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One Day in Portofino
The perfect itinerary for cruise passengers visiting the Italian Riviera
Flam is one of the most spectacular cruise ports in Norway, located deep within the Aurlandsfjord and surrounded by towering mountains, waterfalls and dramatic scenery. Cruise passengers visiting Flam often have just a few hours to explore, which makes choosing the right shore excursion essential.
Our Flam shore excursions are designed specifically for cruise passengers looking to experience the highlights of this stunning fjord destination. Whether you want breathtaking viewpoints, scenic fjord landscapes or a relaxing sightseeing tour, Flam offers some of the most unforgettable experiences in the Norwegian fjords.
With small group tours and carefully planned itineraries, these excursions make it easy to discover the beauty of the region while ensuring you return to your ship comfortably before departure.
How to Spend One Day in Portofino
How to Spend One Day in Portofino
How to Spend One Day in Portofino
If you’re visiting Portofino on a cruise, you’ll typically have just one day to explore this beautiful
part of the Italian Riviera.
The good news? Portofino may be small, but it’s perfectly located near some of the region’s most
stunning coastal towns — meaning you can experience much more than just the harbour.
This itinerary helps you make the most of your time, whether you prefer a relaxed day or a more
active adventure.
Visitors arriving in Flam quickly discover that the surrounding fjord landscapes offer some of the most dramatic scenery in Norway. These shore excursions are among the most popular ways to explore the region during a cruise stop.
Quick Itinerary Overview
Late Morning: Walk to viewpoints or Castello Brown
Morning: Explore Portofino harbour
Midday: Visit Santa Margherita
Afternoon: Optional boat trip or relax
Return: Head back early for tender
Morning: Explore Portofino
Start your day by exploring the iconic harbour. Arriving early helps you avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful charm of the village.
Take time to:
Walk around the harbour
Enjoy a coffee by the water
Take photos of the colourful buildings
Browse small boutiques
👉 This is the most relaxed and scenic part of your day.
Late Morning: Head to the Viewpoints
For the best views, take a short walk uphill to Castello Brown or one of the surrounding viewpoints.
The walk is a little steep but worth it — offering incredible panoramic views over Portofino and the coastline.
Midday: Visit Santa Margherita Ligure
Just a short distance from Portofino, Santa Margherita is a must-visit.
Here you’ll find:
A beautiful promenade
More space and fewer crowds
Great restaurants and cafés
👉 Perfect spot for lunch with a sea view
Afternoon: Choose Your Experience
Option 1: Relax in Portofino
Spend time soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying the harbour or having a drink by the water.
Option 2: Boat Trip Along the Coast
Take a short boat trip to explore hidden bays or visit San Fruttuoso.
👉 One of the most memorable experiences in the area
Option 3: Join a Shore Excursion
Ideal if you want everything organised with no stress.
👉 Best for: making the most of your day in port
Plan Your Return Carefully
Because Portofino is a tender port, it’s important to return well before your departure time.
Allow:
Time for queues
Tender wait times
Travel back from nearby towns
👉 Always aim to be back earlier than you think you need to be
Tips for Visiting Portofino in One Day
Wear comfortable shoes
Start early to avoid crowds
Book transport or tours in advance
Don’t try to do too much
Allow time for tender boats
A hidden gem only accessible by boat or hiking. Famous for its abbey and crystal-clear waters.
Join a Shore Excursion
How to Get Around Portofino
Transport options are limited within Portofino itself, but nearby towns are easily accessible.
Options include:
Local buses to Santa Margherita
Ferries along the coast
Private tours and drivers
Walking (for short distances only)
👉 During peak season, transport can get busy — another reason many cruise passengers book tours in advance.
