CINQUE TERRE AND THE ITALIAN RIVIERA

Transcription

1 CINQUE TERRE AND THE ITALIAN RIVIERA HIGHLIGHTS OCTOBER 6-15, 2018 TRIP SUMMARY Hike the Cinque Terre's spectacular coastline trails through five brightly colored cliff side villages, rich in nature, history, and traditional ways of life Discover medieval castles and fortresses, tiny fishing ports, and bustling harbors in the nearby picturesque seaside towns of Camogli, Levanto, and Portovenere See the charming coastal towns from the sea Taste the fresh flavors, local wines, and traditional foods of this area Enjoy a winery tour and Italian cooking class Phone: Outside the US: Fax: info@goodadventure.com

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3 TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Oct 6-15, 2018 Location: Florence, Italy Cost: $3, Activities: Hiking Arrive: Meet in the lobby of Hotel Cellai at 1pm October 6 Depart: Depart from Pisa anytime after 1pm on October 15 TRIP OVERVIEW The Cinque Terre, is a collection of five colorful towns perched on steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, known as the Italian Riviera. After meeting in Florence, we will explore some of itsã â â culture and food before traveling to Camogli a lovely coastal town on the Ligurian Coast. We will head to the northern most town in Cinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare. We will hike timeless the landscape along paths that wind through over hundred-year-old terraces. We will wind through charming villages along ancient stone paths that climb up and down cliffs. When not hiking we will sample local wines and other locally produced specialties, relax in romantic outdoor cafes, take a dip in the Ligurian sea. During the trip, we will visit all five towns along the Cinque Terre; Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Coniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Maximum group size: 14 RATING This trip is designed for women who want to combine hiking between the villages of Cinque Terre and the surrounding area known as the Italian Riviera, with time to soak in Italian culture. The Cinque Terre is perched on high and dramatic sea cliffs: the majority of paths go up and down the sides of cliffs, often on stairs and paths that can be narrow. In order to do all of the hikes listed here, women should be in very good physical condition and able to hike for five to six hours a day which is why we give it a rating of 4. However, hiking can sometimes be shortened or foregone altogether as an excellent rail system links all five towns. Rating: 1 2 [3] [4] 5 WHAT'S INCLUDED An English-speaking Italian and an Adventures in Good Company guide Nine nights double occupancy lodging with ensuite bathrooms All meals from dinner on October 6 to breakfast October 15 with the exception of 1 dinner & 1 lunch Ground transportation within Italy other than the initial Florence airport transfer to the hotel in Florence A cooking class and a wine-tasting Not included: Travel to Florence and from Pisa, airport transfer in Florence, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities, and travel insurance

4 OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 OCTOBER 6, SATURDAY Meet in Florence by 2pm. After introductions, we will start our week with a historic and cultural walking tour of the major landmarks in Florence. We will learn the history and local culture from our local Florentine guide. If you can't arrive until later, you can meet us at the hotel at 5pm where we'll start getting acquainted before going out for our first dinner together. Overnight in Florence at Hotel Cellai D DAY 2 OCTOBER 7, SUNDAY We will get to have see another side of Florence today with a culinary tour. We'll sample some of Italy's best known delights as we stop at different shops to taste everything from antipasti to dessert - before stopping for lunch. Well fed we will say good-by to Florence, for our three-hour drive to the lovely town of Camogli, situated on the Ligurian Coast just north of Cinque Terre National Park and known for lively streets, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. We will have time for a swim or explore the town and visit Castel Dragone near the harbor. Drive 3 hours in private van, Walk 2 miles. Overnight Camogli at Hotel Casmona B, L, D DAY 3 OCTOBER 8, MONDAY Portofino Peninsula - After breakfast, we start walking from our hotel and climb across the Portofino Peninsula with spectacular views of the sea and the Portofino Marine Reserve. We'll have lunch along the way at "Agriturifugio Mulino", a farmhouse restaurant, and then hike down to the remote 13th century Abbey of San Fruttuoso. Located in a beautiful small bay, it is accessible only by foot or boat. We will catch a boat ride back to Camogli, stopping along the way in Portofino. You'll see why the rich and famous flock to this gorgeous town; its harbor is filled with yachts and its cliff-side coast is lined with impressive villas. Hike: Approximately hours/ 5.4 miles with steep rocky up and downhill trail sections. Overnight in Camogli. B, L, D

