Walking holidays in Cinque Terre, Italy. Quite possibly the most beautiful coastal walk in Europe, on the most magnificent part of the Italian Riviera. The Cinque Terre are five coastal, medieval, villages in the province of La Spezia: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The coastline, the villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of a national park of the same name. The Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking through the National Park, you will discover the coastline as well as the backcountry: villages that cling to the cliffs, tiny sandy beaches and sandy coves as well as terraced fields and extensive woodlands. Given its location on the Mediterranean, only the freshest fish and seafood are good enough for the local cuisine. The anchovies of Monterosso are a local specialty, while the extensive terraced olive groves provide oil for some of the best pesto in Italy.
As this trip is centre based, you will be able to stay in the heart of the National park and explore the area as you wish (see “Cinque Terre Card” below).

To suit everybody’s taste and budget, we have selected 3 types of accommodation (see table of prices below):

• Self-catering apartment (2* standard) in Riomaggiore, including breakfast
• 3* hotel in Monterosso
• 4* hotel in Monterosso

You can extend your stay by adding as many extra nights in the Cinque Terre as you wish, or nights in Pisa, Genoa, Milan or Rome (depending on your flight schedule).

To the Cinque Terre (Monterosso or Riomaggiore)

Take a train to the Cinque Terre (see “How to get there” below) and check into your accommodation in the town of Monterosso or Riomaggiore (see “Options” below). If you arrive early enough, it would be possible to complete one of the shorter walks or alternatively, you could explore, rest or go for a swim.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: As you decide.

Riomaggiore – Monterosso (4h45, +/- 430m)

This is the famous Via Dell’Amore (Lovers’ Walk). This very picturesque footpath winds along the shore, past the five famous villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Pass by pretty terraced vineyards and olive groves.This walk varies in difficulty from an easy stroll to a demanding hike, but offers the best views of the bay and spectacular approaches to both Monterosso and Vernazza. If you feel tired, you can also take a train from any station along the way.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: As you decide.

Riomaggiore – Portovenere (5h00, +/- 515m)

This walk explores the remote Peninsula of Portovenere. We head south on a path going steeply uphill through extensive woodlands. Passing Campiglia, a pretty, traditional Ligurian village, we descend to Portovenere. From here, enjoy great views of “Isla Palmaria” and the little church sitting atop it. From Portovenere, you can travel back either by seasonal ferry, or by taking the bus to La Spezia and then a train to Cinque Terre.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: As you decide.

Circular walk Monterosso (4h00, +/- 601m)

This walk takes you through a fragrant lemon grove where you can enjoy sweeping views of the coast. Both the Etruscans and the Romans followed this path many hundreds of years ago. During the Middle Ages this mule track was of great importance, as it passed just in front of the historical sanctuary of Our Lady of Soviore.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: As you decide.

To Pisa

http://www.pisa-airport.com/index.php?lang=_en

20 major airlines fly to Pisa: Ryanair www.ryanair.com, easyJet www.easyjet.com, Air France www.airfrance.com, Alitalia www.alitalia.com, Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com, Sky Europe www.skyeurope.com amongst others.
From Pisa, there are frequent trains to the Cinque Terre (1hr30 approx) http://www.trenitalia.com/trenitalia.html

To Genoa
http://www.airport.genova.it/v2/
Ryanair www.ryanair.com, Air France www.airfrance.com, Alitalia www.alitalia.com, Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com and other airlines fly to Genoa.
From Genoa, there are frequent trains to the Cinque Terre (1hr30 approx) http://www.trenitalia.com/trenitalia.html

To Milan
Virtually all airlines fly to Milan’s airports.
From Milano Centrale (Milan’s main train station) there are regular trains to the Cinque Terre (3hrs). http://www.trenitalia.com/trenitalia.html

To Rome
Virtually all airlines fly to Rome.
From Rome Termini (Rome’s main train station) there are many trains to the Cinque Terre (5hrs), with a change in La Spezia http://www.trenitalia.com/trenitalia.html

These options give you the opportunity to couple your stay in the Cinque Terre with a visit to one of these historical towns/cities. All our hotels are centrally located, close to all amenities and sites of cultural interest. In addition, our accommodations are ideally situated with regards to airports and train stations. Depending on your flight schedule, an extra night/s in Pisa, Genoa, Milan or Rome may make your departure easier.

Centre-based Walking Holiday in the High Tatras, Poland. Ideal for families & groups, this trip explores the Tatras Mountain Range around Zakopane; its central town in Poland. Every day, you will discover a new facet of these magnificent mountains. You will stay in a comfortable self-catering apartment in the heart of the lively city of Zakopane. As you stay 6 nights in the same location, you will have plenty of time to get familiar with the local culture & gastronomy without ever having to rush! This is the reason why this trip is particularly recommended for families and groups.

DAY 1 – Coming to Zakopane.
After flying to Krakow. You will discover the charms of Zakopane, the great capital of the Polish Tatras. You will be pre-booked into our comfortable 2* hotel in the heart of town, all rooms are en-suite.

An easy & interesting walk around Zakopane, starting along the “Ugory ridge” with great views of the Tatras chain. It passes through meadows that are filled with flowers in Spring and early Summer. The second part of the walk is easier, passing rivers & wooden houses typical of the region. Back in Zakopane, the night is yours!

Town: Internet, ATM, food shop, vibrant city, all facilities, plenty of restaurants, pubs, and clubs
Accommodation: Hotel en-suite.
Meal: breakfast

DAY 2 – Morskie Oko & the valley of the 5 Lakes [5h, 14km, +348m -564m]
An early start to attempt one of the most popular treks in the Tatras and visit the famous 5 Lakes. After a short transfer by horse-drawn carriage (not included) to Wlosienica. After a 30 min hike up we arrive in Morskie Oko, widely acknowledged as the most beautiful lake in Poland. The view of the steep ridge and the Rysy (2503m) looming above you is unforgettable. From here, we hike to the west, passing through dwarf pines and above the tree line. The path climbs over two shoulders, and finally ascends to the valley of the 5 Lakes. Arriving in the Vielki straw Polski (a big polish tarn), you can enjoy a refreshing hot/cold drink. Finally we will take a popular forest route, passing the impressive Siklawa Waterfall.

Town: Same every day
Hotel: Same every day.
Meal: breakfast

DAY 3 – Peering into Slovakia at Kasprowy Wierch (1987m) [4h30, 8km, -1151m].
Transfer to Kuznice by horse-drawn carriage to catch the cable car (not included), 25min ascent to Kasprowy Wierch at 1987m. There, on the top of the ridge, you can admire Poland to the north and Slovakia to the south. Then it is a fabulous descent in a mix of bare land, luxurious forest, and meadows. The views plunging down the valley below are fabulous.

Town: Same every day
Hotel: Same every day.
Meal: breakfast

DAY 4 – Zakopane. End of the adventure.
End of the trip after breakfast.

Optional day 1 – Pasture lands [5h30, 12km, +10m -80m]
A fascinating route along the lower slopes of the Tatras. The route links the 7 main valleys and crosses 6 saddles. On the eastern section you can make a short diversion to Sarnia Skala, for an outstanding view over Zakopane and Podhale.
Town: Same every day
Hotel: Same every day.
Meal: breakfast

Optional day 2 – West Tatras [5h, 12km, +677m -677m].
For our first day’s walk, you will make a short transfer by horse-drawn carriage (not included) to the magnificent valley of Chocholowska, where cattle and sheep graze below the green mountains. En-route, you will be able to admire the famous “Timber houses” unique in the area. Here you take a horse drawn carriage (not included) to the mountain chalet of Schronisko, the start of our first day’s hike, and head straight up toward the summit of the Trydniowianski Wierch (1758m). From there, the view into the valley and the Dlugi Uplaz (long ridge) gives you a broad outline of the famous West Tatras. After enjoying the scenery, we descend to the mountain chalet where the horse drawn carriage awaits us (not included). In Zakopane, you will have plenty of time to relax or to enjoy the town that evening!

All hotels have been selected for their comfort, friendliness & character, as much as for the quality of their cuisine. They are subject to availability. If the hotel described is not available, we will provide you with the same standard of comfort & price.

Can be taken in the apartment, or in one of the hundred tasty restaurants in the town. Note that we provide you with breakfast and can also organise picnic lunches (see Options below)

As you will stay in the same hotel each night, you can relax and unpack your bags on this trip!