Genoa: City of Magnificent Contrasts
Genoa remains one of the hidden gems of Italy. Known as La Superba, enjoying a wonderful position on the coast of Liguria, the Republic of Genoa vied for centuries with Venice for mastery of the Mediterranean.
We could have no better guide than the remarkable Robin Lane Fox to describe this long struggle for maritime supremacy and bring to life characters such as the great admiral Andrea Doria, whose descendants still own a wonderful palace in the city.
The Genoese merchants benefitted mightily from this maritime trade and built a series of magnificent palaces along the Strada Nuova, making this one of the most splendid Renaissance streets in Europe. Artists of the calibre of Rubens and Van Dyck produced much of their best work here, testifying to the artistic taste of the Genoese nobility. We will be visiting the finest of these palaces, all privately owned.
The Genoese also served as bankers to the Spanish Habsburgs and embellished their home city with their vast wealth. It was for the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella that Genoa’s most famous son, Christopher Columbus, set out to discover the New World.
Our tour will include a visit to the tenth century Benedictine monastery of San Fruttuoso, on the coast south of Genoa, which can only be reached by boat.
Hotel: The five star Hotel Bristol Palace is Genoa’s most luxurious and elegant hotel situated in the heart of the old city near the Ducal Palace. Recently refurbished, it retains its charming Art Nouveau interior. All our rooms will be Deluxe doubles.
Cost: £4,950. This includes five nights bed and breakfast in one of the hotel’s charming Deluxe rooms, all lunches and two dinners, all visits, lectures and coach trips. We reserve the right to adjust the price should there be a significant alteration in the rate of the exchange. Please note that the cost of air travel is not included
Single Occupancy: There will be a supplement of £600 for single occupancy of a Deluxe double room.
Flights: Please let us know if you would like to travel as part of the group from London and we will advise you of the return flights we have selected for this tour.
Insurance: Travel insurance is an essential requirement if you are taking a tour. If you require travel insurance, please contact goodtogoinsurance.com or call 0330 0249952.
Lecturer: Robin Lane Fox
Tour Leader: Jane Rae
