Italy - Walking in Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre & Portovenere

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1 Italy - Walking in Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre & Portovenere 8 day walking holiday in Tuscany and Liguria with overnight stays at three charming hotels in respectively Pisa, Levanto and Portovenere. The tour begins in Pisa, that is famous for its beautiful buildings, bridges and especially the beautiful cathedral with its famous Leaning Tower. Lucca is considered to be the most charming city in the whole of Tuscany, with its surrounding citywalls from the Renaissance, and with its great square in the heart of the city, there is a remodeled ancient amphitheater. In the region of Liguria you find the five picturesque villages of Cinque Terre, situated along the Mediterranean coast. It is an area with fantastic hiking trails, that winds their way through the dramatic landscape, through surroundings where people through the last thousand years, slowly has adapted and cultivated the area along the rocky shores. You will stay in Levanto with its medieval charm and wide beach, and finaly in Portovenere, which with its view of the nearby romantic island Palmaria is a great little corner of Italy. This is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have a little experience with hiking and a general good physique. Most day trips are on well marked trails from village to village through forest and vineyards in the unforgettable landscape above the Mediterranean sea. Average hiking time: approx 3 to 6 hours. day. Stay at charming hotels in Pisa, Levanto and Portovenere Walking through Cinque Terre and its five beautifully colored villages Hike to Framura, Moneglia and Sestri Levante Liguria's best view points is found near Vernazza The charming village og Portovenere and a walk on Palmaria island

2 Stunning view points overlooking the azure blue Mediterranean sea Walking through authentic vineyards and citrus groves Itinerary Day 1 Arriving in Pisa Total walking time: around 1 hour + sightseeing time If there is time after checking in at the hotel go for a short stroll in the city center or take a swim to freshen up after the journey. Day 2 Sightseeing in Pisa and Lucca Walking time: around 1 hour + sightseeing time From the hotel, you will begin a wonderful tour through the old part of town, to the center of Pisa. The tour takes you past the train station, from where it is only a short train ride to the nearby city of Lucca, which is considered to be the most charming of city Tuscany. Lucca has a lot to offer, with its atmospheric Renaissance architectural style. Among the interesting things is the Roman amphitheater, which currently fills the role of the town square in the center of the city. Start by walking through Piazza Risorgimento, and from there proceed into the heart of this city surrounded by old city walls. In the old part of town it is almost entirely pedestrianized, so there are plenty of opportunities to explore the maze of ancient alleyways and streets. Take your time to enjoy the city and if you want to enjoy the view of the beautiful tiled city roofs, it is possible from the top of Torre Guinigi, an old tower, which is a part of an old medieval villa. In the late afternoon we recommend taking the train back to Pisa. At this time the peak pressure of tourist has gone, and it is therefore the perfect time of day to visit Piazza dei Miracoli with its worldfamous Leaning Tower. A pleasant stroll through the old town center, perhaps with a coffee break at one of the charming cafes, before you return to the hotel. Day 3 From Pisa in Tuscany to Liguria and the Cinque Terre

