Cinque Terre itinerary
Please see below for a detailed overview of the Hidden Italy Sicily Self-Guided Tour of Cinque Terre
Day 1
The tour starts in Levanto, a charming coastal resort (on the main Genoa/Rome railway line).
Day 2
The first walk follows a superb coastal path, through woods and scented scrub with breathtaking views of the gulf and the five villages of Cinque Terre. Along the way it passes the ruins of an abandoned convent, before dipping down to the first Cinque Terre village.
(6 kms, 3 hrs)
Day 3
With today's walk you start on the Sentiero Azzuro, the celebrated path that links the five villages of the Cinque Terre. The walk weaves along cliffs and through terraces, offering spectacular views over the bays and the villages, taking you to Vernazza. (4 kms, 2.5 hrs). You will need to take train ride back to Monterosso for your accommodation tonight.
Day 4
You will need to take a short train ride back to Vernazza this morning to continue your walk. This morning, you pick up the Sentiero Azzuro again passing through olive groves with views up to the ancient terraces climbing the mountains above you You pass through two more of the Cinque Terre villages (where you can stop for lunch) before following the Via del Amore into the last of the five villages, where you'll stay the night. (A beautiful alternative high walk through the vineyards of Volastra for this day is included in case the path between Corniglia and Manarola is closed for restoration). (7 kms, 3.5 hrs)
Day 5
Today you walk above the eastern part of the gulf to Portovenere. Inititially, this quiet route takes you away from the coast, up to a religious sanctuary, where you can rest and enjoy the views, before continuing up through forest to a small village, where you can have lunch. From here you descend through more forest with breathtaking views over the sea into stunning Portovenere. (14 kms, 6 hrs)
Day 6
The walk today starts with a short boat ride across the narrow waterway that separates Portovenere from the small island opposite. You then follow a circular route that takes you through a small fishing village, past beaches and the remains of a monastery from the 11th century, with wonderful views over the Gulf of La Spezia along the way. You return to Portovenere with the small boat.
(12 kms, 3 hrs)
Day 7
After breakfast, you'll be transferred by private vehicle to La Spezia (30 minutes away) a busy and colourful port, with a number of excellent museums, a picturesque harbour and daily markets. La Spezia has regular rail connections to Rome, Florence and Milan.
Extend your tour by 4 days to take in Santa Margherita and Portofino.
Optional Day 1
Santa Margherita Ligure is lively and picturesque port at the foot of superb Portofino National Park, a large promontory surrounded by cliffs and small coves, which has some the most rewarding walking on the Italian Riviera. The slopes of the park are covered with wild time, pine and holm oak and offers views over successive headlands from the summit. Santa Margherita is easily accessed by rail or road and is an ideal base from which to explore this fascinating part of the Ligurian coast. You'll stay in an excellent family-run hotel near the waterfront. Dinner is at your hotel.
Optional Day 2
Your walk starts with a short ferry ride around the promontory to a beautifully restored 1000 year old abbey tucked in a tiny bay that is only accessible by water or on foot. A beautiful, ancient trail takes you from here up through forest to the top of the national park and then back down through olive groves into Santa Margherita. Along the way, you will have the option of detouring to visit the tiny port of Portofino, one of the most picturesque and glamorous spots on the Italian Riviera, sitting on a tidy bay surrounded by cypress pines, olive groves and very expensive boats. (6 kilometres, 3 hours)
Optional Day 3
Todays walk starts a short train ride to a very attractive fishing port on the western side of the National Park, the ‘saltiest, roughest and most piratical little place' according to Charles Dickens when he visited the town. The spectacular walk takes you along the coast, skirting the whole headland before rising to ridge top, cutting into forest and then gently descending through olive trees and palms you to the abbey, where you can have lunch and catch the ferry back to Santa Margherita. (6 kilometres, 3 hours)
Optional Day 4
Santa Margherita is on the train line that links Genova and La Spezia. Levanto, where the Cinque Terre walking tours starts, is a 40 minute train ride from Santa Margherita.
Interested in the 1. Northern Italy: Cinque Terre Coastal, from Levanto to Portovenere Self-Guided Walk?
Don't miss out, places are limited. Make your booking now. Book Now › Make an Enquiry ›This 7 day/ 6 night walking tour can be personalised to meet your interests and travel dates.
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Cost
$2,800
per person
- Six nights accommodation
- All breakfasts included
- Reading lists and historical and cultural notes
- Maps and detailed walking instructions
- Hidden Italy App with GPS to complement the roadbook
- Daily transfers of baggage between hotels
- Drop-off at the end of the tour from Portovenere to La Spezia station (on the Rome/Genoa line)
- The Santa Margherita/Portofino option includes 3 nights in a 4-star hotel, sea views
- 24 hour backup from local manager
Cost Options
$2800 B&B only per person
Single supplement: $800
Optional ... Santa Margherita and Portofino Walk 4 days $1400 B&B only p/p in 4 star acocmodation
** Please note a high season surcharge may apply in July/August/September
Tour costs quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD)
Map
Testimonials
The Cinque Terre walk was all that we had been told and even better!! We thoroughly enjoyed very moment and your arrangements and guidance were first class. It finished off a remarkable holiday perfectly.
– Carol W, Cinque Terre walk
View all Testimonials ›1. Northern Italy: Cinque Terre Coastal, from Levanto to Portovenere FAQs
Find out a little more about the 1. Northern Italy: Cinque Terre Coastal, from Levanto to Portovenere tour by reading some of our most frequently asked questions.
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