Savona (for Genoa and Turin) Cruises, Italy

Savona’s located on the shores of the Ligurian Sea, at the very top of Italy’s boot. Yachts and cruise liners bob in the narrow harbour, which juggles traditional architecture with modern waterside apartments. The city itself boasts a bumper crop of historic landmarks, from the 16th-century Priamar Fortress to the stunning Sistine Chapel – a frescoed mausoleum with a famous namesake in Vatican City. Its biggest claim-to-fame, though, is that it was once home to explorer Christopher Columbus. Do your own exploring beyond the city limits, and you can drive to big-hitters like Genoa and Turin in an hour or two, respectively.

• The Torre Leon Pancaldo – which translates simply as ‘Tower’ – is a Medieval stone structure set on Savona’s harbourside. It’s named after local navigator Leon Pancaldo, who accompanied Ferdinand Magellan on the first voyage around the world in 1519. These days, the tower’s considered to be the symbol of the city.
• Flit along the coastline to Genoa, and you can visit the largest aquarium in Italy – the Acquario di Genoa. It was built to mark 500 years since Columbus discovered the new world, and the building’s designed to look like a ship that’s poised to head out to sea. Gentoo penguins, bottlenose dolphins, and manatees are among the animals you can see.
• If you want to ramp up the culture, Savona’s a gateway to one of northern Italy’s most cosmopolitan cities – Turin. Among its classy shopping scene and arty cafés, you’ll find the Mole Antonelliana. This huge spired building stretches more than 500 feet into the air, and it’s home to the country’s National Museum of Cinema.