Cinque Terre
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Cinque Terre
The Elegant Charm of the Riviera and Fairytale Charm of Liguria
Highlights
- Terraced vineyards and dramatic coastal scenery
- Postcard-perfect fishing villages, with visits to local fishermen and craftspeople
- Cooking lessons with expert Ligurian chefs
- Village walks and visits to ancient abbeys
- Boat ride to islands near Portovenere
Description
Capture an era of Italian life past as we ascend ancient footpaths to this untouched quintet of pastel fishing villages perched on cliffs high above the Ligurian Sea. Hike over farmland tilled for centuries, where rosemary, thyme and basil pique our appetites for the area’s pesto, seafood and white wines. Traverse untrammeled routes through silvery oak groves and by steep vineyard–covered hillsides that flaunt breathtaking views of the sea. The time to visit this rich kaleidoscope known as the Cinque Terre is now, while the unspoiled villages and luminous coast remain gems frozen in time.
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Price
$4,195
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Single Supplement
$800
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Ability Level
Intermediate
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Terrain
Steps, some hills
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Distance
Total Mileage: 39 Daily Average: 5
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Departing
Porto Venere
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Arriving
Santa Margherita
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Dates
- April 29, 2012
- June 2, 2012
- July 7, 2012
- September 8, 2012
- September 22, 2012
- October 6, 2012
Day 1–2: Santa Margherita
Begin by the shores of the harbor and hike to the resort jewel of Portofino. Views of the sparkling blue Mediterranean are nothing short of spectacular. Once we arrive in Portofino, stop to explore boutiques or relax in a seaside cafe, before heading back to Santa Margherita. Day 2, hike up along the coast, through craggy, mountainous surroundings. Visit a medieval abbey and enjoy a boat ride to our next hike. We'll end this afternoon in Camogli, a beautiful fishing village, roaming about and sampling its famous focaccia al formaggio, before hopping on a train back to Santa Margherita.
Day 3: Monterosso
Start the morning with a shuttle to Levanto to visit its medieval quarter. Later, hike along ancient trade routes past olive groves and grape terraces. This evening, we'll meet our spirited chef for a cooking lesson.
Day 4–5: Cinque Terre
Follow vertically terraced vineyards to the villages of Vernazza and Corniglia. Make sure to take photos of the colorful boats resting in the cove of Vernazza! On day 5, we'll descend to Manarola for lunch in a trattoria with a terrace on the sea. Walk the famous Via dell'Amore, "Path of Love" before returning to Monterosso by ferry. Enjoy a winetasting of local vintages this afternoon.
Day 6: Portovenere
From Riomaggiore, hike to Portovenere along a spectacular ridge trail with panoramic views of the sea and the mountains.
Day 7: Isola Palmaria
A short boat ride across the Golfo dei Poeti takes us to Palmaria Island. We'll hike around the island, now a protected wildlife zone. Return by boat to Portovenere for our last Italian lesson and a delicious farewell dinner.
Day 8: Arrivederci!
After a fond farewell, we'll provide a group shuttle to the train station in La Spezia. We are happy to assist you with any further travel plans, whether you'd like to stay a few extra days in Cinque Terre, or go on to explore other European destinations!
Related Testimonials
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John B., Bozeman, MT had this to say about Cinque Terre:
Our guide Marco was phenomenal. Our guides on our first tour on the Amalfi Coast were great and I didn't think anyone could be better...but he was. -
Gary F., San Francisco, CA had this to say about Cinque Terre:
Just when we were sure the views could not be any more spectacular – they were! This is a hard act to follow. -
Edward F., Birmingham, AL had this to say about Cinque Terre:
A memorable, exciting and thoroughly enjoyable adventure.
