Genoa’s historical tours offer some of Europe’s finest glimpses into a powerful medieval trading empire. The essential 2-hour walking tours cover the UNESCO-listed palaces and merchant quarter – it’s the perfect introduction to this fascinating port city. The Columbus-themed walks are particularly good, taking you past his childhood home and the city’s medieval gates. I especially love the combination food-and-history tours through the old town’s narrow caruggi (alleyways), where you’ll sample Genovese specialties while learning about the city’s maritime past. For photographers and history buffs, the private tours of the merchant palaces are worth the splurge – you’ll get personal attention and access to hidden corners most visitors miss. Let’s explore the best historical tours Genoa has to offer.
Key Points
- 2-hour Private Historical Tour with knowledgeable guides providing cultural insights and flexible cancellation policy.
- 20-minute guided tour of Christopher Columbus House visiting ground floor workshop and upper private rooms.
- 4-hour Genoa Day Tour combining history, culture, and culinary exploration with local specialties sampling.
- 2-hour Guided Walking Tour exploring UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli and other key landmarks.
- Various tours highlighting Genoa’s rich history and traditions, including cultural experiences like historic store tours and pesto making classes.
2 Hours Private Historical Tour in Genoa
For those seeking an immersive introduction to Genoa’s rich history, the 2-hour Private Historical Tour offers an engaging and informative experience.
With a 4.7-star rating from over 130 reviews, this personalized tour is a hit among travelers. Guests can choose to be picked up or head directly to the meeting point at the Galata Museo del Mare.
During the tour, a knowledgeable guide will provide insights into Genoa’s culture and past, making it an excellent option for those with limited time or mobility issues.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals.
With a cancellation policy of up to 24 hours before the tour, it’s a flexible and convenient way to explore Genoa’s historical gems.
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Genoa: Historic Guided Tour of Christopher Columbus House
The Historic Guided Tour of Christopher Columbus House in Genoa offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the life and legacy of the renowned explorer.
Priced at just $11.11 per person, the 20-minute tour allows guests to explore the ground floor workshop and upper-floor private rooms where Columbus lived in his youth.
The guided experience also includes visits to the Cloister of Sant’Andrea and Porta Soprana, showcasing Genoa’s medieval heart.
While the small group size is limited to 6 participants, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 and positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides, the tour provides excellent value for money.
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Genoa Day Tour: 4 Hours of Wine Food History and Joy
Immersing oneself in Genoa’s captivating history, savoring the city’s renowned culinary delights, and exploring its architectural marvels – all of this and more is seamlessly woven into the Genoa Day Tour: 4 Hours of Wine, Food, History, and Joy.
This 4-hour walking tour covers a 3-mile route, showcasing Genoa’s landmarks and allowing travelers to sample local specialties like hand-made focaccia, Prosecco, and regional wines.
Led by the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, Karl, the tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the city’s rich past and vibrant culture.
With a maximum group size of 99, the experience offers a personalized and immersive exploration of Genoa’s history and cuisine.
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Genoa: 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Center
Discover Genoa’s captivating historical center on this comprehensive 2-hour guided walking tour. Priced at just $14.81 per person, the tour offers a great value for exploring the city’s UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli and navigating the narrow alleys of Europe’s largest historical center.
With a knowledgeable live guide leading the way, you’ll visit key landmarks like the San Lorenzo Cathedral, Doge Palace, and Opera House.
After the tour, you can independently explore the renowned Strada Nuova Museums showcasing masterpieces by renowned artists.
Backed by a 4.4/5 overall rating based on 516 reviews, this tour provides an informative and engaging experience praised for its knowledgeable guides and excellent value.
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Tour of Genoa Historic Center and Wine Tasting With Dinner
Venture beyond Genoa’s captivating historical center and embark on a tour that immerses you in the city’s vibrant culture and rich history.
Operated by Soul of Genoa Tours, this experience offers a guided exploration of Genoa’s historic landmarks, followed by a delightful wine tasting and dinner.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience.
Highlights include a visit to a local wine cellar and the opportunity to savor regional wines alongside a delectable meal.
Praised by past participants for its knowledgeable guide and immersive itinerary, this tour is a must-try for those seeking an authentic taste of Genoa’s heritage.
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Genoa: Tour of Historic Stores With Tastings and Aperitivo
Uncover Genoa’s rich commercial heritage on a captivating tour of its historic stores.
Explore centuries-old shops that have been passed down through generations, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant past.
Wander through charming alleyways, stopping to sample local delicacies and sip on aperitifs at family-run establishments.
Learn about the unique traditions and artisanal crafts that have shaped Genoa’s identity.
From traditional bakeries to historic wine cellars, this tour unveils the beating heart of the city’s merchant culture.
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors that have endured for centuries, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for Genoa’s enduring entrepreneurial spirit.
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Genoa: Historical Center Photography Walking Tour With Snack
Visitors can often find themselves captivated by Genoa’s historical center, a vibrant tapestry of architectural wonders and cultural heritage.
The Genoa: Historical Center Photography Walking Tour with Snack offers an immersive experience, allowing participants to capture the grandeur of this iconic city. Lasting 2.5 hours, the tour covers 3 kilometers, focusing on developing photography skills and exploring notable sites like Via Garibaldi and Piazza De Ferrari.
Participants can enjoy a traditional Genoese snack and receive a complimentary water bottle. With a maximum of 5 people, the tour provides personalized attention and the opportunity to learn from a local photographer.
Suitable for those aged 18 and above, this tour is an excellent way to discover Genoa’s rich history through the lens of a camera.
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Pesto Making Class in Historic Building in Genoa
One of the most captivating historical experiences in Genoa is the Pesto Making Class in a Historic Building.
Held in a centuries-old structure, this immersive culinary workshop takes participants on a journey through Genoa’s rich gastronomic heritage. Guests learn the art of crafting authentic pesto, the iconic Ligurian sauce, from scratch.
Under the guidance of expert chefs, they’ll discover the traditional techniques and secret ingredients that make Genoese pesto so distinctive. The class not only teaches the practical skills but also delves into the cultural significance of this beloved dish.
Participants leave with not just a delicious homemade pesto, but also a deeper appreciation for Genoa’s vibrant history and traditions.
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Genoa – Private Historic Walking Tour
Genoa’s captivating history unfolds during this private walking tour, which escorts guests through the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
For 3 hours, up to 20 participants can explore Genoa’s highlights, including the grand Piazza de Ferrari, the Gothic and Romanesque Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, and the 13th-century Doge’s Palace.
Stroll along the scenic Porto Antico waterfront and take in panoramic views from the Belvedere Castelletto.
This tour is available in English and Italian, with flexible cancellation and payment options.
From $391.39 per group, it’s an immersive way to discover Genoa’s rich history and architecture.
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Sum Up
Genoa offers a rich historical experience with numerous guided tours showcasing the city’s significant landmarks and cultural heritage. From private walking tours and Christopher Columbus’ house to wine tastings and pesto-making classes, visitors can enjoy Genoa’s past while enjoying its vibrant present. Whether you’re interested in architecture, cuisine, or photography, there’s a tour to suit your preferences and provide an engaging glimpse into the city’s storied history.