Genoa: Day Trips and Tours from Milan

Often overshadowed by other cities in northwestern Italy, Genoa is a medieval gem, featuring a UNESCO World Heritage site formed of 42 historic and luxurious palaces, as well as many other architectural masterpieces.

A day trip to Genoa from Milan is easy to arrange and enables you to explore another side of Italy, away from the modern metropolis of Milan.

Whether you’re interested in arts, culture or history, you’re sure to be enchanted by the cobbled streets of Genoa.

Here's all you need to know about Genoa, one of the most exciting day trips from Milan.

How to get to Genoa from Milan?

Genoa is a coastal city in northwestern Italy, located in the Liguria region. The destination is approximately 150 kilometers from Milan.

From Milan to Genoa by car

The journey to Genoa by car takes approximately 2 hours and is incredibly easy to navigate. You’ll simply head southbound out of Milan following the A7 and continue along the road all the way to Genoa.

From Milan to Genoa by public transport

Another way to make the jaunt to Genoa is by public transport. You can catch a train from the Milano Centrale station, which runs directly to the Genova Brignole station and takes just under 2 hours, departing several times an hour throughout the day.

Guided tour to Genoa from Milan

Alternatively, you can participate in a guided excursion to Genoa and allow your tour operator to take care of the details. These day trips typically last between 10 and 12 hours, and meet at a central point in the city.

However, some offer a convenient hotel pickup service from accommodations in the center of Milan. The starting time varies but is usually between 6 AM and 7 AM.

What is the typical itinerary?

You’ll start your Genoa day tour off by traveling to the city, either by coach, train or car. Upon arrival, some excursions set off on a fascinating walk around the historic center.

If this doesn’t suit your preferences, you can opt for a tour that provides you with free time to discover Genoa at your own pace.

Once you’ve taken a break for lunch (at your own expense,) you’ll meet back up with your tour guide to continue your exploration of the city or move on to other towns, such as Portofino to continue your discovery of the Italian coastline.

Most excursions include a relaxing boat ride, either around Genoa’s harbor or along Portofino’s coastline. After a day spent basking in the sun, admiring historic relics and dipping your toes in the sea, you’ll return to Milan where your Genoa day trip ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Genoa?

There are a couple of different options for Genoa day trips, depending on whether you wish to explore other Italian destinations and your travel style.

Guided tour to Genoa plus Portofino from Milan

One of the most popular ways to see the coastal city of Genoa is on a combination day trip to Portofino.

Traveling first to Genoa, you’ll embark on a walking tour exploring the city’s historic center and learning about its associations with Christopher Columbus.

Spend some free time getting lost in the medieval back alleys of Genoa or enjoying the simple pleasure of a traditional lunch in one of the city’s squares.

Continuing on to Portofino, you’ll discover the town independently, marveling at its candy-colored buildings and dazzling blue waters, before hopping aboard a boat to begin your journey back to Milan.

Private tour to Genoa from Milan

A private day tour to Genoa enables you to have a more personalized experience with a guide who is dedicated to your enjoyment.

Spending the full day in Genoa, you’ll have time to wander many of the city’s main attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Via Giuseppe Garibaldi and Cathedral of Saint Lawrence where a relic of WWII — an unexploded bomb — still resides.

You’ll also enjoy a leisurely cruise along Genoa’s harbor and visit historic towers, and grand palaces, such as the Torre degli Embriaci and Doge’s Palace, before returning to Milan.

How much does a day trip to Genoa from Milan cost?

Day trips to Genoa and Portofino usually take place in a group, and cost approximately €120 per person.

This includes a walking tour with a professional guide, round-trip transportation and a boat ride. You’ll pay an extra €10-€20 each if you opt for a hotel pickup.

Alternatively, you can choose a private Genoa day tour, which costs upwards of €250 per person.

Those around this price bracket travel by train to Genoa, while tours that include a hotel pickup in a comfortable vehicle can range up to €600 each.

What will you see and do?

Cathedral of Saint Lawrence

The Cathedral of Saint Lawrence was built at the beginning of the 12th century in a Gothic style, with elements of Romanesque architecture woven into its design.

The religious monument is dedicated to Saint Lawrence, who the Bible claims was once a persecutor of Christians before being visited by Jesus.

The monument was built upon an ancient pre-Christian burial ground and it is now the seat of the Archbishop of Genoa.

The cathedral was accidentally bombed by the British navy in 1941 and despite causing damage to the exterior of the church, the bomb landed inside its walls without exploding.

Tourists can still see the shell of this bomb when visiting the site.

Doge’s Palace

Also known as Palazzo Ducale, Doge’s Palace is one of the 42 palaces included in the Genoa UNESCO World Heritage site and was, as its name suggests, once the home of the great doges of the city.

Situated on the Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, the site now acts as a museum, housing art exhibitions and educating visitors on northwestern Italy.

The palace was built in the 13th century and served as the seat of each doge, including Simone Boccanegra, and Giacomo Maria Brignole, until the 19th century when the Republic of Genoa came to an end.

When is the best time to visit Genoa?

The best time to plan a day trip to Genoa is in the shoulder months of May and June when the weather is fair, and the businesses are open but the summer crowds have not yet arrived.

During this time, you can expect balmy conditions that range from 21 to 25 degrees Celsius.

It’s worth noting that many attractions, including museums, as well as shops and museums, close on Mondays, so bear this in mind when planning your Genoa day tour.

Travel tips

• Most Genoa day trips include a walking tour of the city. To enjoy this fully, you should ensure you wear comfortable shoes.
• The journey to Genoa is relatively long so you may wish to take a magazine or book with you to keep you occupied on the way.
• Geno experiences lots of rain during the fall and winter seasons, so consider avoiding planning your visit for these times of the year.