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Other trips in Italy
 Mt Blanc: The Grand Tour
Tuscany: La Dolce Vita
Amalfi: Hills of the coast
Dolomites: A Magical Journey
Amalfi coast
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Cinque Terre: Coastal Walk
Walking Holiday |
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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). |
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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). |
| Maps |
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| Day By Day |
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| Below are the details for each of the walks that we suggest in the Cinque Terre National Park. Depending on which town you stay in (Riomaggiore or Monterosso) and according to your fitness, you can choose which walk you would like to complete. A must is the walk from Riomaggiore to Monterosso, also known as the lovers' walk. Another worthy trek is from Riomaggiore to Portovenere. Please note that you can use the extremely reliable and frequent trains between towns (see Cinque Terre Card below), so do not feel obliged to spend your days in the town where you are lodging. Walks can be taken in any order. |
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: As you decide. |
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Circular Walk Riomaggiore (2h00, +/- 340m)
This walk follows a historical mule track, which connects Riomaggiore with the Marian Sanctuary of Montenero (340m). The path was used for solemn processions to the sanctuary, which was built a long time before the construction of the St John the Baptist parish of Riomaggiore.
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Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants Accommodation: As you decide. |
Monterosso - Levanto (2h50, +/- 313m)
This is a short walk, but one of the most rewarding. Heading north, we follow the coast towards the spectacular peninsula of Fegina. In Levanto you can go for a swim or have an ice cream by the beach. Ideal for a half-day excursion (day of arrival or departure, for example).
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Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants Accommodation: As you decide. |
Levanto - Deiva Marina (5h00, +/- 637m)
Although this is a long day, you can find shade under the oak and pine forests that cling to the coastal hillsides. As the path crosses citrus groves and olive terraces overlooking the sea, you will be rewarded with fantastic viewpoints. Coming down to Deiva Marina, you can enjoy the facilities of the resort before taking the train back to the Cinque Terre.
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Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants Accommodation: As you decide. |
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| how to get there |
The closest airports are Pisa and Genoa. However, the Cinque Terre are also easily accessible by flying to Milan or Rome.
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
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| Weather |
Average temperatures |
Average rainfall |
| About the trip |
| Accommodation |
Self-catering apartment Riomaggiore (2* standard)
Apartments are all located in the town of Riomaggiore. Breakfast is included and served at the hotel.
3* Hotel in Monterosso
The hotel is located just 150m from the sea and right in the historical centre of Monterosso. This is an extremely peaceful area, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees.
4* Hotel in Monterosso
The hotel is located just 50m from the sea in the resort of Monterosso.
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| included |
Not Included |
- 3 nights on a B&B basis
- Step-by-step walking notes describing the itinerary
- Detailed map of the area (1:50,000)
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- Insurance
- Flight
- Transfer to/from airport to the Cinque Terre
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| PRICES |
| Self-Catering Apartment Riomaggiore - All year round |
| Period |
Price (€) 4 days / 3 nights |
Single room supplement (€) |
Extra night in the Cinque Terre |
| double / twin room (€pps) |
single room |
High Season
from 12/12/09 to 02/01/10
from 03/04/10 to 10/04/10
from 24/04/10 to 02/10/10
from 12/12/10 to 03/01/11 |
290 |
70 |
85 |
95 |
Low Season
from 03/01/10 to 02/04/10
from 11/04/10 to 23/04/10
from 03/10/10 to 11/12/10 |
250 |
60 |
75 |
80 |
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| Hotel 3* Monterosso - from mid february to december |
| Period |
Price (€) 4 days / 3 nights |
Single room supplement (€) |
Extra night in the Cinque Terre |
| double / twin room (€pps) |
single room |
High Season
from 12/12/09 to 02/01/10
from 03/04/10 to 10/04/10
from 24/04/10 to 02/10/10
from 12/12/10 to 03/01/11 |
340 |
90 |
100 |
130 |
Low Season
from 03/01/10 to 02/04/10
from 11/04/10 to 23/04/10
from 03/10/10 to 11/12/10 |
285 |
80 |
90 |
115 |
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| Hotel 4* Monterosso - from march to october |
| Period |
Price (€) 4 days / 3 nights |
Single room supplement (€) |
Extra night in the Cinque Terre |
| double / twin room (€pps) |
single room |
High Season
from 12/12/09 to 02/01/10
from 03/04/10 to 10/04/10
from 24/04/10 to 02/10/10
from 12/12/10 to 03/01/11 |
390 |
120 |
125 |
150 |
Low Season
from 03/01/10 to 02/04/10
from 11/04/10 to 23/04/10
from 03/10/10 to 11/12/10 |
340 |
100 |
110 |
130 |
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| OPTIONS |
| 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. |
| Period |
Extra night in Pisa/Genoa 3* hotel |
Extra night in Milan/Rome 3* hotel |
Private transfer from Pisa airport to the Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore or Monterosso)
Up to 4 pers: €240
Up to 8 pers: €320 Up to 12 pers: €450
Up to 15 pers: €520
(for transfer from other airports, please ask us) |
| double / twin room (€pps) |
single room |
double / twin room (€pps) |
single room |
High Season
from 12/12/09 to 02/01/10
from 03/04/10 to 10/04/10
from 24/04/10 to 02/10/10
from 12/12/10 to 03/01/11 |
85 |
110 |
95 |
120 |
Low Season
from 03/01/10 to 02/04/10
from 11/04/10 to 23/04/10
from 03/10/10 to 11/12/10 |
75 |
95 |
90 |
110 |
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Admire the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
