Cinque Terre: walking vacation europe walking tours

Italy: Cinque Terre
7 days

Tour Overview

The Italian Riviera, which stretches from the French border to La Spezia, is dotted with resorts, medieval towns, and beaches. Our tour focuses on the specific area called the Riviera di Levante (the Eastern Coast), which has inspired Shelley, Byron, and Petrarch—among the world’s most beloved poets. Its natural beauty and tantalizing cuisine continue to intoxicate travelers. Traditionally prepared seafood, homemade pasta, and a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs make for unforgettable dining experiences. Pesto, made from locally grown basil—the best in Italy according to the locals—is the classic pasta sauce of the region. Sciacchetrà, a hard-to-find, semi-sweet dessert wine, is also a specialty. Production of this fine wine is limited due to the difficulty in harvesting from the ancient terraced vineyards.

The Riviera di Levante is known for its spectacular cliffs, secluded coves, and La Spezia’s naval port. Greeks, Saracens, Romans, Venetians, Lombards, French, and Piemontese have controlled the area throughout history; it has also been greatly influenced by trade with Sicily, Spain, and northern Africa. The year-round temperate climate, fine beaches, and the Maritime and Ligurian Apennine mountain chains contribute to the sensuous feel of this lovely area.

We center our walks in and around the Cinque Terre (“Five Lands”) and towns of Portofino and Portovenere. We follow well-established trails, through a menagerie of tiny, pastel-colored villages, with plenty of time for exploration, shopping, or savoring the sights from a seaside café.

Trip Highlights

Strolling and shopping the fashionable resort of Portofino
Medieval towns with architectural wonders - abbeys, churches, and castles
Quaint pastel-colored fishing villages
Boat trips to island walks
Charming small hotels and restored monastery accommodations

Trip Details

Walk Rating:

Moderate terrain with challenging sections
3 to 5 miles of walking per day with elevation gain and loss of 1300 feet maximum
We have included optional transport by boat and train to reduce the level of difficulty from our original Hiker’s Cinque Terre as well as modified the daily mileage. Some days include ascents ranging from 30 to 45 minutes, beginning with 10 to 20 minutes of steep stair climbing on ancient, stone steps; a walking stick is recommended. You will be ascending, descending, or walking on rolling, rocky terrain daily. If you suffer from vertigo or fear of heights this may not be an appropriate trip for you.

Includes:

Experienced, friendly and knowledgeable guides
All transportation on the tour
All accommodations while on tour, including comfortable hotels in coastal settings, all private baths
All meals included except one lunch and one dinner; alcoholic beverages not included

Meeting Point: Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy

Departure Point: La Spezia, Italy

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1
Arrival in Santa Margherita Ligure; Nozarego - Portofino; 2 miles, easy to moderate
After meeting at our first hotel, we have a brief transfer by bus to the village of Nozarego, from whose charming sanctuary we set off on an afternoon walk through olive groves, and past chestnut tree woods to the seaside resort of Portofino. This picturesque village, nestled into a cove between hills, was re-discovered by the jet set shortly after World War II. Where once only fishing boats docked in the deep-green inlet, now yachts arrive from around the world. You may choose to relax at a café in the main piazza, overlooking the boats and sipping a cappuccino or enjoying a gelato (ice cream). There is time to explore the small streets and browse the town’s boutiques and shops. Those in search of additional pristine views can walk to the lighthouse at Punta del Capo. We return to Santa Margherita by ferry and enjoy an exquisite welcome dinner of fresh, local fish accompanied by regional pasta dishes.
Hotel Jolanda, Santa Margherita Ligure

DAY 2
Ruta - San Fruttuoso; 3 miles, moderate. Additional options: San Fruttuoso - San Rocco or Camogli; 3-4.5 miles, moderate to challenging
After a typical Italian breakfast of coffee, bread, cheese, yogurt, and fruit we transfer by bus to the tiny and picturesque village of Ruta, at which point we enter the National Park of Portofino for a morning walk along rolling terrain with radiant views. A slight ascent soon levels out as we proceed to Semaforo Nuovo (new lighthouse). We continue along a dirt path down to the hamlet of San Fruttuoso and visit its 10th-century medieval abbey built by the Benedictines of Monte Cassino. This secluded haven, which can only be reached on foot or by boat, is picturesquely situated in a small, rocky cove. After lunch, there is the option to return to Santa Margherita by boat, or to continue on foot to the charming villages of San Rocco and Camogli. This evening we reunite for a dinner of typical Ligurian specialties at a fantastic shoreline restaurant.
Hotel Jolanda, Santa Margherita Ligure

