Excursion S.a.l.t. unforgettable picnic with a view, wine & focaccia at eco farm la portofinese tour at Genoa

Get ready to dive into the deep green of the Monte di Portofino, in Liguria. The region's peculiar shape - a strip of land squeezed between the sea and the mountains - makes for incredible vistas. One of the best can be enjoyed from La Portofinese.

La Portofinese Eco-Farm

An eco-farm (owned by a family who's been in Portofino for generations) on a mission to revitalize local agricultural practices with contemporary tools, working on clean energy production and deep mountain water extraction. This is a once in a lifetime adventure, beginning with the 10-15 minutes drive through the woods of the Portofino natural reserve on special porters, the only vehicles allowed on this private road, which twists and turns taking you higher and higher, past secluded cottages (the high-profile residents value their privacy) and secret gardens, up where only few lucky ones can go.

Meet the Owners, Short Trek (5 minutes), Welcome refreshment

Anyone can go to the piazzetta down below. But only those with a special permit can rise above it. Once on top of the mountain, the second part of this unforgettable experience begins. Greeted by La Portofinese's co-owner, you will take a short walk (5 minutes) to the entrance of the farm. All guests typically stop here to enjoy the jaw-dropping view; it's hard to describe it, so take our word for it: you will want to pause, and take it in. You will then proceed to your exclusive short cooking demo + tasting session, enjoying a welcoming refreshment: the farm's own Vermentino, crisp and vibrant, made with the grapes from the historic vineyards that grip to the farm's slopes and bathe in sun and sea breeze; or the farm's special nonalcoholic beverages, all made with local ingredients: limonata, aranciata, gazzosa and tè freddo.

Focaccia Demo & Tasting, Pic nic with a View

Now it's focaccia time with La Portofinese's chef (who is also in charge of the farm's osteria): not only will he teach you how to make the famously delicious focaccia ligure and the cheese-oozing focaccia di Recco, but he will also bake a fresh batch of each in the farm's wood fired oven. Steal a bite before you head to the top of the farm's property for a picnic with a view, at the Portofinese's highest table, nestled between vineyards and stone pines. If you look closely, you'll spot the farm's beehives: their honey is so in demand it's also featured for breakfast at the Splendido Belmond Hotel, in Portofino. You will taste it too, as part of your picnic: together with the farm's own lemon jam it will accompany a selection of fresh cheese; you will also enjoy the still warm focaccia, plus a selection of bruschette and farm to table vegetable pies, fresh fruit, cake or crostata, with the farm's own extra virgin olive oil. Beverages will include the farm's own wine, beer (golden and amber ale) and sodas.

Relax or Visit the Farm, Coffee & Liquors

After lunch it's time to decide whether you'll want to sit back and relax, bathing in the sun, or walk with the farm's guide among the vineyards and the olive groves, learning about La Portofinese's agricultural practices and philosophy: to recover abandoned lands, promoting a return to agriculture and animal husbandry that used to be the backbone of the area. Over the years the owners' family, which also owns a restored mill and manages the famous Portofino lighthouse, recovered and restored to production many olive groves and vineyards. Want some coffee? Why not also try the farm's own delicious limoncino (a lighter version of limoncello) or myrtle liquor, made with local lemons and myrtle of course. If you want to take home some of the farm's products, you can purchase them on site and La Portofinese will arrange for shipping. You will also have the recipe for the two focaccias, so you can summon the day's flavor once you've home. But not the view. For that you will have to come back.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Panoramic drive up the private natural reserve of the Monte di Portofino; La Portofinese's eco-farm reserved exclusively for you; a breath-taking view of the Gulf from the top of the Monte di Portofino; a guided tour of the farm's property, olive groves, vineyards and beehives; a live demo + tasting of focaccia ligure and cheese-oozing focaccia di Recco, baked in the farm's wood fired oven; picnic with a view, at the highest point of the farm, with a selection of delicious local products, from the farm's own land and kitchen; tasting of the farm's own wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity, including a short trek uphill and over 2km of walking over uneven and natural ground, inclines and over 150 steps, making this tour less suitable for guests with walking difficulties and not accessible for those in wheelchairs. Guests must be able to board the Porter van (a small and basic special vehicle suitable for the tiny steep road) and perform a short trek to reach the Farm. The drive to the Eco-Farm will be along a tiny, steep panoramic road and guests who suffer of fear of heights or easily gets car sick should consider taking part to this tour. Children as young as 8 may participate on this tour accompanied by an adult. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable closed toe walking or hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, sunscreen and a hat and expect some sun exposure. Guests are advised to inform of any dietary restrictions ahead of time, as accommodating restrictions may be limited by the nature of the experience. Space on this tour extremely limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Tour itinerary order may vary.