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.
SHORE EXCURSIONS View all excursions
Genoa On Your Own
You take the reins on this half-day trip to landmark-packed Genoa, the capital of Italy’s Liguria region. It’s around an hour from the port, and you’ll have three hours of free time to get to know the city known as ‘La Superba’. Check out the Piazza de Ferrari with its impressive bronze fountain, and call in at the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo – AKA St Lawrence Cathedral – to snap some photos with its zebra-striped walls. You can grab a double helping of palaces, too – there’s the Palazzo Ducale and the Palazzo Reale. A bevy of coffee shops and gelaterias hide in the alleyways, so there are plenty of brunching opportunities. In fact, the city’s believed to be the birthplace of pesto – a sampler should be on your agenda.
Discovering Genoa
Today you’ll get acquainted with an ex-pirate hotspot and the largest Medieval city centre in Europe – Genoa. This port city was once an economic superpower thanks to a huge shipping industry, but in the past suffered through plague, wars with Venice and political unrest. It’s been nicknamed ‘La Superba’ for its long list of landmarks and rich history, and today your guide will peel back the layers. Columbus’ House and the Porta Soprana Gate are just some of the highlights you’ll visit. You’ll also have an hour of free time to explore the city after your tour – perhaps tuck in to a taster of locally made pesto and famous Genoese focaccia.