1. Northern Italy: Italian Riviera Section 1, Genoa to Sestri Levante

Day 1

Staying in a comfortable hotel in the medieval centre of Genoa, your first day is an opportunity to explore the treasures of a city that once ruled the Mediterranean and was known for centuries as La Superba (the Proud).  Genoa preserves many relics of its ancient and honourable history, including numerous palaces and magnificent art collections of its maritime families, as well as its colourful old port.

Day 2:

The first section of today’s walk starts from Genoa’s historic port.  It is an ‘urban walk’ through the lanes and alleys of the old city and the commercial centre of the city to a coastal promenade which that takes you to the edge of the city, arriving at seaside resort that was founded in 1863.  Here you have the option of shortening the walk by taking the train from this point.  10 kms, 2 hours

The second section follows the creuze de ma (traditional country lanes lined with drystone walls) that you will use for much of the tour.  After crossing a stone medieval bridge, you climb into the foothills of the Apennines, enjoying spectacular views along the coast to the promontory of Portofino (230 mts asl) before descending to a picturesque fishing village, where you’ll spend the night.  5 kms, 1.5 hours

Day 3:

This first section of the walk follows creuze de ma again up through hamlets to the ridge of Monte Croce (300 mts asl).  It continues along the ridge before coming down a narrow valley to another cute fishing village.  Here you have the option of shortening the walk by taking the train from this point. 6.5 kms, 2 hours

The second leg is straight forward, following lanes and marked trails but it also involves two steep climb with the effort is rewarded by wide views over the Portofino Peninsula before arriving in the busy little port of Camogli.  8 kms, 3 hours

Day 4:

Today you leave Camogli by walking above the coastline on the western edge of the Portofino National Park with its vast views across the Gulf of Genoa before climbing up into forest.  You then wind your way down through forest and olive groves to the stunning little village of Portofino, one of the most celebrated spots on the Italian coast.  8 kms, 3 hrs

Day 5:

This morning you head out of Portofino along a lovely path that winds above the coast passing through olive groves with views over bays and hidden villas to the elegant resort town of Santa Margherita Ligure.  You then follow a well-marked path to a busy neighbouring port, entering the town over a Roman bridge that Hannibal himself (reputedly) crossed.  11 kms, 3.5 hrs

Day 6:

Today’s gorgeous walk starts with a 15-minute funicular ride from the port up to one of the holiest religious sanctuaries in the area, founded in the 16th century, 600 mts above the coast (which has a bar and a couple of good restaurants.  From here, you an ancient and well-marked walk takes you from the sanctuary along a descending ridge line through beautiful oak and chestnut forests to Giuseppe Garibaldi’s bustling hometown, whose origins date from pre-Roman times.  10 kms, 3 hours

Day 7:

Today, the trail takes you along the sea front to a neighbouring town before picking up the pilgrim trail again, climbing up into the hills along an old paved trail to a ruined church with breath-taking views and down over Sestri Levante and the Bay of Silences.  11 kms, 4 hours

Day 8:

Sestri Levante is on the Genoa/La Spezia line well serviced by regular trains in either direction (including to the Cinque Terre, three stops away to the east).