- Winter Escape 2017 - Sea Princess, Regal Princess, Hurtigruten Polarys: June 2017

Genoa, Italy - Day 2

Today is our extra day in Genoa so we have devoted the day to walk around the main historical parts with our map.

After walking to the port entrance we headed for the Metro to use our ticket before it expired mid morning. We took the Metro to Piazza De Ferrari which is the heart of the old town of Genoa and where our walking route will start from.

Our main mission is to see the Doges' Palace, Palazzo Ducale in Piazza Matteotti, San Lorenzo Cathedral, Palazzo Rosso, walk down Via Garibaldi, view the city from a rooftop, and if time the Palazzo Reale. We accomplished our mission and more but when we got to Palazzo Reale they were closing for siesta. As it was now 2pm and we had to be back at the ship by 3.30pm for a 4pm sail away we headed back to the ship via Villa del Principe which was right near the entrance to the Port. As time was of the essence we didn't pay to go inside but did look at its beautiful garden.

Back to the ship for sail away and to catch up with the gang to compare our days out the back on deck 11 with an Aperol Spritz followed by some rubbish Rose out of a carton... I suppose it was to be expected when it only cost one euro!!

Now feet up to rest before another day of walking in Barcelona tomorrow. Then we get a sea day.... yayyyy!!!

Quick facts:

Founded: 3500+ years ago

Region: The largest port in Italy, nestled on the Mediterranean in the north west side of Italy's fabled boot.

Population: 594,904 (est 2014)

Climate: perfect all year round

Language: Italian

Currency: Euro

Genoa was the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and has been a powerful commercial centre, seaport and city-state for centuries.

Window shopping in XX Septembre street

Piazza De Ferrari, the main square in Genoa with its monumental fountain built in 1936

Preferred means of transport

Hidden in a garden

The old gates

A typical laneway

Palazzo Ducale which once served as the manor of the Doges

Loca Chiesa del Gesu, an elegantly decorated baroque style marble church with two paintings inside by Peter Paul Rubens.

The Last Supper inside the Cathedral

San Lorenzo Cathedral built between the 12th and 14th centuries in Romanesque style.

The striking dramatic gothic facade of San Lorenzo

Via Garibaldi flanked by magnificent landmarks and home to a splendid art collection and cultural exhibits.

Palazzo Rosso or Red Palace and home to many famous art works

On display in Palazzo Rosso

Beautiful marble floors

S. Giovanni Battista by Leonardo da Vinci

The view from the rooftop of Palazzo Rosso

Our ship to the right

Beautiful fruit everywhere

The main train station at Principe

Christopher Columbus statue in Principe

The garden inside Villa del Principe

Genoa, Italy - Day 1

Genoa is a new port for us and as it was a late sail away our plan was to get the train to Canogli, spend the morning there then return to Genoa and spend the rest of the time exploring the old city.

Our plans were slightly changed when the Captain announced on our arrival that due to predicted strong winds we would remain overnight in Genoa and miss out on our day in Monte Carlo. This really didn't bother us as we have been to Monte Carlo before and we could use the extra time to explore Genoa. The main issue for me was that I had a private tour booked in Monte Carlo which I had paid a deposit on so my priority was to advise our tour guide immediately with the hope of getting my deposit refunded.

The day was sunny and windy and quite a bit cooler than we have been used to. Mind you it was a welcome surprise especially when you are walking around most of the day. It's a shame my Fitbit stopped walking because I would be interested to see how many steps we have been doing when we are out and about in port. I am sure it would be in excess of 20,000!!

The ship was docked quite a distance from the port gate... I would say it was at least a 15 minute walk with no shuttle provided. The Regal Princess was docked next to us so with its 3,500 passengers and our 2,000 the information booth was very busy with a long line. Luckily I had researched what we were planning so just grabbed a map of Genoa for later in the day.

There were taxis straight outside the terminal which you could negotiate a half day or daily rate. I spoke to someone that had hired one for around 6 hours for 240 euros.... between 3 of them it was quite reasonable.

The Metro station was quite close to the port exit so we headed there and bought a 24hr ticket for 4.50 euro each. This ticket also covered buses. The thing to remember in a lot of these European countries is that you have to validate the ticket before you get on the bus or train. Often these are only small inconspicuous machines either on the platform or in the station somewhere. There are hefty fines if you are caught with a ticket that has not been validated and we did have an inspector on our return train.

The Metro system is quite easy to use and gets you around the main areas of the city. We had to change to a regional train at the Brignole station which was the last Metro stop. The train to Camogli took about 35 mins and cost 2.80 euro each way with no senior fare available.

The train was very comfortable and we got to see some of the coastal scenery along the way. We spent most of the time walking along the beach area which was quite busy as it is school holidays. The beach was very rough and closed due to big seas, high tide and strong winds. It was interesting watching people sunbaking on lounges and having the waves rush up around them! The beach was black pebbles and quickly disappearing as the tide came in.

We found a nice restaurant on the beach but high enough not to be awash for lunch. It was interesting watching the waves come in and catch people off guard. The lifeguards kept having to move the barricades back further and further. It must have been an unusual event as there were lots of people including the locals out taking photos and videos.

After lunch we headed back to the station as all the shops were closed for siesta so not much else to do. On the way back we stopped off at Nervi which is an old fishing village on the outskirts of Genoa. Much of its charm is in its seaside walk which runs across the top of the rocky seashore, and its park which encompasses the gardens of three old villas which are now museums. It was a lovely walk but once again very sleepy as still siesta time. We walked along the seaside path to the fishing harbour where we watched guys in kayaks surfing the big waves breaking into the harbour entrance. It looked a lot of fun but a helmet was required as you could see the black pebbles being tossed around in the air.

After walking back through the streets we found the park and went into look at the art collection in the Villa Grimaldi Fassio which dates back to the end of the 16th century.

We then headed back to the station (via the gelato shop) and back to Genoa. It was now about 7pm and we met up with friends for a leisurely walk through the old town and back to the area close to the port where we eventually found a local cafe in a little piazza for dinner. It was great to sit down and relax with good friends over a nice wine and talk about our adventures.

Around 10.30 we headed back to the ship which was another long walk without issues but we eventually found our way onto the ship as there was no signage and most areas were locked!! It was frustrating after a long day of walking but our beds were very welcomed!!

Now to do it all again tomorrow!!