Explore Italy’s magical north-western region aboard a Victoria Cruises Residential Ship sailing from the historic port of Genoa to the fashion and art capital of Milan. The charming panoramas of the Ligurian Sea, the ancient streets of Genoa and the bustle of Milan’s elegant squares offer the perfect combination of culture, history and modern lifestyle. Discover the hidden treasures and culinary delights of these two iconic cities, while Italian hospitality and the luxury of the ship make the journey unforgettable. The two cities are a short distance apart, so you can explore them in one trip.
Genoa
TIP: genoa-hop-on-and-hop-off-48-hour-bus-pass
History
Genoa has a rich history dating back to ancient Rome, but it really became a major maritime power in the Middle Ages. The Republic of Genoa was one of Europe’s most powerful maritime republics, rivaling Venice and Pisa. The city was the birthplace of famous figures such as Christopher Columbus, whose discoveries etched Genoa’s name in history. The city still retains its medieval atmosphere with its narrow streets and impressive palaces.
A former maritime republic and a major trading power on the Mediterranean, Genoa is a destination that is usually overlooked. But this bustling port city is a must for anyone looking for history and authentic charm. Genoa is a city of many faces. This is largely due to its long-standing patina, which highlights its elegant architecture. Stepping down the mountainous terrain, colourful buildings meet the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Genoa also boasts Europe’s largest medieval historic centre, proving that the city’s appeal goes beyond its beautiful surface and bustling port. Here’s what to see in Genoa.
10 things to see in Genoa
Porto Antico (Old Port): located in the heart of Genoa, the Old Port is the meeting point of modern and historical elements of the city. This revitalised area is full of restaurants, bars and entertainment, such as the Aquarium, the largest in Italy. From the promenade of the port you have a wonderful view of the sea.
TIP: genoa-aquarium-of-genoa-entry-ticket
Palazzi dei Rolli: These Renaissance and Baroque palaces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 16th and 17th centuries, noblemen used to accommodate important visitors here. From the 16th to the 16th century, several of the palaces housed art collections and beautiful frescoes and decorative rooms.
Cattedrale di San Lorenzo Italy is home to many cathedrals, but the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo is one of the most beautiful. Dating back to the eleventh century, the cathedral combines different architectural styles, including Romanesque and Gothic. This is largely reflected in the use of black and white stripes, both inside and out. Two lion statues guard the cathedral, enhancing its presence. Inside, you can find a number of holy relics in the Museo del Tesoro, such as the „Holy Spear”.
Boccadasse: This charming fishing village is one of the most romantic parts of Genoa, with its colourful houses and pebble beach. The neighbourhood is made even more charming by the many small cafés and ice-cream parlours, ideal for a relaxing afternoon stroll
Via Garibaldi: a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. The Via Garibaldi promenade offers a glimpse into Genoa’s rich past. You will certainly be impressed by the sheer sight of the palaces lining the street. Many have been converted into museums and galleries. Here you will find Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Doria Tursi, all of which house wonderful art collections.
Lanterna di Genova. The top of the 77-metre-high tower offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea.
Piazza De Ferrari: Locals and tourists alike flock to Piazza De Ferrari for its architectural appeal. Surrounded by intricate buildings and a huge bronze fountain, it’s obvious why it’s called the beating heart of Genoa. In the 19th century, Genoa was one of Italy’s primary financial centres (along with Milan) and Piazza De Ferri became the focal point for various institutions. Until 1994 it was home to the Italian Stock Exchange and the former Bank of Genoa (now UniCredit). The Art Nouveau and neoclassical buildings, such as the Opera House, create a truly unique atmosphere.
Galata Museo del Mare: The interactive exhibitions at the maritime museum tell the story of shipping in Genoa. One of the most interesting parts is the submarine, which visitors can explore.
Castello d’Albertis: This neo-Gothic castle is home to the Museum of World Cultures. Perched on a hilltop, it offers a magnificent panorama and its beautiful gardens are well worth a stroll.
