Genoa is the fifth largest city in Italy. Once a European Capital Of Culture, the city has an historical centre and harbour, as well as palaces, churches and narrow streets.

We begin our tour of the city in the Villa Del Principe, a palazzo that was built for famous Admiral Of The Fleet, Andrea Doria, and created by Perino Del Vaga, a pupil of Raffael.

At the harbour, the Commenda Di Pré became the crusader‘s hospice of the Order Of Jerusalem, which was followed by the Maltese Order of Knights in the fifteenth century.

The Palazzo San Giorgio is the original seat of one of Italy’s first banks and was where Marco Polo was captured and from where he dictated his travels in China.

Porto Antico has been transformed into a fine leisure centre. A biosphere was created, designed by leading architect, Renzo Piano. An extraordinary tropical greenhouse contains parrots and small reptiles. Palm trees adorn the promenade which has always been a popular destination for a relaxing stroll.

Close to Via San Luca is the Palazzo Spinola, former residence of the noble Spinola Family, it has many original features. Today it is the Galleria Nazionale featuring the works of international masters and also prominent Genoese artists.

The famous Staglieno Cemetery is located near the station. It is also tantamount to being an open-air museum of sculpture. The splendour and vibrancy of the memorials is unique, a glorious necropolis. Genoa is portrayed in the cemetery as a cosmopolitan port city in which all religions are accepted in death.

The capital of the Liguria region has always been the Gateway To The World, a mediaeval naval power made rich by maritime trade. Genoa, dominator of the seas, is a metropolis in transition, a city that appeals to all of the senses!