Chiavari: a delightful coastal town of Liguria dating from the medieval period, situated in the heart of the Gulf of Tigullio; characterized by its fascinating historical town centre with cobblestone alleyways and portico lined streets that form arcades with elegant boutiques, antique shops, workshops of the local handicrafts, coffee bars and quaint restaurants. Admire the historical buildings such as the Citadel, Torriglia and Rocca with its recently restored park and botanical garden, the church of S. Giovanni Battista (St.John the Baptist) in baroque stile, the cathedral, holy sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie from the neoclassic period with frescoes of the artist Luca Cambiaso and numerous canvasses dating from the 17th century and the valuable wooden sculptures in bas-relief of sculpture Maragliano.

Not to be missed each month the open air markets situated near to the hotel; on the second weekend the "Antique Fair" and on the last weekend the "Market of flavours" dedicated to typical food specialities of Liguria and the neighbouring regions of Piemonte and Tuscany, also arts and Crafts, all presented by the producers and artisans in person.

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"All of a sudden the hidden inlet reveals itself amongst the olive and chestnut trees. A small village, Portofino, widens as if an ellipse of the moon around this calm basin. Slowly we cross the narrow straight that unites this magnificent natural harbour to the sea, and we penetrate towards the amphitheatre of houses, surrounded by a strong and fresh green wood, and all reflected in the mirror of the tranquil waters, where some of the fishing boats seem to be sleeping" Guy de Maupassant

An international star in the holiday travel industry throughout the world. Evocative of the most exclusive rituals by the jet set, Portofino is a unique environment in the Mediterranean area. Sailing regattas music festivals and art exhibitions are organized from August to November.

Sestri Levante: "the bay of Silence and the bay of the Fairy Tales are like two arms stretching out to sea suspended over the blue". The most important event is the Andersen Festival and Prize for Literature: at the end of May, the city becomes animated by street performances of the new circus, music artists, actors reciting with authors who narrate their stories and talk about themselves in front of the sea. The beeches, squares, alleyways of Sestri Levante are filled with enchantment, and not only for children!

Cinque Terre: they are situated between Levanto and the Gulf of La Spezia, an impervious coast where man and nature have created a backdrop among the most beautiful in the world. The terraced landscape constructed for cultivation of the vines that are supported by dry stonewalls for thousands of kilometres. The five medieval villages (or lands), Monterosso, Vernazza, Coniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore balanced between the land and sea are miracles of architecture. To be visited on foot without haste, stopping to satisfy ones curiosity in the narrow alleyways, and by train that links all the villages. They can also be reached from Chiavari by sea with regular coastal boat departures from April to September.

Lavagna: the origins of this village are very ancient and its foundation is attributed to the Romans. Its economy is principally connected to the industries of turism, mainly summer, and slate mining, once famous for the production of slate blackboards, in Italian "Lavagna"hence the town’s name. In remembrance of its illustrious past, on the 14th of August each year there is the famous festival in pageantry costumes of the Fieschis Nuptial Cake. A commemoration of the lavish wedding, dating from the 1230 century, of Earl Opizzo Fieschi to Countess Bianca dei Bianchi of Siena. A magnificent historical procession with chivalrous tournaments that leads to the climax of the event, the serving of the giant wedding cake to those who were able to find their unknown partner!

Hinterland: at the Town of Cogorno, only a short distance from Chiavari, it's possible to visit the extraordinary sight, a time capsule, of the little hamlet and Gothic Basilica of the Fieschis. Discover the beauties of the hinterland advancing into the Fontanabuona Sturla and Graveglia valleys, where the Gambatesa mine is located, a must for the children who are excited to hear the stories and discover the secrets on how the miners extracted the manganese from the mountain (mainly used in producing metal alloys); still onward into the mountains, the panoramic scenery of the Aveto Regional Nature Park with its interesting and important trekking trails.

Genoa: Gate of the Mediterranean, Genoa’s beauty lies in her magic old port, heart of the town, open gate to overseas worlds, to the Mediterranean sea that has always been a link between different people. Genoa’s beauty lies in the hills bowing around her bay like an amphitheatre, in her vertical cityscape, in her luxurious palaces, in the alleys of the medieval city swarming with life, where past and present meet. Genoa has been appointed European Cultural Capital for 2004 and some gurus of the Western world are Genovese, such as Christopher Columbus, Nicolò Paganini and Giuseppe Mazzini. Genoa's Aquarium is one of the most important in Europe and one of the most visited museums in Italy. It is a fascinating world, where arts and crafts mix in a labyrinth of dark alleys (carruggi) and small sun touched squares. Everywhere there are pieces of art: Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco, Theatre Carlo Felice Opera House, Piazza De Ferrari and its famous fountain, the Lanterna (symbol of the city), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Monumental Cemetery at Staglieno.