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Italy

Liguria-The Cinque Terre hiking

Pets allowed
Food and Wine
Cultural trip
Walking and hiking
Independent, Self Guided
  • The five illustrious villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore
  • Breathtaking views of the sapphire blue Mediterranean Sea
  • Steep terraced hills of olive groves, vineyards and lemon trees
  • Outstandingly delicious sea food and the famous Trofie al Pesto
  • Fabulous beaches for swimming

From: 435 €

Tripcode: ITSW010

3 Comfort

 

Level 1 - EN:

Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.

Level 1 - EN:

Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.

Level 2:

Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.

Level 2:

Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.

Level 2:

Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.

Level 3:

Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals

Level 3:

Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals

Level 3:

Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals

Level 4:

Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.

Level 4:

Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.

Level 4:

Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.

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2 Difficulty

 

Level 1:

Walking levels:

Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.

Cycling levels:

Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 1:

Walking levels:

Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.

Cycling levels:

Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 2:

Walking levels:

Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.

Cycling levels:

Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 2:

Walking levels:

Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.

Cycling levels:

Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 2:

Walking levels:

Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.

Cycling levels:

Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 3:

Walking levels:

Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day

Cycling levels:

Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.

Level 3:

Walking levels:

Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day

Cycling levels:

Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.

Level 3:

Walking levels:

Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day

Cycling levels:

Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.

Level 4:

Walking levels:

Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.

Cycling levels:

Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.

Level 4:

Walking levels:

Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.

Cycling levels:

Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.

Level 4:

Walking levels:

Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.

Cycling levels:

Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.

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Duration: 7 days

Book now

 

Details

Walking The Cinque Terre

Enter the magical land of the Cinque Terre, five unique fishing villages along the Ligurian coast, known as Italy's "Flower-Riviera". These secluded villages are best reached by train or foot, as car access is limited. Walking along the coastal footpaths offers striking views of lush Mediterranean vineyards and wild flowers abloom; while further inland there are tantalizing pine and chestnut forests. Travel by train of boat from Monterosso to picturesque villages where you can savor the delicious local cuisine and relax with a glass of white wine in an outdoor café overlooking the sea. The Cinque Terre are sure to please the palette of every visitor. 

 

Itinerary

Expand itinerary Collapse itinerary
 
Day 1: Arrival in Monterosso al Mare

As soon as you get settled in your accommodation, step outside and breathe in the incredibly fresh, crisp air of the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon you can visit the historic center and in the evening let all your senses be delighted as you prepare for your phenomenal walking adventure ahead.

Activity: Travel to Monterosso al Mare

Villages along the way: Monterosso al Mare

Day 2: From Monterosso to Colla di Gritta

Today you head inland past the 'Chiesa dei Cappucini' to the Colla di Gritta. Continue along the graceful mountain ridge through stretches of lush forests, passing over Monte Molinelli, Monte Rossini, Montenegro and Colla dei Bagari until you reach Punta Mesco. Return to Monterosso by descending a series of captivating old stone footpaths

Challenge: 10 km, 650m in ascent, 650m in descent, 5 hrs

Villages along the way: Monterosso al Mare

Day 3: La Via dell'Amore walk

This classic Cinque Terre walk offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and terraced hills of vineyards. Marvel at the multicolored mosaic of these five picturesque villages overlooking the sea. Though the path gets crowded from Riomaggiore to Corniglia, the tourists subside as you climb and reach serene beauty up high. Today's walk can be divided into four separate stretches, as you can catch the train at any of the villages.

Activity: 13.9 km, ascent 940m, descent 950m, 7hrs

Villages along the way: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore

Day 4: Riomaggiore to Portovenere walk

The writers Shelly and Byron got their inspiration from visiting the Cinque Terre. Get inspired too, on this climb complete with truly spectacular views of the charming, picturesque coast. Begin in Riomaggiore and walk through deciduous forests along a path which leads you to the invigorating panorama of the Gulf of La Spezia and nearby islands. Descend to Portovenere along charismatic, occasionally steep footpaths.

Activity: 12 km, ascent 710m, descent 730m, 6 hrs

Villages along the way: Riomaggiore & Portovenere

Day 5: Monterosso to Levanto walk

Follow the coastline from Monterosso al Mare to the idyllic painter's paradise of Levanto, located in the center of a charming valley surrounded by green hills and uncontaminated nature. Along the way, pass the Promontory of Mesco, a lookout point where you can visit the ruins of the Chapel of San Antonio Semaforo. Glance out over the crystal clean waters and take in the essence of Liguria.

Challenge: 7 km, ascent 400m, descent 400m, 3hrs

Villages along the way: Monterosso al Mare, Levanto and Bonassola

Day 6: Framura to Levanto walk

Today's walk begins in Framura, an old village inhabited for over 1000 years. Continue along the lush vegetation of olive groves and lemon trees as you greet the sea with your ecstatic smile. Take a rest at one of the local cafe's in Bonassola, where you can enjoy a glass of Sciacchetra', the renowned local dessert wine and admire the impressive "red marble" rock.

Activity: 11 km, ascent 550m, descent 550m, 5hrs

Villages along the way: Framura, Levanto & Bonassola

Day 7: Arrivederci Cinque Terre!

The trip and our services end after breakfast. You can depart Bonassola by train and easily reach Pisa, Genoa, Florence or Milan airports.

Practical info

Included:

  • 4 night accommodation on B&B basis in Monterosso al Mare
  • 1 night accommodation on half board basis (drinks excluded) the first night in Bonassola
  • 1 night accommodation on B&B basis in Bonassola  
  • 1 Luggage transfer from Monterosso to Bonassola
  • 24-hour telephone assistance, just a phone call away
  • Detailed road book and maps in English  

Not Included:

  • Flights and public transportation
  • Travel insurance Admissions and entrance fees of any kind
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, phone calls, extra transfers etc.
  • Any items that have not been specifically mentioned in the program

Optional Services:

Airport arrival and/or departure private transfers

Extra Overnight:

Additional night/s at any of the accommodations along the way or in any other destination in Italy like Pisa, Florence or Lucca.

The nearest airports to the Cinque Terre are in Genoa and Pisa. Florence airport also has good connections.
Nearly all trains from Genoa go directly to Monterosso, without having to change trains (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours). From Pisa airport, you have to change at Pisa Centrale, and again at La Spezia for a local train that stops in Monterosso al Mare (approximately 2.15 hours).

  • The last train from La Spezia to Monterosso leaves around 10pm.
  • If you come by car, there are 2 large, open-air, private parking areas in Monterosso.

Dogs on the trip:

Small, well behaved dogs are allowed free of charge on this trip.
During the walks dogs have to be kept on a leash.

Reviews

Start: Monterosso

Finish: Bonassola

 

Dates & prices

Trip availability: Starting any day 15 March to 31 October. The trip can be inverted depending on hotel availability

Departures
April 01, 2013 - April 30, 2013
Dates of the trip Price
triple room: 435 €/person
twin room: 575 €/person
double room: 575 €/person
single room: 860 €/person
solo single room: 910 €/person
May 01, 2013 - October 16, 2013
Dates of the trip Price
triple room: 495 €/person
twin room: 615 €/person
double room: 615 €/person
single room: 925 €/person
solo single room: 975 €/person

Other prices

January 01, 2013 - January 31, 2014
Dates of the trip Price
transfer Pisa-Monterosso: 220 €