Overview
Walks on Italy’s stunning Ligurian riviera
Located on a part of Italy’s most beautiful coastline, nestled between the
Cinque Terre and bay of Portofino, our base in the seaside town of Moneglia
is a real treat for visitors. On inspirational walks through hills,
woodland and coastal villages we will discover why these areas have earned
names such as the Gulf of the Poets. Many of the countrys most iconic
trails are situated in the region of Liguria and this trip makes a great
introduction to Italy with its ample opportunities for walking, relaxing and
sampling delicious food and wine.
Highlights
* Coastal and mountain paths via olive groves and vineyards
* Some of the most picturesque and colourful villages of the Cinque Terre
and Liguria
* Walk from village to village, through forests and spectacular terraced
landscapes overlooking the sea
* Chic resort of Portofino
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Pisa; transfer to Moneglia.
Start at the charming seaside town of Moneglia. Beautifully located in the
heart of a bay on the Mediterranean sea, the picture-postcard town is listed
since 2012 on the “I Borghi Pi Belli d’Italia” (Most Beautiful Villages of
Italy) and has beenawarded the European Blue Flag
every year since 1990, for its clear waters and the quality of the services
offered.
Day 2
Follow the coastal trail between Deiva Marina and the villages of Framura and
Bonassola
In the morning we take a short train to Deiva Marina and start our walk
through holm oak forests and maquis shrubland. The walk begins with a
relatively steep path, climbing up to picturesque woods of pine and
strawberry trees. Our efforts will be rewarded at the top of the hill with
stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the Promontory of Portofino.
We will then take an ondulating trail that offers beautiful views over the
Ligurian Sea and leads to the village of Framura, where we stop for
lunch.After the refreshments, we descend by steps almost to sea level then
meander through woods until a final steep climb for magnificent views of the
sea. We then head to the pretty village of Bonassola before taking the train
back to our hotel in Moneglia.
Day 3
Take the train to Cinque Terre N.P; walk the stunning paths to some of
Liguria’s prettiest villages.
Today we will set out to visit the spectacular Cinque Terre (Five Lands), one
of Italy’s most beautiful ‘works of art’, declared a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 1997 and part of the Cinque Terre National Park. The best way to
explore these charming villages is on foot, and today we will walk on the
famous Sentiero Azzurro Ligure (Ligurian Blue Path), which connects the five
villages.
Today we will visit three of the five, namelyCorniglia, Vernazza and
Monterosso, and we will pass along old mule tracks, walking through terraced
vineyards and olive groves. After completing some steep and rocky sections,
we will be rewarded with wonderful views of the colourful villages, built
into the rocks facing the sea.Please note thatsome sections of the path
may be closed so we may need to take thetrain between villages or change
the itinerary accordingly.
At the end of the walk, we catch the train back to Moneglia where there will
be time to relax or go for a swim before dinner.
Day 4
Walk on the Portofinopromontory and explore the world-renowned fishing
village of Portofino itself.
This morning we will set out by train to Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming
coastal town, where we will begin our hike to the fishing village of
Portofino. Famous for its pastel-coloured houses and picturesque harbour, the
town is now attracting celebrities from all over the world.
Day 5
Free day to relax, take optional walks, try kayaking or visit nearby
Portovenere or Genova.
Today you will enjoy a well-earned break and perhaps spend your day relaxing
at the beach. Those with more energy might like to use the opportunity for
some sightseeing. Genoa, the regions capital city, home of Christopher
Columbus and the largest aquarium in Europe is not be missed. Alternatively,
you could spend some time in the near town of Porto Venere, referred to being
one of the stops in the “Bay of Poets” or use the day to visit the
beautiful town of Lucca, located further away.
Day 6
Transfer to Rapallo by train, take the cable car up Montallegro for fantastic
views and walk down to Chiavari, afternoon wine tasting.
This morning we will take a short train ride to Rapallo and the cable car up
to the sanctuary of Montallegro (600 mt). From here we will set out on a walk
through quiet woodland, catching glimpses of the Ligurian sea en route to the
seaside town of Chiavari. In the early evening we will have the chance to
enjoy the local speciality at our well-deserved wine tasting!
Day 7
Return to the Cinque Terre area for an alternative walk through glorious
coastline and colourful villages.
This morning we will head back to the famous Cinque Terre to walk some of the
quieter, alternative trails. The exact path you will walk will depend on
local track conditions, but they are generally on higher ground than the
classic Sentiero Azzuro, so offer even more spectacular views of the
coastline and villages.
Day 8
Transfer to Pisa; fly to London.
Transfer to Pisa; fly to London.
