This is remote area renown for the fact that for centuries the only access was by sea. The hiking paths are numerous throughout the coastal mountain range and the terrain is rated moderate, meaning that the paths are steep and narrow at times. Good enjoyable hikes are always rewarded with another cultural feast for the eyes and stomach. Included in this tour is a visit to Portofino.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Island Exploration: From La Spezia we transfer to a distinct fishing village and ancient fortified town located at the extreme south end of the Cinque Terre coast. We later board a fishing boat to tour the mussel farms and explore a tiny nearby island and it’s unique caves.
4**** luxury hotel: this hotel overlooks the island, the harbor and the medieval village. It is based on a twelfth century monastery and offers a therapeutic Jacuzzi and a gym.
(D)
Day 2:
Panoramic Views: We hike into the first of the five Cinque Terre villages, taking in breathtaking view and insights into the people and culture of this region. The high steep slopes of a dramatic valley dotted with cleverly built homes leave a lasting impression, as does a lunchtime slice of the local specialty, chestnut cake. Later we pick wild oregano on our way to our boat and another of the five tiny seafront villages of this dramatic coast. Luxury 4-star hotel is located on a rocky promontory facing the sea (600’ from town center and beach) The hotel is decorated with some antiques and overall very warm. A beautiful garden full of lemon trees also surrounds it.
(B) (D)
Day 3:
Panoramic views: up the mountain we turn parallel to the coast along the terraced vineyards and olive and lemon groves that are sustained by dry walling, which gives us the perspective of a soaring coastal bird. As we walk down to Corniglia, the first of the two villages to be visited today, we are treated a gourmet picnic lunch. We then visit the 3rd of the five secluded fishing villages that the region gets it’s name is surrounded by a wild countryside and the homes seem even more storybook in its tiny sheltered cove.
(B) (L)
Day 4:
Bright yellow lemon trees with deep green leaves in front of the sparkling blue ocean, inspires even the novice photographer or painter. Our destination is a small village high above the sea, where we are treated to a tour of the winery and a tasting. We then continue on through a lush valley filled with wild flowers and along a thundering stream into another of the five villages. In this village built on a sheer cliff above the sea we have lunch before wandering the narrow alleyways of colorful houses and shops to the castle that has been there since 1273.
(B) (D)
Day 5:
Portofino: After hiking to Portofino for a visit, voted by the Italian press as one of the top ten most picturesque ports in Italy, we board a boat for Camogli, best known for its annual fish frying festival and landscapes to match the incredibly colorful Mediterranean sunsets. We make this lovely village our home for our last two nights. Luxury hotel: Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi blends in with the old architecture of the town. On the East End of town it faces the ocean and the incredible looking waterfront of tall, colorful homes and fishing boats lying in the sand. Large pool, sun terrace and tennis courts all with best view in town. Pretty garden with subtropical flowers and plants.
(B) (D)
Day 6:
Out of Camogli we hike through lush gardens and olive groves to a hillside town, where the view from the church still even impresses the locals. On a trail carved into the cliffs we make our way to a village that is only accessible by foot or boat. We visit an ancient Abbey and the “Torre Andrea Doria,” a medieval lookout tower. In this peaceful setting we enjoy lunch and maybe go for a swim for a look 15m off shore & 18m underwater at the Christ of the Depths (a statue erected in memory of lost sailors, now to protect scuba divers). In the Abbey is a replica for those unable to do such a dive or a local boat enables one to view the statue from the surface.
(B) (D)
Day 7:
Departure after breakfast, transfer by van to the train station in Genova or airport.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
This tour can be conducted for private groups of 4 or more at any time from April-July and Sept to oct 15th.
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