La Spezia: 4-hour tour of the Gulf of Poets

4-hour boat tour of the Poet's Gulf focusing on seaside villages, caves, marble quarries and local traditions, with stops for swimming, guided explanations and a Ligurian tasting session on board.

Discover the Gulf of Poets from a cultural and local perspective on an approximately 4-hour boat tour focusing on maritime traditions, coastal history, and the authentic villages of the gulf. Departure is from La Spezia. As we cruise through the gulf, we will visit and learn about the fishing villages of Cadimare, Fezzano, Le Grazie, Marola, and Parola, with explanations of the lives of the fishermen, the activities of the port, and the development of the area. The tour continues on to the island of Palmaria, where you will learn about the ancient marble quarries and their historical significance for the gulf. In this area, there will be a stop at the natural pools for a swim. The cruise continues through the protected marine area of the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The tour includes visits by sea to Byron's Grotto, the Blue Grotto, and the Grotta dei Colombi (Doves' Grotto), which are accessible only by boat. Guests will disembark in Portovenere or, during colder periods, in Lerici. The return journey follows the eastern coast of the gulf, with additional stops for swimming. The experience includes an on-board tasting of traditional Ligurian products: drinks, snacks, focaccia with pesto, a platter of cured meats, dessert, limoncino, and, starting in April, caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella.