Itinerary Expand allMoneglia to Moneglia Fly to Pisa; transfer to Moneglia.Start at the charming seaside town of Moneglia. Beautifully located in the heart of a bay on the Mediterranean sea, the picture-postcard town is listed since 2012 on the "I Borghi Più Belli d'Italia" (Most Beautiful Villages of Italy) and has been awarded the European Blue Flagevery year since 1990, for its clear waters and the quality of the services offered. Meals included: Dinner Day 1 Start MonegliaWe begin in the charming seaside town of Moneglia. Beautifully located in the heart of a bay on the Mediterranean sea, the picture-postcard town is listed since 2012 on the 'I Borghi Più Belli d'Italia' (Most Beautiful Villages of Italy) and has been awarded the European Blue Flag every year since 1990, for its clear waters and the quality of the services offered. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Follow the coastal trail between Deiva Marina and the villages of Framura and BonassolaIn the morning we take a short train to Deiva Marina and start our walk through holm oak forests and maquis shrubland. The walk begins with a relatively steep path, climbing up to picturesque woods of pine and strawberry trees. Our efforts will be rewarded at the top of the hill with stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the Promontory of Portofino.We will then take an ondulating trail that offers beautiful views over the Ligurian Sea and leads to the village of Framura, where we stop for lunch. After the refreshments, we descend by steps almost to sea level then meander through woods until a final steep climb for magnificent views of the sea. We then head to the pretty village of Bonassola before taking the train back to our hotel in Moneglia. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 3 Take the train to Cinque Terre N.P; walk the stunning paths to some of Liguria's prettiest villagesToday we will set out to visit the spectacular Cinque Terre (Five Lands), one of Italy's most beautiful 'works of art', declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and part of the Cinque Terre National Park. The best way to explore these charming villages is on foot, and today we will walk on the famous Sentiero Azzurro Ligure (Ligurian Blue Path), which connects the five villages.Today we will visit three of the five, namely Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso, and we will pass along old mule tracks, walking through terraced vineyards and olive groves. After completing some steep and rocky sections, we will be rewarded with wonderful views of the colourful villages, built into the rocks facing the sea. Please note that some sections of the path may be closed so we may need to take the train between villages or change the itinerary accordingly.At the end of the walk, we catch the train back to Moneglia where there will be time to relax or go for a swim before dinner. Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Walk on the Portofino promontory and explore the world-renowned fishing village of Portofino itselfThis morning we will set out by train to Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming coastal town, where we will begin our hike to the fishing village of Portofino. Famous for its pastel-coloured houses and picturesque harbour, the town is now attracting celebrities from all over the world. Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Free day to relax, take optional walks or visiting nearby Portovenere or GenovaToday you will enjoy a well-earned break and perhaps spend your day relaxing at the beach. Those with more energy might like to use the opportunity for some sightseeing. Genoa, the region’s capital city, home of Christopher Columbus and the largest aquarium in Europe is not be missed. Alternatively, you could spend some time in the near town of Porto Venere, referred to being one of the stops in the "Bay of Poets" or use the day to visit the beautiful town of Lucca, located further away. Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Transfer to Rapallo by train, take the cable car up Montallegro for fantastic views and walk down to Chiavari, afternoon wine tastingThis morning we will take a short train ride to Rapallo and the cable car up to the sanctuary of Montallegro (600 mt). From here we will set out on a walk through quiet woodland, catching glimpses of the Ligurian sea en route to the seaside town of Chiavari. In the early evening we will have the chance to enjoy the local speciality at our well-deserved wine tasting! Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 7 Return to the Cinque Terre area for an alternative walk through glorious coastline and colourful villagesThis morning we will head back to the famous Cinque Terre to walk some of the quieter, alternative trails. The exact path you will walk will depend on local track conditions, but they are generally on higher ground than the classic Sentiero Azzuro, so offer even more spectacular views of the coastline and villages. Meals included: Breakfast Transfer to Pisa; fly to London. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End MonegliaOur trip ends in Moneglia, after breakfast. Meals included: Breakfast
ItalyNo 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
Hotels Piccolo Hotel *** This family-run hotel is ideally located a few metres from the seafront, and the bars and restaurants of the pretty town. All rooms are en suite and facilities include an indoor pool, sun terrace with jacuzzi, and restaurant. Wi-Fi is available in the rooms.A limited number of double rooms for sole use are available for a supplement, please enquire for details.
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Reviewed October 2020 Paula RichardsFantastic... everything :) An exhilarating week of walking in beautiful Liguria complemented by great food and drink.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The amazing view looking down on Corniglia against a lively turquoise sea on the last day - absolutely stunning. The wine tasting was also fabulous - interesting wines in a very atmospheric restaurant.What did you think of your group leader? Michela was brilliant: she was informative, really adaptable given the challenges of coronavirus and the occasionally stormy weather and made some great suggestions for where we could eat out in the evening.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Italy’s a great place to go despite coronavirus - it felt very safe and clean. Be prepared for lots of mask wearing.
