cinque terre explore europe your way

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1 A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe your way. It s about U + the walking tracks and cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative and very affordable. Set your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours across the continent and it s many exotic islands. There s an active holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory to challenging with all offering unique opportunities to discover the untrodden Europe, spanning postcard landscapes, centuries old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all inclusive, giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you ve come to experience. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want. explore europe your way cinque terre TRIP COST Joining Corniglia from : $775 Trip Concludes: Corniglia All prices are per person OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS H - high season surcharge: $60 Single Supplement (standard studio): $390 TRIP NAME: TRIP CODE: TRIP DURATION: CINQUE TERRE UTC 7 DAYS GRADE: INTRODUCTORY 1 ACTIVITY: SELF GUIDED WALK ACCOMMODATION: 6 NIGHTS STUDIO APARTMENT DATE DETAILS: Portofino Milan Italy Corniglia La Spezia Florence DAILY FROM 1 MAR TO 17 NOV, EXCEPT JUL & AUG (SATURDAY & SUNDAY ONLY) child sharing 2 bedroom Apartment with 2 adults and one other child (pp) - adults pay twinshare studio rate: $540 As the trip price is based on twinshare, a single supplement is payable if you are not sharing with a friend / family member or a single traveller supplement if you are travelling solo*. Please refer to the price options for costs or ask our office for details. Note regarding single rooms The single supplement guarantees the privacy of your own room, however, rooms can at times be small and in some places may not enjoy the same facilities as double/twin rooms. *The single traveller surcharge is only available on trips deemed suitable for solo travellers. It is usually more expensive than the single supplement due to the extra cost for luggage transfers and organisation. IMPORTANT NOTES H - High Season highlights Experience the breathtaking coastal scenery Explore the fascinating towns of Corniglia and Vernazza Walk along 15th Century footpaths to discover small beaches, high cliffs and incredible views Enjoy delicious culinary specialties of the region Stay in the heart of Cinque Terre in your own apartment the trip The Cinque Terre in northern Italy are a series of five small fishing villages dug into the cliffs where the Apennine mountains meet the Mediterranean coast line. Each village has retained its character and traditions from earlier times, impressively perched between the rocky shoreline and the steep terraced hills. The extensive network of trails connecting the villages pass through olive groves and terraced vineyards, with sweeping views of the vast expanse of the Mediterranean below. Beyond the five villages of Cinque Terre the walks take in some of the lesser known villages, towns and stretches of the Ligurian coastline. This centre based walk will see you living like a local, based in an apartment in the charming middle town of Corniglia and sourcing your wine, bread and antipasto from the local providers. Page 1

2 Note: - 2 bedroom apartment is configured with one twin bedded room and one double bed room. The trip notes describe 5 walks. An additional 2 walks are provided in our route book including a hike to Portofino.. Note: - high seasson is from 1 Jul to 31 Aug - supplement applies itinerary at a glance Day 1 Arrive Corniglia Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 detailed itinerary Walk to the colourful towns of Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare (3.5hrs) Walk to Levanto with time for a swim before returning to Corniglia (4.5hrs) Circuit walk from Lerici and the Montemarcello-Magra Natural Park (3.5hrs) Corniglia, Volastra, Riomaggiore: the sea of vines walk (4.5hrs) Hike to the ancient Roman city of Porto Venere or day trip by train to Pisa (4hrs) Trip concludes Note: The trip is centre based but due to logistics and train tickets additional costs apply should you wish to change the order of the walks below. Trail conditions are affected from time to time by land slips caused by heavy rain. In 2018, we are expecting all trails to be open however please note that they can close for maintenance works or after heavy rains. DAY 1 Arrive Corniglia Arrive in Corniglia and meet with our representative, who will direct you to your apartment. After settling in, take the time to visit the small village or enjoy a swim at the beach far below. Overnight Corniglia for the next 6 nights. Please note that the walking days are not flexible: due to train tickets, the walks must be done on the same day as noted on this itinerary. DAY 2 DAY 3 cinque terre Walk to the colourful towns of Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare (3.5hrs) Today you follow the panoramic Azzurro trail, which takes you to two of the five colourful villages of the Cinque Terre. Vernazza is the most photographed and Monterosso is the largest. Traverse between scrublands, farmyards, gardens, vineyards and orchards and along alleys leading to interesting sites such as the beautiful Santa Margherita di Antiocha of Ligurian Gothic style. Return to Corniglia by train. Ascent: 270m/885ft, Descent: 345m/1132ft, Walking distance: 7.5km/4.7mi Walk to Levanto with time for a swim before returning to Corniglia (4.5hrs) Rich from its religious past, the northern part of the Cinque Terre holds many remarkable buildings. The facades of the churches of San Giovanni Battista in Monterosso and Sant Andrea in Levanto are decorated with Carrara marble and serpentine in a purely Genoese gothic style. Beautiful trails along the ridge among conifers and deciduous trees lead to Punta Mesco, the Cinque Terre s ultimate bastion. This abrupt cape of red rock watches over the whales, which swim in from the open sea to this preserved and tranquil area each year to give birth. On arrival in Levanto you ll find many relics from the Middle Ages: the castle, ramparts and the clock tower, to name a few. Return to Corniglia by train. Ascent: 600m/1968ft, Descent: 600m/1968ft, Walking distance: 10km/6.2mi Page 2