Nervi: Nervi is an elegant part of Genoa, famous for its seaside promenades and beautiful parks. The Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi is a scenic coastal path with breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea. The famous villas in the area, such as Villa Luxoro or Villa Grimaldi, are cultural museums, presenting the history and art of Genoa. In the cosy restaurants and cafés of Nervi, visitors can sample local specialities while enjoying the proximity of the sea. This area is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and soak up the romantic atmosphere of the Ligurian Sea
Flavours of Genoa: Treasures of the Ligurian Kitchen
A stroll through the streets of Genoa reveals the heart of Italian cuisine, where authentic flavours captivate the senses. The fragrant basilico genovese and fresh extra virgin olive oil make the city’s iconic dishes special. Focaccia, a flatbread sprinkled with salt and rosemary, can be found on the shelves of almost every bakery and is irresistibly delicious, especially when freshly baked. Another gem of the local cuisine is pansotti, a triangular pasta served with a nutty sauce, stuffed with ricotta and fresh herbs – the essence of Ligurian flavours.
The proximity of the coast brings an abundance of seafood to the table, while taggiasche olives and basil are the basis of the region’s unique specialities. The pesto genovese, which has enjoyed protected status since 2005, offers the perfect harmony of basil and local olive oil. When in Genoa, sampling pesto and local delicacies is not only recommended – it’s a must!
There are plenty of day trips from Genoa to explore Liguria. A visit to classics such as Portofino and Cinque Terre is a must.
Portofino: The Coastal Pearl of Elegance: a charming fishing village known as one of Italy’s most exclusive seaside destinations, Portofino’s colourful houses are set in picturesque surroundings along a crystal clear bay where luxury yachts bob. The town’s main square, the Piazzetta, is a popular meeting point for locals and tourists, lined with cafés and restaurants. The surrounding nature is also impressive: the hiking trails of the Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino offer beautiful views of the Ligurian Sea. Portofino’s iconic landmark is Castello Brown, a historic fortress with unrivalled views of the countryside. The seaside town offers the perfect blend of tranquillity and luxury, whether for romantic walks or elegant dinners. to find out more about Portofino read our blog
TIP: genova-boat-tour-to-camogli-san-fruttuoso-portofino
Cinque Terre: The Fabulous World of the Five Villages:Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Italy’s most enchanting regions, comprising five enchanting villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. These villages are built into the sides of steep cliffs, offering picturesque views of the Ligurian Sea. The colourful houses and terraced vineyards blend perfectly into the dramatic landscape.
As it is almost impossible to summarise the magical beauty of Cinque Terre in a few sentences, we encourage you to explore this fairytale world in more detail on our blog. Discover the stunning landscapes, history, gastronomic specialities and natural wonders of the five picturesque villages on the shores of the Ligurian Sea! Read our detailed blog
Just two hours by train from Genoa to Milan, you’ll be in a world of fashion and luxury. Let’s dress in style to fully experience the ‘dolce vita’ that comes alive on the streets of Milan!
MILAN
History
Milan was known as Mediolanum in ancient Roman times and was one of the most important cities of the Western Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, it became a centre of the Renaissance under the Visconti and Sforza families. The work of Leonardo da Vinci also left a deep mark on the city’s history. In the 19th century, Milan became a centre of the industrial revolution and is today known as one of the most dynamic and innovative cities in Europe.
Things to see in Milan
Milan, the fashion and economic capital of Italy, is both modern and historic. In the city centre, trendy skyscrapers blend harmoniously with beautiful buildings that evoke the past, giving Milan a special atmosphere. A stroll through this fascinating city is guaranteed to captivate you.
Duomo di Milano: The Piazza del Duomo is the most central square in Milan, but also one of the most visited parts of the city. Not only because it’s on every tourist’s bucket list in Italy , but also because it’s where locals hang out on weekends. Milan’s Duomo is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. It was built over 600 years and its towers offer stunning views of the city. The thousands of sculptures adorning the façade are a true masterpiece.
TIP: duomo-and-terraces-ticket-with-audioguide
Did you know? Piazza del Duomo is also home to Milan’s Duomo, one of Milan’s most famous churches. In fact, it is the largest church in Italy and an impressive feat of architecture and human engineering.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Get ready to be impressed by the architecture and decorations of Italy’s oldest shopping centre.With its glass dome and delicate details on the sides of the walls, the Galleria is an incredible place to stroll. This 19th century glass-roofed shopping centre is a symbol of luxury and elegance. With its fashion shops and elegant cafés, the Galleria is one of the most popular meeting places in the city.
Did you know? There’s an interesting tradition connected to this place: the mosaic floor has a depiction of a bull, and legend has it that if you place your heel on the bull’s testicles and turn around three times, you will bring good luck.
Sforza Castle. Among the collections of museums in the medieval fortress are masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini sculpture. The castle’s vast gardens are perfect for a relaxing stroll.
