Coasting in the Cinque Terre

Imagine an endless balcony with a seaview. The region of Liguria is a long, narrow, curved stretch of coastline in the north west of Italy. Faced by the sea and protected by the Maritime Alps, this region includes the Levante Riviera with gems like Portofino, S.Margherita and Portovenere and the naval port of La Spezia.

In-between are the breathtaking Cinque Terre, five tiny villages snuggled into or clinging onto a rocky coastline, connected by an ancient system of footpaths which cut through incredibly positioned vineyards, lemon orchards and olive groves.

Our visit to this area includes four days of varied and spectacular coastal hiking, visits to the five small villages of the Cinque Terre, and several brief journeys by local train - so short that if you blink they are over. The fish cuisine and local pesto are our gastronomic delights, which can be enjoyed all the more with a glass of the crisp local white wine and a splash of Ligurian olive oil.

We know that you will be as enchanted as we have been. Once again we shall be guiding you and taking care of all the organising so that you may relax and enjoy the beauty which is to be found here..

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Itinerary

Day 1

Pisa - Levanto

We meet at 12.30 at the Pisa airport and make our way to a local trattoria to enjoy a seafood lunch. Then spend the afternoon exploring the magnificent monuments in Piazza dei Miracoli - Baptistry, Duomo and the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa. As we travel north into Liguria observe the centuries-old marble quarries of Carrara. Our first destination is the charming town of Levanto whose medieval and neoclassical buildings testify to its long history. Relax and enjoy its bustling charm.

Day 2

Levanto - Monterosso - Vernazza

As our journey on foot starts, we pass the church of St. Andrea and the medieval castle, behind which a series of steps (a few!) ascend to a panoramic trail through woods and scrub which finally rounds the headland to the Cinque Terre. We then descend to the ancient sea village of Monterosso, largest of the 5 towns. An option is to continue on foot or by train to the picturesque, bustling harbour of Vernazza. Time to relax and reward ourselves with either gelato, local wine or limoncello liqueur. (5hrs/9miles) (Elev. +/-700ft and +/- 830ft)

Day 3

Manarola - Volastra - Corniglia

We stroll through streets lined with fishing boats and ascend among olives, fig trees and flowers into a gorge leading to the hillside town of Volastra. From here we continue along high terraced vineyards with wonderful coastal views to Corniglia, a unique village of Roman origin set on a promontory protected from the sea. Enjoy lunch and a thirst-quenching drink in the local piazza. We then continue on foot to Manarola where in the late afternoon the charm of the Cinque Terre can really be savoured. (4hrs/6miles) (Elev. +/- 1050ft)

Day 4

Manarola - Riomaggiore - Portovenere

We take the famous path, the Via dell'amore to Riomaggiore, a colourful pearl encompassing all the charms of an ancient fishing village. Ascending to the top of the ridge which separates this coast from La Spezia, we meander through terraced vineyards and past churches perched on promontories overlooking the sea. A wooded trail continues along the ridge and emerges at the gulf of La Spezia where we descend to the town of Portovenere. Time for a celebratory drink in the harbour. (6hrs/10miles) (Elev. +/- 1450ft)

Day 5

Portovenere & Portofino

Today we reward ourselves with a more restful day. Spend the morning in the Roman-Byzantine village of Portovenere, a delightful place in which to reflect on the magic of this strip of landscape where man and nature have blended together for thousands of years. An optional excursion is to the elegant seaside village of Portofino in the afternoon (by boat, weather permitting). It is little wonder why the Cinque Terre are known as the Golfo dei Poeti.

Day 6

Transfer to La Spezia / Pisa

Scheduled departure from our hotel at 9.00 for La Spezia train station (30mins) or Pisa airport (1.30hrs). If you wish, we can help to extend your stay or make other independent departure arrangements