HIKING TOUR IN CINQUE TERRE

A spectacular journey on foot and by rail, exploring Italy’s glamorous Portofino, together with two UNESCO World Heritage gems; the Cinque Terre National Park with its five classic colourful fishing villages, and the lovely Portovenere.

The Ligurian coast, known as bella Italia’s ‘Flower Riviera’, will captivate you with its unique coastal and forest trails, where you’ll walk or take short train rides from village to village, admiring the cobalt blue sea and colourful collections of houses that cling to the cliff faces. Revel in the region’s delicious cuisine, washed down with excellent local wines from the region’s terraced vineyards— this tour will delight foodies and keen walkers alike.

This trip begins on the Portofino peninsula, staying in the traditional fishing harbour of Camogli, from where you can visit the impressive San Frutuoso Abbey— located in a beautiful cove and reached only by boat or on foot, as well as the lighthouse ‘Il Faro’ which gives spectacular views of the Mediterranean and Ligurian Seas. You’ll continue on foot to iconic Portofino, where you can relax at the harbour with a chilled caffè freddo and watch the fishing boats and mega-yachts bobbing on the crystal-clear water.

Continue your Italian adventure with a walk through the hills of the East Riviera, staying overnight at Bonassola with its laid-back beach, before continuing south along the coastline to Monterosso. Set amidst terraces of olive groves and vines, Monterosso is the largest of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. Enjoy a choice of coastal or mountain walks through vineyards and fragrant pine and chestnut forests. Alternatively, make use of your two-day rail pass, or simply relax under a colourful beach umbrella.

Visit the town of Riomaggiore, the most southerly of the Cinque Terre villages, dating from the 8th Century and characterised by sorbet-coloured houses perched on slate grey cliffs. Your walking tour finishes in the lovely medieval fishing town of Portovenere, on the Gulf of Poets. No wonder this area inspired such literary greats such as Byron and DH Lawrence.

HIKING CINQUE TERRE AT A QUICK GLANCE

• DAY 1: Arrive Camogli
• DAY 2: Transfer to San Rocco and walk to Portofino via San Fruttuoso - 7/11km
• DAY 3: Train to Bonassola. Walk to Deiva Marina via Framura - 5/11km
• DAY 4: Walk to Monterosso via Levanto - 3/10km
• DAY 5: Transfer to Soviore, walk to Monterosso via Vernazza - 6/10km
• DAY 6: Free day to explore Cinque Terre or choice of walks Colla di Gritta / Corniglia-Riomaggiore - 9/10km
• DAY 7: Train to Riomaggiore. Walk to Portovenere - 13km
• DAY 8: GOODBYE

HIKING TRIP IN CINQUE TERRE ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrive Camogli

This Italian journey begins in the charming small fishing village of Camogli, situated on the west side of the Portofino peninsula. Camogli is easily reached with good train connections from Genoa or Pisa (and Florence is also an option). If you have time when you arrive, visit the historic centre and embrace the relaxed seaside ambience of Camogli, with its fantastic fresh seafood and colourful houses. Overnight: Suggested Hotel, Camogli

DAY 2: Walk to Portofino via San Fruttuoso

Choice of walks: Easier option: 7km, 734m ascent, 394m descent, 3h30 approx. Harder option: 11km, 1165m ascent, 1185m descent, 5h30.

It is best to transfer to the village of San Rocco. Start your walk with a visit to the San Fruttuoso Abbey, located in a secluded bay overlooking cobalt-blue waters. From here you can choose to walk or take a ferry to the chic town of Portofino (the latter is payable locally).

Enjoy the wonderful view from Il Faro (the Light House), located at the extreme point of the promontory, 1km from Portofino. A firm favourite with the celebrity ‘jet set’, this pretty town is famous for its picturesque harbour. From here you can take the train or boat back to Camogli (payable locally). Overnight: Suggested Hotel, Camogli

DAY 3: Train to Bonassola. Walk to Deiva Marina via Framura

Choice of walks: Easier option: 5km, 421m ascent, 394m descent, 2h30 approx. Harder option: 11km, 878m ascent, 881m descent, 4hrs.

