This walking holiday offers you the possibility to visit one of Italy's most famous Rivieras and experience the charm of the mediterranean's most unique stretch of coastline. This walking holiday in Italy, offers you an itinerary to visit, walk and explore the Cinque Terre, the Levante Riviera and Portofino - one of the Italian Rivieras most treasured jewels.
For those wanting a guided walking holiday, we offer this same holiday with an English speaking guide for each of the daily itineraries at just 150 euros extra per person. We currently arrange this twice a year during the 3rd week of May and the last week of September.
What's included |> B&B in charming family run hotels |> Holiday schedule and Trip Guide |> Daily, self-guided itineraries with trail notes and maps |> Suggested transfer times and practical tips for using the trains |> Train tickets to and from your daily walks, bought in advance for you |> English speaking helpline in Italy should you need advice or assistance during your holiday
Note - this holiday can also be arranged so that you stay in a beautiful campsite on the coast of the Cinque Terre. Tents and comfy ground mattresses supplied. 7 nights from €299 pp, from June to September.
Request  or email  or call +44
(0)845 0944 669
| 4-nights staying in our favourite village in the Cinque Terre | 3-nights staying in the Levante Riviera's most beautiful seaside resort | the 'classic' Cinque Terre coastal walk | Portovenere and the Bay of Poets | the Portofino National Park | Mountain trails of the Cinque Terre | Trails take you to Monterosso al mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore | Walk the "Via dell'Amore" |
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| Day 1: Transfer day, to the Levante Riviera. Day 2: Punta Mesco, 'gateway' to the Cinque Terre. Day 3: Grand traverse of the Portofino National Park. Day 4: The coastal path to Punta Manara. Day 5: The 'classic' coastal walk of the Cinque Terre. Day 6: The 'high ways' to the Gulf of Poets. Day 7: Mountain trails of the Cinque Terre. Day 8: Transfer day, from the Levante Riviera. |
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TRIP DETAILS
Day 1: Transfer day, to the Levante Riviera.
For those flying to Genoa: Bus from the airport to railway station (0h20), train to resort village (1h30), walk to hotel (0h10). For those flying to Pisa: Arrive before 4:00pm for a comfortable transfer from the airport to the resort village by train (1h20), walk to hotel (0h10). For those driving: Drive to the resort village just west of Genoa. Arrive anytime after lunch. Enjoy your evening in one of the resort's restaurants. View photos of your Levante Riviera resort village.
Day 2: Punta Mesco, 'gateway' to the Cinque Terre.
2 itineraries from 3 to 6 hrs. Graded: RED. Levanto to Monterosso al Mare: self-guided walking itinerary to the start of the Cinque Terre coast. Start at the seaside town of Levanto and walk the coastal path to Monterosso via Punta Mesco, from where you can see all 5 villages of the Cinque Terre stretching out ahead of you. A wonderful prelude to the 'classic' walk of the Cinque Terre. Our Comment: A dramatic yet reasonably 'gentle' walk, taking you to the best vantage point for views of the entire Cinque Terre coast. View photos of a day walking to Punta Mesco.
Day 3: Grand traverse of the Portofino National Park.
3 itineraries from 4 to 9 hrs. Graded: BLUE, RED, BLACK. This walking itinerary starts in Camogli and takes you from one end of the Portofino National Park to the other, with time to stroll around Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Portofino & Santa Margherita along the way. Allow a full day with 6 hrs of walking to discover all the jewels of this magnificent coastal trail. Visiting some of the regions most famous and most remote coastal villages through rich mediterranean vegetation. Our Comment: One of our favourite walks through a simply idyllic corner of the Italian Riviera. View photos of a day walking in the Portofino National Park.
'What you thought': "The Grand Traverse to Portofino, what else can be said but “spectacular!”, and the route description is the most accurate. Portofino, wow, and “oh” how the other half live."
Day 4: The coastal path to Punta Manara.
2 itineraries from 2 to 4 hrs. Graded: BLUE, RED. Circular walk after breakfast walking the coastal trail to Punta Manara, returning via the inland route above the olive groves. Leisurely transfer in the afternoon to the Cinque Terre by train (0h20), and your hotel in Manarola for the second part of your holiday. Drop your luggage off at the family run hotel with time to explore a little before an evening in one of the local restaurants. Our Comment: A scenic walk with truly stunning coastal panoramas.
View photos the coastal path to Punta Manara.
'What you thought': "There is a terraced view point, about two thirds the way up, with a clear view back down to Sestri, which don’t come any better. (I have the very scene saved on my computer desk top). Great circular walk, well described.
Day 5: The 'classic' coastal walk of the Cinque Terre.
3 itineraries from 4 to 9 hrs. Graded: BLUE, RED. Walking itinerary along the beautiful Cinque Terre coast, passing through the unique and characteristic villages of Monterosso, Vernazza Corniglia, Manarola & Riomaggiore. This trail takes you along a coastal stretch that is recognised as one of the great walks of the world. An experience to remember forever and surely one that everyone with a passion for walking should enjoy at least once in their lives. Our Comment: A quite unique walking experience. View photos of the 'classic' Cinque Terre walk.