Reviewed September 2020 Jerry DawsonFabulous break - and far less tourists than usual due to COVID travel restrictions I travelled solo on this trip departing on 19 Sept 2020, having booked it quite late as Italy was one of the few venues Brits could travel to without any COVID-related quarantine requirements either end. It turned out to be a very special time to travel as the usual hordes of tourists in one of Italy’s most tourists areas were absent (although still enough people to give it an “atmosphere “!). The trip includes two full days walking between the stunning villages of the Cinqueterra and time to see each village. Portofino is beautiful and Sestri Levante is gorgeous too. There was a storm towards the end of the week so on the last day we were able to experience the Cinqueterra villages with huge waves crashing into the little harbours - an awesome sight - and the bright blue sea made a fantastic back drop for photos.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were many! - Approaching Vernazza from above on the “blue path” from Corniglia. - The walk through the terraces and vineyards between Corniglia and Manarola with the incredible blue sea below (there had been a storm the previous night) - The very informative wine tasting in Moneglia - The Bay of Silence in Sestri Levante (on the free day) - Eating spaghetti seafood on the harbour fronts in Portofino and Vernazza - Watching the huge waves crash against the harbour walls in the Cinqueterra villages - an unusual sight.What did you think of your group leader? Michaela has led his trip multiple times and we were lucky to have her expert knowledge! Very caring, very organised, and always joined us for dinner in the evenings.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? - Make sure you go to The Bay of Silence in Sestri Levante at some stage during the week. - Splash out on trying some local wines other than the carafes of house red and white. - Upgrade your room at the Hotel Piccolo to get a balcony and a sea view.Is there anything else you would like to add? I was very impressed that this trip ran so well despite the COVID restrictions. In fact the lack of tourists made it very enjoyable. Be prepared to wear your face mask in all the towns though.
Reviewed November 2019 Sue TotterdellAmber warning This was a great trip, with spectacular scenery, delicious food and a comfortable hotel. Although the steps (up and down) involved should not be underestimated, the 'amber warning' refers to the rainstorm that coincided with our day off. Despite this, I would recommend this trip to anyone who enoys coastal scenery and even suggest this relatively late departure date to avoid some of the crowds in the popular Cinque Terre villages.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The walk to Portofino was probably the best but this reflects that it was the sunniest day, so the photographs remind us what a wonderful day we had. However, the overall enjoyment owed a lot to a wonderful group of fellow walkers. It was certianly one of the most musical Exodus trips I have taken.What did you think of your group leader? Michela was great. She warned us of the likelihood of bad weather on the Tuesday, moved the rest day so that it coincided. She provided all the information we needed to take the proposed trip to Genoa but then came to breakfast early on Tuesday morning to warn us that the weather forecast had deteriorated and that we should stay closer to Moneglia. We did indeed experience a dramatic storm and were very pleased that we were not high in the hills when it happened. The drowned walkers we saw about town made us glad for Michela's advice. She also managed to keep the group together very well, so that the speed of ascent and descent (tricky after the rain) suited us all. Very professional.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't be put off from going late in the season. Even in October we met lots of people on the footpaths of the Cinque Terre but I can see it would be musch busier in summer. The rain was warm! Take walking poles if you have them - particularly useful on slippery descents.Is there anything else you would like to add? I really like these weeks when we are able to travel to/from our walks using the local trains.
Reviewed October 2019 Candace MaliteareJust a few more steps... We joined the majority of our group mid-Sept with Michela in Pisa. An informal meet and greet and an idea as to what to expect was laid out each day. As quoted by our fearless leader 'A little bit of up and then we level off' this was - pretty much the start of every glorious day. Michela was a great guide - easy going, kept us on point and moving at a comfortable pace. A couple of the days were more steep than others, it was super hot when we were there which didn't help. On a cooler day, the up's would have been a lot more tolerable. The last day provided some amazing views. Moneglia is a cute/quiet town with great options for dining - the host hotel was super comfortable and crazy clean!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Each day really! if it wasn't just getting to the top of the hill , it was turning a corner and being in awe of some really great picture moments of the Cinque Terre.What did you think of your group leader? Fantastic leader! It's not an easy task keeping every one happy and in order. Michela always made sure we had options. Options if someone wasn't well, or wasn't comfortable with the hike. Options for restaurants and suggestions on our free day. She also constantly checked in with everyone as we hiked and kept us updated as to how much longer or what to expect along the way. Thank you Michela!!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't underestimate the walks. Up is up and down is down.!! If the heat bothers you, try for a cooler season. Hiking boots are a must.Is there anything else you would like to add? The only small point - the first hiking day. It was mainly in the forest with a few short glimpses of water /valleys. It's a great workout, (that was the inspirational part) and the hikes get better. So hang in there and carry forward.
