The only shared small-group shore excursion from Portofino visiting Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli in a single cruise day.
Most Popular Cruise Excursion
Shared small-group format
Most Portofino excursions are private tours designed for one family or group.
This is one of the only shared small-group shore excursions available in Portofino.
With a maximum of 8 guests per van, cruise passengers can visit Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli without the cost of a private tour.
The itinerary is designed specifically around cruise ship schedules and tender operations.
Small-group availability
Popular sailings can fill in advance — especially when several ships anchor in the Gulf of Tigullio on the same day.
From local operators who know this port
Most cruise passengers only see Portofino harbour — and it is stunning. But the best Riviera day combines Portofino with Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli: three very different coastal villages within a short drive of the tender landing.
We built this itinerary specifically around cruise passengers and Portofino tender operations. That means a fixed meeting point at Farmacia on Piazza della Libertà, realistic pacing for tender ashore and return queues, and enough margin to get you back before all aboard.
If your call is shorter, we will tell you honestly. Portofino village on foot may be the smarter choice. When you have five to seven usable hours ashore, check availability and tender timing. With seven or more, this small-group tour is the best use of your port day.
Portofino village is beautiful — but staying there alone means missing Camogli and Santa Margherita, and managing tender timing on your own. Here is how the options compare for cruise passengers.
| What matters on port day | Staying only in Portofino | Independent travel | Small Group Santa Margherita, Camogli & Portofino |
|---|---|---|---|
| See more in one cruise day | Portofino village only — compact and crowded on busy days | Possible with buses, but connections are infrequent and eat into your time | Approx. 4 hours — Santa Margherita, Camogli and Portofino in one coordinated excursion |
| Less planning stress | Simple, but you may wonder what you missed along the coast | High — tender queues, bus timetables, and return timing are on you | Guide and driver handle routes, pacing, and port-day logistics |
| Local guide and driver support | No | No | Yes — English-speaking local guide throughout |
| Better for tender-port timings | Works for a short village visit only | Risky when connections slip or return queues build | Meet at Farmacia — 5–7 minute walk from the tender pier (approximately 300 metres) |
| Camogli — often missed by cruise passengers | Not reachable on foot from the tender landing | Often skipped because transport is unreliable on a tight schedule | Included — authentic fishing village away from the Portofino crowds |
| Return-to-ship planning | You watch the clock yourself | You watch the clock and manage every connection | Return timing coordinated with typical all-aboard schedules |
Example itinerary for the approx. 4 hours tour only. Actual timings may vary by ship schedule, tender operations, traffic, and local conditions.
After tendering ashore, walk to Farmacia, Piazza della Libertà, 2, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy (5–7 minute walk from the tender pier (approximately 300 metres)). Look for your guide at the meeting point. Sign and contact details are on your booking confirmation. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before departure and use an early tender where appropriate.
Explore the elegant promenade and working harbour — a relaxed contrast to Portofino's celebrity-resort atmosphere.
Visit the colourful fishing village that many cruise passengers never reach when they stay in Portofino only.
Drive along the Tigullio Gulf with views of the Ligurian coastline. Photo stops when traffic and timing allow.
Head back to Portofino village with your guide monitoring the schedule throughout the day.
Enjoy the piazzetta and harbour before returning to the tender pier well before all aboard.
The only shared small-group shore excursion from Portofino visiting Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli in a single cruise day. Ships anchor offshore and tender into Portofino village — every minute ashore counts. Book the Small Group Santa Margherita, Camogli & Portofino tour for tender-aware timing, an 8-seat van, and return-to-ship planning built around your cruise schedule.
Start with our recommended small-group tour — other options below suit different port times or preferences.
Most Popular Cruise Excursion
The only shared small-group shore excursion from Portofino visiting Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli in a single cruise day.
Coastal alternative
Intimate small-group excursion to Camogli fishing village and the Portofino coastline — an alternative when you want coastal depth without the full three-village itinerary.
View Tour
Best for shorter port calls
Guided headland walk and village free time — ideal for shorter port calls when staying close to the tender pier.
View TourSee three Riviera villages in one cruise day — with tender-aware timing and return-to-ship planning built in.
Cruise ships do not dock in Portofino village. They anchor offshore and tender passengers into the harbour, so it is important to allow enough time to get ashore and return before all aboard. Allow 15 to 20 minutes each way for tender transfers. Read our tender information guide before port day, and see our Small Group Santa Margherita, Camogli & Portofino for the best way to combine Santa Margherita, Camogli and Portofino.
Match excursions to your arrival and departure times so you can enjoy the Riviera and still return before all aboard.