TIP: If you don’t feel like visiting a museum, you can still visit the inner courtyard of the castle for free, as it acts as a gateway between Piazza Cairoli and Parco Sempione, Milan’s largest parks.
Santa Maria delle Grazie and The Last Supper: Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic fresco, „The Last Supper”, can be seen in the monastery’s dining room. The visit requires a reservation, but is an unmissable experience.
TIP: milan-da-vinci-s-last-supper-guided-tour
Navigli canals. The Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese canals were designed by Leonardo da Vinci and are now a favourite destination for city dwellers and tourists alike. The bars, restaurants and vintage shops along the canals are a great place to relax and discover local flavours. In the evenings, the district becomes particularly atmospheric when the lights reflect off the canals. Annual markets and exhibitions add to Navigli’s unique appeal.
Pinacoteca di Brera: This art gallery houses masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque painting. The area around the gallery, the Brera district, also has a magical atmosphere.
Milan Botanic Garden (Orto Botanico di Brera): Located in the Brera district, the botanic garden is a quiet oasis in the hustle and bustle of the city. Rare plants and peaceful walks await nature lovers.
Teatro alla Scala. The Scala is one of the world’s most famous opera houses. The opera house museum offers an insight into the history of the theatre and its famous performances.
Arco della Pace: The Peace Arch is located at the entrance to the Sempione Park and was begun in the early 1800s in honour of Napoleon. The beautiful reliefs of the Arch of Triumph recall Milan’s historical moments and the surrounding square is a charming meeting place. This city gate is an impressive and iconic landmark in the heart of Milan. The surrounding area is dotted with stylish bars and restaurants, the perfect place to enjoy an aperitivo. Complete your city tour with an authentic Milanese moment: sip an Aperol Spritz or Campari Soda like the locals!
Bosco Verticale: Known as the „Vertical Forest”, this pair of modern buildings is a stunning example of sustainable architecture. The plants on the buildings create thousands of square metres of green space and provide a unique visual experience.
Porta Nuova: This is Milan’s modern business centre, with skyscrapers, futuristic buildings and beautifully landscaped urban squares, including the UniCredit Tower, Italy’s tallest building.
San Siro Stadium. The stadium tour includes a visit to the players’ dressing rooms and the club museum.
Cimitero Monumentale: This monumental cemetery is not just a burial place, but also an open-air art gallery with beautiful sculptures and monuments. The tranquil atmosphere and imposing tombs make it a special attraction.
The basilica of San Bernardino alle Ossa is one of the most unique churches in Milan, famous for its impressive bone chapel. Built in 1210, the walls of the chapel are lined with human bones and skulls from the remains of a nearby hospital and cemetery. The site is both eerie and fascinating, with a unique atmosphere that makes you think. The church is also a place of quiet contemplation, which may be of particular interest to those interested in art and history.
Milan, the capital of fashion, is not complete without shopping! On your trip, stop off at Via Torino and Via Monte Napoleone, two of the city’s iconic shopping streets. Via Torino is a more accessible choice, full of popular stores such as H&M, Zara and Bershka. Monte Napoleone, on the other hand, is the pinnacle of luxury shopping, with big brands such as Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana. Although not the best place to buy souvenirs, the elegant atmosphere and the experience of walking around is special in itself.
This Milan itinerary is quite narrow, with lots of walking, but it allows you to see everything Milan has to offer in a day
TIP: How to get around Milan in a day. However, if you don’t want to walk too far, you can easily access public transport. It may be a bit slow, but Milan has an excellent public transport system. For short distances you can take the tram or bus, for longer distances the metro
Milan is famous for its gastronomy, which combines traditional Lombardy flavours with the city’s modern culinary style. One of the most famous dishes is risotto alla milanese, a creamy risotto with saffron flavouring, a true delicacy of the city. Also a must-try is the cotoletta alla milanese, a crispy, breaded veal cutlet often served with lemon. Restaurants also often serve panettone, a sweet, fruity cake popular during the Christmas season and the crowning glory of any meal in Milan.
Genoa and Milan are two cities with very different characters that complement each other perfectly. Genoa offers unforgettable experiences for lovers of history and the sea, while Milan offers unforgettable experiences for those interested in fashion, modernity and art. A trip that touches both cities will leave you with rich experiences and memories. Don’t miss the wonders of northern Italy!