5 DAY 4 OCTOBER 9, TUESDAY After breakfast we drive to Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost village in the Cinque Terre and our home for the next four nights. After dropping our luggage at the hotel, we will walk through town and visit the Capuchin Church and Hilltop Cemetery in a ruined castle. We'll finish our walk at the Buranco organic farm for wine tasting and lunch. After lunch you can relax, swim, shop or hike up to the Madonna del Soviore Monastery, a retreat above the hustle of village life. Monterosso, the Hike: Approx. 6 miles of steep up and down cobbled trail and rural road. Overnight in Monterosso al Mare at Hotel Marina. B, L, D DAY 5 OCTOBER 10, WEDNESDAY Train to Levanto and walk back to Monterosso - A short train ride brings us to the village of Levanto, once a walled town and major stronghold of the Genoese. We leave Levanto on foot and walk across the peninsula past Punta Mesco with views over Levanto's medieval walls and tiled roofs, a lovely wooded area, and eventually the magnificent stretch of the Cinque Terre coast. We will enjoy a picnic lunch at Punta Mesco while enjoying the views before returning to Monterosso. The afternoons is yours to do as you like, before we met again in time for a cooking class to discover the secrets of Pesto (which originated here) and other Italian specialities. We will then feast on the fruits of our labor.hike: about 4 hours; 5 miles steep up and down a combination of trail, rocky steps and rural road. Overnight in Monterosso al Mare. B, L, D DAY 6 OCTOBER 11, THURSDAY Monterosso al Mare to Corniglia - Today we walk from our hotel up past agricultural terraces and then down to Vernazza, one of the most photographed villages in the Cinque Terre because it is so charming. After exploring the shops and narrow pedestrian streets, we'll continue on to Corniglia, the one Cinque Terre village that is perched on cliffs high above the sea. (Note: If you feel like taking a day off from hiking, you can do part of the itinerary by train today and tomorrow.) We will enjoy lunch at a terrace restaurant and then take the train back to Monterosso. Dinner is on your own tonight to enjoy any of the wonderful restaurants in Montorosso. 1.5 hour/2 mi walk steep ups and downs to Vernazza and 2.5 mi/2 hrs to Corniglia. Overnight in Monterosso al Mare. B, L

6 DAY 7 OCTOBER 12, FRIDAY Corniglia to Manorola via Volastra - After a delicious breakfast, we take the train back to Corniglia to continue our Cinque Terre village walks. Our hike takes us up and along the high route to Manarola with stunning views over the Cinque Terre and through the ancient hamlet of Volastra for lunch on your own. We then hike down to the seaside village of Manarola where we have time to look around town, and perhaps indulge in a gelato before taking the train back to our hotel in Monterosso and dinner at the Ancora della Tortuga. Hiking: About 5 miles of long steep trail and stone stairs, both up and down and a trail section with exposure to a vertical drop. Overnight in Monterosso al Mare. B, D DAY 8 OCTOBER 13, SATURDAY Riomaggiore to Porto Venere via Campiglia - This morning we take the train to the 5th village in the Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore. Our hike is mostly uphill past terraced fields and splendid forests of pine, chestnut, and cork trees. We will enjoy more breathtaking views of the coast throughout the morning and lunch in the hamlet of Campiglia, where we picnic on a terrace of a small "Alimentari" shop. Then we transfer by van to Portovenere. We'll check into our hotel (our luggage was transferred separately) and have some free time to explore the cobbled streets of this charming seaside town. Here, spectacular cliffs rise above the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean in a setting so beautiful that Byron, Shelley and D.H. Lawrence (among others) wrote here; thus, the Gulf of Poets was named. Hike: Approx. 6.2 miles, mostly long, gradual uphill on trails with some stone steps; Train approx. 15 minutes; Van: 20 minutes. Overnight in Portovenere at Hotel Paradiso. B, L, D DAY 9 OCTOBER 14, SUNDAY We will take a short boat ride through the harbor to the nearby island of Palmaria, which has been the guardian of Portovenere for centuries and still has remnants of Napoleon-era forts. We walk around the island with views of the colorful buildings perched on the promontory of Portovenere and the tiny nearby island of Tino. Our path travels through a distinct native ecosystem referred to as Mediterranean Macchia, with plants, such as arbutus, broom, and myrtle, adapted to the dry, harsh heat and heavy seasonal rains. We return to Portovenere mid-day and have some free time before dinner to explore the 16th-century Genovese naval fortress that once protected Portovenere from marauding corsair pirates, walk by the "Poet's Grotto" or do some last shopping in the many charming boutiques. Tonight, we'll enjoy our last Italian feast together. Boat: 10 minutes each way; Hike: 3 miles, 2.5 hours on rocky trails and pathways with short, steep sections. Overnight in Porto Venere. B, L, D