Continue your adventure along the Ligurian Riviera by jumping on a train to Bonassola (payable locally), a lovely town wedged between the sea and mountains, from where you will begin your walk through the hills of the East Riviera. The first part of your walk to Framura is extremely panoramic with wonderful views over the northern Ligurian coast. You can always shorten your walk by finishing in Framura and returning to Bonassola by train. On reaching the pretty little town of Deiva Marina, why not take a cooling dip in the ocean to celebrate a wonderful day’s walk. Overnight: Suggeted Hotel, Bonassola

DAY 4: Walk to Monterosso via Levanto

Choice of walks: Easier option: 3km, 225m ascent, 226m descent, 1h30 approx. Harder option: 10km, 753m ascent, 746m descent, 4h30.

The first part of today’s walk runs along an old railway track which has recently been transformed into a fairly flat cycle path. Walk through the tunnels and over the bridges whilst revelling in spectacular views over the azure sea and cliffs until you reach the idyllic painter’s paradise of Levanto, located in the centre of a charming valley surrounded by green hills. As you reach the ridge top, pause to take in the sweeping views to the mountains which surround the ‘Gulf of Paradise’. Arriving at Punta Mesco you continue your descent towards the village of Monterosso. Overnight: Suggested Hotel, Monterosso

DAY 5: Transfer to Soviore, walk to Monterosso via Vernazza

Choice of walks: Easier option: 6km, 266m ascent, 707m descent, 3hrs approx. Harder option: 10km, 643m ascent, 1098m descent, 4hrs.

After a good breakfast, begin with a transfer to Soviore, thus avoiding the very steep section up an ancient cobbled path. On arrival in Soviore you can either stop to visit the local monastery or immediately begin your walk towards Vernazza.

Follow a panoramic path that gently descends to the Madonna di Reggio, a Sanctuary hidden in the hills behind the little town of Vernazza. From here continue walking on a stone path down to this pretty port full of colourful houses and old fishing boats, before taking the panoramic coastal path back to Monterosso.

To shorten the walk, you can stop in Vernazza if you wish, and take the train back to Monterosso.

Overnight: Suggested Hotel, Monterosso: Walk: 9km, 690m ascent, 696m descent, 3hrs.

DAY 6: Explore Cinque Terre's Colla di Gritta

Monterosso loop walk via Colle di Gritta Head inland past the ‘Chiesa dei Cappucini’ to the Colla di Gritta. Continue over the mountain ridge through lush forests, passing over Monte Molinelli, Monte Rossini, Montenegro and Colla dei Bagari until you reach Punta Mesco. Return to Monterosso via a series of old stone footpaths. Overnight: Suggested Hotel, Monterosso

DAY 7: Train to Riomaggiore. Walk to Portovenere

Walk: 13km, 861m ascent, 875m descent, 6hrs.

A short train ride (payable locally) takes you to Riomaggiore, the most southerly of the villages of the Cinque Terre, dating from 13th Century. Continue your walk to the edge of the chain of mountains which borders the Cinque Terre area. From Colle del Telegrafo, follow the ridgeline until you reach Portovenere, passing through the village of Campiglia. Your final walk will be rewarded with great views over the Cinque Terre coastline and the impressive cliffs of Portovenere at the end.

The stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Portovenere was a favourite of such literary greats as Byron, Shelley and DH Lawrence. Its photogenic San Pietro Church was built atop the remains of a 6th-century church, said to occupy the site of an ancient Roman temple to Venus. Overnight: Suggested Hotel, Portovenere

DAY 8: Tour Ends

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Hiking and Walking Italy

Walking the Amalfi Coast Week

Walking Tour of the Amalfi Coast

High cliffs overlooking the the vivid blue Mediterranean sea creates an indescribably beautiful coastline, listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Picturesque villages and towns perched on the hillside combined with an exceptional diversity of landscape provide the perfect landscape for walking. Ancient paths wind through fragrant lemon groves and terraced vineyards, rewarding you with breathtaking views at every twist and turn. Your holiday starts in the town of Amalfi, an ancient Maritime Republic famous for its refined architecture and your base for the first three nights. Agerola is your next stop, a rural community situated on an high plan surrounded by a dramatic landscape rising steeply from the shore to rugged mountains. Your walking holiday continues to the fishing village of Praiano and then you explore the most marvelous section of the “Footpath of Gods”, walking though an unmatched Mediterranean landscape.

