Levanto - Cinque Terre - Portovenere

Cinque Terre Coastal Walk, from Levanto to Portovenere

Destination
Levanto - Cinque Terre - Portovenere
Dates From
01/01/2023
Duration
6 nights
7 days
Price From
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SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR

Please note this is an independent walking tour, and can depart on any day requested.

Inhabited since Roman times, the tranquility of the picturesque villages contradicts their dangerous past: for centuries they were raided by pirates from nearby Corsica and North Africa. The steep mountains that rise up behind the villages are stepped with terraces filled with olive groves and vines for which the Cinque Terre are famous. This walking tour of the Cinque Terre follows stone paths that have linked the villages for centuries, starting in Levanto at the eastern end of the National Park and finishing in glorious Portovenere at the western end of the park. They twist and wind along the rugged coast passing through pine forests and terraced vineyards, with breath-taking views out over the Mediterranean, including the less walked routes from Riomaggiore to Portovenere and around the little island off Portovenere.

The walk:
This is a Grade 1 Walk. The walk follows good paths which are straight forward to follow and there are some steep climbs up from the villages up to the trail. The walks are from 10 to 14 kms and can be comfortably done in half a day, which leaves you plenty of time to explore the little villages you’ll be staying in. The Cinque Terre has a very good local transport system, with the villages connected by regular trains and ferries, which means that if you wish to shorten or skip a walk you can do this quite simply.

The accommodation:
Hidden Italy uses the best accommodation available. On the Cinque Terre this means very comfortable, centrally located, family-run hotels. All rooms have en suite bathrooms and air-conditioning and we request sea views, although this can’t always be guaranteed. Costings are calculated on two people sharing a double room.

The food:
Generous breakfasts are included each day (you’ll need them for your walks). With notice, the hotels will be able to prepare a cut lunch for the walk. Dinners are not included in the standard however, if you select the ‘Dinners option’ (which we recommend) this will include 3 course meals alla carte (ie free choice) in some of the coast’s finest restaurants. The dinner option also means you’ll have a guaranteed booking each night.

Extend your tour by 4 days to take in Santa Margherita and Portofino – we suggest you do this prior
to the Cinque Terre walk!

Highlights & Inclusions

  • Six nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Lunch recommendations and lunches
  • Reading lists and historical and cultural notes
  • Maps and detailed walking instructions
  • Daily transfers of baggage between hotels
  • Drop-off at the end of the tour from Portovenere to La Spezia station (on the Rome/Genoa line)
  • 24 hour backup from local manager

Itinerary

Day 1

The tour starts in Levanto, a charming coastal resort (on the main Genoa/Rome railway line).

Day 2

The first walk follows a superb coastal path, through woods and scented scrub with breathtaking views of the gulf and the five villages of Cinque Terre. Along the way it passes the ruins of an abandoned convent, before dipping down to the first Cinque Terre village. (7 kms, 3 hrs)

Day 3

With today’s walk you start on the Sentiero Azzuro, the celebrated path that links the five villages of the Cinque Terre. The walk weaves along cliffs and through terraces, offering spectacular views over the bays and the villages, taking you to Vernazza. (6kms, 2.5 hrs)

Day 4

This morning, you pick up the Sentiero Azzuro again passing through olive groves with views up to the ancient terraces climbing the mountains above you You pass through two more of the Cinque Terre villages (where you can stop for lunch) before following the Via del Amore into the last of the five villages, where you’ll stay the night. (An alternative high walk for this day is included in case the path is closed for restoration). (8 kms, 3 hrs)

Day 5

Today you walk above the eastern part of the gulf to Portovenere. Inititially, this quiet route takes you away from the coast, up to a religious sanctuary, where you can rest and enjoy the views, before continuing up through forest to a small village, where you can have lunch. From here you descend through more forest with breathtaking views over the sea into stunning Portovenere. (14 kms, 5 hrs)

Day 6

The walk today starts with a short boat ride across the narrow waterway that separates Portovenere from the small island opposite. You then follow a circular route that takes you through a small fishing village, past beaches and the remains of a monastery from the 11th century, with wonderful views over the Gulf of La Spezia along the way. You return to Portovenere with the small boat. (12 kms, 3 hrs)

Day 7

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred by private vehicle to La Spezia (30 minutes away) a busy and colourful port, with a number of excellent museums, a picturesque harbour and daily markets. La Spezia has regular rail connections to Rome, Florence and Milan.

DATES & PRICES

Starts Ends Price Status Book
01/01/202331/12/2023On RequestOn Request
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Terms and Conditions

Exclusions

Single supplement (is available if required)
Optional excursions/sightseeing
City Tax: some City Councils may introduce a tourist tax that has to be paid directly at the hotel
Meals and beverages other than those specified
Tips/Gratuities
Everything which is not clearly specified under inclusions

* Please note, price is subject to fluctuation and availability is subject to change until booked and confirmed *