Penguin Travel

Enter the magical land of the Cinque Terre, five unique fishing villages along the Ligurian coast, known as Italy’s "flower-Riviera"

The Cinque Terre is National Park and UNESCO heritage listed site 1997. Walking along the coastal footpaths offers striking views of lush Mediterranean vineyards and wild flowers abloom, while further inland there are tantalizing pine and chestnut forests. Travel by train or boat from Monterosso to picturesque villages where you can savor the delicious local cuisine and relax with a glass of white wine in an outdoor café overlooking the emerald blue waters of the Mediterranean sea. The Cinque Terre is a small paradise with unique landscape with winding paths, enchanting beaches between cliffs, clear waters, and amazing aromas, sure to please the palette of every visitor.

Tour highlights:

♦ The illustrious five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Cornilia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, Levanto;
♦ Breathtaking views of the emerald blue Mediterranean Sea;
♦ Outstandingly delicious sea food and the famous Trofie al Pesto;
♦ Fabulous beaches for swimming;

 

Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival in Levanto 
After settling in your hotel there is time for a short visit to the town centre and maybe a swim to wash off the tiredness of the journey.

Day 2. Levanto - Punta Mesco - Monterosso - Levanto
The first part of the walk leads up towards Punta Mesco, the most notable promontory in the region. Then you follow a path down to Monterosso, a colourful village, with blue, red & yellow houses that cluster behind the beachfront. There is then time to explore the town before taking the local train back to Levanto. For those who want there is also the option to walk back from here, following a more inland forested path, which over the ridge brings us back behind the castle of Levanto. - Total walking time: around 3,5hours + sightseeing time (4-5hours with extra option).

Day 3. Riomaggiore - Vernazza - Riomaggiore
You first take the train to Riomaggiore, the most southerly of the five villages, where you can already leave your luggage in the hotel. Then you start the most ‘classical’ of all walks in the Cinque Terre: the walk along the famous ‘Sentiero del’Amore’ (‘Lover’s Walk’) to Manarola. Then head up the 365 steps to Corniglia, perched on a ridge overlooking the sea. As you approach Vernazza, dominated by its old fortress, you enjoy some of the best views in the region. There are numerous cafés and bars where you can enjoy refreshment before taking the train back to your hotel. - Total walking time: around 3,5hours + sightseeing time (5,5hours with extra option).

Day 4. Riomaggiore - Monterosso - Riomaggiore
Today’s walk takes you into the inland of the Cinque Terre, to the churches of Madonna di Reggio and Madonna di Saviore. You first take the train to Vernazza and then walk along the coast to Monterosso, approaching this beautiful little town from the other end. Then the walk continues more or less along the contour lines, through hills with beautiful views over the coast and from there you descend down to the coast at Vernazza again. Train back to Riomaggiore. -Total walking time: around 4,5hours + sightseeing time.

Day 5. Riomaggiore - Portovenere - Riomaggiore
 From Riomaggiore, you commence your walk to Campiglia and Portovenere. You hike uphill contouring along the coastal cliffs, through terraced vineyards, enjoying wonderful views of the coastline framed by clear blue waters. Past the little hamlet of Campiglia. Walk down into the pine forest towards Portovenere with further spectacular views. Arriving at the 16th century castle above the village, you may be able to see the distant peaks of the Alpi Apuane before a long staircase takes us into the heart of the village. There is time to visit the charming village and Punta San Pietro, before returning to Riomaggiore by boat. - Total walking time: around 4,5 hours + sightseeing time (5,5 hours with extra option).

Day 6. Camogli - San Fruttuoso monastery - Camogli
From Riomaggiore you take the train to Camogli, where you leave the luggage in your hotel. Then you start the first walk on the Peninsula of Portofino, towards the beautifully located monastery of San Fruttuoso, dating back to the 11th century and set in its own cove and reachable only by boat or on foot. From San Fruttuoso there is the possibility to walk back or take the boat. In the afternoon take your time to explore the beautiful Camogli itself. - Total walking time: around 3,5 hours + sightseeing time (shorter option: 1,5 – 2,5 hours).

Day 7. Camogli - Santa Margherita - Portofino - Camogli
You first make a short transfer by train to Santa Margherita, where you have some time to walk around this attractive town. From Santa Margherita, you then walk to Portofino, very attractive colourful village. Do visit its castle and light house, a spectacular viewpoint! If energy permits, you can continue along the trail, with splendid views across the Gulf of Genoa to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, approaching this 11th century jewel from the other end. You can choose to return by boat to Santa Margherita, or directly to Camogli. - Total walking time: around 3,5 hours + sightseeing time (5,5 hours with extra option).

Day 8. End of the tour.
 

Luggage transport:   Luggage transfers are relatively costly here as while by train the distance from village to village is very short (the train goes through tunnels), by car one has to drive a long way around and often it's difficult to enter the villages by car, so a special permit is needed. Therefore porters ask for high fees. It is possible, but it has an extra cost. While, if you opt for the 'standard' solution you will only have to take your luggage on the train.

Included in the price: ► Accommodation in 2/3*** hotels with private facilities on bed & breakfast basis► Detailed roadbook and maps in English► 24 hrs telephone assistance; ► NOTE! The price is per person sharing a double room accommodation. Single traveler who has ordered a bed in a shared double room must be prepared to pay for a single room if a room-mate cannot be arranged.

Not included: ► Flights and public transportation► Travel insurance► Transfers from and to the airport tips► Luggage transfers► Entrance fees► Alcohol drinks and other personal expenses;

Other expenses: Single room supplement: 250 euro; 

Practical information: Best arrival & departure airport: Pisa, Genoa or Florence Airports; These walks, though not very long, are moderate to demanding because of the steep hills. Several walks can be shortened; The tour starts in Levanto. There are frequent trains from all directions. The tour ends after breakfast on day 8 in Camogli. The return is most easily made by train. Back to Levanto is 30 minutes by train; Please, note that there is no (cheap) parking space anywhere on the Cinque Terre except for Levanto;

How to get there: Please, contact us if you would like us to help you find suitable flights at the best price. When helping you to find flights we always try to find the best price for you according to the departure and arrival times. Prices vary depending on the airline and current availability. However, remember that the cheap airfares are often difficult or impossible to reschedule or cancel. Payment of the ticket is with your own credit card directly to the airline or travel agent airline, which also sends out confirmation of booking. A service charge (non-refundable) will be added if you want us to help you find the appropriate plane ticket. From January 2012 there will be a city tax, approx. 2-4 Euro per person per day, which has to be paid directly in the hotel.

Vacation Extensions:
The Dolomites Of Val Badia Self-guided Tour (Trentino, Italy)

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