Amalfi Coast Tour at a Qlance

DAY 1: Arrive Amalfi DAY 2: The Valley of the Ancient Mills Walk - 13.5km DAY 3: Isle of Capri Walk - 5hrs DAY 4: Scala and the nature reserve of “Valle delle Ferriere” - 13km DAY 5: Coastal Views from Mt. Tre Calli - 10km DAY 6: The Fjord of Furore - 11km DAY 7: The Footpath of the Gods - 10km DAY 8: Goodbye

Daily Travel Plan for Exploring Amalfi Coast

DAY 1: Arrive Starting Point: Amalfi It is recommended flying to Naples International Airport. Amalfi is 75km by road from the airport and we can arrange taxi transfers or you can travel by train to Sorrento and then bus/taxi to Amalfi. Surrounded by enchanting mountains, enjoy the day exploring the steep streets and alleyways of this charming town. Overnight: Amalfi DAY 2: The Valley of the Ancient Mills Walk: Walk: 13.5km, 5h30 approx. Starting from your hotel you follow a scenic path up to the medieval Tower of Zirro to enjoy the first of many stunning coastal views. Walking along twisting mule tracks, through the fragrant groves of the typical lemon trees, you head into the wooded hills. You soon enter the valley of the watermills and can explore the ruins of the many paper factories. These date back to the 11th century and made Amalfi paper famous. The next highlight is the hamlet of Ravello with its picturesque gardens of Villa Cimbrone and the stunning 13th-century Villa Rufolo. You then walk back to Amalfi through Atrani. Overnight: Amalfi DAY 3: Isle of Capri Walk: Walk: 3h30-5hrs approx. An unforgettable day of walking and exploring awaits as you take a boat to the Isle of Capri. You walk towards the impressive Roman ruins of the Villa Jovis, the palace of Emperor Tiberius, before joining the coastal path along the Arco Naturale until you reach the Faraglioni - the peculiar rocks protruding out of the sea. Later you can choose to visit the Convent of San Giacomo and the Gardens of Emperor Augustus or relax while enjoying a gelato, before returning to Amalfi. Overnight: Amalfi DAY 4: Scala and the nature reserve of “Valle delle Ferriere”: Walk: 13km, 5hrs approx. To start your day you take the public bus from Amalfi into the mountains to the village of Scala (25 mins). A quiet path leads into the nature reserve of “Valle delle Ferriere”, a deep valley surrounded by high cliffs. The stable microclimate allows for the preservation of the Woodwardia radicans - a rare type of long-leafed fern from the pre-glacial age. Your walk continues through meadows, small waterfalls and spectacular landscapes on a high path to the tiny hamlet of Pogerola. You then descend an ancient flight of steps towards the Amalfi and your overnight stop of Agerola. The village of Agerola sits at 600m above sea level in a wide green valley surrounded by thick natural forest and offers spectacular sea and mountain views. Overnight: Agerola DAY 5: Coastal Views from Mt. Tre Calli: Walk: 10km, 4h30 approx. Today’s walk is one of the best of the best for panoramic views.. Incredible coastal views from ancient paths cut into the mountainside will have you continually reaching for your camera. From the central square of Bomerano (Agerola) the walk leads toward some of the highest cliffs in the Amalfi Coast, Sant’Angelo a Tre Pizzi. The coastal views are unforgettable.  Further alongthe walk around Mt. Tre Calli, you can enjoy the Amalfi’s finest viewpoints with sights of Positano, the finis terrae and the Isle of Capri. Overnight: Agerola DAY 6: The Fjord of Furore: Walk: 11km, 5hrs approx. Starting from Agerola you follow ancient alleyways, which for centuries linked the high-plain of Agerola and the rural communities situated on the terraced shoreline. Following a network of paved paths, the walk arrives at the highest point of the Fjord of Furore, a spectacularly deep gash into the Amalfi Coast. You descend steeply into the valley, passing an old mill, ancient paper factory and a small fishing village before arriving at a lovely beach on the shore. Following the fjord to the shore you arrive in the coastal town of Praiano. Praiano is the hidden gem of the Amalfi Coast, a quaint fishing town away from the busy tourist areas and offering rich culture and history, great views of Positano and an authentic experience. Overnight: Praiano DAY 7: The Footpath of the Gods: Walk: 10km, 4h30 approx. The Footpath of the Gods is justifiably the most famous walk on the Amalfi Coast and the highlight of your walking holiday. From Praiano you climb steeply to reach the convent of San Domenico, a stunning view point and the beginning of the most spectacular part of the world famous “Sentiero degli Dei” (Footpath of the Gods). As the path twists and turns high above the sea it offers some of the most remarkable views on the Amalfi Coast. Terraced lemon groves and tiny villages cling to steep cliffs over the crystal blue sea. You follow the vertiginous trail to the village of Nocelle, and then on to the charming town of Positano. Return by bus to Praiano.Overnight: Praiano DAY 8: Onward Travel

