Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Welcome to Italy! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. Levanto is located in the province of La Spezia in the region of Liguria and is easily accessible by train. There are no activities planned today so you may arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel that is centrally located in Levanto. This evening we meet our tour leader and our fellow travelling companions at a Welcome Meeting (usually at 6pm, but you will be advised as to the exact time and place in a notice, located near the reception at our hotel) where our leader will give us a briefing on what lies ahead on our tour. This is followed by a group dinner together in the hotel restaurant, where we dine on local specialties. In the evening, we can take a relaxed stroll through the town taking in the atmosphere of this seaside location.

Today, we embark on our first walk which takes us along the coast from Levanto to Monterosso, the first of the five villages of the Cinque Terre.

The first part of the walk leads us through the old town centre of Levanto, we then walk past the stunning cathedral and climb up to its castle. From here our walk leads us up to Punta Mesco, the most notable promontory in the region. Just short of the point we take a small detour to the ruins of an old 11th Century hermitage and the nearby ruins of the lighthouse, from where we enjoy marvellous views of the rugged coastline and find a nice spot to stop for a short break and a picnic lunch. Then we follow a fairly steep path down into Monterosso - a colourful village with blue, red and yellow houses that cluster along the beachfront. We have time to explore this interesting little town before taking the local train back to Levanto.

In the afternoon, explore the coast in a different way: Get on bikes and ride along the old coastal railway line to Framura, now turned into a beautiful cycling path. The scenery is stunning and the ride virtually flat. Perhaps enjoy an aperitivo in a great spot overlooking the sea, before returning to Levanto (Approx walking time: 3-4 hours / 10 km or 15 km with return on foot; cycling distance: 12 km; approximately 2 hours) Please note that helmets are provided on today's bike riding activity.

Included Activities: Punta Mesca Guided Hike, Coastal Bike Ride to Framura

A short train ride will take you to Riomaggiore, the most southerly of five villages, where you will start the most famous of all walks in the area - the classical coastal walk which links the five villages. You will begin by walking to Manarola, an attractive little village with steep multi-coloured houses overlooking a rocky port, along a beautiful, but strenuous trail through the vineyards. From here, you will make your way up through a stunning terraced landscape to the charming village of Volastra and continue your walk along one of the most stunning trails in the area. Through terraced vineyards and the occasional bit of forest you approach Corniglia, perched on a ridge overlooking the sea. Next is the little hamlet of Prevo, walking through terraced vineyards and the occasional citrus grove. You will enjoy some of the best views in the region as you approach Vernazza, dominated by its old fortress. You will follow the contours of the hillside on a narrow track that leads you up and down, before a fairly steep descent takes you into the village itself. Having a drink in Vernazza, on the wonderful town square at the harbour, resplendent with its brightly painted boats, is a good way to recover from the days walking.

In the late afternoon, you will take the train back to Levanto. (Approx walking time: 4 hours / approx. walking distance: 9 km).

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent landslides in the area we will not be able to walk the full extent of the Via dell'Amore and the coastal section between Manarola and Corniglia. The alternative inland routes described above will be of a higher physical rating. If you would like to opt out it is possible to take the train instead for these sections.

Included Activities: Cinque Terre Guided Walk

Our day starts with a short train ride to the village of Riomaggiore, the most southerly of the five villages and certainly one of the prettiest. Here at tiny Riomaggiore, we begin our walk that leads us to Portovenere, at the very end of the peninsula. Today's trail is the most challenging of our Ligurian walks but equally, and arguably, our most enormously rewarding! We first walk up a rather steep flight of stairs and then along an undulating track to reach the sanctuary of the Madonna di Montenero (those not keen to do this climb can catch a bus instead). After stopping here for a short break at the sanctuary and enjoying the spectacular views, we continue our walk to Campiglia. Continuing uphill we follow the contours of the coastal cliffs, passing terraced vineyards and enjoying wonderful views of the coastline, framed by crystal clear blue waters. We then follow the ridge-top traverse that goes from one end of the Cinque Terre to the other. Passing the abandoned village of Lemmen and walking through vineyards and pine forests, we descend to the little village of Campiglia, where we can stop for lunch and some refreshments. We then continue towards Portovenere and enjoy even more spectacular coastal views. Arriving at the 16th-Century castle above the village we may be able to catch a glimpse of the distant peaks of the Alpi Apuane, before descending on to a long staircase that takes us to St. Peter's Point and then in into the heart of the village. After some time to relax and explore in Portovenere, we return by boat to Levanto, a lovely way to see the coast from the water. (Approx walking time: 5-6 hours / approx. walking distance: 12-14km)

Included Activities: Riomaggiore to Portovenere Guided Walk, Boat Cruise Portovenere to Levanto

From Levanto, we walk in a westerly direction today along the coast and through several charming little villages. From any of the villages along the way, there is the possibility of catching the train, in case you wish to shorten the walk and just relax on the beach in one of the villages. The first part of our walk follows the beach, before we take a path leading into the foothills and then down to the charming seaside village of Bonassola, a good place for a morning coffee stop. We then stroll through the seaside hills towards the small village of Framura, a collection of ancient hamlets on a hillside, distinctive due to its red rocks. From Costa, the largest hamlet, a level path contours around the hills and gives us splendid views out towards the alluring sea. We can opt to either continue our walk to the resort of Deiva Marina, or walk back down to the coast, where we can enjoy a swim, before taking the train.

By train we then travel to the splendid small town of Moneglia, where we have time to wander around and explore or to Sestri Levante, where we can make an optional short walk onto the headland. Finally, we catch a train to Santa Margherita, our base for the next three nights, an attractive town that overlooks the Ligurian Sea. We will arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon. (Approx walking time: 6 hours - 3.5 to Framura and then approx. walking distance: 16 km or 9 km to Framura)

Included Activities: The Wild West Coast Guided Walk

Today, you'll see the best of the Portofino Peninsula. First, take a short walk through the historical centre of Santa Margherita Ligure, where you can also do some shopping for your picnic lunch. Then start a walk into the hills and enjoy beautiful views across the bay. By late morning, you will reach Portofino, one of the most typical Ligurian seaside villages and a popular resort for jet setters. Explore this charming village and take the scenic walk to the church, castle and lighthouse, where you can look back on the inlet of Portofino (the name of which translates into 'fine harbour').

After lunch time, get ready for a great paddling adventure. In a small inlet near Portofino we will outfit everyone with paddles and offer some basic kayaking instruction (if needed!). Then we go for a unique experience: Kayaking along the stunning headland of Portofino. Upon arrival perhaps enjoy a relaxed aperitivo on the beach, go for a swim or explore the village before returning to Santa Margherita. (Approx. walking distance: 10 km; approximately 3.5 hours)

Included Activities: Guided Hike to Portofino, Portofino Sea Kayaking

PLEASE NOTE: Activities can be switched depending on weather conditions; if the weather does not permit the kayaking it may be postponed to tomorrow.

Today, you can decide to relax in Santa Margherita, stroll through its beautiful town centre or enjoy its beach. Alternatively take the train to Camogli or even Genoa, to explore this stunning city. Or opt to join in for a walk across the beautiful hills of the Portofino Peninsula. From the small hamlet of Ruta you can walk along some splendid fin-de-siecle villas towards the highest point of the Peninsula, Monte Portofino. You will then have several longer and shorter options to reach the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, an 11th-century marvel set in a secluded cove and reachable only by boat or on foot. All walks bring you through a verdant forested landscape with amazing views across the Gulf of Tigullio and the Golfo Paradiso. Upon arrival there is the option to visit the abbey or perhaps go for a swim. Then take a boat to Camogli, a chance to admire the beautiful coastline from the sea. In Camogli, take your time to wander around the colourful historic centre and enjoy a relaxed drink or grab a gelato on one of its many terraces.

Our trip ends after breakfast this morning in Santa Margherita and you are free to make your onward travel arrangements from here. Santa Margherita is well connected by train to other cities in Italy including regular trains to Genoa, Milan, Florence and Pisa. The Galileo Galilei International Airport is located 2km south of Pisa and is the main airport serving Tuscany and Milan's Malpensa airport is a major international hub for flights to and from North America and Australasia (via Asia).