3 Walking time: around 3,5 hours + sightseeing time (Option: + 1 hour). This day will be the first trekking day in the beautiful Cinque Terre. Take the train from Pisa to Levanto (1,5 hours 12-15), and after checking in at the hotel, there will be time to go and buy a picnic lunch to bring on the days hike. The walk of the day will take you along the coast to Monterosso al Mare. The first part of the journey goes up to Punta Mesco, which is one of the most distinctive promontories in Liguria. This is a perfect place to take a picnic stop, after which you can take a closer look at the ruins of a hermitage from the 11th century, that lies here. Along this trail there are fantastic viewpoints of the sea and the rocky coastline. On the way back there is a steep descent to Monterosso, a colorful village with blue, red and yellow houses, situated on the hillside above the beach. From here you can catch the local train back to Levanto. It is also possible to walk via a path leading into the country side and over a ridge right behind the castle of Levanto. Day 4 Walking through the five villages of Cinque Terre Walking time: around 3,5 hours + sightseeing time (Option: + 2 hours). The day begins with a short train ride from Levanto to Riomaggiore, which is the most southern situated of the five villages. From here the hike begins in direction of Manarola, a nice small village, situated with its colorful houses on the steep hillsides, just above the natural and rocky harbor. From here you continue up through the terraces of wine until you reach the village of Corniglia, located on a mountainridge with spectacular views of the sea. The vineyards and beautiful citrus groves towards Vernazza, known for its ancient fortress and as the place of some of Liguria's most stunning view points. You will walk on a narrow path on the mountain slopes, which winds it way up and down, before ending with a fairly steep descent down to Vernazza, which is also claimed to be the prettiest of the villages. Here you will have time to visit the tower of the castle, for a spectacular view of the harbor and its brightly painted fishing boats. There are a lot of cafes and bars in the city, from where the atmosphere can be enjoyed over a beverage before the train takes you back to Levanto. Day 5 Walking through Framura, Moneglia and Sestri Levante Walking time: around 3,5-4 hours + sightseeing time (to Framura train station) (Option to Deiva Marina + 2,5 hours) Today you walk from Levanto in a western direction. The first part goes on the ride along the beach, then the trails goes up into the hills and then down to the small coastal town of Bonassola. A coastal trail continues to Framura, where a number of small villages have grown together in the hilly landscape. From the upper village of Costa the path continues horizontally on green hillsides along the coast, with breathtaking views of the sea. A steep descent brings you down to Deiva Marina. From here it is possible to continue to Moneglia. This coastal walk takes you through several charming little villages where you will have time to drink a cup of coffee or just relax. There are also good opportunities to have lunch. you can go as far as you like, as it is possible from most of the villages to jump on the train back to Levanto. Day 6 Walking through Riomaggiore, Campiglia and Portovenere Walking time: around 4,5 hours + sightseeing time (Option: + 1 hour) While the luggage will be transported to Portovenere, you will take the train to Riomaggiore, where you begin the journey in an eastern direction towards Campiglia and Portovenere. The trek starts off with a long flight of stairs, that leads up to the holy Madonna di Montenero. The path continues and runs along coastal cliffs and through the terraces of wine with magnificent views of the coastline, which is in beautiful contrast to the blue sea. You are now on Sentiero Rosso, a mountain ridge that runs through the whole of Cinque Terre. As you pass through the small village of Campiglia, it will be possible to stop for a refreshment. By walking through the pine forest, the path will become more narrow, and the view spectacular, as you approach Portovenere. When arriving at the castle from the 16th century, which rises above the village, you will go down a long staircase leading you to the heart

4 of the village. Here you will have time to stroll the streets of this charming village and Punta San Pietro, before setteling into the hotel, overlooking the Gulf of Poets. Day 7 Walking in Portovenere and a tour of the Palmaria island Walking time: around 3,5 hours + sightseeing time. After the long walk yesterday, today will be less challenging. It is possible to go for an easy walk around the Palmaria Island, which lies just off the coast of Portovenere. You can cross the water by a 5 min. boat ride ( 6 roundtrip) and spend as much of the day as you wish, exploring the beauty of this Mediterranean island, its dense vegetation, characteristic rocks and cliffs with seagulls floating in the blue sky above you. Take time to explore the island's impressive fortress, and possibly enjoy a dip in the ocean from one of the remote beaches. As you take the boat back to the mainland, grab the be the opportunity to enjoy the center of Portovenere and find yourself a charming restaurant to enjoy the final dinner on this trip. Day 8 Departure After breakfast it is time to pack your luggage and check out of the hotel for departure. Prices includes 2 nights at a 3-star hotel in Pisa, incl. breakfast 3 nights at a 3-star hotel in Levanto, incl. breakfast 2 nights at a 3-star hotel in Portovenere, incl. breakfast 1 Luggage transfer from Levanto to Portovenere on day 6 Detailed route descriptions, maps and relevant tourist information. 24 hour local support Not included Prices Transportation to and from the destination. Local train tickets (about 2 per. ticket) and boat tickets from Punta San Pietro to Riomaggiore (about 10 per. ticket) Ferry to Palmaria Island (about 6 roundtrip) Cancellation and travel insurance. Price from EUR 0.00 See more You can see much more about the trip here:

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