Liguria and the Italian Riviera - GAE 9

Walking in Italy (Lonely Planet)

LIGURIA / ITALIAN RIVIERA - The Highlights

• SPECTACULAR VIEWS
• HISTORIC FOOTSTEPS/ROUTES
• ANCIENT CULTURES
• GOURMET DELIGHTS
• ADVENTURE CHALLENGES
• WILDLIFE RAMBLES
• BIODIVERSITY

https://www.britannica.com/place/Liguria

https://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/the-italian-riviera

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy/italian-riviera

https://www.backroads.com/trips/WQTQ-Z/cinque-terre-tuscany-easygoing-walking-tour

William Sitwell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r14c3xWgK3M

Guardian Annie Hawes https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2001/apr/21/foodanddrink.features16

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/13/travel/52-places-golfo-paradiso-italy.html?searchResultPosition=1

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/25/travel/liguria-italy-mediterranean.html?searchResultPosition=2

https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/23/travel/23choice.html#

In Northern Italy, a Crossroads of Culinary Arts

Mark Bittman

In most of Italy’s villages and towns, restaurants serve the same dishes they’ve been serving for a hundred years or more. These vary from one town to the next, even if the distances traveled are tiny, and the locals usually insist that the food in the last town you visited is inferior to what you’re about to taste. About half the time they’re right.

In the cities, though, you find more regional food, and even — gasp — food from other parts of Italy, giving you a taste of more varied cuisines. Genoa, in the heart of Liguria, is one of the best cities for this sort of pan-Italian eating, at least in part because the region is among Europe’s culinary highlights; it remains difficult to eat any way but well here.

Though Genoa is not the largest city in Northern Italy (both Milan and Turin are bigger), it is the country’s most important port and features, in the città vecchia (old city), what is among the most sprawling, best preserved and most active medieval quarters in Europe. Here you find the typically narrow lanes that can barely accommodate anything wider than a scooter; at least three world-class churches; and, at the border with the “new” city, a street of spectacular palazzi. These days, the area includes dozens (I’m tempted to write “countless,” but indeed the list is finite) of restaurants that leave me walking around muttering, “If there were only one of these in my neighborhood, I’d be happy.”

Genoa also has a population that cares deeply about food, in a way that is ordinarily reserved for towns and villages. The artichokes from nearby Albenga are practically worshiped; anchovies are considered daily fare (you may eat more of them in a day here than you do in a year at home); pine nuts, olives, local seafood and herbs (especially basil, of course) are all ubiquitous, and the continuing dedication to the old ways is evident on nearly every street, in the bakeries that make farinata (the chickpea flatbread akin to Nice’s socca), vegetable tortas and focaccia, in the vegetable markets the size of closets and in the shop that sells tripe and nothing but.

RURAL LANDSCAPES
DRY-STONE WALLS
TERRACES
MILLS
OIL MILLS
WATER MILLS

RUSTICO

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/it/dizionario/italiano-inglese/rustico

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/italian-english/rustico

rural house
store
little/small, tiny
stone
shelter
shed
ruins
abandoned
dilapidated

• A rural handcraft building used as shelter, storage and working space, often used for cattle keeping.
• A historical rural building, used for country life jobs and activities
• An abandoned rural house in local stone, dedicated to storage or dwelling purposes in the mountains
• A rustico is a rural, small shelter made of local stones. Nowadays it is usually abandoned, but it was once used to host cattle or store food, as well as to provide people with shelter in the hills. 

COUNTRY

REGION

PROVINCE

CITY

TOWN

VILLAGE

HAMLET

BORGO

DISTRICT

MUNICIPALITY

CAPITAL

 

SETTLEMENT

CENTRE

 

COAST – COASTAL - SEASIDE

COUNTRYSIDE

ENTROTERRA

RURAL AREA

URBAN AREA

SUBURBIAN AREA

INDUSTRIAL AREA

INLAND AREA

 

 A practical step-by-step methodology adaptable to:

• different destinations,
• tourist profiles,
• durations,
• and tourism styles.

15 THINGS TO DO TO CREATE A PROFESSIONAL TOURISM ITINERARY

1. Identify the tourist profile

2. Define the main theme of the itinerary

3. Select the most relevant places

4. Create a logical route

5. Plan realistic timing

6. Balance activity and relaxation

7. Include different “faces” of the destination

8. Think about the emotional experience

9. Include authentic local experiences

10. Include photo opportunities

11. Provide practical information

12. Use tourist resources intelligently

13. Use clear Hospitality English

14. Guide visitors step by step

15. Finish the day professionally

1. IDENTIFY THE TOURIST PROFILE

Before planning, understand:

• who the visitors are,
• what they enjoy,
• and how they travel.

Consider:

• age,
• nationality,
• interests,
• travel style,
• physical pace,
• budget,
• and previous knowledge.

Examples

• Families need flexibility.
• Seniors may prefer a slower rhythm.
• Young travelers often enjoy informal experiences.
• Photography lovers need scenic viewpoints.