DAY 3
Levanto - Monterosso al Mare; 3.5 miles, moderate to challenging. Elevation gain and loss of 1,300 feet
This morning we travel by train (a 1-hour journey) to the splendid seaside resort of Levanto, passing through beautiful landscape, with breathtaking sea views. On arrival, we enjoy a visit of the town, followed by lunch. Our afternoon walk involves a rigorous climb along an ancient trade route; passing through olive groves, terraced vineyards, and pine forests. After stopping for a magnificent view of Monterosso al Mare (the first of the Cinque Terre villages and also our final destination for the day), we begin a steep, 40-minute descent down large stone steps. We arrive at our hotel, nestled in the heart of town, and later stroll to dinner at a lively, local restaurant. Bountiful seafood antipasti, fresh herbs, colorful produce, local fish, and pesto dominate the cuisine in this region.
Hotel Palme, Monterosso al Mare

DAY 4
Cinque Terre: Monterosso - Vernazza; 2.5 miles, moderate with challenging sections. Elevation gain and loss of approximately 700 feet
“The Five Lands” of the Cinque Terre are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore; five, small, remote fishing villages strung along the coast northwest of La Spezia. They are linked by boat, rail, and footpath which allows each guest to customize their walking experience over the next two days. Today’s scheduled walk, and arguably the most spectacular, begins in Monterosso, and continues along a well-established footpath that winds through terraced vineyards, while offering views of the Ligurian Sea. We reach Vernazza in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon free for exploring the village, or additional Cinque Terre villages by train, boat, or on foot. While Monterosso is the largest and most developed of the towns, Vernazza, with its pink slate-roofed houses and picturesque piazzas, has the best-equipped port. Corniglia is the highest of the Cinque Terre villages, perched more than 300 feet above the sea on a promontory. The cozy, classic seaside town of Manarola is the center of Cinque Terre’s wine production. The Via del’Amore (Road of Love) connects Manarola to Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the Cinque Terre towns. Dinner this evening is at your leisure; your guide(s) will provide suggestions from among the many dining experiences available in Monterosso al Mare.
Hotel Palme, Monterosso al Mare

DAY 5
Vernazza - Corniglia; 2.5 miles, moderate with challenging sections; elevation gain and loss of 700 feet; Corniglia - Manarola - Riomaggiore; 3.5 miles, easy to moderate; Transfer to Portovenere
Today’s exploration includes more of the picturesque “Five Lands” and culminates along the spectacular Golfo dei Poeti (Gulf of Poets). Our trail traverses rolling terrain and through pine tree forests. The gulf is so named because many poets, including Dante, Petrarch, Byron, and Shelley, have sung its praises—even the boats in the harbor sport romantic names inspired by these poets. Our final destination, Portovenere, is a Roman-Byzantine town, where we view both the sea and the nearby Apuan Mountains. The town paints a colorful canvas against the azure sea with its orange and yellow houses tumbling down the hillside. Perched high on a rocky cape overlooking the sea is San Pietro, a 13th-century Gothic church. Its black- and white-striped exterior has made it a landmark recognizable from far out at sea. This evening we enjoy a short boat ride to the island of Palmaria—just off the coast of Portovenere—for a magical alfresco dinner, overlooking the Gulf of the Poets.
Grand Hotel Portovenere, Portovenere

DAY 6
Isola Palmaria, 3.5 miles, easy to moderate
After breakfast, we begin our day’s adventure with another lovely boat trip to the island of Palmaria. This beautiful island, declared a Natural Regional Park, has a network of walking paths with stunning viewpoints of its dramatic cliffs and to nearby Tino Island. The air is perfumed by luxuriant Mediterranean vegetation such as sage, juniper, and myrtle. We may also pass an abandoned quarry of black and gold marble or one of the caves where Paleolithic evidence was discovered in the 19th century. Time permitting, we may tour the meticulously restored 19th-century fortress of Umberto I, which now houses a museum dedicated to the oceanography and undersea archeology of the Mediterranean. We boat back to Portovenere for lunch, followed by an optional walking tour of the town, whose highlights include the churches of San Pietro and San Lorenzo and the Genovese Doria Castle. Our farewell dinner this evening offers fresh, local specialties and a breathtaking view of the gulf.
Grand Hotel Portovenere, Portovenere

DAY 7
Arrivederci!
After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer to La Spezia train station for connecting trains to your next destination.

Itinerary Changes
Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Rates & Departure Dates

Tour: 7 Days

Departure Dates:
Sun., May 18, 2008
Sun., July 06, 2008
Sun., September 21, 2008
Sun., October 05, 2008
Sun., October 12, 2008

Price From: $3,298
Single Supplement: $425

Trip Accommodations

Nights One & Two:
HOTEL JOLANDA
Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy

A pleasant, small hotel nestled on a side street in bustling Santa Margherita Ligure decorated with charming antiques. Offers a small fitness area and sauna.

Nights Three & Four:
HOTEL PALME
Monterosso Al Mare, Italy

A small, simple hotel located in a quiet setting by the sea. There is a lovely garden shaded by palm trees, and the hotel is just a short walk from the public beach.

Nights Five & Six:
GRAND HOTEL PORTOVENERE
Portovenere, Italy

A former monastery dating back to the year 1300, Grand Hotel Portovenere overlooks the sea toward Palmaria Island. Offers a wellness center with massage and other body treatment options.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality.

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