GENOA The British legacy

4  days | £2735 per person with flights | 10 - 13 September 2026

The British legacy

Steeped in centuries of history and maritime legacy, Genoa is a particularly rewarding destination for the discerning traveller. This special Art Pursuits Art History Tour offers privileged access to noble palaces, private art collections and institutions rarely open to the public. We explore the city not as visitors, but as honoured guests. Whether dining in the home of a distinguished art historian, wandering through the salons of Renaissance palazzi with their present-day owners, or discovering hidden treasures under the guidance of museum directors, every encounter is personal and authentic. We are welcomed not just into the buildings, but into stories of families, traditions and lives devoted to art, music and heritage. 



Highlights span centuries, beginning with Old Master paintings from the personal collection of Barone Paolo Mangiante and continuing with rare liturgical artefacts, including the Sacro Catino – a mediaeval glass vessel once believed to be the Holy Grail. At the Romanesque complex of Santa Maria di Castello, guests will discover exquisite, illuminated manuscripts and 15th-century frescoes. Genoa’s influence can also be seen in global textile history, during our viewing of a rare sample of 16th-century indigo canvas – the origin of modern denim. Its Musical legacy is brought vividly to life with a private viewing of Paganini’s violin, followed by a live performance. Seize this rare opportunity to experience this extraordinary cross-section of culture and artistic heritage.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Pisa, transferring to our 5-star hotel in the heart of the city via private coach. After some time to settle in, a very special opening evening awaits us. The Barone Paolo Mangiante is an art historian and renowned expert on Goya, the Spanish romantic painter who was greatly influenced by his time spent studying in Italy and by the work of Italian Masters such as Tiepolo. Mangiante’s private collection of Old Masters is one of the most significant in the city and we will be treated to a viewing of the collection before a special dinner with the Count in his home.

Day 2

Depart our hotel on foot for a walking tour of the old city. Our first stop will be a private visit to the Museum Diocesano, where director Paola Martini will show us the fourteen Passion canvases, a remarkable series of artworks dating between 1538 and the late 17th century. Considered some of the earliest ancestors of modern denim, they were created for the Benedictine abbey of San Nicolò del Boschetto inspired by Albrecht Dürer’s engravings. Continuing on our tour, Paola will escort us to the Museo del Tesoro, in the sacristy of the Cattedrale de San Lorenzo, designed by Albini. Afterwards, a well-deserved break will acquaint us with one of the city’s famous sweet delights, Panera, an irresistible coffee ice cream. Our last scheduled visit for the morning will be to the UNESCO-listed Via Garibaldi, the elegant cobbled street renowned for its Renaissance palaces, one of which will be opened to us by Lorenzo Bagnara, Ambassador of Genoa. After a group lunch at the very best club in Via Garibaldi in Palazzo Spinola, a leisurely afternoon of activities awaits us. First will be a visit to the Palazzo Tursi, where, escorted by Enrico de Barbieri, we shall view the violin of Paganini, before being treated to a performance by violinist Pietro Gaia Genova. By coach, we visit the Villa dello Zerbino, a remarkably ‘rural’ 16th-century villa, unspoilt by the urban expansion of the surrounding city. Return to our hotel for free time and an evening meal together.

Day 3

Setting out on foot again, our guided walk will take in further examples of the Palazzo dei Rolli, the Genoan Renaissance and Baroque noble residences of which there are an impressive 42 UNESCO-listed examples in total. Passing the Piazza Giustiniani, we will admire the imposing Palazzo Giustiniani, before continuing to the Santa Maria di Castello, where the Romanesque religious complex houses an excellent museum with works by Ludovico de Brea, illuminated manuscripts and 15th-century frescoes. Return to Palazzo Giustiniani, where contemporary art curator Laura Garbarino will be waiting to greet us and show us around her home, a splendid apartment that harmoniously marries bold modern details with the handsome features of the 16th-century palazzo. After lunch at the renowned il Genovese, which specialises in Ligurian fare, transfer to the Fondazione Conservatorio Fieschi, initially dedicated to the care of orphaned and impoverished girls from Genoa. During our visit, we are hosted by the owner, a descendant of the Fieschi family, in a very special tour of the house and its splendid art collection. Afterwards, transfer back to our hotel to rest before a grand dinner at the oldest club in the city in Palazzo Lomellino.

Day 4

Our final day in Genoa rounds off our time in the city in suitable Italian style. After breakfast we enjoy a tour of the harbour by private boat, one of the most important seaports in Italy. Critical to the development of the city, the Port of Genoa dates back to the 6th century BC, growing to rival the mighty powers of Venice and Pisa in the Middle Ages. Renzo Piano’s 1992 redevelopment to honour the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America, successfully reintegrated the city and port. A final group meal together will be enjoyed at the oldest sailing club in the city before making our way back to Pisa for our homeward flight to London.

Hotel Bristol Palace

The Hotel Bristol has been recently renovated, maintaining its elegance and exclusivity. Ideally located in the centre of the city, rooms are each different, embellished with fine details and featuring antique furniture. They are soundproofed and air conditioned.

With Flights:   £2735

Join Direct:   £2585

Single Supp:   £200

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

10 - 13 September 2026

Duration:

3 nights / 4 days

Your Holiday Includes:

• Return flights (Economy class) from London to Pisa
• Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Bristol Palace
• Private coach transfers and excursions
• Three evening meals and three lunches
• Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
• Services of the tour lecturer and a tour manager
• Detailed programme and study notes
• All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff
  

Tour Lecturers

Prof Francesca Centurione

Francesca Centurione Scotto Boschieri is a distinguished Professor of Italian Literature and History, journalist, art curator and Honorary Ambassador for Genoa throughout the world. After earning her degree at the University of Genoa, she lived there for thirty years before relocating to London in 2006. Here Francesca established herself as a prominent advocate for Italian culture, organising musical events, exhibitions, and collaborative projects. Her published works include Un tea con Batoni (2008), Italiani a Londra (2012), and the award winning Inglesi in Liguria (2023, now also in English), co edited with Alessandro Bartoli. She regularly contributes to the national newspaper Il Giornale, and is often interviewed for Italian TV. Francesca’s career embodies a commitment to safeguarding and sharing Italy’s literary and cultural legacy— flourishing in London and reaching a global audience. She was awarded the prestigious Freedom of the City in 2024, becoming one of the first Italian women to receive this honour.

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that most of our tours involve a large amount of walking, across uneven ground and often without the opportunity to sit down for at least half an hour. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.