Cinque Terre, Liguria (classic version)
€720
per person
Enter the magical land of the Cinque Terre, five unique fishing villages along the Ligurian coast, known as Italy’s ‘flower-Riviera’. Built into the sheer rocky coast, they are famed for their rugged scenery and are best reached by train or foot, as car access is limited. The Cinque Terre is National Park and UNESCO heritage listed site 1997. 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 or 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 emerald blue waters of the Mediterranean sea. The Cinque Terre is a small paradise with unique landscape with winding paths, enchanting beaches between cliffs, clear waters, and amazing aromas, sure to please the palette of every visitor.
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Destination
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Duration7 Days I Tour Difficulty: 3 (of 5)
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What is includedAccommodation on bed & breakfast basis; luggage transport from Monterosso to Bonassola; Cinque Terre 3-day park card + Train 2-days (7-day program only); detailed roadbook and maps in English; 24 hrs telephone assistance;
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What is not includedOther meals, flights and public transportation, transfers from and to the airport, tips, entrance fees, alcohol drinks and other personal expenses; Possible CITY TAX to be paid in cash on the spot (it varies depending on the city and on the hotel’s category)
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Best periodApril, May, June, July, August, September, October
FROM OUR GALLERY
Self-guided hiking and walking tours in Cinque Terre, Italy
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Day 1: Arrive in Monterosso
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 centre, and in the evening, let all your senses be delighted as you prepare for your phenomenal walking adventure ahead.
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Day 2: Monterosso to Colla di Gritta
Today you head inland past the ‘Chiesa dei Cappucini’ to the Colla di Gritta. Continue hiking over 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 walking trails. (10km, 5hrs walk, uphill/downhill walking: 700/700m)
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Day 3: Variety of hiking options
Today you have a pair of itineraries to choose from. Both of them will offer you gorgeous views of Cinque Terre typical landscape. Before departing for your walk, go to the Park Information Office at Monterosso Train station and collect your Cinque Terre Card.
WALK A: Transfer to Soviore and walk back to Monterosso via Vernazza. To avoid a very steep section at the beginning of the day, you can take a taxi in Monterosso to Soviore Monastery. Otherwise you can walk up on an ancient cobbled path to Soviore. Here you can stop for a visit before starting the walk back to Monterosso via Vernazza. From the Sanctuary you walk on asphalt road or 1.5km, then take a nice panoramic path that slightly descends to the Madonna di Reggio. Continue walking on a stone path down to Vernazza and here you take the coastal path to Monterosso. (10km, 4hrs walk, uphill/downhill hiking: 650/1100m)
WALK B: Corniglia-Volastra-Riomaggiore-Manarola. Reach Corniglia by train from Monterosso and reach the village. Then you walk up and take the path towards Volastra that finally will take you to Riomaggiore. Once you arrive in Riomaggiore, you could take a train to go back to Monterosso or follow the famous “Via dell’Amore” to reach Manarola. At the end of your walk in Manarola, get on a train back to Monterosso.(11km, 3,30-4hrs walk, uphill/downhill hiking: 1000/1000m)
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Day 4: Riomaggiore to Portovenere
The writers Shelly and Byron got inspired from visiting the Cinque Terre. Get inspired 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. Overnight in Monterosso. (13km, 6hrs walk, uphill/downhill walking: 850/850m)
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Day 5: Monterosso to Bonassola via Levanto
Follow the coastline from Monterosso to the idyllic painter’s paradise of Levanto, located in the centre 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. Glance out over the crystal clean waters and take in the essence of Liguria. Overnight in Bonassola. (10km, 4hrs, uphill/downhill hiking: 800/800m)
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Day 6: Bonassola to Deiva Marina
Today you walk through the hills of the East Riviera, between Bonassola, Framura and Deiva Marina. The first part of this walk is extremely panoramic with wonderful views over the northern Ligurian coast. Visit the nice villages of Bonassola and Deiva Marina and after the walk return to Monterosso by train. (12km, 5hrs, uphill/downhill walking: 900/900m)
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Day 7: Arrivederci Cinque Terre!
The trip ends after breakfast. You can depart Bonassola by train and easily reach the Pisa, Genoa, Florence or Milan airports.
TOUR LOCATION
Price
720 Euro in twin/dbl room
N.B. Discounts available for March and October (ask for price offer)!
Single Room Supplement
265 Euro
Group size
Solo travellers (incl. sgl room supplement): 1025 Euro (7-day itinerary)
Tips
Clients have to collect the Cinque Terre Card from the tourist office in Monterosso and it is always better to get informed there which paths are open and which paths are closed! The tour is available from April to the end of October. Avoid travelling during July and the first half of August - too hot for coastal hiking. 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 – 2 hours). From Pisa airport, you have to change at Pisa Centrale, and again at La Spezia for a local train that stops at Monterosso (approximately 2.15 hours). Arrivals by car - please allow appr. 12-15 Euro/day for parking card (two private parking areas available in Monterosso). The walks are along well marked footpaths and mule tracks. It can be tiring walking along the stone steps of diverse sizes. These walks, though not very long, are moderate to demanding because of the steep hills. Several walks can be shortened.
Accommodation & luggage transportation
Days 1-2: Monterosso (2 nights); Day 3-4: Bonassola (2 nights). If the hotels in Bonassola are all full, we can propose to clients a stay in Levanto. The accommodations we use are small, comfortable 3 star hotels with a friendly, family run atmosphere, each serving a delicious continental breakfast. All the rooms have private bathrooms.