3 cinque terre DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 Circuit walk from Lerici and the Montemarcello-Magra Natural Park (3.5hrs) This morning you will take a train to La Spezia and then a bus to Lerici. Today s hike follows portions of the AGV trail, which connects the Porto Venere ridges to La Spezia and the Montemarcello, at the boundaries of Liguria and Tuscany. AGV stands for Alta Via del Golfo, which means high road over the gulf. The coastal views are outstanding during the walk and depending on visibility, it is possible to see the north-eastern part of Tuscany, which begins in the Magra river valley, as well as the outline of the Apuan Alps in the background. On a clear day, the white areas midway on their slopes indicate the vast marble quarries of Carrara, which have been operating since antiquity. The return walk from Zanego to Lerici is along an overhanging path among olive trees on the old stone paths of the Montemarcello. At the end of the loop walk you will return to Corniglia by bus and by train. Ascent: 400m/1312ft, Descent: 400m/1312ft, Walking distance: 10km/6.2mi Corniglia, Volastra, Riomaggiore: the sea of vines walk (4.5hrs) At the heart of the Cinque Terre, the Volastra domain is home to the most prestigious viticultural lands, due to their aesthetic qualities and the high quality of products. During the September harvest, this is where convoys of grapes climb the steepest slopes on monorails, seeming to leap into the sea below. It is a truly impressive sight. Overlooking the coast and the green open spaces and terraces, the hike snakes between dry stone walls. The plunging views of small villages clinging to mountain spurs are a photographer s dream. The highlights of the walk continue with the discovery of Riomaggiore and its animated multicoloured alleys. Return to Corniglia by train. Ascent: 495m/1624ft :: Descent: 500m/1640ft :: Walking distance: 7.8km/4.8mi Hike to the ancient Roman city of Porto Venere or day trip by train to Pisa (4hrs) The climb starting in Marola opens up to beautiful views of the city of La Spezia, also called the Gulf of Poets. When visibility is good, it is possible to see the Apennine mountain range as well as the Apuan Alps and their white marble quarries. The hike climbs up through gardens before going through the Castellana marble quarries where, even today, a rare black marble called portoro is mined. The seemingly idyllic landscape encountered during the descent into Porto Venere is full of surprises: the calm and majestic gulf widens towards the open sea and the islands that inspired great poets, artists, and learned men and women such as Byron, George Sand, Pétrarque, Montale and Marconi, where their creative impulses were nurtured during extended stays. Once a Roman port, Porto Venere became a part of the republic of Genoa in the Middle Ages. Being the closest military post to Tuscany, this was a place from which sea battles were waged with its eternal (and current) rival and neighbour, the republic of Pisa. Today, the area is visited by many tourists, who come to enjoy its ancient architecture, cliff top houses, castles and ramparts towards the hill, meandering alleys, and the Genoese Gothic churches of San Lorenzo and San Pietro. Return by boat from Porto Venere to Monterosso and by train from Monterosso to Corniglia. Or if you prefer, you can enjoy a day trip to Pisa (by train, ticket not included). Ascent: 510m/1673ft, Descent: 510m/1673ft, Walking distance: 8.5km/5.3mi Trip concludes Arrangements end on check out from your apartment in the morning. Page 3

4 cinque terre inclusions 6 nights in a studio apartment (Category C) on a twin share basis. Upgrades available Category A & B to accommodate up to 4 people. NOTE: Category A 2 bedroom apartments cannot be booked in twin bedded configurations. All apartments are self catering and include basic cooking facilities Information pack including route notes & maps per apartment booked Assistance from our on site representative Train tickets (bus, ferry and national park ticket extra allow EUR40pp) items not included Travel to and from Corniglia Meals. Optional meal packages may be purchased in advance: 6 breakfast package &/or 6 dinner package ask your consultant or travel agent for details. Items of a personal nature Entrance fees for sites Bus trips, boat trips and additional train trips. Allow around EUR40 per person (more if you take an excursion to Pisa) Tour guide this is a self guided walking trip Travel insurance mandatory Cinque Terre card allow EUR14.50 for a two day pass (subject to change without notice). The pass is not required on all walking days. Local taxes allow EUR1 per person per day payable locally getting there PARKING & TRANSFERS BY TRAIN BY AIR We do not recommend driving to the Cinque Terre due to the scarcity of parking spots in the vicinity of Corniglia. If you do drive and manage to find a spot expect to pay around EUR100 for the week. For timetables to Corniglia see the Trenitalia website at index.html. Corniglia station is located between La Spezia and Genoa. Trains on the main lines as well as numerous regional trains do not stop there. From La Spezia, a regional train on the La Spezia to Sestri Levante line takes around 15 minutes to reach Corniglia (approx. one train every hour during the day). The closest international airports are Genoa, Pisa or Milan. From the airport Milan Malpensa (MXP) there are express trains every 30 minutes (taking 45 minutes) to Milano Centrale, or alternatively a shuttle bus service also operates direct to the central rail station. From here you follow the train instructions above. Genoa Airport take the Volabus service (hourly departures) to Stazione Principe F.S. journey time approximately 20 minutes. From there take a train to Corniglia (journey time hours depending on train type) Pisa Airport take a train to the main train station in Pisa, then change to a local train to La Spezia, and another change to Corniglia. Journey will take around 1 ½ hrs. trip grading - introductory INTRODUCTORY GRADE 1 Page 4

