Boat Tour with Aperitifs, Lunches and Parties in La Spezia

If you’re considering venturing out on the water to experience the beauty of Liguria, this boat tour in La Spezia might be just what you’re looking for. Though I haven’t personally taken it, I’ve gathered plenty of details to help you decide if it suits your travel style. It’s a flexible, high-quality experience designed for those who want a taste of Italy’s coast, with the added bonus of tasty food, drinks, and the chance to see some stunning spots around the Gulf of Poets.

What really caught my eye about this tour are its customizability—perfect for special occasions like private parties or romantic proposals—and the inclusive amenities, like onboard toilets and a kitchen. The professional crew and the spacious, safe boat ensure a comfortable journey, especially in a small group of just seven travelers. However, it’s worth noting that this experience is quite tailored and may not be ideal if you’re after a large, lively party atmosphere or very specific sightseeing stops. Overall, it seems best suited for travelers who appreciate a more intimate, personalized experience and enjoy good food on the water.

Key Points

• Small, intimate group experience with a maximum of 7 guests ensures personalized attention.
• Flexible, customizable itineraries make this ideal for special events or private outings.
• High-quality boat with amenities like toilets and kitchen, for comfort during the approximately 6-hour trip.
• Includes snacks, aperitifs, and beverages, with optional lunch available at an extra cost.
• Stops at scenic locations that balance natural beauty and cultural interest, like Porto Venere and the islands.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity, offering peace of mind.

Setting the Scene: What to Expect on This La Spezia Boat Tour

This tour is billed as a high-end, personalized experience on a spacious Sorrento gozzo, a classic Italian boat. You’ll glide along the Ligurian coast, stopping at several remarkable spots that showcase the area’s natural beauty and historical charm. Prices start at around $395 per person, which might seem steep, but when you factor in the inclusion of food, drinks, snorkel equipment, and the private boat experience, it begins to look like good value—especially for those who love a tailored outing.

The overall vibe is relaxed and luxurious—imagine lounging on a comfortable boat, sipping aperitifs, and snapping photos of colorful villages and rugged coastlines. With group discounts and mobile tickets, it’s accessible to many and easy to coordinate.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Likely See and Do

Stop 1: San Terenzo

Your journey kicks off at San Terenzo, a charming seaside village that has kept its traditional fishing village feel. Expect a gentle introduction to La Spezia’s coast, with plenty of photo opportunities of pastel-colored houses and small boats bobbing in the harbor. The stop lasts about 35 minutes—enough time to stretch your legs and soak in the quiet, old-world atmosphere. Since this is a free stop, it’s a relaxed start, and many reviews note that the scenery here is quite authentic and untouched.

Stop 2: Lerici

Next, you’ll cruise to Lerici, a picturesque town on the Gulf of Poets—famous for its literary connections and stunning views. Located between Cinque Terre and Versilia, Lerici’s harbor and castle make it a perfect spot for a quick visit. The stop here is around 30 minutes, giving you time to breathe in the sea air and perhaps admire the colorful houses lining the streets. This town’s charm is often highlighted in reviews, with many appreciating the laid-back vibe and the scenic backdrop.

Stop 3: Fiascherino

Fiascherino is a tiny yet enchanting place along the jagged coast, famous for its natural beauty. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to linger, but the tour limits this to about 35 minutes. Historically, it was a favorite of David Herbert Lawrence, who stayed here in the early 20th century. Expect rugged cliffs and quiet coves—perfect for a quick swim or just relaxing on deck. Many travelers enjoy the peacefulness, though some note that the stop is brief, so plan accordingly if swimming or exploring is a priority.

Stop 4: Tellaro

You’ll visit Tellaro next, another small village on the coast with a striking setting. Famed for its charming ambiance and artistic vibe, it’s a favorite among visitors seeking authentic Ligurian life. The tour offers around 25 minutes here—a brief but sweet glimpse of narrow alleys and pastel houses. Several reviews from solo travelers mention that even a short stop here is enough to fall in love with its quiet beauty and sea views.

