8 Days & 7 Nights

4.4

Relaxed Trails of the Cinque Terre

A relaxed walking itinerary on the Cinque Terre, to Portofino and Portovenere
Relish the dramatic views of Ligurian Riviera as you take easy-going walks
Time to explore each of the villages, each with their own distinctive character
Sit on a rooftop terrace with a glass of wine, cultivated on the surrounding terraces
Freshly-caught seafood, pastel-hued houses, and narrow medieval streets

This laid-back itinerary on the "Italian Riviera" takes you to the enchanting and ancient fishing villages of the Cinque Terre, to charming Portofino and to Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historic centre. Take a inspiring combination of walks all of which have views of the azure Mediterranean sea and this dramatic coastline. Opportunities to explore the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarolo and Riomaggiore are frequent and as this is a relaxed itinerary, you will also have time to learn about the history and culture of this captivating region. It's also the perfect place to savour freshly-caught seafood and sample the local wine which is produced from grapes grown on the surrounding terraces. Stay in hand-picked and locally-owned comfortable accommodations which serve to enhance your experience.

From £1,360.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Camogli on the Italian Riviera

Take a local train from Genoa, Pisa or Florence, (depending on where you fly into) to Camogli, a delightful and picturesque seaside town situated just north of Portofino. It's a pleasure to wander the narrow stone-paved streets and take in its laid back ambience. With houses of apricot, cinnamon and amber, its easy to see why Camogli's beauty is reminder of the village's longtime maritime power and history as a thriving seaport.

Overnight Camogli

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Al Piccolo Scoglio B&B | 3 Star | Bed and breakfast

This bed and breakfast, located in the small fishing village of Camogli, is the perfect location for walking on the Ligurian Riviera. Enjoy a warm welcome by your host, attentive service, comfortable rooms, and being strategically positioned only a few steps from the seaside promenade. The B&B overlooks the beach and Golfo Paradiso Natural Park of Portofino. Rooms aren’t air conditioned, but they are natural cooled by the pleasant coastal breeze.

Albergo La Camogliese | 3 Star | Hotel

This small family-run hotel is situated in an ideal location to appreciate the culture and natural surroundings of this seafront village nestled in a gulf fittingly named “Paradise”. It’s just a few steps from the seafront promenade. The staff pride themselves on providing an attentive service to all their guests.

I Tre Merli Locanda | Hotel

With an unbeatable location overlooking the fishing harbour and in the pedestrianised centre of the village, this hotel is ideal for your stay in Camogli. Start your day with breakfast outside overlooking the fishing boats moored along the seafront. With just five guest rooms, you will be provided with an attentive and personalised service. Their cosy relaxation area has a Jacuzzi, steam bath and hydro-massage shower (additional charges apply).

Day 2 Transfer to Portofino. Walk to Santa Margherita Ligure. Train to Camogli 3.7 miles / 6 km

You will be picked up at your Camogli accommodation and taken to Portofino, ready for your walk. (A 30 minute journey) Since the walk is fairly short you can spend time in Portofino first if you wish. Cradled by a pretty piazza, this town is a magnet to the rich and famous - it's here where Richard Burton proposed to Elizabeth Taylor in a fancy local hotel! After exploring Portofino embark on your walk to Santa Margherita Ligure. First you head around the coast where there are fantastic views of the upcoming headlands, then you work your way inland and upwards on stone steps. Follow shady cobbled pathways (which you will welcome if it is hot!) above the sea with dramatic views as you pop out of the trees and reach viewpoints. Santa Margherita Ligure then comes into view with its lovely harbour. A vibrant town, its also worth an explore upon arrival. Your App tracks take you all the way to the local train station where its easy to board a train back to Camogli. (a 15 minute journey).

Elevation Gain: 239m/784ft, Elevation Loss: 237m/777ft

Overnight Camogli

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Al Piccolo Scoglio B&B | 3 Star | Bed and breakfast

Albergo La Camogliese | 3 Star | Hotel

I Tre Merli Locanda | Hotel

Day 3 Transfer to San Rocco Oratory in Montaretto. Walk to Levanto 6 miles / 8.2 km

Today you leave lovely Camogli behind and head into the heart of the Cinque Terre. An included transfer brings you into the hamlet of Montaretto and its tiny church. This hamlet is situated north and west of Bonassola and first you descend down to the hiking trail and follow it into the town. Bring a walking stick(s) today as it will assist you with the descent. Stunning views abound. You then find yourself in the delightful town of Bonassola. Here it is well worth pausing to check out the seafront and perhaps have delicious lunch in a piazza before walking onto Levanto. Here we have chosen to take you through the old railways tunnels on an easy walk, where you pop out and see the view every now and again. Levanto is also an impressive town and worth an explore before heading to the station and boarding a train to Monterosso, your next overnight destination. At this point you can use your Cinque Terre Train Pass to get from Levanto to Monterosso.

Elevation Gain: 84m/275ft, Elevation Loss: 337m/1105ft

Overnight Monterosso

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Marina | 3 Star | Hotel

This family-run small hotel prides itself on providing a warm welcome and has lots of cosy spaces to unwind and relax in. The hotel lies in a quiet area, 100 metres from the beach and the beginning of the hiking path to Vernazza. The hotel has a garden, restaurant, Jacuzzi and four terraces to relax and enjoy the sea view from. During the warmer weather breakfast will be served outside in the lemon garden terrace.

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Hotel Pasquale | Bed and breakfast

Hotel Pasquale is a small, family-run hotel on the main street of Monterosso al Mare, in the very heart of the ancient village. It is in front of the fishermen's beach and offers 15 rooms with fabulous views of the Cinque Terre coastline. Admire the characteristic sheer cliffs overhanging the crystal-clear blue waters of the Ligurian sea. The hotel's location allows easy access to all the areas of the town, including the walking trails.

Hotel La Colonnina | Hotel

This family-run hotel prides themselves on welcoming all guests in both a warm and cordial manner. Bedrooms are decorated in a traditional style and have air conditioning, TV, and WiFi access. The hotel has a rooftop terrace with loungers to admire the sea views from.

Day 4 A day exploring the Cinque Terre villages

Take advantage of your Cinque Terre Rail Card and today discover these five ancient fishing villages which are all connected by train. It's up to you if you want to visit them all of course, but with each village having its own personality it will be well worth it. The villages are just minutes away from each other by train. Monterosso, you may well have already had time to explore, since this is where your overnight stays are. It's a town split in two by a tunnel and also the medieval Aurora tower. Vernazza the next village south is the perfect spot to savour some seafood specialities as its piazza and narrow streets are lined with restaurants. Take the steep steps up to Doria Castle for awe-inspiring views over the village and sea. Manarola is immersed in cliffside vineyards, Corniglia is the smallest and very quaint, and Riomaggiore, the furthest south, is situated between two hills and has a botanical garden.

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Marina | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Pasquale | Bed and breakfast

Hotel La Colonnina | Hotel

Day 5 Train to Vernazza. Walk to Monterosso 2.4 miles / 3.8 km

Today use your Cinque Terre Train & Rail Pass which returns you Vernazza (if you explored here yesterday) to the beginning of your walk and allows you to follow this well-trodden route which is part of the Azure Trail. Although short this walk is not easy and perhaps even borders on a moderate walk since you have to walk up 500 stone steps. However, you can take your time and soak in the diversity of landscapes and unforgettable and lush flora, including oaks, heathers and juniper.

Perhaps explore Vernazza today if you wish instead of yesterday when you can explore the other villages. The choice is yours!

Elevation Gain: 203m/666ft, Elevation Loss: 208m/682ft

Overnight Monterosso

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Marina | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Pasquale | Bed and breakfast

Hotel La Colonnina | Hotel

Day 6 Transfer to Portovenere. Town Walk of Portovenere 2 miles / 3.1 km

An included transfer brings you to the town of Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (a transfer of 1H10) Store your luggage at the hotel before taking off to explore this town. A walking tour in the app takes you to the Chiesa di San Pietro on the edge of the old town, through its delightful streets. Stroll along the coastal pathway and soak in the tremendous views. Spend time in its picturesque harbour with views of Palmeria Island across the water, where you will walk tomorrow.

Tonight dine al fresco if the weather is fine on freshly-caught seafood and local pasta.

Elevation Gain: 55m/180ft, Elevation Loss: 58m/190ft

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Paradiso | 3 Star | Hotel

Overlooking the sea, with a view to the island of Palmaria, the Gulf of Poets and the open sea. From the two terraces of the restaurant, sample authentic Ligurian cuisine with panoramic views over the coast. The comfortable sea-facing bedrooms are furnished in a cosy modern style.

Albergo Belvedere

The Hotel Restaurant Belvedere was built at the end of the last century and has been completely renovated. It provides guests with a quiet stay on the sea in a very nice frame of liberty style. The rooms, with magnificent view from the balconies, indoor luxury and modern comforts, high quality service and the beautiful panoramic terrace are the distinctive characteristics of the hotel.

Torre a Mare Porto Venere | 3 Star | Hotel

Situated between the old city walls and the promenade, the 16th century building of Torre Porto Venere offers a unique view. Once used for military purposes, the round-shaped building offers our guest a 360° view, quite rare in Portovenere, where houses were strategically built in rows. The recent renovation was carried out in full respect of traditional materials and colours, restoring the original splendour of this large building.

Day 7 Boat to Palmeria Island. Loop Hike Around Palmeria Island 4.5 miles / 7.2 km

After a leisurely breakfast take a delightful 5-minute ferry ride to Palmeria Island, which you can see across the small channel of water called "Le Bocche" from Portovenere. People inhabit the island so the little ferries run all year round, but they are more common in season (usually every 30 minutes, depending on the day and there are 2 ferry companies to choose from).

