Cinque Terre

Highlights

• Stroll past terraced vineyards that have sustained these villages for centuries
• Walk along the Cinque Terre’s spectacular coastline and admire colourful homes
• Explore the fishing villages and mountain hamlets along the way
• Visit the towns of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure
• Enjoy outstanding Ligurian specialties and excellent local wines
• Discover what makes these picturesque villages such a sought after destination

The colourful fishing villages of the five lands, or Cinque Terre, lies between a verdant coastline and a blue sea. Outstanding food and wine, a vibrant culture and a fascinating history enchant anyone who visits and walks along the well-worn paths. For generations, simple fishermen and farmers have carved a stunningly beautiful garden landscape from the seaside cliffs. With every inch of space at a premium, the houses appear to be built one atop the other, and the terraced vineyards and olive groves connect with a maze of paths offering some of Italy’s most extraordinary walks.

Departure dates

Due to the limited hotel availability in these fishing villages, this itinerary is primarily arranged for personalized departures. We suggest advance booking between late April and mid October. From time-to-time, group departures will be offered.

PLAN A TRIP

DAY 1

Your guide meets you in Monterosso – easily reached by train from Pisa, Florence, Rome, or Milan. After checking into your hotel, begin an orientation walk and discover one of the most beautiful corners of the world. At the end of the walk begin “la dolce vita” with a welcome wine tasting, including the famed regional dessert wine Sciacchetrà. Our first dinner together is in a family-owned restaurant in Monterosso with incredible panoramic views. (D)

Accommodations: Il Giardino Incanto or equivalent for Casual Inns and Porto Roca for 4 Star luxury
Walking distance: 5 kms/3 miles

DAY 2

Our guide will take you on an incredible hike up to the Santuario di Soviore. Follow the path along a panoramic ridge with breath taking sea views to reach the Santuario di Reggio just above Vernazza. From Reggio, descend to Vernazza along an old paved medieval road. After lunch tour some of the most charming corners of this colourful village. In the afternoon it’s back to Monterosso for some R & R. (B, L)

Accommodations: Il Giardino Incanto or equivalent for Casual Inns and Porto Roca for 4 Star luxury
Walking distance: 7 kms / 4 1/2 with a 400 meter climb/ 1/4 mile climb

DAY 3

After breakfast, take a short train ride to Riomaggiore for a walk along the well-groomed and renowned paths of the Via dell’Amore. The scenic route hugs the coastline and leads to cliffside Manarola. Traverse the centuries-old terraces cultivated with grapevines and olive trees to the hamlet of Volastra. Descend gradually into quiet Corniglia built high on rock formations that rise from the sea. After lunch, try an ice cream at the Gelateria in Corniglia before taking the train back to Monterosso. (B)

Accommodations: Il Giardino Incanto or equivalent for Casual Inns and Porto Roca for 4 Star luxury
Walking distance: 6 kms / 3 1/2 miles

DAY 4

We will have a leisurely morning before taking the train to Santa Margherita for a visit of Santa Margherita. The town’s Renaissance gardens in the Villa of Durazzo family property are a treat not to be missed. From Santa Margherita there is a walk along the unique countryside of Portofino. Our guide helps you find the perfect lunch spot where you can enjoy the natural harbors of Liguria, the beautifully painted homes and the glorious natural surroundings. (B, D)

Accommodations: Il Giardino Incanto or equivalent for Casual Inns and Porto Roca for 4 Star luxury
Walking distance: 5 to 6 kms /3 to 3 1/2 miles

DAY 5

Begin in Riomaggiore and walk along an old paved road that leads to the Santuario della Madonna di Monte Nero. Continue along a gentle incline to the main ridge of the Cinque Terre high hills and hike in a cool forest to the hamlet of Campiglia – a perfect spot to rest and have lunch. With vistas from the open sea to the gulf of La Spezia, the Appennini Mountains and the Apuane Alps Mountains, this stop wows. After lunch continue past dramatic cliffs to reach the historical center. Weather permitting, the best way to get back to Monterosso is by boat in order to enjoy the spectacular coastline of Portovenere and the Cinque Terre. Savor a farewell dinner in Corniglia and reflect on a wonderful week in the Cinque Terre. (B, PicL, D)

Accommodations: Il Giardino Incanto or equivalent for Casual Inns and Porto Roca for 4 Star luxury
Walking distance: 8-12 kms /5 to 8 miles depending on the group’s fitness level

DAY 6

After breakfast it is time to say our good-byes. Our guide will help you with a transfer to your next destination.

Satisfaction guaranteed. Arrivederci!!!!

INCLUDED: 5 nights accommodation with en-suite facilities, breakfast each day, 3 dinners, 1 lunch, 1 picnic lunch, full-time, professional guide, guided walks each day, wine and specialty foods tastings, paid entrance to all included activities, paid tickets for access to hiking paths, train pass during the tour, all taxes and service charges at hotels and restaurants, travel guidance for pre/post-tour activities.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfares, airport taxes, travel insurance (highly recommended), pre and post trip arrangements, personal purchases, mini-bar services, alcohol unless specifically included, OPC (consumer protection), gratuities for guide and driver.

B= breakfast included, L=lunch included, PicL=picnic lunch included, D=Dinner included
All bookings through Garth Allen Marksted Travel, Quebec Licensee.

PLAN A TRIP

** This trip is priced based on casual inns and the price is based on a minimum of 2 travelers in the same group. Contact us for pricing for premier inns, personalized itineraries, other hotel choices, or for large groups. Private transportation can be arranged to and from Pisa, Florence or Milan and is priced upon request. Routes are subject to change based on environmental regulations.