Friday ,June 4 - Genoa – Varazze
The airport in Genoa is where we will meet, then we are off to the scenic seaside village of Verazze, just a short drive from Genoa. Verazze is only 9kms from Alpicella, and the site of THE Damele/Vallerga WEDDING.
The village of Verazze grew around a former Roman outpost named Ad Navalia. In the Middle Ages Varazze was the prize fought for by Savona and Genoa due to its notable ship production. In 1227 it became independent, but this was short lived, and Verazze was later sold to the Republic of Genoa in 1290. Today the village is still noted for shipbuilding and also now tourism.
Our home for the next three nights is the 4-star Hotel El Chico. (www.bestwestern.it/elchico_sv). The hotel, surrounded by beautiful grounds, has a terrace, pool, fitness center, restaurant, bar, and is a short stroll from the center of Varazze. All our rooms are bright and airy, with every room having a sea view. Get settled into the hotel and relax.
The afternoon is free to explore Varazze, scouting the best shops, bakeries, bars, and restaurants in anticipation of our stay. There are several notable churches in Varazze that you may wish to visit this afternoon, namely the Romanesque church of San Nazario e Celso (rebuilt in the 16th century); the Church of San Domenico (1419) with its Sienese school frescoes; the Church of Sant'Ambrogio, with its Romanesque façade and campanile in Gothic-Romanesque style; and the Church of San Donato, from the 5th century, but mostly rebuilt in the 19th century. You may even find remains of the medieval walls!
Our welcome dinner this evening will be together at one of Varazze’s popular restaurants, with time to catch-up on family news and maybe meet new cousins! D
Saturday, June 5 Alpicella
Today is the day we’ve been waiting for! We are spending the entire day in Alpicella, our ancestral home! Located in the hills, just 9 kms (7 miles) from Varazze, Alpicella boasts all of 465 inhabitants. Explore the village, the cemetery, the central monument, and talk to the locals about our family, both past and present. The thrill and excitement await us as we look at the names “Damele” and “Vallerga” on the doors of the houses. Are they all our long lost (now found) relatives? Introduce yourself and start your adventure!
Lunch is among local friends and family, at one of the restaurants in the center of Alpicella, together we will relish the past and create fond memories.
This evening we meet on the terrace of our hotel for an aperitivo and snack. Are you ready to compare stories and revelations discovered during the day in Alpicella before heading to dinner? B, L
Sunday, June 6 - Savona – Genoa
The seaside village of Savona is just 15 kms to the west and is our destination this morning. Savona is still one of Italy’s largest ports, and is famous for tiles and ceramics. The village’s “favorite son” is Francesco Della Rovere, who was to become Pope Sixtus IV in 1471, and had a large private chapel built within the Vatican, named the Sistine Chapel, after himself! Time is free to explore the atmospheric old quarter, the picturesque seafront, or to visit tile and ceramic shops.
Enjoy lunch on your own in the colorful village center or overlooking the sea.
This afternoon brings us to Genoa, Italy’s largest seaport. Here we have a private guided tour of this fascinating city, home to Christopher Columbus. Via Garibaldi, in the heart of Genoa, is lined with stunning palaces built in the 16th century, and is one of the loveliest streets in Italy. Our guide leads the way through this very interesting chapter in Italian history.
Our farewell dinner this evening is at one of the special restaurants in Varazze, celebrating joyful memories of our ancestral heritage. B, D
Monday, June 7 Genoa – Continue to a Cruise?
After our final breakfast, transfer back to Genoa, either the airport or train station, to continue your adventure in Italy! B
$1050 based on Double Occupancy
$300 Single Supplement
