ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO

Italy - The Cinque Terre 2008

A self-guided walking holiday

The Cinque Terre (Five Lands), pronounced 'chinkway tare-ray', is a string of five fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera which until recently were linked by a mule track and accessible only by rail or water. An ancient system of footpaths is still the best way to visit these villages where the old customs of the Ligurian fishermen survive in an area along a steep, rugged coast. The breathtaking views of harbours far below the wild but hospitable coastline along with the medieval fortresses and plentiful vines and vibrant colours make this a memorable holiday. Our holiday is based in two places over the course of a week - Manarola (one of the five villages) and the delightful town of Sestri Levante. Staying in both will enable you to see all the best of one of the most magnificent coastlines in Europe, including the Gulf of Poets, the Cinque Terre themselves and Camogli and San Fruttuoso.

PRICE

£535 per person (based on two people sharing) staying in guest house in the centre of Manarola (3 nights) and 4 nights in hotel in Sestri Levante (with swimming pool and close to beach). Single supplement on request.

INCLUDED

7 nights accommodation, 7 breakfasts, maps and route instructions.

NOT INCLUDED

Transportation to/from the start/finish of the holiday. Any boat tickets. Lunches/dinners, drinks, personal expenses.

Departure dates 2008:

April - October. Because accommodation is limited and the area is very popular it is advisable to book as early as possible.


To book email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Manarola and settle into guest-house in centre of village. If possible, your flight should arrive by 1600 in order to obtain a good train connection to the Cinque Terre. 

Day 2: The classic coastal walk of the Cinque Terre. Three itineraries available from three to seven hours, visiting each of the the five villages - Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso and Manarola. Overnight Manarola.

Day 3: The 'high ways' to the Gulf of Poets. Four itineraries varying from 3 to 7 hours. In the morning take the train to Riomaggiore (short journey) and thence walk the high paths to Portovenere and the Gulf of Poets. Return to Manarola by boat for overnight.

Day 4: The coastal path to Punta Manara. Two itineraries from 2 to 4 hours. After breakfast take the train to Sestri Levante and check into your hotel (about 30 minutes). Then, a circular walk along the coast to Punta Manara and back along an inland route. Overnight Sestri Levante.

Day 5: Punta Mesco, gateway to the Cinque Terre. Two itineraries from 2 to 6 hours. Start at the seaside town of Levanto and walk the coastal path to Monterosso via Punta Mesco, from where you can see all five villages of the Cinque Terre stretching ahead of you. Overnight Sestri Levante.

Day 6: Grand traverse of the Portofino National Park. Four itineraries from 5 to 9 hours. Take the train to Camogli (about 40 minutes). Walk to Portofino, discovering the natural beauty of the national park and visiting the monastery at San Fruttuoso. Overnight Sestri Levante.

Day 7: Mountain Trails of the Cinque Terre. A walk along the high hill trails above the coast. Start from Monterosso, climb up into the hills behind and descend slowly down to Vernazza. Or take a day off and have a leisurely return to some of the places you have walked by or through over the past week. Overnight Sestri Levante.

Day 8: Check-out and departure

DIFFICULTY OF WALK

Terrain, level of difficulty - moderate with many steep climbs. The terrain varies from ancient mule tracks to stone steps cut out of the hillside.

 

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HIGHLIGHTS

Wonderful scenery along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. The villages of the Cinque Terre give us a glimpse of a way of life in a wild and wonderful setting with magnificent views.

WEATHER

Click here to view the weather forecast Link courtesy of uk met office

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ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LOCATION

Cinque Terre is located on the Ligurian coast between La Spezia and Genoa in Italy.

GETTING THERE

AIR Flights operate throughout the year to Pisa or Genoa from airports in the UK. Ryanair operates a budget service to Genoa. The major airlines all fly to Pisa as do some budget airlines.

WHAT TO TAKE:

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, swimming costume, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch and a first-aid kit.

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.

To book, contact worldwalks  at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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