HIKING TOUR IN THE HILLTOWNS OF TUSCANY

Walking through the breathtaking landscape of the hills of southern Tuscany between romantic hill top towns is a magical experience. Your journey winds through a unique linear, almost geometric landscape of hills, vineyards and olive trees between renaissance towns and medieval monasteries. Walking through the lesser known wine regions south of Siena allows you to escape the pace of 21st century life and discover the tastes and textures of this beautiful region of Italy.

This suggested walking vacation begins at Cortona and then a visit to the medieval hill top town of Montepulciano, before continuing to the renaissance town of Pienza, a UNESCO world heritage site. The journey continues through the tranquil Tuscan landscape to a succession of architecturally and historically fascinating towns and monasteries while enjoying the generous Tuscan hospitality before your journey’s end in Siena.

QUICK DAY BY DAY TUSCANY HIKING TRIP PROGRAM

• DAY 1: Arrive Starting Point: Cortona
• DAY 2: Montepulciano to Pienza - 9.5 miles
• DAY 3: Pienza to Bagno Vignoni - 9.5 miles
• DAY 4: Bagno Vignoni to Sant’Antimo - 8 miles
• DAY 5: Montalcino to Buonconvento - 14 miles
• DAY 6: Buonconvento to Monte Oliveto Maggiore - 6.5 miles
• DAY 7: Buonconvento to Siena - 10 miles
• DAY 8: Goodbye to continue your adventure

TUSCANY HILLTOWNS WALKING TOUR OUTLINE

DAY 1: Arrive Starting Point: Montepulciano

It is recommended flying to Rome, Florence or Pisa and then catch the train to Chiusi (Train 1h30, 2h30 and 1h50 respectively). From Chuisi you can take a local bus or taxi the short distance to Montepulciano (20mins) Overnight: Suggested Hotel, Montepulciano

DAY 2: Montepulciano to Pienza: Walk: 9.5 miles

Starting from the San Biagio church you follow a quiet dirt road to the charming village of Montichiello where you can pause for a relaxed lunch or perhaps just a quick cappuccino before continuing to Pienza. Pienza is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of it’s unique renaissance architecture and town planning. Additionally it is well known for the production of pecorino cheese and truffles. Overnight: Suggested Hotel, Pienza.

DAY 3: Pienza to Bagno Vignoni: Walk: 9.5 miles

Today you wander through a beautiful region of rolling hills, oak woods, cypress trees and pretty villages. The thermal baths complex at Bagno Vignoni is the perfect location to spend the afternoon relaxing. Overnight: Suggested Hotel, Bagno Vignoni.

DAY 4: Bagno Vignoni to Sant’Antimo: Walk: 8 miles

A hard but enjoyable day following dry riverbeds through a fairly wild environment brings you to St Antimo, an isolated abbey situated in a pastoral landscape. After exploring the abbey walk or take the local bus to the Medieval town of Montalacino. Overnight: Suggested Hotel, Montalcino.

DAY 5: Montalcino to Buonconvento: Walk: 14 miles

A fairly tough day walking in the famous Brunello wine region. You will pass tthrough vineyards and olive groves, then finally entering the beautiful Tuscan Landscape of the "Crete" and Buonconvento, where you will stay in a lovely agriturismo. Overnight: Suggested Hotel, Buonconvento

DAY 6: Buonconvento to San Quirico d’Orcia: Walk: 12 miles

En route to San Quirico d’Orcia you pass through Brunello vineyards there will the opportunity to visit a nice winery at Torrenieri. Cross the railway line and carry on through wineries and iconic landscapes to San Quirico, a delightful walled town. You have just completed this section of the Via Francigena and perhaps you would like to reward yourself with a glass of delicious chianti in the medieval town square.

DAY 7: Buonconvento to Siena: Walk: 10 miles

Today you should start with a short transfer from Pieve a Salti to Grancia di Cuna to start the walk to Siena. Walking through a landscape of rolling hills and small hamlets until you are rewarded with the view of Siena in the distance. Enter the town through Porto Romana, one of the medieval gates and walk thought the city to reach your hotel. Overnight: Suggested Hotel, Siena. 

DAY 8: Goodbye.

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