Genoa sightseeing route departing from the cruise terminal

(S/E) Departure from the pier, which may vary depending on the cruise line (Costa, MSC or others). Start your GPS, as it will be difficult to give all the directions. Head towards the bridge, then cross the road and make your way to Piazza Acquaverde

(1) Head along Via Balbi, staying on the road until you reach the Church of San Vittore. Next to it is the University of Genoa, which you can enter and have a look around. Continue to the roundabout

(2) In front of you is the Basilica della Annunziata, which is well worth a visit. Take Via Paolo Bensa for about 30 metres, then turn right. Visit the churches along the way and head towards Via Garibaldi, a ‘must-see’ in Genoa

(3) You are at the start of Via Garibaldi, one of Genoa’s most important streets. There are three palaces to visit: ‘Rosso’ (4), ‘Bianco’ with its gardens (5) and another nearby. The ticket purchased at the tourist office allows you to visit all three palaces. Continue along the street for 30 metres, turn right onto Via del Ferro and head (for those who wish) to a small, very traditional restaurant (6). For others, turn left towards Piazza Portello. Cross the square and head to the Portello cable car station (7), which will take you to some stunning viewpoints. When you get off the cable car, turn left with the aim of crossing Ponte Caffaro. At the end of the bridge, turn left and head to Piazza Goffredo (8)

Enjoy the stunning views of Genoa from the Luigi Montaldo viewpoint. You can descend to the city via a lift located nearby. Alternatively, take the narrow alleyway Salita della Toretta, then turn right onto Salita San Gegerolamo, which will take you back to the cable car departure point and Piazza del Portello. Cross the square and take the road opposite leading to Piazza Ferrari. Cross the square to reach Piazza Matteotti.

(10) Leave Via San Lorenzo, which leads towards the Cathedral, to explore the narrow streets of Genoa. Wander through the narrow streets, aiming to rejoin Via San Lorenzo a little further down and visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo as you walk back up Via San Lorenzo. After the visit, walk back down Via San Lorenzo to the end, cross the tracks and head to the Old Port. (12) Follow the promenade along the harbour towards your boat and use the same route to return to the boat via the security checks.

(E) Security checks are complete; it’s time to head back to the boat.

The entire walk can be done on foot starting from the jetty. Please note, the time for returning to the boat is strict; you have plenty of time to complete this tour, but be careful nonetheless – the boat won’t wait!

Navigating the city is very difficult to describe with all these streets and alleys. I recommend using GPS navigation via Visorando, but even if you make a navigational error, you’ll never get lost and will easily find your way back.

Drinks, meals – there’s everything you could want. To visit the museums, pick up your tickets opposite the Palazzo Rosso on Via Garibaldi.

Palazzo Rosso and Bianco, the churches, the basilicas, the cathedral and everything else mentioned in the description