Portovenere, the gateway to the Cinque Terre, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Colorful tower houses descend directly to the sea, while the ancient fortress and the church of San Pietro on the cliff offer views of the islands of Palmaria and Tino. Stroll along the promenade and treat yourself to a small Ligurian delight—lemon, mint, and basil ice cream, combining the aromas of the sea and Italian gardens—before continuing your journey through the Cinque Terre with a guide who speaks Russian and Kazakh.

Riomaggiore is one of the five Cinque Terre lands, where colorful tower houses cascade down to a tiny harbor nestled between sheer cliffs. This is the beginning of the famous Via dell'Amore—the Path of Love, carved into the rock above the sea. Stroll the narrow streets, admire the views of the terraced vineyards above the village, and try "frittura"—fresh, crispy fried fish and seafood right by the sea—or pasta with mussels, a classic local dish.