Itinerary

1. Santa Margherita Ligure

   Pick up your rental car and begin your discovery of the Italian Riviera in Santa Margherita Ligure. The town is an elegant resort along the Ligurian Coast much favored by painters and writers.

2. Santa Margherita Ligure/Riomaggiore-Cinque Terre/Santa Margherita Ligure (approx. 116 miles)

   Travel south to Riomaggiore (approx. 58 miles) the starting point of Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover here, an unspoiled isolated region with rugged landscapes and a coastal path commanding splendid views and linking five fishing villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. (B)

3. Santa Margherita Ligure/Rapallo/Portofino/Santa Margherita Ligure (approx. 20 miles)

   Rapallo's most prominent landmarks are the 16th Century ''Castle-on-the-Sea'' sitting right in the harbor, the 6th Century basilica, and the sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro which can be reached by cable car. During your drive over a mountain road from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino, you will enjoy lovely views of the rocky coast. At the end of the peninsula, you are in the small fishing village of Portofino, a cluster of colorful houses around a natural bay. (B)

4. Santa Margherita Ligure/Genoa/San Remo (approx. 116 miles)

   Journey along the Ligurian coast to Genoa (approx. 26 miles), birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Explore the quaint maze of narrow streets of the Old Town. Admire the Medieval and Renaissance palaces on Piazza San Matteo. Seek out the lovely Gothic cathedral of San Lorenzo and the three cloisters of Santa Maria di Castello in a city of unlimited must-sees. Continue on to San Remo (approx. 90 miles). (B)

5. San Remo

   San Remo is the elegant capital of the Italian Riviera. A classy resort town, San Remo is blessed with the most famous Italian casino, a good beach, and a labyrinthine old town standing guard over the palm-laden walkways below. (B)

6. San Remo to USA (or extend your stay)

   Drop off your car and say ''arrivederci'' to Italy or extend your stay. (B)