7 DAY 10 OCTOBER 15, MONDAY Transfer to Pisa and departure - After our last shared breakfast, we will pack up and transfer in our private van to the Pisa International Airport. We'll arrive by noon and you can plan flights out after 1pm. B ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Nelson, Scan East West Travel, at bnelson@scaneastwest.com or call ACCOMMODATIONS All lodging has been chosen for its comfort, convenience, and welcoming staff. We will be staying in double occupancy rooms with ensuite bathrooms at the following 3* hotels (or similar): Florence at Hotel Cellai Camogli at Hotel Casmona Monterosso al Mare at Hotel Marina Portovenere at Hotel Paradiso Vegetarian (and vegan) options for this trip are available but limited; if you are concerned about having enough protein during your trip, please bring some plant-based protein sources such as nut butter, instant dried hummus, or high-protein energy bars. If you cannot eat gluten or if you have other dietary restrictions, you will need to bring some supplemental food with you. Please call the office so we can help you plan. WEATHER October is one of the best months to visit Italy. Temperatures range from highs in the low to mid 70à â â s to lows in the mid 50 s. There is little rain and lots of sunshine. All around a great time of the year and after all à â â it is Italy! TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use as your location number on the Get A Quote page.

8 PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR 1 pair of lightweight hiking boots/shoes: they should be well broken in and comfortable 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes for general use 3-4 pairs of socks (wool or synthetic equivalent: Smartwool, Thorlo, Darn Tough) CLOTHING 1-2 pair lightweight synthetic long pants/capris for hiking. Zip offs work well. 1 pair of shorts 1-2 lightweight, long-sleeved shirt for hiking/sun protection - button up front is the best 2-3 synthetic or lightweight merino wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts 1 Lightweight fleece jacket or wool sweater 1 rain jacket/poncho and rain pants waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex - not a lightweight plastic ponch (rain pants are optional though recommended) Underwear/nightwear 1 wide-brimmed hat, visor or baseball cap for sun/rain 2-3 casual outfits for wearing when not hiking - going out to dinner/touring/etc. Bathing Suit EQUIPMENT/ESSENTIALS Passport and a photocopy of your passport 1 pair Trekking poles (strongly recommended) 1 daypack (see notes on packing list for recommended capacity Capability to waterproof your backpack. Either a rain cover or a heavy-duty plastic bag to line your pack. Sunglasses (100% UV protection) w/ retention strap Hydration system or quart bottles capacity to carry 2 quarts of water. Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 Personal first aid/patch kit - Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, Compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, any personal medications Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide. OPTIONAL Book, notebook, journal, pencil/pen 1 or 2 bandannas or buff Watch with an alarm or travel clock 10 ft light cord and 4-6 clothespins, detergent Vest for layering (fleece, synthetic) Plug adaptor, European style. Wash cloth (European hotels do not provide wash cloths with the towels) Camera (extra battery or battery charger) and film/memory card

9 NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. At the same time, you must be able to carry your own luggage, sometimes up and down stairs. Bringing a duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase with wheels, rather than a hard-sided suitcase, is easier for packing in the van. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 1 2 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit and personal items such as camera,etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between Liters (1500 and 2200 cubic inches) with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry, or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Note: Fanny-packs and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots or trail shoes are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! It should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Your wind/rain pants should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, Platypus, and MSR bladder bags, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 1-3 liters of water. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are highly recommended for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions: