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Self-Guided Walking in the Cinque Terre and Portofino

7 days

from

$1,179 USD

incl. taxes

View Dates & Prices

Walking & Trekking

Suitable for:

Age 10+

Activity level:

Moderate

Trip code:

W06CT

Way to Travel:

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity:

Walking & Trekking

Min age:

About sixty miles east of Genoa lies a corner of the Liguria region with a remarkably well-preserved landscape steeped in tradition. 'Cinque Terre' means five lands; villages which are nestled high on cliffs or along deep inaccessible coves, with colourful houses facing the seafront. Each village offers its own olive oils, anchovies and Sciacchetrà liqueur (known as the 'Elixir of the Gods'). By day, you discover the beautiful peninsulas of Portofino and Sestri Levante using well-marked walking trails; in the evening enjoy the sunsets over the Mediterranean.

Highlights

Coastal and countryside walking amongst olive groves and vineyards
The chic town of Portofino UNESCO world heritage site of Palmaria island
Serene medieval Portovenere and the picturesque town of Sestri Levante

Key information

6 nights B&B, all rooms en suite
5 days centre based walking
Moderate walking on a variety of paths
Low altitude throughout
Self-guided trip. Minimum age 10 years
Option to upgrade to a 3 star hotel

Countries visited: Italy

What's included

All breakfasts and 3 dinners
Route notes and maps

What's not included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (on request)
Supplement for single traveller
Visas or vaccinations

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Live Chat >

Request a Brochure >

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Days of Walking & Trekking

Terrain:

Varies between man made paved tracks and tarmac to forest trails.

Day by day breakdown

Day 2 11.0km/7.0miles

Day 3 6.0km/4.0miles

Day 4 7.0km/4.5miles

Day 5 12.0km/7.0miles

Day 6 12.0km/7.5miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

Expand all

Sestri Levante

Day 1

Start Sestri Levante

Make your way to Sestri Levante. Your B&B, Albergo Marina, is centrally located in Sestri Levante, is perfectly located, within easy walking distance of both the beach and the railway station.

Meals included: Dinner
Day 2

The Cinque Terre National Park

The walk today really allows you to explore the National Park of the Cinque Terre. Starting from Monterosso, the largest of the celebrated Cinque Terre villages, climb through cultivated olive groves to the hilltop Sanctuary of the Madonna of Soviore. Then it's downhill all the way to pastel-coloured Vernazza, clustered around its serene natural harbour. There's time to explore the village before returning by train to Sestri.

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3

Palmaria Island

Make your way to Portovenere then take a boat to Palmaria island. Rich in Mediterranean vegetation and maquis shrubland, it's not unusual to see cistus and rare orchids blooming here. A circular walk with stunning coastal vistas takes you via a steep climb to the Batteria Semaforo, part of the network of fortresses constructed by Napoleon to secure the Gulf of La Spezia. Return to Sestri Levante in time for dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 4

Corniglia and Manarola

Take a train to picture perfect Corniglia, a charming jumble of pastel-hued houses toppling prettily down the hillside. Follow the narrow herb scented paths through vineyards up to the tiny yet panoramic village of Volastra and its 12th century sanctuary, then descend to arguably the oldest of the five Cinque Terre villages, colourful Manarola. Wander around the pretty marina and try the local wine - Schiacchetra - which is produced here, before taking the train back to Sestri Levante.

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5

Riomaggiore to Portovenere

Today you take a train to Riomaggiore, the last of the Cinque Terre villages and walk along an impossibly panoramic path that hugs the coastline all the way to the charming fishing port of Portovenere. Set in a beautiful sweeping bay, and once the haunt of Byron and Shelley, there's a 16th century castle and medieval churches to explore before returning to Sestri Levante. Dinner tonight is included.

Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 6

Portofino

After breakfast take a train to Camogli, and then a bus to Ruta di Camogli, and the start of the walk. Follow ancient forest trails through the lush Mount Portofinla Natural Park to San Fruttuoso and its 11th century abbey. Continue to chic Portofino, the Ligurian Riviera's most exclusive resort, before returning via Santa Magherita Ligure for your last night in Sestri Levante.

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7

End Sestri Levante

Make your own way back to the airport, or add on additional nights in Pisa if you wish.

Meals included: Breakfast

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Show map

Portovenere, Italy

Vernazza, Italy

Boats in Portofino

Views from the path

Riomaggiore to Portovenere

Markers in the Cinque Terre region

Essential Info

Visas

Italy

No visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.

For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers

Vaccinations

Italy

There are no specific health risks.

Eating and Drinking

Liguria is well-known for its delicious cuisine and classic regional dishes include pasta with pesto or walnut sauce, focaccia bread and of course plenty of seafood! With an abundance of fresh local produce and plenty of restaurants to try in Sestri Levante, food is a highlight of the trip. Vegetarians are well-catered for in Italy.

Weather

April and May departures can expect warm days, although rain is always possible. Nights may be rather cool. Early June is similar, with the days becoming progressively hotter and the evenings much warmer. Late June to August departures should expect very warm weather with temperatures over 30 degrees celsius. Late September and October are cooler and can be wetter, however visibility is better. We strongly recommend a fleece-lined jacket or warm sweater in May, September and October.

Weather chart

Is this trip for you?

Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely)
5 days optional centre-based walking, low altitude throughout.
This is a self-guided tour, so you can walk at your own pace (we recommend taking plenty of time to rest and enjoy the views!). Although some walks will get your pulse racing you will also have plenty of time to rest, admire the views and on many days you can also enjoy swim breaks. Over the course of the week, the terrain and type of path will vary from man made paved tracks and tarmac to forest trails. Some areas may be rocky underfoot with narrow, overgrown or exposed paths. Although the walks are not technically challenging, you do need to be steady on your feet. All walks take between 2 and 6 hours including lunch stops and require a moderate level of fitness. Please note that, as on all of our walking trips, when the weather is wet some of the paths can be slippy. The steep sections on Palmaria Island have ropes to help with this.

Public transport is recommended (the cost is not included in the trip) in order to reduce your carbon footprint. The transport timetables will be provided in your route notes so you can choose the bus or train time that suits you best.
As this is a self-guided tour, there will be no group or tour leader and you are free to complete the walks at your own speed.

You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference: http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Live Chat >

Request a Brochure >

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Accommodation

Sole e Luna

You will spend 6 nights in the charming, family-run B&B Sole e Luna. This cosy hotel is located a stones throw from the sea and is 5 minutes walking distance from the train station. All rooms are en suite and some rooms have a balcony. There is a beach right outside the hotel where you can swim.

All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.

Alternative Accommodation

Alternatively, you can upgrade to the 3 star Albergo Marina, centrally located in Sestri Levante, within easy walking distance of both the beach and the railway station. All the ensuite rooms are comfortable and equipped with air conditioning, with the hotel also coming with lift, sun terrace, bar and billiard room. 3 evening meals at the hotel's restaurant are included throughout your stay in Sestri Levante. Please note that a local tourist tax is payable direct to the Albergo Marina; this is €1.50 per person per day.

Additional Accommodation

Extra nights accommodation is available at Hotel Alessandro della Spina, Pisa located just 500m from Pisa central train station and just a 10 minute walk from most of the city's main monuments. This modern and cosy property welcomes its guests with an elegant, warm atmosphere, enhanced by its charming garden, and friendly staff that are always on hand to ensure you a relaxed stay.

Hotel facilities include internet and wi-fi access in the lobby and a bar and comfortable seating area. Guest rooms are spacious, furnished with wood and marble and have air conditioning, a safe and satellite TV. Buffet breakfast includes homemade bread and croissants.

Please contact us for details.