Italy - Cinque Terre and Portofino Hiking Tour 2018 Individual Self-Guided 7 days / 6 nights As if it was a little paradise, in this corner of the Liguria region located at the far end of the Riviera di Levante, contemplation and calm take the place of haste and frenzy. Here, about sixty miles east from Genoa, several generations of farmers have shaped the mountain to meet their needs, building stonewalls to retain the land and creating terraces where to grow vegetables, vines and olive trees. The name Cinque Terre literally means Five lands, from the five small villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, nestled above cliffs or into deep, hardly accessible coves, all facing the seafront with their colorful houses. Typical products of this area are extra virgin olive oil, anchovies and liqueurs. Having explored Cinque Terre, we move on to the peninsulas of Portofino and Sestri Levante: posh marinas, millionaires yachts, lonely pines overlooking green water coves. On the terrace of a local trattoria, facing the sun sinking into the Mediterranean Sea, you will have the time to enjoy the typical focaccia and a glass of white wine after a pleasant hiking day. In the evening, head back from where you started and finish off your trip by enjoying a stroll down the streets of the peaceful small town of Sestri Levante.
Day 1: Sestri Levante Individual arrival in Sestri Levante. Accommodation in hotel, dinner and overnight. Day 2: Round trip Levanto - Punta Mesco - Monterosso 9 km + 640 m 640 m Today s walk bring you in the heart of the National Park of Cinque Terre. Starting from Corniglia the first stop is in Vernazza, an important and historical village being the only natural harbor of the Cinque Terre. Out of Vernazza you walk along the olive groves and with views on the sea. Your paths continues gently towards Monterosso, today s destination. Return by train. Overnight in Sestri Levante. Day 3: Palmaria Island and Portovenere 6 km + 200 m 200 m After breakfast, train transfer to La Spezia (40 min.). By boat (vaporetto) you go to the Palmaria Island for a circular tour of this little island rich in Mediterranean vegetation. Depending on the period you can see the bloom of cistus and nice rare orchids and admire the colorful wood. Along the way spectacular sceneries on the sea and the coastline. In the first afternoon you will reach by boat Portovenere where you will visit the medial town, the Churches of San Pietro and San Lorenzo and the Byron Grotto. Return to La Spezia by boat or bus and then to Sestri Levante by train. Dinner and overnight. Day 4: Cinque Terre Park: Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso 9.5 km + 550 m 620 m Train ride to Corniglia, to begin your second full day in the heart of the Cinque Terre region. From the train station you walk up to the village of Corniglia, one of the most beautiful and well preserved villages of the park. After the visit you continue walking towards Volastra, first in ascent and then in plain, on a scenic path overlooking the sea, among the vineyards. Then it s time to walk down to Manarola. After the visit of the village you can reach Riomaggiore either by train or with an hour walk climbing and descending a path made of stairs, up to the sea. After a swim, you go back by train to Sestri Levante. Overnight in Sestri Levante.
Day 5: Riomaggiore Portovenere 12 km +650 m 650 m After a transfer to Riomaggiore you start your trek to Portovenere along the panoramic path from which it is possible to admire little and picturesque burgs on the sea. From Portovenere return by boat to Monterosso or by bus to La Spezia and then by train. Dinner and overnight in hotel. Day 6: Portofino 12 km + 380-550m After breakfast is the first train transfer to Rapallo and then by bus to Ruta di Camogli where the trek starts across the Park of Portofino: Paradiso Pietre Strette San Fruttuoso. The path is surrounded by Holm oaks, mixed wood and the Mediterranean brush. The burg of San Fruttuoso is really nice and characterized by the ancient Abbey of the VIII century. After the visit of the Abbey, boat to Portofino. A short stop here to visit the nice village to continue then to Santa Margherita Ligure. From here train to Sestri Levante. Day 7: after breakfast end of the tour
Route Technical characteristics: Tour Profile: Paths and easy roads, hilly area. We recommend doing a little trekking practice or a little training. Average duration of the daily stages: between 4 and 6 hours walking. Positive difference in height: between 200 and 850 meters per day. Roads are 80% unpaved paths, 20% paved roads; several stairs. Distance: 48.5 km Travel Dates: Departures daily from March 31 to October 31, 2018
Price per Person: Double Occupancy 456.00 High Season Supplement* 90.00 Double Single Use Supplement 244.00 *high season: from June 1 to September 30, and every departure including March 31 to April 2, April 21 to May 1 and June 2 to June 4 Included: Accommodation 6 nights in a Bed & Breakfast, double room with private bath 6 breakfasts + 3 dinners (day 1, 3, 5) Route description GPS data available Not Included: Meals (except 3 dinners) Drinks, Trains and ferry tickets Entries and extras Everything not mentioned as included Assisting people in realizing their touring dreams worldwide is our passion. www.okcycletours.com THIS IS A PARTNER TOUR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9 Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350 TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848