Checklist

☐ I identified the visitors’ profile
☐ I considered their interests

☐ I adapted the itinerary to their travel style
☐ I considered walking ability and pace

2. DEFINE THE MAIN THEME OF THE ITINERARY

A professional itinerary should have a clear concept or narrative.

Why?

The itinerary should feel coherent and connected, not random.

 

 

Examples

• Hidden Genoa
• Panoramic Genoa
• Food & Markets
• Historic Genoa
• The Many Faces of the City

Checklist

☐ The itinerary has a clear identity
☐ The attractions support the main theme
☐ The experience feels coherent from beginning to end

 

 

 

3. SELECT THE MOST RELEVANT PLACES

Choose quality, not quantity.

Include:

• major highlights,
• authentic places,
• local atmosphere,
• hidden corners,
• panoramic points.

Avoid:

• too many stops,
• repetitive visits,
• unrealistic schedules.

Checklist

☐ The selected places match the tourists’ interests
☐ The itinerary includes variety
☐ The number of stops is realistic
☐ The attractions are genuinely interesting

4. CREATE A LOGICAL ROUTE

The itinerary should flow naturally through the city.

 

Think about:

• geography,
• neighborhood connections,
• walking comfort,
• transport possibilities.

Avoid:

• unnecessary backtracking,
• long exhausting transfers,
• confusing routes.

Checklist

☐ The route is geographically logical
☐ Walking distances are realistic
☐ There is no unnecessary backtracking
☐ Transport connections are clear

5. PLAN REALISTIC TIMING

Tourists need time for:

• photos,
• breaks,
• exploration,
• and unexpected situations.

Include:

• walking times,
• visit durations,
• meal breaks,
• relaxation time.

 

Professional Rule Never overload the day.

Checklist

☐ I included approximate walking times
☐ Visit durations are realistic
☐ Breaks are included
☐ The day is not overloaded

6. BALANCE ACTIVITY AND RELAXATION

Movement, discovery, rest. Visitors need moments to:

• sit down,
• observe local life,
• enjoy cafés,
• relax,
• and take photos.

Checklist

☐ The itinerary includes relaxing moments
☐ Visitors have free time
☐ The rhythm of the day is balanced
☐ Tourist fatigue is avoided

7. INCLUDE DIFFERENT “FACES” OF THE DESTINATION

A rich itinerary should combine different dimensions of the city.

Include:

• art,
• architecture,
• local culture,
• food experiences,
• markets,
• panoramic views,
• artisan workshops,
• modern and historic areas.

Checklist

☐ Cultural elements are included
☐ Authentic local atmosphere is included
☐ Food and local traditions are represented
☐ Different aspects of the city are shown

 

8. THINK ABOUT THE EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE

Ask yourself: “How will visitors feel during this part of the day?”

Aim for:

• curiosity,
• comfort,
• surprise,
• relaxation,
• memorable moments.

 

Checklist

☐ The itinerary creates emotional engagement
☐ There are memorable moments
☐ The atmosphere changes throughout the day
☐ Visitors can enjoy the city emotionally, not only intellectually

 

9. INCLUDE AUTHENTIC LOCAL EXPERIENCES

Authenticity creates stronger memories.

 

Tourists often remember:

• markets,
• bakeries,
• cafés,
• artisan shops,
• and local encounters
• more than monuments.

Checklist

☐ The itinerary includes authentic local places
☐ Local food experiences are included
☐ Visitors can observe everyday life
☐ The itinerary is not excessively tourist-oriented

10. INCLUDE PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

Modern travelers enjoy visual experiences.

Include:

• panoramic terraces,
• sea views,
• colorful streets,
• hidden alleys,
• scenic architecture.

 

Checklist

☐ The itinerary includes scenic viewpoints
☐ There are photography opportunities
☐ The route includes visually interesting areas
☐ I considered atmosphere and visual impact

11. PROVIDE PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Tourists should feel informed and secure.

Include:

• transport,
• opening hours,
• accessibility,
• tickets,
• safety,
• useful advice.

Checklist

☐ Transport information is clear
☐ Accessibility issues are considered
☐ Ticket/pass information is included
☐ Practical advice is provided

12. USE TOURIST RESOURCES INTELLIGENTLY

Consider:

• city passes,
• transport cards,
• discounts,
• free entrances,
• reservations.

Checklist

☐ I considered the tourists’ resources
☐ I optimized costs and time
☐ I checked what is included in the pass
☐ I avoided unnecessary expenses

13. USE CLEAR HOSPITALITY ENGLISH

Communication should be:

• polite,
• practical,
• welcoming,
• and easy to follow.

Use:

• short sentences,
• transition markers,
• professional vocabulary,
• reassuring language.

Avoid:

• overly academic explanations,
• difficult vocabulary,
• excessively long historical lectures.

Checklist

☐ My English is clear and professional
☐ I used polite hospitality language
☐ My explanations are easy to follow
☐ I avoided overly complicated language

14. GUIDE VISITORS STEP BY STEP

Tourists need clear orientation throughout the itinerary.

Explain:

• where to go,
• how to get there,
• what to see,
• why it is interesting,
• and what happens next.

Suggested Structure

1. Place
2. Direction
3. Experience
4. Timing
5. Practical advice

Checklist

☐ Directions are clear
☐ Transitions between stops are smooth
☐ Visitors always understand what happens next
☐ Movement through the city is easy to follow

 

 

 

15. FINISH THE DAY PROFESSIONALLY

The final part of the itinerary is important.

 

Consider:

• easy return,
• relaxing atmosphere,
• final viewpoints,
• practical conclusion.

Goal

Visitors should finish the day:

• satisfied,
• relaxed,
• and not exhausted.

Checklist

☐ The ending is realistic and comfortable
☐ Visitors can return easily
☐ The itinerary finishes positively
☐ The day ends without stress or confusion

PART 2 — DELIVERY IN HOSPITALITY ENGLISH

A tourism itinerary must be easy to follow orally.

Tourists should always understand:

• where they are,
• where they are going,
• how they will move,
• and what happens next.

A professional tourism communicator:

• guides,
• reassures,
• and accompanies visitors verbally.

1. USE CONNECTORS TO ORGANIZE THE ITINERARY

Connectors create smooth transitions and logical sequencing.

Without connectors, the presentation sounds fragmented and confusing.

A. SEQUENCING CONNECTORS

Function	Examples
Starting	First of all… / To begin with…
Continuing	Then… / After that… / Next…
Transitioning	From there… / Once you arrive…
Adding	In addition… / Also…
Concluding	Finally… / To finish the day…

 

B. TIME CONNECTORS

Connector	Example
After	“After visiting the palace…”
Before	“Before lunch…”
Once	“Once you arrive in the historic centre…”
While	“While walking through the alleys…”
During	“During the afternoon…”

C. PURPOSE CONNECTORS

Connector	Example
To	“Take the elevator to enjoy the view.”
In order to	“Stop here in order to relax.”
So that	“Arrive early so that you can avoid crowds.”

CONNECTORS CHECKLIST

☐ I used connectors clearly
☐ The transitions are smooth
☐ The sequence is easy to follow
☐ I used time expressions naturally

2. USE MOVEMENT VERBS EFFECTIVELY

Movement verbs explain:

• direction,
• transportation,
• and physical movement.

Avoid repeating only “go”.

COMMON MOVEMENT VERBS

Verb	Example
Walk	“Walk along Via Garibaldi.”
Continue	“Continue toward the cathedral.”
Cross	“Cross the square.”
Reach	“You can easily reach the viewpoint.”
Climb	“Climb the steps to the terrace.”
Descend	“Descend toward the harbour.”
Explore	“Explore the medieval alleys.”
Head toward	“Head toward Piazza De Ferrari.”
Stop at	“Stop at a local bakery.”
Return	“Return to the hotel before dinner.”

TRANSPORT VERBS

Verb	Example
Take	“Take the metro.”
Catch	“Catch the funicular.”
Board	“Board the bus.”
Get off	“Get off at the next stop.”

MOVEMENT VERBS CHECKLIST

☐ I used varied movement verbs
☐ I avoided repeating “go”
☐ The directions are easy to visualize
☐ Transport instructions are clear

3. USE PREPOSITIONS CORRECTLY

Correct prepositions are essential for giving directions clearly.

A. PREPOSITIONS OF PLACE

Preposition	Example
In	“In the historic centre…”
On	“On Via Garibaldi…”
At	“Meet at Piazza De Ferrari.”
Near	“Near Brignole Station…”
Between	“Between two palaces…”
Next to	“Next to the market…”
Opposite	“Opposite the church…”

B. PREPOSITIONS OF MOVEMENT

Preposition	Example
To	“Walk to the cathedral.”
Toward(s)	“Continue toward the Old Port.”
Through	“Walk through the alleys.”
Along	“Stroll along the waterfront.”
Across	“Walk across the square.”
Up	“Walk up the hill.”
Down	“Walk down toward the harbour.”
Into	“Enter into the historic centre.”

 

C. TRANSPORT EXPRESSIONS

Expression	Example
By metro	“You can arrive by metro.”
On foot	“The area is easy to explore on foot.”
By bus	“The viewpoint can be reached by bus.”

PREPOSITIONS CHECKLIST

☐ I used prepositions correctly
☐ Directions are precise and understandable
☐ Tourists can imagine the route clearly
☐ Transport expressions are correct

 

HOSPITALITY ENGLISH TOOLBOX

Function	Useful Expressions
Recommending	“I would recommend…”
Giving directions	“You can easily walk to…”
Explaining	“This area is interesting because…”
Reassuring	“It is only a short walk.”
Highlighting	“One of the highlights is…”
Suggesting a break	“This is a perfect place to relax.”
Concluding	“Finally, you can return…”

☐ The itinerary is coherent
☐ The timing is realistic
☐ The route is logical
☐ Relaxation moments are included
☐ Different aspects of the city are represented