Jewels of Liguria, Cinque Terre & Portovenere (self guided)

7 days - from $1295

Magnificent coastal walking on the Italian Riviera

The ancient villages, cultural landscapes and coastal scenery of the Cinque Terre make it the most beautiful part of the Ligurian Coast, and a walker’s paradise! On this week of self-guided day walks you’ll explore all five villages of the Cinque Terre via an extensive network of footpaths from village to village, via forests and vineyards and through spectacular terraced landscapes that overlook the sea. As you wander through the terraces, you’ll discover a traditional way of life that has existed for thousands of years. Through dense pine forests and cliff top pathways you reach the romantic village of Portovenere with its colourful harbour and dominated by its 16th century castle. Time is spent discovering the treasures of Portovenere as well as the beautiful island of Palmaria, in the middle of the ‘Bay of Poets’. A full-day is devoted to exploring the island’s great natural beauty and impressive fortresses.

Highlights

• Cinque Terre's Lover’s Walk
• The five villages of the Cinque Terre
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Portovenere castle

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Levanto2: Monterosso al Mare3: Riomaggioro - Sentiero dell'Amore - Manarola - Vernazza4: Madonna di Reggio and Madonna di Saviore5: Riomaggiore - Campiglia - Portovenere6: Portovenere - Palmaria7: End Portovenere
Included:

Luggage transfers, detailed route notes and maps, Cinque Terre card for train travel on Days 3, 4 & 5.

International flights, arrival & departure transfers, departure taxes, visas, travel insurance (compulsory on all trips), meals (unless stated in itinerary), drinks, additional tours or activities, boat ticket from Portovenere to Palmaria return, train ticket Monterosso-Levanto on Day 2 (approx. 1.10 euro), entrance fees, taxis/transport (if opting out of walks), tips and items of a personal nature.

This is a self-guided adventure and does not include the services of a tour leader.

Departure dates
This trip operates daily from 01 March until 31 October. Due to the heat and crowds, we recommend you avoid booking this trip in the month of August.

Route notes
At the joining hotel on Day 1 you will receive your detailed road book which includes a technical description of the itinerary, maps, contact listing and 24-hour emergency phone number, as well as useful information on each place visited.