If you are thinking about a tour of Europe, why don't you consider the Liguria region of northern Italy, commonly known as the Italian Riviera? This thin strip of land lies on the Ligurian Sea, not far from Monaco and the French Riviera. While Liguria is by no means undiscovered, its crowds are much smaller than those next door. There are many little towns or villages, and one international port city almost smack dab in the center of the coast. This article explores Liguria east of Genoa, or as the locals call it, Riviera di Levante (The Riviera of the Rising Sun.) Make sure to read the other articles in this series: western Liguria, Genoa, and Cinque Terre, five little seaside villages that just might steal your heart.

Little Nervi near Genoa has been a resort for over one hundred years. In July it hosts the International Ballet Festival. Nervi's highlight is the rock-hewn mile-long (1.5 kilometer) Anita Garibaldi Promenade named for the wife and comrade-in-arms of Giuseppe Garibaldi, founder of the modern Italian state. Don't miss the Parco Villa Grimaldi with its magnificent rose collection.

Portofino, considered one the most beautiful Mediterranean ports, has been recreated after a fashion in Japan and in Orlando, Florida. Be sure to see the Saint George Castle which was already restored in the Sixteenth Century, with its beautiful gardens, views, and exhibits of famous visitors including Marilyn Monroe and Prince Rainier. Don't you dare miss the neighboring Regional Natural Park of Portofino and the Protected Marine Area of Portofino with their collection of flora and fauna.

Rapallo hosted the Russian-German Treaty in 1922. We all know how well that worked out. The Eleventh Century Cathedral of Santi Gervasio e Protasio boasts a great bell tower and interesting paintings. Visit the local castles that served to defend the city against pirates. For a different view of life visit its Bobbin Lace Museum.

Portovenere is home to the Romanesque Eleventh Century Basilica of Saint Lawrence. It was named for a Saint burned alive for not surrendering the church's treasures. The Gothic Church of Saint Peter, built over a pre-existing Fifth Century Palaeo-Christian Church, was consecrated towards the end of the Twelfth Century. At the Grotto Arpaia, known as Byron's Grotto, the English poet Lord Byron swam across the Gulf of La Spezia to visit his friend and fellow poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Liguria has quite a seacoast and you are never far from a seafood restaurant. Anchovies are eaten as antipasto or as a main dish. Liguria exports very little wine to North America so you may have to go there to taste the wines. There are better reasons for visiting this lovely area.