From Genova | Portofino day trip driving a classic car

Travelers seeking a blend of scenic beauty, nostalgic charm, and a touch of adventure will find this classic car day trip from Genova to Portofino a memorable addition to their Italian itinerary. While many tours focus solely on sightseeing, this experience offers the chance to drive a vintage car through some of Italy’s most picturesque landscapes, making it more interactive and fun than your average excursion.

What we love about this trip is the unique opportunity to feel like a local behind the wheel —plus, the stunning coastal views are hard to beat. The inclusion of visits to Recco, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Portofino makes for a well-rounded day exploring the Ligurian coast.

One potential consideration is that the tour is limited to two-seater vintage cars, which means it works best for small groups or couples. If you’re not comfortable with manual driving or prefer not to drive, you might have to pay extra for a driver, although the option is available.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy a personalized experience—one that combines scenic drives, charming towns, and authentic Italian coastlines—delivered with a dash of vintage flair.

Key Points

• Scenic Coastal Drive: Travel along the stunning Ligurian coast with beautiful views and charming seaside villages.
• Driving Experience: Enjoy the chance to drive a vintage car if you have a valid EU license and are comfortable with manual transmission.
• Flexible Stops: Visit Recco, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Portofino, with plenty of time to explore, take photos, and relax.
• All-Inclusive Price: Vehicle, insurance, and fuel are covered, offering straightforward pricing with no hidden costs.
• Private Group: The experience is tailored for small groups or couples, ensuring a more intimate and personalized adventure.
• Weather-Ready Cars: The cars have both soft and hard tops, with heating, so you can enjoy the views rain or shine.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

This six-hour guided tour offers a wonderful mix of scenic driving, cultural discovery, and leisure time. Starting from Piazza della Vittoria, you’ll set off on a route that hugs the Ligurian coast, revealing some of Italy’s most breathtaking vistas. The journey is designed with flexibility and comfort in mind, so vehicle options include both soft top and hard top models, ready to shield you from any unexpected weather.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Stop 1: Recco
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to Recco, famous for its delicious focaccia. Here, you’ll have a photo stop lasting about an hour, giving you time to snap some memorable shots of the seaside town’s pastel-colored buildings and lively harbor. It’s a perfect spot to get a feel for the Ligurian vibe—laid-back yet vibrant.

Stop 2: Santa Margherita Ligure
Next, you’ll arrive in Santa Margherita Ligure, a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This charming town boasts narrow streets, elegant cafes, and a lovely waterfront. You’ll have roughly two hours here, enough time to explore, take photos, and enjoy a relaxed lunch break. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to sample local cuisine—though lunch is not included, the town’s restaurants are well worth a visit.

Stop 3: Portofino
The highlight for many is the stop in Portofino, a postcard-perfect fishing village known for its colorful harbor and luxury yachts. You’ll have about three hours in Portofino—ample time to walk along the waterfront, visit the Castello Brown, or just soak in the scenery. The tour includes a photo stop, allowing you to capture the iconic view of the bay, with its pastel houses and lush hills.

Driving and Comfort

The real charm here is the opportunity to drive a vintage car. If you hold a valid EU driving license and are confident with manual transmission, you can take the wheel. This allows for a fun, interactive experience where you’re not just a passenger but an active participant in your adventure.

For those less comfortable with driving or without a license, the tour provider offers the option to have a professional driver for an additional fee—meaning everyone can enjoy the scenery without stress.

The cars are equipped with heating and roofs, ensuring that weather won’t dampen your experience, whether it’s a sunny day or a bit overcast. Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, or a scarf, especially if you’re in the car during midday.

The Group and Logistics

This experience is designed for a private group, which makes it feel more personal and flexible. With two cars available, up to four guests can join, making it ideal for couples or small groups of friends. The tour is scheduled based on availability, with different starting times, so you can choose what fits best into your plans.

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The Value of the Tour

With the price covering car rental, insurance, and fuel, you get straightforward transparency. The experience itself offers good value, combining transportation, sightseeing, and the thrill of driving a vintage car—something many travelers find memorable and worth the cost.

Keep in mind that lunch, coffee breaks, gratuities, and hotel pickup/drop-off are not included, so plan accordingly. Many guests opt to bring their own snacks or enjoy meals in the towns visited.

Authentic Experiences and Feedback

Guests frequently describe this tour as “super nice” and highlight the photos and videos taken during the drive, which are included afterward. One reviewer mentioned, “We drove around a bit and the guide was super nice and took photos/videos of us while we were driving, which we got to see afterwards.” Such personal touches elevate the experience beyond standard sightseeing.

Several reviews praise the stunning views, noting that the coast’s scenery is simply breathtaking—perfect for photography and creating lasting memories. The flexibility to be dropped off at your accommodation in Santa Margherita (if requested) is a plus, allowing for a more customized experience.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This classic car day trip from Genova is ideal for travelers who want to combine scenic beauty with an interactive, hands-on experience. It’s perfect for couples or small groups who appreciate a more personal, relaxed pace and enjoy vintage vehicles’ charm. If you’re a photography enthusiast or someone who loves picturesque towns, this trip offers plenty of photo-worthy moments.

For those who prefer to relax rather than drive or aren’t comfortable with manual transmission, the option to have a professional driver ensures everyone can enjoy the day stress-free. The flexibility in stops and timing makes this a versatile choice for different schedules.

This tour provides a beautiful blend of scenery, culture, and fun—all wrapped in a nostalgic package that’s sure to leave you with fond memories of Liguria’s coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the vintage car on this tour?
Yes, provided you have a valid EU driver’s license and are comfortable with manual gear shifting, you can take the wheel. If not, the tour offers a driver option for an extra cost.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers car rental, insurance, and fuel. It does not include lunch, coffee breaks, gratuities, or hotel pickup/drop-off.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is around 6 hours, with different start times available—check availability when booking.

How many people can participate?
Up to 4 guests, as there are two two-seater cars. The experience is tailored for private groups.

What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license, sunscreen, a hat or scarf, and any personal items you’d like during your stops.

Is the experience weather-dependent?
The cars have both soft and hard tops, so weather won’t ruin your day. In case of rain or clouds, you’ll still be comfortable and protected.

Can I be dropped off at my hotel?
Yes, if requested, you can be dropped off at your accommodation in Santa Margherita Ligure—a nice touch for convenience.

This classic car coastal adventure offers a wonderful way to explore Liguria’s most charming towns with a personal touch. Whether you’re behind the wheel or soaking in the views as a passenger, it’s a trip that combines scenery, culture, and a dash of vintage fun—perfect for anyone looking to experience Italy’s coast in a memorable, authentic way.

You can check availability for your dates here: