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Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak

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Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak

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Description

Explore a surreal region of Italy that looks straight out of a postcard (only better) with this eight-day multi-active trip. The houses are painted in vivid multi-coloured shades, the sea is brighter than the sky, and the sun beams down so heavily that everything seems a little technicoloured – welcome to the Cinque Terre. This jewel of Europe changes with the light of the day and is best explored on foot, on a bike or on a kayak. On this trip, you’ll witness natural beauty on all three! Cycle past olive groves, hike to medieval monuments, kayak to gorgeous beaches and refuel your energy every afternoon with cocktails and carbs! Did someone say pasta?

Trip Name
Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak
Last Updated
2024-09-02
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Immerse yourself in colourful cliff-side houses and a coastal paradise that makes the Cinque Terre region of Italy one of the world's most romantic destinations.
  • Adventure through the area's most scenic trails on foot, including parts of the classic coastal route. Bike through gorgeous villages (the best way to cover ground) and take a kayaking trip on the sparkling Mediterranean Sea to a paradisiacal beach.
  • If you'd rather spend more time relaxing on the beach, there's some flexibility to take a train instead of hiking – with a local leader and somebody to organize everything for you, you can choose your own adventure!
  • Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and afternoon aperitifs overlooking spectacular cliffs, iconic village views and the deep blue of the ocean.
  • Discover a swathe of medieval marvels, such as the castle and churches of Levanto and the Abbey of San Fruttuoso.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Levanto
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Levanto on the Ligurian coast with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not stroll through the gorgeous town, admiring the orange, yellow and blue architecture or chill out on the beach? Tonight, take in the atmosphere of this seaside location and maybe head out to dinner with your new travel companions.
Day 2 - Hiking in Cinque Terre / Biking to Framura
Today, you’ll embark on your first walk, which takes you along the coast from Levanto to Monterosso – the first of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. The first part of the walk leads you through the centre of Levanto’s Old Town, past the cathedral and up to its castle. Continue to Punta Mesco – the most notable promontory in the region. Visit the ruins of an 11th-century hermitage and the ruins of the lighthouse nearby. Here, you’ll have marvellous views of the rugged coastline can find a nice spot to stop for a picnic lunch. Then, follow the steep path down into Monterosso – a colourful village with blue, red and yellow houses that cluster along the beachfront. Take your time to explore this little town before taking the local train back to Levanto. In the afternoon, explore the coast on bikes and ride along the old coastal railway line to Framura, now turned into a beautiful cycling path. The scenery is stunning, and the ride is virtually flat. Maybe enjoy an aperitif overlooking the sea before returning to Levanto for the night.
Day 3 - Hiking in Cinque Terre
Take a short train ride to Riomaggiore this morning – the southernmost of the five villages. Here, you’ll start the classic coastal walk that links the five villages. Begin with a short stroll through Riomaggiore along a short stretch of the Via dell’ Amore. Next, is a beautiful but strenuous trail through the vineyards (you can take the train if you prefer). This takes you to Manarola – an attractive little village with steep multi-coloured houses overlooking a rocky port. Make your way up through a stunning terraced landscape to the village of Volastra, then continue your walk along one of the most beautiful trails in the area. Through terraced vineyards and the occasional forest, you’ll approach Corniglia, perched on a ridge overlooking the sea. Next is the little hamlet of Prevo, where you’ll trail through terraced vineyards and citrus groves. Enjoy some of the best views in the region as you approach Vernazza, dominated by its old fortress. Follow the contours of the hillside on a narrow track into the village. After a day of walking, maybe wind down with a drink in Vernazza at the harbour, surrounded by its brightly painted boats.
Day 4 - Hiking to Portovenere
Start your day with a short train ride back to the tiny village of Riomaggiore. Embark on a walk to Portovenere at the very end of the peninsula. Today’s trail is the most challenging of the Ligurian walks but is maybe the most rewarding. First, tackle a steep flight of stairs, then walk along an undulating track to reach the sanctuary of the Madonna di Montenero (those who wish to opt out of this climb can catch a bus instead). After stopping at the sanctuary for a short break, continue your walk to Campiglia. Follow the contours of the coastal cliffs, passing terraced vineyards and wonderful views of the coastline. Pass the abandoned village of Lemmen and walk high on the ridge through vineyards and pine forests. Descend to the little village of Campiglia, where you can stop for lunch, then continue towards Portovenere and for more spectacular coastal views. When you arrive at the 16th-century castle above the village, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the white marble peaks of the Apuan Alps before heading to St Peter’s Point and then into the heart of the village. After some free time to relax in Portovenere, take a public boat to your base in Levanto – a lovely way to see the coast from the water.
Day 5 - Levanto / Santa Margherita
Today, transfer from Levanto to Santa Margherita. You can either walk part of the way or take the train for the entire distance. If you decide to walk, you will be travelling on the so-called Wild West Walk that follows the beach, then heads into the foothills and down to the charming seaside village of Bonassola (a good place for a morning coffee stop). Stroll through the seaside hills towards the small village of Framura – a collection of ancient hamlets on a hillside, distinctive due to its red rocks. From Costa, the largest hamlet, walk around the hills for splendid views out to sea. You can opt to continue your walk to the resort of Deiva Marina or walk back down to the coast to swim before catching the train to Santa Margherita.
Day 6 - Hiking & Kayaking on Portofino Peninsula
Today, you’ll see the best of the Portofino Peninsula. First, take a short walk through the historical centre of Santa Margherita Ligure, where you can also do some shopping for your picnic lunch. Then walk into the hills and enjoy beautiful views across the bay. By late morning, you’ll reach Portofino – one of the most typical Ligurian seaside villages and a popular resort for jet setters. Explore this charming village and take the scenic walk to the church, castle and lighthouse, where you can look back on the inlet of Portofino. After lunch, it’s time to get ready for a great paddling adventure! In a small inlet near Portofino, you’ll grab a paddle and go kayaking along the stunning headland of Portofino. When you arrive, maybe enjoy a relaxed aperitif on the beach, go for a swim or explore the village before returning to Santa Margherita.
Day 7 - Santa Margherita
Today, you can relax in Santa Margherita, stroll through its beautiful town centre or enjoy the beach. Maybe take the train to Camogli or Genoa to explore the city, or opt to join a walk across the beautiful hills of the Portofino Peninsula. From the small hamlet of Ruta, you can walk along some splendid fin-de-siècle villas towards the highest point of the Peninsula – Monte Portofino. You’ll then have several longer and shorter options to reach the Abbey of San Fruttuoso – an 11th-century marvel set in a secluded cove and reachable only by boat or on foot. All walks bring you through a verdant forested landscape with amazing views across the Gulf of Tigullio and the Golfo Paradiso. When you arrive, maybe visit the abbey or go for a swim. Take a boat to Camogli and admire the beautiful coastline from the sea. In Camogli, take your time to wander around the colourful historic centre and enjoy a relaxed drink or grab a gelato on one of its many terraces.
Day 8 - Santa Margherita
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. With regular trains to Genoa, Milan, Florence and Pisa, this is the perfect spot from which to continue your adventure. If you'd like to book additional nights, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-05-202511-05-2025AUD $ 2,966-
11-05-202518-05-2025AUD $ 3,022-
18-05-202525-05-2025AUD $ 3,141-
25-05-202501-06-2025AUD $ 3,022-
01-06-202508-06-2025AUD $ 3,022-
08-06-202515-06-2025AUD $ 2,907-
22-06-202529-06-2025AUD $ 2,907-
24-08-202531-08-2025AUD $ 2,907-
31-08-202507-09-2025AUD $ 2,907-
07-09-202514-09-2025AUD $ 3,022-
14-09-202521-09-2025AUD $ 3,141-
17-09-202524-09-2025AUD $ 3,141-
21-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 3,141-
24-09-202501-10-2025AUD $ 3,141-
28-09-202505-10-2025AUD $ 3,022-
03-05-202610-05-2026AUD $ 3,590-
10-05-202617-05-2026AUD $ 3,590-
17-05-202624-05-2026AUD $ 3,590-
20-05-202627-05-2026AUD $ 3,590-
24-05-202631-05-2026AUD $ 3,590-
31-05-202607-06-2026AUD $ 3,590-
07-06-202614-06-2026AUD $ 3,590-
14-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 3,590-
21-06-202628-06-2026AUD $ 3,590-
23-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 3,590-
30-08-202606-09-2026AUD $ 3,590-
02-09-202609-09-2026AUD $ 3,590-
06-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 3,590-
13-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 3,590-
16-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 3,590-
20-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 3,590-
23-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 3,590-
27-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 3,590-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

Train,Boat,Public bus,On foot,Bicycle,Kayak

Map

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