5 If you are not used to walking in mountainous terrain this walk may be considered more challenging than the introductory grade we have set. It is graded introductory in comparison to other walks we offer in Europe. The walking hours noted above are based on the walking speed of regular walkers, however the walks may take longer for people who are not used to walking in mountainous terrain, or for people walking in the heat of the summer months. There are some more difficult sections and short ascents on rough surfaces, however overall the distances are usually less than 10km. During the hotter months the walk can be more demanding and this should be taken into account when you select the days walk. 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 reasonable 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. a note on our self guided adventures Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. On self guided cycling tours it is expected that you will know how to repair punctures and make minor adjustments to gears, handlebars and seats. For anything more serious, our local partner will be able to assist. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. Using directions and maps can be more difficult for solo travellers as often two heads are better than one when it comes to finding your way. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again. joining instructions On confirmation of your booking you will receive a confirmation kit including pre departure information. Around 3 weeks prior to your departure from your home country you will receive your route notes and maps and detailed joining instructions. accommodation cinque terre DURING TOUR Accommodation is in a studio apartment in Corniglia suitable for up to 2 guests. You can upgrade to a duplex studio suitable for up to 3 adults and 1 child, or a 2 bedroom apartment for up to 4 adults (Please note 2 bedroom apartments cannot be booked in twin bedded configurations). Discounted rates apply for the 3rd and 4th person. Ask our office for details. The apartments are self catering and contain basic cooking facilities. Page 5

6 the region The region known as the Cinque Terre is tucked between the Ligurian Sea and the coastal mountain range that stretches southeast from Mount St Nicolao to Porto Venere. The area is confined by the Mesco and Montenero headlands in the province of La Spezia. The five villages that make up the Cinque Terre are: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The coast is famous for the originality and magnitude of the agricultural transformation that took place on its lands, easily one of the greatest achievements of mankind in terms of difficulty, size, and duration, comparable to the great pyramids of Egypt or the Great Wall of China. There is, however, an important difference between these major constructions and the Cinque Terre. While the former were built under conditions of forced labour, the transformation of the land in the Cinque Terre is the result of many generations of voluntary, spontaneous initiative. The workers had one goal in mind: to transform the dry, rugged landscape into an agricultural area. fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED VISAS Italy Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen visa countries list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements. CLIMATE Italian summers are hot. From late June to September, highs of 35 degrees Celsius are common. Spring and autumn are the nicest times of year, though rainfall in November can be heavy. Specifically, April to early June and September to October are the most pleasant months to walk. Average daytime highs are around degrees Celsius. MIN GROUP SIZE 1 MOBILITY REQUIREMENT This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIRED Wet weather gear, sunscreen, good walking boots / shoes and sun hat walking poles optional but recommended. (A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre departure information provided on booking). how to book To book a UTRACKS trip, complete our booking form which is found at the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website On completion, fax or post the form to your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office along with full payment by cheque or credit card (note: surcharges apply for credit card payments). World Expeditions/UTRACKS has access to competitive airfares to Europe. Call your nearest UTRACKS/World Expeditions office or travel agent for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation. follow us There s even more tips and ideas on our blog at cinque terre Page 6

7 cinque terre slide shows UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, com or contact our office. IMPORTANT NOTE THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY, AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE. talk to us If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office. Page 7

8 cinque terre AUSTRALIA UTracks Level 5, 71 York St Sydney NSW 2000 T: (02) F: (02) Toll free: Feel free to visit our World Expeditions offices in:- Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide (Thor Travel) For address and office phone numbers visit NEW ZEALAND UTracks Level 1, High St Auckland CBD PO Box Auckland City 1143 T: (09) F: (09) Toll Free: CANADA - OTTAWA UTracks 47 William St Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1N 6Z9 T: F: Toll Free: contact@utracks.com UNITED KINGDOM UTracks 1B Osiers Road Wandsworth London SW18 1NL T: F: T: (Ireland) info@utracks.com UTracks is a division of the World Expeditions Travel Group Page 8