One of the really nice things about European train stations, is that they are within walking…read moredistance of where the action is. This allows for a longer layover stop to be a place where you can explore a bit, and even perhaps get a bite to eat. This is definitely the case for the Genova Piazza Principe, which is very close to the Cruise Boat Port and near many restaurants that serve both transportation hubs. We arrived around lunch time on a Saturday from Ventiglia around 12:20 pm. We grabbed some lunch from a nearby restaurant, and came back around 1:30, and found a place outside to sit. Sitting outside pretty much means being near cigarette smoke. We were going to Pisa, and they announced the track about an hour before arrival. There was an elevator from the tunnel underneath (each track has their own). Ground level is always 0 in Europe and the basem ent levels are -1. (no G or B here). The train to Pisa had a final destination of Rome, so a lot of people had luggage for the weekend. The train came to Track 20 at 2:42 for a 3:01 departure, so we had plenty of time to find our assigned seats. There was space for our luggage overhead, and our American size luggage fit fine. We left at precisely 3:01, and made the following stops. We noticed that at each stop, they allowed 3 - 5 minute layover to allow people to easily get in and out with luggage. 3:05 Genova Brignole - left at 3:10 3:29 Rapallo. Left at 3:36 3:42 Chiavari. Left at 3:44 4:22 La Spezia Centrale. Left at 4:24 4:41: Massa Centro. Left at 4:43 4:52: Viareggio. Left at 4:53 5:07: Pisa Centrale. Left at 5:09 This definitely did inspire for future trips to know that we could take a train into Rome from France. The trip cost 11,9€ each.

The two main stations in Genoa are Bringole and Principe, with connections to everywhere. There are…read morestores and caffès both in this station and all around the area. Many hotels too. You are close to the waterfront, the winding dark alleyways of the old town, tourist attractions, and numerous hotels and restaurants.

I made it a goal to see more of the country by train vs flying as I did in my last trips. Coming…read morefrom Milano, it was nice to go straight down the north of Italy, through some mountain passes/tunnels, and end up in Genova. Then the train moves west through Liguria and end up near the coast towards France. Now originally I was going to go into Sportorno which is a very small less busy station but Savona isnt exactly large when you compare it to Milano Centrale/Cardorna or Roma's Termini. it's also a good way to catch your way into the south of France

We've been in Portofino before. It was during Covid-19 and we came by car. Even that time it was…read morepretty busy and finding a parking spot was difficult (only one option in town). This time we just took the Bus from Santa Margherita (where we stayed for a few days). On the way back though we though it'd be nice to take the Ferry back. And that was a great decision. It only takes about 15 minutes to Santa Margherita. And you get nice views on the way of the ocean and the coastline. The boats are pretty big and in great condition. Get on the boat early to secure a spot on the open deck on top. It costs more than the bus of course, but it is much more rewarding and well worth your money. Our Bulldog was allowed on the boat as well, even free of charge. How nice is that. Depending on the weather the service might stop early or the schedule might change. Just ask or look for the sign on the ticket booth. A really great option and we will definitely take the boat again next time. Both ways. No need for taking the car.

Carlo was absolutely fantastic. We booked very easily by email with him, and confirmed his €60…read morefixed rate from Rapallo to Genova airport. He was very responsive in our email communications, and he made sure that we would leave early enough to be certain to make our flight, even with traffic. And sure enough, there were road delays en route, but with Carlo's prudent planning and careful driving, we arrived in plenty of time, comfortable, calm, and unfrazzled. Carlo was responsible, considerate, on time, and very nice. Highest recommendation. Here is his contact info: (NB: It is easiest to book via email, and you can write in English.) Taxi Liguria Autonoleggio Serra Riccò di Carlo Risso www.taxiliguria.com Email: info@taxiliguria.com or info@rissotaxiserraricco.it Tel. +39/335/8438531

Stazione di Genova Brignole is the second largest station in Genoa. We were so happy to see this…read moretrain station within walking distance of our hotel and to realize that we could catch the two trains we were going to be taking right here, instead of going back to the main station. It is located on Piazza Verdis and is used by about 60,000 passengers a day and 22 million per year. The building has a Roman-style façade and is extensively decorated with stucco and stone from the quarries of Montorfano. The walls of the rooms inside are decorated with frescoes by De Servi, Berroggio and Grifo. It was an easy station to navigate. It was also nice to have a tourist office right there, where the staff was so friendly and helpful.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 - - due to super friendly staff…read more I've read other reviews online which were rather unfavorable... however I had a comfortable time here, and it served my needs rather well. This is an airport hotel; so it was a very short walk for me with my luggage after arriving at the airport. No need for a taxi -- very short walk couple block walk. Front desk was very friendly and efficient. One front desk member suggested a restaurant in the Centro Storico part which was very good; and he also offered taking the complimentary hotel shuttle to Centro Storico (downtown). That was nice and unexpected - - i thought that I may have to take the train downtown, but a free shuttle was even better! As a Platinum SPG member, i was upgraded to a nice Junior Suite room. Nothing too fancy, but from looking at the map on the back of the hotel room door - - this was the largest room on the floor that I was on. As reviewers on other sites have mentioned, the decor is a bit dated -- so I knew what to expect up front. I couldn't figure out exactly how to control the room temperature - - it seemed like it was always warm. And when I tried to cool it, I think it only got warmer. So i "think" I turned the fan off. Internet speed...so-so. Not the fastest internet, nor the most reliable.... but again, as a Platinum guest it's always nice to have free internet either way. So i can't complain too much there. Smaller and adequate bar downstairs. Friendly service there too - - and love how you get a small smorgasboard of goodies with your drink. I received some chips, olives, and a dish of peanuts. Reading the room service menu, it says that a complimentary continental breakfast is including in the hotel rate w/ a delivery charge of 5EUR per person. I wasn't aware of that either when I was booking the room online, but I think i'll still just go downstairs for the seated breakfast at 6am. Comfortable bed -- friendly service -nice large bathroom with marble floor - very close to the airport, without hearing any airport noise. This property served well it's purpose for me - - a place to rest up before my journey into other parts of Northern Italy.

Very nice Pirate ship and sightseeing! You will see the ship when walking near By to old port. The…read moreship is ofcourse not a real pirate ship but very similar and made for the Polanski's movie. It will cost 6€ 2016 to enter to ship but if you don't go inside you can also watch it outside. Good sightsee also for families with kids. You can see pirate ship also in Alicante.

A bit nicer hotel than the cheap-os I usually stay at. I had a small, clean single with two windows…read moreand a private bathroom. Courteous helpful staff. A very fair price. Good buffet breakfast for a bit more. Good WiFi. Nice view from the terrace. Simple-to-find location on the hill a skip and a jump from Stazione Principe. A fairly short walk to many restaurants, sights, and the old town and waterfront.

Okay hotel, the manager spoke a little english and could direct our car to a good spot. He gave…read morepersonal tips about restaurant also and was very nice; room totally okay, cheap (for us, but I don't know really compared to other places in this area; about € 50 for a double room) Clean room and TV in room, quiet hotel to sleep in.