SOCIAL PROGRAM AND TOURS
Tours
Via Garibaldi with Historical References
Meeting point: atrium of the Palazzo Balbi Cattaneo (Via Balbi, 2)
Thursday, June 19th 2025, 04.00 pm
Via Garibaldi, located in the heart of Genoa’s historic centre, is one of the city’s most iconic streets, renowned for its extraordinary architectural and historical richness. Originally known as Strada Maggiore, then Strada Nuova, and later Via Aurea, it was officially named after Giuseppe Garibaldi in 1882. The street, approximately 250 meters long and 7.5 meters wide, was designed in 1550 as a prime example of Renaissance urban planning.
Majestic noble palaces line Via Garibaldi, many of which belong to the Rolli Palaces system, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. These buildings, with their magnificent façades decorated in stucco, marble, or frescoes, grand entrance halls, lush gardens, and lavish interiors with frescoed salons, precious furnishings, art collections, and painting galleries, reflect the wealth and power of the Republic of Genoa in the 16th and 17th centuries. Among the most famous are Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo Doria-Tursi, now home to the Musei di Strada Nuova, which preserve masterpieces by artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Caravaggio.
Walking along this street, visitors can relive the atmosphere of old Genoa, admiring the architectural harmony and elegance that made Via Garibaldi a model of European urban design and a symbol of Genoese pride.
One of our volunteers will be present as a guide.
The visit includes:
- An English speaking guide
- Headphones.
The visit will be held only with a maximum of 25 people.
Price: free-of-charge
Genoa Heritage Shopping – A Journey Through Timeless Shops and Artisan Traditions
Meeting point: atrium of the Polo Didattico delle Fontane (Via delle Fontane, 10)
photo by Sailko
Thursday, June 19th 2025, 04.00 pm
Stroll through Genoa’s narrow alleys and uncover shops full of stories, ancient scents, and timeless flavours.
This tour guides you through the city’s most charming historic stores and artisan workshops — places where tradition still lives and breathes.
You’ll visit the Antica Drogheria Casaleggio, a charming old shop dating back to 1883, still lined with wooden shelves filled with spices, teas, preserves, and nostalgic scents that evoke the Genoa of another time, and then indulge your senses at Confetteria Pietro Romanengo fu Stefano, a confectionery dating back to 1780, known for its candied fruits, crystallized violets, and elegant chocolates.
We’ll wander through old bookstores, marbled paper artisans, and handmade ceramics — until we reach Finollo, the iconic shirtmaker on Via Roma, established in 1899. Known for its timeless elegance and tailor-made creations, Finollo has dressed diplomats, nobility, and gentlemen for over a century.
This tour is perfect for those who want to shop with soul, bringing home not just souvenirs, but stories from the real Genoa.
Because true shopping is about emotion, not just things.
Our volunteers will be present as guides.
Depending on the number of participants, you will be divided into small groups of 15–20 people, each being led by a volunteer guide.
Price: free-of-charge
From Conference Venue to Palazzo Ducale: accompanied walk
Meeting point: atrium of the Polo Didattico delle Fontane (Via delle Fontane, 10)
Thursday, June 19th 2025, 04.00 pm
Leisurely walk from Polo Didattico to Palazzo Ducale, via Porto Antico and parts of Centro Storico, with stops at San Lorenzo Cathedral and other notable churches on the way.
The trip begins with a relaxing and easy-paced walk starting from the Polo Didattico, an important landmark for both students and visitors. From here, we head towards the Palazzo Ducale, a historic and architectural symbol of the city. Along the way, we pass through the charming Porto Antico, a lively and historic area with its waterfront and scenic sea views. Continuing on, we enter the vibrant heart of the Centro Storico, where cobblestone streets and ancient buildings tell stories of the past. During the walk, we make several stops to admire San Lorenzo Cathedral, one of the city’s most important churches, with its impressive façade and richly decorated interiors, as well as other notable churches along the route, each with its own unique charm and history to discover.
Our volunteers will be present as guides.
Depending on the number of participants, you will be divided into small groups of 15–20 people, each being led by a volunteer guide.
Price: free-of-charge
Discover Genoa: Choose your Own Path
Thursday, June 19th 2025, 04.00 pm
If you prefer to explore the city independently, we’ve selected some must-see spots that capture the spirit of Genoa. From historic landmarks to hidden gems, enjoy the freedom to create your own itinerary and experience the city at your own pace.
Genoa knows how to surprise you even on its own, you just need to know where to look.
- Palazzo Reale
- Museo Galata
- Palazzo Rosso, Bianco
- Palazzo Spinola di Pellicceria
- Palazzo del Principe
- Museo del Risorgimento, Casa Mazzini (Second Floor)
- Acquario di Genova //This visit takes longer than the other tours, so we suggest planning it for a separate day
Social Events
Conference Dinner
Meeting point: Palazzo Ducale, Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, 9
Thursday, June 19th 2025, 08.00 pm
The INCS 2025 Conference Dinner will take place in the magnificent Palazzo Ducale of Genoa, a true architectural and historical treasure in the heart of the city.
Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, the Palazzo was the residence of the Doges and the political heart of the Republic of Genoa. With its majestic halls, frescoed ceilings, and grand courtyards, today it stands as a symbol of the city’s heritage and one of Italy’s most prestigious cultural venues.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of fine Ligurian cuisine, refined atmosphere, and international networking – all set in an environment that has witnessed centuries of power, diplomacy, and art.
Price: included for accompanying persons