving the main square you will walk through the narrow streets surrounded by beautiful villas with gardens full of tropical plants and Mediterranean olive trees, cypress, pine and palm trees. Portofino is known for its unspoiled charm, romantic land, seascapes, luxuriant villas, elegant shops and boutiques that surround the charming “piazzetta”. You will then continue up to the church of St. George where from it proceeds to Castle Brown gaze out over the Gulf of Rapallo and Portofino below. Continue along the pathway, which brings you to the “Faro” (lighthouse) at the far end of the promontory. Keep an eye out for elegant villas cloaked in luxuriant vegetation of tropical plants and olive trees.
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