'What you thought': "The 5 villages of the Cinque Terre, fabulous! Luckily for us we had already spent some time in both Monterosso and Vernazza earlier in the week, and being based in Manarola we had also sampled it’s delights, allowing more spare time in Corniglia and Riomaggiore, route well described, impossible to go wrong. Earlier that week, while taking lunch in Vernazza, we were chatting to a charming lady, from New Zealand, who was adamant that we would not be able to walk the trail between the 5 villages in just one day. Although the climbs out of Monterosso and Vernazza were steep, walking between Monterosso and Riomaggore is easily achievable in a day. In fact not only did we accomplish the walk, including a stop for a welcome swim along the way, but we spent a very enjoyable afternoon in Pisa (such was, by now, my expertise and confidence with Italian trains) with some lovely photos of the Leaning Tower."
Day 6: The 'high ways' to the Gulf of Poets.
4 itineraries requiring from 3 to 7 hrs. Graded: BLUE, RED, BLACK. Riomaggiore to Portovenere: self-guided walking itinerary taking the high paths to Portovenere and the Bay of Poets. This is a long walking day starting in Riomaggiore and finishing in Portovenere. At the end of the walk, take a short boat or train ride back to where you are staying. Our Comment: A long and varied walk along this truly magnificent stretch of coast. View photos of the walk from Riomaggiore to Portovenere.
'What you thought': "Bay of Poets and Portovenere, yet another truly spectacular walk. The scenery was simply stunning."
Day 7: Mountain trails of the Cinque Terre.
2 itineraries from 5 to 8 hrs. Graded: RED, BLACK. Monterosso to Vernazza: self-guided walking itinerary taking the mountain trails high above the Cinque Terre coast. Walking itinerary starting in Monterosso, climbing high into the coastal mountains before the long descent back down to Vernazza. Our Comment: A rugged, unspoilt route along one of the quietest trails of the Cinque Terre - even in summer. Big climbs with a great sense of nature. View photos taken on a mountain trails walk above the Cinque Terre.
'What you thought': "Mountain trail from Monterosso to Vernazza, stiff ascent but worth it for the initial descent into Vernazza, along the narrow path with the most glorious views down to the sea over the terraced vineyards. Very remote, and as peaceful as described, no one but us on the trail."
Day 8: Transfer day, from the Levante Riviera.
For those flying from Genoa: Walk to railway station (0h10), train to Genova (1h00), bus to the airport (0h20). For those flying from Pisa: Walk to the railway station (0h10), train to Pisa airport (2h00). Try and arrange flights to depart no earlier than mid-afternoon to avoid an early start before breakfast. For those driving: Depart at leisure.
During the week, you'll have a taste and a wonderful insight into this most magnificent part of Italy. Each day's itinerary will start and finish at your hotel. Some of the itineraries require you just put on your boots and walk straight out of the hotel door, others start with a stroll to the nearby railway station (never more than a 10 minute walk from your hotel) and a short trip along the Riviera coast by train. Our itineraries take you to areas of outstanding natural beauty, from where you can follow the coastal trails using our detailed route guides supplied. Ideal for people who like to keep their independence, we offer the benefits of local knowlegde so that you get the most out of your stay here in the time available. Walk along some of the most stunning stretches of Liguria's Levante Riviera in a single week's holiday, within the reassuring structure of a self-guided itinerary.
Extend your stay For those flying in and out of Pisa - Stay a night or two in Pisa and explore the city, museums and galleries. Additional nights in Pisa cost from 55 euros pppn, staying in a 3-Star hotel. - Stay an extra night and visit Lucca (0h25 by train from Pisa). - Stay an extra night and take a day trip to Florence (1h10 by train from Pisa).
* Holiday starts and ends on the Levante Riviera.
* Fly to Genoa or Pisa. Railway services to and from airports.
* Hotels: For this walking holiday, you will be staying in a charming family run 'albergo' whilst in the Cinque Terre and in a beautiful 3-Star hotel on the Levante Riviera.
* Your accommodation, whilst staying in the Cinque Terre will be in Manarola, and in Sestri Levante on the Levante Riviera. During periods of high demand, we may choose a hotel in one of the other Cinque Terre villages - Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza or Monterosso al Mare. We will let you know which one at the time of booking.
* July and August in the Cinque Terre are very busy and generally requires booking at least 4 or more months in advance to secure the best accommodation.
* Best months to visit are May, June, September, October and April.
* The winter months of November to March are generally mild and ideal for those who want empty trails and a more wild, rugged atmosphere.
* Available from January to mid-October, Xmas & New Year.
To book:
Check  or email or call +44 (0)845 0944 669
NOTE:
1. Prices in 'euros' and based on 2 people sharing a double room,
otherwise a single supplement applies.
2. Flights not included unless
specified.
3. If you have particularly beautiful photographs of
this area showing it's true character and atmosphere, please forward them to us
for inclusion on our site - photos@xtrallusion.com
4. If you are the owner of charming
holiday accommodation in a special location, whether it be a
hotel, B&B, 'albergo', 'agriturismo' or self-catered apartments
- send us an email with details and we'll consider adding it
to our list - web@xtrallusion.com
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Holidays
& Adventures in Italy and on the Italian Rivieras
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Guided, escorted and independent, self-guided
walking holidays in Italy
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