Upon arrival in Terrazzo, take a loop walk around the island that has fantastic views over the nearby smaller islands of Tino and Tinetto and towards the Italian mainland. You pass points of interest along the way, such as Forte Umberto 1 (a short detour off the trail via a little footpath). It was built last century and used as a prison until the 1950's. In the spring the wildflowers will be in abundance and there are 500 different types of flora which can be seen all-year round. Spot local birds such as the peregrine falcon or a kestrel. Goats here are also prevalent and have become quite friendly due to them being fed by visitors.

Elevation Gain: 265m/870ft, Elevation Loss: 264m/866ft

Overnight Portovenere

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Paradiso | 3 Star | Hotel

Albergo Belvedere

Torre a Mare Porto Venere | 3 Star | Hotel

Day 8 Transfer to La Spezia Train Station. Onward Travel

Reviews

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

At Macs Adventure we have different trip types, Classic, Slower Adventures, Pilgrimages, In Style and Discovery. This tour is the epitome of a Slower Adventure, with relaxed walks and plenty of time for cultural immersion and sightseeing. It's rated easy to moderate as the walks are fairly short with not too much elevation gain and loss. Coastal walks with fantastic views, freshly-caught seafood and the distinctive local culture of this region of Italy are what will be in store for you on this unforgettable trip!

Trip Type:

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Activity:

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens, Groups > 10

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie

Coastal Walking

Grade & Terrain

This tour is graded easy to moderate and the walks are anywhere between 4 and 8 km in length. Since this is a Slower Adventure trip style we have made every effort to ensure that the walks are fairly short which gives you more time to explore the villages and creates a more relaxed pace. However, even though the walks are short, the terrain, at times, can involve steps and some elevation gain and loss (between +265m and -337m) and at times you will have to negotiate typical Mediterranean terrain which can be rocky, but this is minimal overall. We have also tried to limit the elevation gains and losses as much as possible, but in this region of Italy it is impossible to find walks that are completely flat!

Experience & Fitness

As there are stone steps and ups and downs it would be recommended to do a bit of practice before you set off to travel. Perhaps start doing this a few weeks before you depart. If you are a regular walker you will have no trouble doing the walks, and even if you are not, if you take your time, you will be successful!

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Overnights in charming and hand-picked hotels
Daily Breakfasts
Transfers as outlined in the itinerary
Transfer from Portovenere to La Spezia for onward travel
3-Day Cinque Terre Train and Trails Card
Luggage Transfers
Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure Smartphone App
24/7 Emergency Telephone Support

Excluded

Travel Insurance (required)
Travel to Camogli and from La Spezia
Lunches, Dinners, Drinks and Snacks
Train travel from Santa Margherita di Ligure to Camogli
Ferry to and from Palmeria Island
Personal Equipment
Tourist Taxes (charged locally at hotels)

Extras

Additional Nights, before during or after the tour
Single Room Supplement
Solo Traveller Supplement

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

For the easiest and most convenient method of travel, we recommended flying into Genoa Airport and taking the direct train to Camogli. Genoa has an airport with flights from international and national destinations. From the airport, take the local bus (or taxi), to the central train station (Brignole Station) for a direct train to Camogli. This journey time is around 1H. There are plenty of direct trains leaving approximately every forty-five minutes, depending on the time of day. Visit Trenitalia for times, prices and bookings.

It is also possible to fly into Pisa and Florence, both of which have airports with flights from international and national destinations, including central train stations with rail networks to Camogli. Again, please check the Trenitalia website for the details.

A private transfer from Genoa, Pisa or Florence to Camogli can be requested. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to add this option (additional costs apply).

Getting from the End

A transfer from your accommodation in Portovenere to La Spezia Train Station is included (about a 30 minute journey). La Spezia Train Station has departures to Genoa, Pisa and Florence, or other onward destinations in Italy. Visit Trenitalia for times, prices and bookings.

Baggage Transfer

On this tour when your luggage is transferred to the next accommodation, you will be in the same vehicle. From Camogli to the beginning of your walk on Day 3, the taxi will drop you off ready to begin your walk and will then take your luggage onto Monterosso. On Day 6, a transfer brings you from Monterosso to Portovenere and again you will need to bring your luggage with you. We ask you to limit your luggage to one suitcase/bag of up to 20kg/44lbs per person. This luggage restriction can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, these limits are there for a reason and we must respect these rules which are usually due to Health & Safety reasons of luggage transfer company employees.

Info & FAQ

General Information

You will have to take local trains at times on this itinerary to get from A to B. Trains in this area of Italy are mostly reliable and very frequent and the whole process is relatively easy. When you do have to do this, the details will be in your app as part of the daily walk description, and also in your information pack.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good shoes, sun hat and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.