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Italy's Cinque Terre, a series of five small fishing villages dug into the cliffs where the Apennine Mountains meet the Mediterranean coastline, is one of the country's most spectacular sections of coast. This trip provides you with the opportunity to follow the entire coast, from the Portofino peninsula to the colourful town of Portovenere in the south, which will allow you to experience the five famed villages, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, as well as the chance to get away from the busier villages to encounter the delights of the lesser known Camogli, Bonassola, Deiva Marina, Framura and Levanto. Following well marked footpaths and mule tracks, each day your walks along the coastal footpaths of the Ligurian Riviera will entertain you with panoramic vistas of the emerald blue Mediterranean Sea, views of lush vineyards and olive groves while inland there are dense pine and chestnut forests waiting to be discovered. Of course, there are also scenic vantage points to admire the colourful villages that make this part of Italy so popular with travellers.
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18kg of CO2-e PP per day
(124kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Camogli
Conde Naste Traveler describes the village of Camogli as 'one of Italy’s best-kept secrets' and we tend to agree. Tightly hugging the coastline, this colourful village is big enough to have a range of great restaurants and small enough to feel authentic. Located on the western side of the Portofino peninsula, the port dominates life from the thriving fishing industry to the beachside cafes. On arrival in Camogli, make your way to your hotel then head out to experience Ligurian coastal life. In the afternoon you can visit the historic centre, and in the evening, let all your senses be delighted as you prepare for your phenomenal walking adventure ahead. Overnight Camogli.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk to Portofino via San Fruttuoso (5hrs)
From Camogli, follow one of the main trails through the Portofino Regional Park. The day begins with a short but steep ascent to the village of San Rocco; to avoid this climb, you can take a local bus to San Rocco and join the walk there. Beyond San Rocco, the route continues through rugged coastal terrain to the spectacular San Fruttuoso Abbey, set right on the water. This is the most demanding section of the walk, involving a very steep descent to the Abbey. Walkers preferring a less challenging option can follow a gentler higher route that bypasses San Fruttuoso and rejoins the main trail before Portofino. Continue to the elegant seaside town of Portofino. Enjoy the wonderful views from Il Faro (the lighthouse), located at the tip of the promontory, and perhaps relax with a drink at a waterfront café before returning to Camogli by train or boat. Overnight Camogli. Main route: 12km (7.5mi), ascent 781m (2,562ft), descent 804m (2,638ft), surfaced/unsurfaced 36%/64% Bus shortcut to San Rocco: reduces walking by 1.5km (0.9mi) Alternative route avoiding San Fruttuoso: 9.6km (6mi), ascent 520m (1,706ft), descent 544m (1,785ft)
Meals: B
Day 3
Enjoy panoramic views on the walk to Deiva Marina via Framura (5hrs)
This morning begins with a short train ride with your luggage to Bonassola. After depositing your luggage at the hotel (around 700m from the train station), start the walk through the hills of the East Riviera which divide Bonassola, Framura and Deiva Marina. The first part of the walk, from Bonassola to Framura, is extremely panoramic with wonderful views over the northern Ligurian coast. Return to Bonassola by train. Walking: 11km/6.8mi, +700m/2296ft, -700m/2296ft, Surf./Unsurf % 41/59 Option to shorten the walk by ending in Framura. Walking: 5.5km/3.4mi, Ascent: +350m/1148ft, Descent: -280m/919ft,
Day 4
Train to Deiva Marina, walk along the jagged coast via Moneglia to Riva Trigoso (6hrs)
After breakfast, take a train to Deiva Marina where the day’s walk starts. The hike follows the jagged coastline, crossing a few valleys to end in Riva Trigoso, which is one train stop from Sestri Levante (also worth visiting). Return to Bonassola by train for your overnight stay. Walking: 15km/9.4mi, +1008m/3307ft, -996m/3268ft, Surf./Unsurf 41/59% Option to shorten the walk: start in Moneglia (5.5km/3.5mi).
Day 5
Walk from Bonassola to Monterosso al Mare via Levanto (5hrs)
The first part of today’s walk runs along an old railway recently transformed into a flattish cycle path. You walk through tunnels and bridges with spectacular views over the sea and the cliffs until you arrive at Levanto. Reach the ridge top to enjoy the spectacular views over the mountains which surround the gulf. Later the trail takes you to Punta Mesco where you walk down towards the village of Monterosso al Mare, your base for the next 3 nights. Your luggage will be waiting for you at your hotel. Walking: 11km/6.8mi, +460m/1509ft, -460m/1509ft Surf./Unsurf 32/68%
Day 6
Transfer to Soviore and walk back to Monterosso via Vernazza (4hrs)
Around 9am this morning a short transfer takes you to Soviore Monastery where you can stop for a visit before starting the walk back to Monterosso via Vernazza. From the Sanctuary you walk on asphalt road for 1.5km, then take a nice panoramic path that slightly descends to the Madonna di Reggio. Continue walking on a stone path down to Vernazza, where you take the panoramic coastal path back to Monterosso. Walking: 9km/5.6mi, +329m/1079ft, -740m/2428ft, Surf./Unsurf 30/70% Option to shorten: stop in Vernazza and take a train back to Monterosso.
Day 7
Walk from Riomaggiore to Portovenere, return to Monterosso (6hrs)
A short train ride takes you to Riomaggiore, where the day's walk starts. The first 1.3km climbs gradually to Colle del Telegrafo from where there's a gentle descent to Portovenere along a panoramic ridge trail and through the village of Campiglia. The route is very scenic, with spectacular views of the Cinque Terre coastline, Portovenere and the Gulf of La Spezia, walking on clearly defined footpaths. If you want to shorten the walk, from Campiglia walk (4.8km) or take a bus to Marola and then another bus to Portovenere. At the end of the walk, return to Monterosso by boat or bus and train. Walking: 15km/9.3mi, +900m/2952ft, -890m/2920ft, Surf./Unsurf 17/83%
Day 8
Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast. From Monterosso you can take the train to Milan or Genoa, or Pisa and Florence (via La Spezia) for your onward travels.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 2 - If you are not used to walking in mountainous terrain this walk may be considered more challenging than the introductory to moderate grade we have set. There are some more difficult sections and short ascents on rough surfaces, however overall the distances are usually 10-15km/6.2-9.3mi. The walks are along well marked footpaths and mule tracks and up and down steps of varying size. During the hotter months the walk can be more demanding and we recommend you plan to start early. To fully participate you should be able to walk for up to 5 hours a day. The terrain offers a classic landscape of small (although sometimes steep) hills, olive groves and vineyards and some days you will have shorter and longer walking options. A good level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Per Person, Twin Share
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