By Shobha Rao Smilemaker

Our ship docked at the new port of Genoa and with two infants, our family decided to do the walking tour with the expert guidance of our daughter.

Our first stop was outside the Galata Maritime Museum which used to be a thriving shipyard and would give glimpses of the rich Maritime history of Genoa. We saw the Submarine Nazario Sauro moored as a floating annexe.

We then crossed the main Strada Alo Moro road to get into the Via Balbi road in the old quarter. We walked past the impressive building of the University of Genoa. I saw the board of the Royal Palace Museum, but we had no time to go inside.

But one of the most awe inspiring Bascilica that we saw in Italy was the Santissma Annuziata del Vastati, built outside the city walls. The entrance steps below a triangular roof and six huge stone columns beckoned us inside. The lavishly decorated interiors with use of marble or gold kept me staring at the sculptures and frescoes in awe.

We then climbed up a steep set of steps to reach the Esplanade of Castelletto. We took a much needed rest break with our infants as we soaked in a panoramic view of Genoa city. We did not know there was an elevator for an easier way to go up and down. There used to be a little castle here below which was an old reservoir.

We came down, the easy way on the elevator and found ourselves under the Guiseppe Garibaldi bridge.Our daughter read out details of the white palace and I was thinking that its exterior was more of cream in colour!

We came back to the lively Guiseppe Garibaldi Street with its attractive homes and palaces too, one of which has become the seat of the Town Hall.

We continued our walk to the 20th September street as I admired the high end stores on either side. We crossed the stone walled Carlo Felice Theatre that used to be an old church. In front of it was the statue of the Italian revolutionary Guiseppe Garibaldi on his horse.

Finally we found ourselves at the famous Ferrari Square of Genoa and its central gigantic bronze fountain, where my grandson enjoyed the spray of water!

The old impressive looking palace buildings around this square had more modern uses now like the Linguistic Academy, the stock exchange Palace, the Palace of the Italian Credit, the Palace of the Liguria Region, the Ducal palace of culture museum, the Guilio Pallavicini Palace and the Bank of Rome. I was wondering how many of the old 42 palaces of Genoa were converted to modern museums etc.

Next we just about managed to get a peek into the Church of Jesus and Saints Ambrose and Andrew. It was a pleasure to shop for some exclusive knick-knacks at the Doges Palace cultural centre with its grand halls which is now used for exhibitions, concerts or other programs.

Our grandson was highly amused by the big stone lions on either side of the steps to the entrance of the St. Lawrence Cathedral. I really admired the striped like external facade and the majestic interiors of this Cathedral.

By now I had lost count of another beautiful palace that we walked past - the Palace of St George where the traveller Marco Polo was once imprisoned and had dictated his memoires to fellow writer Rustichello. Later the building become the administrative centre of the Port.

Finally we reached the bustling old port area which underwent great restoration.. This sea-faring town had its share of yatchs, cruise ships, boats, and more docked at its harbour. It was more like a touristy centre with museums, restaurants, aquariums, auditorium, botanical gardens etc. Of particular interest was the old style ship with sculpted figures beckoning as in style. I took a photo bride to be with her happy entourage.

It was a superb walk back to the new Genoa port where our cruise ship was docked. I am always amazed with a smile at the unique aspects of every new city that I visit in Europe.

Shobha Rao Smilemaker has a vision of living in a world where people use their ability to find and make smiles in any situation. She is a lawyer by qualification, a soft skills trainer by passion, a motivational speaker, a freelance journalist, a bestselling author, an avid traveler and founder of 'Smilemakers Trainings'. She can be contacted at www.shobhasmilemaker.com.