Portofino Cruise Tips
Book excursions in advance in peak season
Allow extra time for tender boats
Wear comfortable shoes (steep paths)
Start early to avoid crowds
Bring cash for small cafés and shops
One Day in Portofino from a Cruise Ship
A simple way to plan your day:
Morning: Explore Portofino harbour
Midday: Visit Santa Margherita
Afternoon: Optional boat trip or relax by the water
Return: Head back early for tender
👉 One Day in Portofino page
Private Portofino shore excursions are designed with cruise schedules in mind.
With limited time in port and tender transfers to consider, having a flexible private tour ensures you make the most of your visit without worrying about timings.
How Much Do Private Portofino Tours Cost?
Private tours typically cost more than group excursions, but offer significantly more value through flexibility and personalised service.
Prices vary depending on:
Group size
Type of tour (driver or boat)
Duration of the experience
👉 Many travellers find private tours more cost-effective when shared between a group
Quick Itinerary Overview
Late Morning: Walk to viewpoints or Castello Brown
Morning: Explore Portofino harbour
Midday: Visit Santa Margherita
Afternoon: Optional boat trip or relax
Return: Head back early for tender
Morning: Explore Portofino
Start your day by exploring the iconic harbour. Arriving early helps you avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful charm of the village.
Take time to:
Walk around the harbour
Enjoy a coffee by the water
Take photos of the colourful buildings
Browse small boutiques
👉 This is the most relaxed and scenic part of your day.
Late Morning: Head to the Viewpoints
For the best views, take a short walk uphill to Castello Brown or one of the surrounding viewpoints.
The walk is a little steep but worth it — offering incredible panoramic views over Portofino and the coastline.
Midday: Visit Santa Margherita Ligure
Just a short distance from Portofino, Santa Margherita is a must-visit.
Here you’ll find:
A beautiful promenade
More space and fewer crowds
Great restaurants and cafés
👉 Perfect spot for lunch with a sea view
Afternoon: Choose Your Experience
Option 1: Relax in Portofino
Spend time soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying the harbour or having a drink by the water.
Option 2: Boat Trip Along the Coast
Take a short boat trip to explore hidden bays or visit San Fruttuoso.
👉 One of the most memorable experiences in the area
Option 3: Join a Shore Excursion
Ideal if you want everything organised with no stress.
👉 Best for: making the most of your day in port
Plan Your Return Carefully
Because Portofino is a tender port, it’s important to return well before your departure time.
Allow:
Time for queues
Tender wait times
Travel back from nearby towns
👉 Always aim to be back earlier than you think you need to be
Tips for Visiting Portofino in One Day
Wear comfortable shoes
Start early to avoid crowds
Book transport or tours in advance
Don’t try to do too much
Allow time for tender boats
A hidden gem only accessible by boat or hiking. Famous for its abbey and crystal-clear waters.
Join a Shore Excursion
How to Get Around Portofino
Transport options are limited within Portofino itself, but nearby towns are easily accessible.
Options include:
Local buses to Santa Margherita
Ferries along the coast
Private tours and drivers
Walking (for short distances only)
👉 During peak season, transport can get busy — another reason many cruise passengers book tours in advance.
Portofino Cruise Tips
Book excursions in advance in peak season
Allow extra time for tender boats
Wear comfortable shoes (steep paths)
Start early to avoid crowds
Bring cash for small cafés and shops
One Day in Portofino from a Cruise Ship
A simple way to plan your day:
Morning: Explore Portofino harbour
Midday: Visit Santa Margherita
Afternoon: Optional boat trip or relax by the water
Return: Head back early for tender
👉 One Day in Portofino page
Private Portofino shore excursions are designed with cruise schedules in mind.
With limited time in port and tender transfers to consider, having a flexible private tour ensures you make the most of your visit without worrying about timings.
How Much Do Private Portofino Tours Cost?
Private tours typically cost more than group excursions, but offer significantly more value through flexibility and personalised service.
Prices vary depending on:
Group size
Type of tour (driver or boat)
Duration of the experience
👉 Many travellers find private tours more cost-effective when shared between a group