Stop 5: Porto Venere

Porto Venere is one of the tour’s highlights. With roots dating back to Roman times, this historic village features tower houses and beautiful harbor views. You’ll have about an hour here—a good chunk of time to take in the scenery, snap photos, and appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. Since it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, many find this stop to be a memorable part of the trip, especially for its stunning waterfront and centuries-old architecture.

Stops 6 & 7: Isola Palmaria and Isola del Tino

The tour then moves to the islands in the Gulf of La Spezia, with about 35 minutes on Palmaria and an hour at Tino. Palmaria is the largest of the Ligurian islands, offering dramatic coastlines and opportunities for snorkeling—equipment is included, so you can enjoy the clear waters. Tino features a lighthouse and an old monastic complex, adding a historical dimension to your visit. These stops appeal to nature lovers and those interested in both the sea and history.

Stops 8 & 9: Le Grazie and Fezzano

Finally, you’ll visit Le Grazie, known for its religious history and seaside charm, and Fezzano, a colorful Ligurian village with a traditional atmosphere. Both stops are relatively short—around 30 minutes for Le Grazie and 25 at Fezzano—but they round out the experience with more scenic beauty and local flavor.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One of the most praised features, based on reviews, is the quality of the food and drinks. You’ll enjoy aperitifs and snacks that complement the leisurely vibe of the trip. The onboard kitchen and snacks elevate the experience from a simple boat ride to a mini-cuisine tour, especially if you opt for the lunch upgrade.

Another standout is the flexibility and exclusivity. The tour is 100% customizable, making it ideal for special occasions like private parties, birthdays, or even marriage proposals. With a small group and a professional crew, you’re assured attentive service and a tailored experience.

The comfort of the boat also earns praise. It’s equipped with toilets, which is a considerate touch for a day on the water, and the spacious design makes the roughly six-hour journey comfortable even in warm weather.

The Practical Side: Price, Group Size, and Booking

At around $395 per person, this experience isn’t inexpensive, but you’re paying for exclusivity, comfort, and a personalized touch. The small group size of up to 7 travelers means you won’t have to deal with noisy crowds or long waits. The group discounts available could make it more accessible if you’re traveling with friends.

Booking is straightforward with mobile tickets, and the tour runs from March to October, fitting most travel schedules. Flexibility in cancellation—up to 24 hours before—means you can plan confidently, knowing you can change plans if needed.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who treasures an intimate, relaxed experience on Italy’s coast, this boat tour offers a lovely balance of sightseeing, comfort, and good food. It’s ideal if you want to see Liguria’s highlights from the water without the crowds or if you’re celebrating a special occasion that calls for a more private setting. Keep in mind, the stops are relatively short, so if you’re after a full day of exploring or extensive swimming, you might find this tour somewhat limited.

Travelers who appreciate high-quality amenities, customizable experiences, and gourmet touches will find this tour a worthwhile splurge. Conversely, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a lively, large-group atmosphere, this might not be the best fit.

This experience seems to deliver a memorable taste of Liguria’s coast, combining scenic beauty, tranquility, and delicious food—perfect for those looking to enjoy Italy’s seaside in a refined way.

FAQs

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Make sure to cancel earlier if possible to avoid losing your money.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. One reviewer mentioned feeling apprehensive about going solo but found the experience highly recommended. The small group size makes it friendly for solo travelers.

Are food and beverages included?
Yes, snacks, aperitifs, and beverages are included. Lunch isn’t automatically included, but you can request it on board for an extra fee.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from about 25 to 60 minutes, giving you enough time to explore the villages and take photos, though some might feel brief at certain spots like Fiascherino or Fezzano.

What amenities are onboard?
The boat is equipped with toilets and a kitchen, ensuring comfort during the approximately six-hour trip.

Is snorkeling available?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided, and the islands’ waters are suitable for enjoying some underwater time if you’re interested.

If you’re craving a relaxing, well-organized day on Liguria’s coast that combines scenic stops, good company, and tasty snacks, this boat tour might just hit the spot.