Begin your private walking tour by weaving through the caruggi, Genoa’s maze-like medieval alleyways where light barely touches the stone walls and every corner hides a storey. Climb the elegant Strada Nuova, a UNESCO World Heritage site lined with grand Renaissance palaces that once displayed the wealth of Genoa’s powerful merchant families.

Step inside courtyards and noble halls where marble staircases and frescoed ceilings recall centuries of ambition and artistry. Descend to the atmospheric Old Port, once a hub of sailors, traders, and explorers — including Christopher Columbus, whose legacy began here. Learn how Genoa rose as a maritime powerhouse, financing empires and rivalling Venice in influence.

Along the way, discover bustling piazzas where daily life hums, vibrant markets selling pesto and focaccia, and quiet chapels filled with unexpected masterpieces. From noble grandeur to forgotten corners pulsing with everyday life, Genoa reveals itself layer by layer: a city of contrasts, intrigue, and endless discovery.