Iconic Portofino is our destination in this scenic seminar on the Italian Riviera. A natural paradise and a symbol of La Dolce Vita, no visit to Italy is complete without a stop on the rocky coast of Liguria.
The Peninsula of Portofino astonishes with the beauty of its landscape, its picturesque villages, and the vivid colors of the sea and the vegetation. It became famous worldwide in the 1950s and 1960s when the unassuming fishing village was “discovered” as a dream-like resort by movie stars and was featured in Hollywood classic "Barefoot Contessa" with Ava Gardner and Humphrey Bogart.
Historically, Portofino was not an international tourist destination: too small and too harsh a place to be attractive for travelers, it remained unknown outside of Italy for decades. In the 1800s, the very first British and Germans expatriates and Grand Tour visitors landed here and some went on to build impressive villas nearby. In this seminar, we will meet some of these families, including the Browns, the Carnavons, and the Von Mumms.
But there is more to this beautiful area than just jet-setters. Beyond the beaches, we will learn about the breathtaking abbeys of San Fruttuoso and Cervara, the many defense towers, and the imposing fort, the so-called Brown Castle, dominating Portofino. Since the time of the Romans, the bay of Portus Delphini (the Port of Dolphins) was a protected and strategic port that later became a defensive post of the Republic of Genoa and a settlement of seamen and coral fishers.
Today, Portofino is often very crowded, but its allure is still strong. Learn the secrets to beat the crowds in lesser-known neighborhoods and areas of the surrounding area. We’ll discuss the local specialties and crisp local white wines and a wide array of typical crafts.
Led by an expert on Genoa and the Italian Riviera, Michela Ceccarini, this interactive seminar will unveil the true soul behind the scenes of a jet-set resort. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of how a destination becomes an icon.
This conversation is part of a four-part series on the Italian Riviera with Michela Ceccarini and Karen Nilson. Each session is designed as a stand-alone seminar as well as part of the series.