Genova

The medieval city of Genova is known as the gateway to the Mediterranean and is a cultural crossroads of ideas, religious beliefs and languages and has also been appointed european Cultural Capital for 2004 .

Porto Antico acts as a leisure and cultural centre with shops, cafes and restaurants and also houses Europe's largest Aquarium.

Christopher Columbus, Nicolo Paganini and Guiseppe Mazzini are amongst some of the renowned figures that were born here.

Full of museums, theatres, art galleries  and cinemas, Genova has a lot to offer.

Only 30 minutes away on the Intercity from Chiavari this wonderful city is well worth a day trip.