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.

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.

Flew from Orly to Genoa via Volotea.....think a spanish version of Ryan air…read more Quick simple flight. Genoa has a really tiny airport that is uncomplicated....that's a good thing. Just don't expect Gene Simmons face on a Rock and Brews taproom or any big amenities.....another good thing.

This was by far the worst airport I have visited…read more I had to sit on the floor waiting for my plane because all the seats (there aren't many) were taken. Cleaning is merely a suggestion in the restrooms as they were dirty. The only reprieve was the Genova Lounge. However, you have to pay to get into this lounge but gladly since it actually has some seating. I suggest if you had to go to this "airport" that you use the lounge to wait until 30 minutes prior to boarding. When I arrived, one of the airport workers inquired about how much money I had. Considering that my flight came from the Schengen area, this was not ok as I was not clearing customs. This worker should be fired. Also, taxis are a complete rip off. 27 Euros each way to a very short distance in town. Nothing coming back via Genova airport.

This is the only train station for Santa Margherita and Portofino. There are a couple of cafes…read more Taxis are expensive - €20 minimum!!!! Watch for signage to figure out your schedule and platform. Bit of a hike from town but better than paying outrageous amount to drive.

Camogli is place we had never heard off until our Mediterranean cruise…read more It's a lovely fishing village with so many shops & places to eat, we came to find out here is the birth place of the focaccia & pesto, which is a must try the toasted bread w the fresh pesto was just wow, very good the pepperoni was great as well. Best thing here is the amazing scenery , lovely blues in the water, a very rough pebble beach I could do without the fish smell but hard to avoid. This was a very nice & laid back area.

The great thing about Camogli is that you dont know about Camogli....not many Americans...and thats…read morea good thing if you want an authentic Italian town Amazing views Great seafood Ubiquitous gelateria Gorgeous weather Stunning beach

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.

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.

One of the most adorable cities I've seen on the western coast of northern Italy. Easily walkable…read moretown with an abundance of history and culture. The train in town can take you down the coast to other towns such as Vernazza which is part of Cinque Terre, the five towns. The whole area is beautiful and a must see for tourists.

So I couldn't check in on my way over as I seem to be monopolizing this part of Italy with my…read morereviews. This is a small little train station for a must-stop town that one can do in an entire day. I saw that water was for sale and I didn't look for a br, but not sure if I would have used it anyway. Then again, the train bathrooms can be a nightmare, and the worst I have seen are in fact in business class! It's a lot different from an airplane (or maybe not too different in the end). There are loads of stairs (well, two double flights) which would not be a problem if I hadn't packed enough clothes for a month on my two week hiatus. One could easily walk to their hotel from here in 5-15 minutes, but a cab is only 15 euros so it was just worth it to do that in the end. I was worried that I would not be able to get a seat with all of my stuff, but as this is one of three first stops I finally got a pick of the seats. The problem is that you have to hoist your luggage pretty high as the seats fill up. My shoulders are finally hurting from all of this but I am hoping it will help burn off my daily feast of pizza, pasta, croissants and of course gelato...but I digress. In the end, the station is at least a 3 as it was pretty clean and I was not hassled by beggars! Nor did I worry about the little money I still have left.