Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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.

Suggestions

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was super special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent and more.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it with a guide. Your time there is precious. Go with those who know the way.

Suggestions

Definitely a must do.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michela was awesome. Thorough, organised, knowledgeable, interesting and lovely to chat too. I was sad to say goodbye.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a must. You wont be sorry.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking down into Portofino - so picturesque. Also the stunning Cinque Terre with the coloured houses - amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michaela was lovely. Friendly, helpful & knowledgeable - everything you could want from a group leader.

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.

Suggestions

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

Surviving the walks! I have trouble with my knees especially going downhill but we were never rushed. I enjoyed spending time with the group. I have done a number of group holidays and there has always been a good mix of people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michela was excellent and wanted us all to enjoy our holiday. I certainly did.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The distances covered in the walks are not long but feel much further due to the ascents and descents. Walking boots are essential. If the weather is inclement(!) and the guide cancels the planned walk there is a good reason. The paths would be really slippery and dangerous. We were lucky. The trains are excellent for getting about. I like tea so always take a kettle and teabags away with me to have in the room. Don't expect nightlife!!

Most Inspirational Moment

A lot of stunning and memorable sights but my favourite was stopping for Lunch at the Mintellect hilltop restaurant in Rapallo. Great company, great views, great risotto!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michela was great - Very helpful, resourceful and patient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you're fit! I would rate this a 5 out of 10 not a 3.....!

Suggestions

It was fab- thank you. Perhaps an earlier transfer to Pisa on the last day so people can explore Pisa and see the tower.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views as we approached the Cinque Terre villages were stunning particularly on the walk from Corniglia to Manarola along the terraces. Our walk and time spent in Portofino Seeing the dolphin whilst walking to the villages. View of the villages from the boat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michela Wicks was an exceptional leader. She has a wonderful, warm personality with a great sense of humour together with great organisational skills, which ensured the daily travel arrangements by train at the start and end of the walks ran smoothly. She chose a good range of restaurants for the group evening meals but allowed flexibility for those that wanted to do their own thing. Michela was also happy to stay with the group at breakfast and dinner which gave us the opportunity to learn so much about her country. Michela went beyond the call of duty on our free day and gave lots of advice to different members of the group ensuring that everyone was able to achieve what they wanted. Michela also gave alternative options to members of the group who for various reasons had to miss some of the walks. Whilst they might have missed a walk she made sure that they still accessed the beautiful villages and had a wonderful holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes! It's a level 3 which means you are going to need your walking boots and if you are not used to walking 7 - 8 miles a day, up and down hills you are likely to find it difficult. As the ascents and descents are 200-300 metres you may find a walking pole useful but practise before you go, you don't want to be waving it around injurying fellow walkers. It was very hot in October so a 1-2 litre water bottle is useful. There are generally places to refill at lunchtime.

Suggestions

The Cinque Terre villages particularly Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore were incredibly busy during the week 6th - 13th October so be prepared for crowds. Generally the paths were quiet until you were close to a village. The train service is excellent and generally runs on time with plenty of seats. Announcements are in Italian and English so easy to use on your free day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to climbe the mountain , from Monorolla

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic

Advice for Potential Travellers

Early October was still crowded in the towns of Cinquo terre

Most Inspirational Moment

The views were inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul was a great leader. He worked hard to insure that all members of the group felt good about the experience and he recognized that everyone has different skills and capabilities. Paul was engaging and interested in getting to know group members and was willing to go the extra mile to be sure that everyone was taken care of.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Parts of the hike were challenging so be prepared for uphills, stairs and narrow trails.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views were inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul was a great leader. He worked hard to insure that all members of the group felt good about the experience and he recognized that everyone has different skills and capabilities. Paul was engaging and interested in getting to know group members and was willing to go the extra mile to be sure that everyone was taken care of.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Parts of the hike were challenging so be prepared for uphills, stairs and narrow trails.