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Itinerary:
Day 1 – Levanto
Arrival on your own in Levanto. At 18,00 p.m we'll have a welcome meeting and we receive a first briefing about what lies ahead.
This evening we enjoy a welcome group dinner at a local restaurant in Levanto. (D)
Day 2 – Levanto – Monterosso
Walking – moderate about 3 hours
We start walking directly from our hotel in Levanto. After a visit of its 13th century black and white striped Chiesa di Sant'Andrea (Church of Saint Andrew), exemplary of 13th-century Ligurian Gothic style, we head off to Monterosso following a trail above the sparkling water of the marine conservation area. We reach the ruins of a Chapel dedicated to St. Antonio and pass by an old lighthouse going up through steps and slopes. Walking on the hillside through a shadowed forest and along some terraces, the ancient mule path takes us at Punta Mesco, one of the most remarkable bird’s-eye viewpoints over the five villages. We go down through antique stone steps to Monterosso, the largest village of the Cinque Terre. We take our time to enjoy the Fegina Bay with its sandy beach and the interesting historical heart with remain of the medieval fortifications before coming back by train to Levanto. (B, L)
Day 3 – Portovenere & Isle of Palmaria
Walking - easy 2.5 hours
Today we discover the fascinating beauty of the Poets' Gulf. We reach by public transports the delightful village of Portovenere, elected Unesco World Heritage site for its unique beauty. The name of the ancient Portus Veneris refers to a temple to the goddess Venus, situated on the promontory where we can admire the terrific beauty of the San Peter Church built over a cliff. From the harbor of Portovenere we take a boat to the Isle of Palmaria. Here we start an easy walk around the Island, admiring steep rocky cliffs, suggestive grottoes and passing abandoned marble quarries. A panoramic ferry journey takes us to Monterosso, giving us the opportunity to admire all the five lands before returning to Levanto. Our dinner tonight features delicious local produce and traditional ligurian dishes. (B, L, D)
Day 4 – Riomaggiore – Manarola – Corniglia & Vernazza
Walking – easy to moderate 3.5 hours
Today we enjoy a lovely walk along the remaining four of the five scenic villages that give the name to the Cinque Terre. Our day starts with a short train ride to the village of Riomaggiore. A brief paved coastal path, known as the "Love's Trail" , takes us to the picturesque village of Manarola. From Manarola to Corniglia the trail becomes narrow and steep and we reach the next village of the five lands walking up a beautiful switchback staircase that goes from sea level to the hamlet up on a sheer cliff. The views are amazing and it’s really a breath-taking walk. In Corniglia we take our time wandering through the narrow alleyways of steep multi-coloured houses before taking our next section of the path to Vernazza. We walk through ancient cultivated terraces, olive groves and woodland, and then along the cliff edge, with impressive views coming into Vernazza: a cluster of rooftops around a lovely harbour. There is plenty of time to explore the tiny village with its weather beaten multi-coloured facades, before taking the train for our next destination: Santa Margherita Ligure. (B, L, D)
Day 5 – Portofino – San Fruttuoso
Walking - easy to moderate 2.5 hours
Our final day offers a superb walk out of the Cinque Terre Park over to the Peninsula of Portofino. We visit the glamorous village of Portofino called the Jewel of the Riviera.
It’s a perfect starting spot to taste the charming atmosphere of the Italian Riviera. Portofino is a gorgeous fishing village boasting an atmosphere of pure elegance. From here we start an impressive hike along a scenic trail that winds its way above the sea before reaching the medieval Benedictine abbey of San Fruttuoso located in a tiny rocky cove. Take time to visit the monastery before traveling by boat along the coast to Camogli. We then have a 5 min. train ride back to Santa Margherita Ligure for our evening’s farewell dinner to celebrate the conclusion of our Italian adventure. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Departure
Our trip ends after breakfast. From Santa Margherita Ligure you can easily catch trains for the rest of Italy. (B)
INCLUSIONS
- English speaking local guide
- 3 nights hotel *** in Levanto
- 2 nights hotel *** in Santa Margherita Ligure
- 5 breakfasts
- 4 dinners
- 4 picnic lunches
- 1 wine tasting
- All transfers according to the program
ITEMS NOT INCLUDED
- Visas, Airfare & airport taxes
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Drinks
- Other meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Anything not mentioned in “inclusions”
NOTES
A reasonable good level of fitness is required. The walking is graded moderate with 2 to 5 hours walking each day. There are lots of ascents and descents on stepped trails on the coast. We suggest that you start regular exercise. Your preparation should include climbing and descending steps. Please note that some paths are not suitable for severe vertigo sufferers.
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