Reviewed September 2019 Simon SmithA fabulous week This was my first Exodus walking holiday and I will definetly be doing more. Our guide Michela was fantastic, making every day a day to remember. Her walks were sometimes challenging but always within everyone's capabilities and we visited some amazing villages. The holiday did not stop there as Moneglia where we stayed was full of restaurants which made for wonderful evenings out.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Every day was inspiring whether it was climbing up the hills, walking through the woods or down into the villages but our last walk across the terraces will be one of my favourite memoriesWhat did you think of your group leader? You could not ask for a better leader. Michela looked after us day and night, making sure everyone was happy with what they were doing and offering alternatives if the main activity did not suit. Michela is very knowledgable and interesting, telling us all about the places we visited. She also looked after us in the evening suggesting and organising different restaurants for group meals. Nothing was too much trouble for Michela even down to making sure we all got home safely.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? There are some steep climbs, but nothing impossible for so.eone of average fitness. Walking poles can be useful on some of the rougher descents.Is there anything else you would like to add? A fantastic holiday. Go for it
Reviewed September 2019 Beverly Eastwood Wonderful week I have recently returned from this holiday and can honestly say it was one of the best Exodus walking trips I have done. The area itself is unique and stunningly beautiful. Every day was different and incredibly well organised by Michela , our leader who was excellent. The week was busy but never felt too much and was a really comprehensive tour of the Ligurian coast. The hotel was lovely with good rooms and a great breakfast buffet.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? This is very difficult to say as each of the walks had its own breathtaking moment - - whether it was a view as we walked into one of the towns or the silence of the forests. We also all took a boat trip on our free day and the views from the boat were amazing - sailing into Portovenere was stunning.What did you think of your group leader? Michela as I have said was excellent. There was so much thought that went into everything she organised. If someone did not want to do all the walking or wanted a day off she was so helpful and detailed in regard to other options. She was incredibly knowledgeable and interesting - not only with exploring the area but with restaurant recommendations. The food was fabulous. Nothing was too much trouble and there was genuine concern that we should all have a wonderful holiday.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Some of the walks are challenging as they are steep at times with many steps .... definitely worth it for the views , and you don’t have to be super fit but a reasonable ability to walk up and down hills is definitely advisable.Is there anything else you would like to add? If you like Italy and enjoy walking this holiday is a must.
Reviewed June 2019 Sue MoodyCalves of steel A fabulous week in the Cinque Terre - not to be missed! The uphill sections can be a slog but the views are so rewarding that it really is worth it. Walking between the villages of the Cinque Terre is the best way to see the beauty of the area and, on the less used paths, see fewer tourists! The group was great fun, we all got on really well. Hotel Piccolo offers great breakfasts and the rooms are clean and adequate - it's easy to find walking from the station.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I loved the walk from Corniglia to Manarola. Once we were up on the path through the terraced vineyards, the views were spectacular and there was a real sense of achievement.What did you think of your group leader? Michela is an excellent guide who checks on everyone and gives plenty of rest periods which are essential as there are lots of uphill sections, many with steps of varying heights and condition. She provides alternatives for people who do not want to the full walk every day as well as inspiration for the free day.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you really don't like walking up hills or struggle with long down hill walks, this isn't for you! If you are fit but are slow either uphill, downhill or both - don't worry as Michela makes sure that the pace works for everyone and the views are superb and worth it! Moneglia has lots of restaurants with plenty of choice so if you don't want to eat with the group you have lots of options.Is there anything else you would like to add? Moneglia is easy to get to by train and if you opt for land only, consider flying into Genoa and catching the train from there as I did. It's just as easy as travelling from Pisa. The hotel has an agreement with a private beach at Moneglia so you can use that for a discounted price, but on our trip there wasn't much time for swimming in the sea unless you did half a day of walking and caught the train back from the halfway point.
Reviewed May 2019 Carol-Ann ConnellanCinque Terra What an amazing time - from the lovely Moneglia (Piccola Hotel) to the amazing walks so expertly guided by Michela Wicks. It was really everything and more than we wished for. Would never have chosen to do it differently. No time was lost or wasted pondering. Our time there was precious.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Every day was super special.What did you think of your group leader? Excellent and more.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do it with a guide. Your time there is precious. Go with those who know the way.Is there anything else you would like to add? Definitely a must do.
Reviewed May 2019 Sandy HartleyWalking tour Loved every step. Our super fit guide, Michela Wicks, did an excellent job keeping us all together, providing us with heaps of information and many laughs. Thank you Michela. You are wonderful.♡What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The views, the degree of difficulty of crop growing in the area, the history, the buildings. So much more. I am in awe of this part of the world.What did you think of your group leader? Michela was awesome. Thorough, organised, knowledgeable, interesting and lovely to chat too. I was sad to say goodbye.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It's a must. You wont be sorry.
Reviewed October 2018 Carole QuinnA fantastic week This was a great holiday & I'd thoroughly recommend it. The walks were far more strenuous than I expected but the views were spectacular which made it all worthwhile.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walking down into Portofino - so picturesque. Also the stunning Cinque Terre with the coloured houses - amazing!What did you think of your group leader? Michaela was lovely. Friendly, helpful & knowledgeable - everything you could want from a group leader.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Read the brief properly & do some walks or gym work to prepare for this trip. Wear appropriate footwear - this is serious walking - it's very steep in places with uneven surfaces. Walking poles are definitely useful.Is there anything else you would like to add? I loved this holiday but felt that the level 3 (moderate) was not sufficient. It was considerably harder than I expected it to be & that appeared to be the general consensus of the group. Our leader organised dinner options for the evenings & it was much appreciated particularly by the solo travellers.
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