ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO Italy - The Cinque Terre 2010
A self-guided walking holiday from village to village
The Cinque Terre (Five Lands) 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. You walk along one of the most magnificent coastlines in Europe, including the Gulf of Poets, the Cinque Terre themselves with the option to continue to Portofino, Camogli and San Fruttuoso.
PRICE
£595 per person (based on two people sharing) 7 days, 6 nights.
Single supplement: £140.
INCLUDED
6 nights accommodation in 2 star hotels and B & B, 6 breakfasts, maps and route instructions, luggage transfers, ticket to Cinque Terre National Park (valid for 2 days).
NOT INCLUDED
Transportation to/from the start/finish of the holiday. Any boat tickets. Lunches/dinners, drinks, personal expenses.
DEPARTURE DATES
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
.
Day 1: Arrival in Portovenere.
Day 2: Portovenere - Riomaggiore. Today you will enjoy the so-called 'Crinale dei Tramonti' (Ridge of Sunsets) and the Muzzerone escarpment, with gorgeous views overlooking the villages and the sea. Overnight Riomaggiore.
Total walking time: around 6 hours.
Day 3: Riomaggiore - Corniglia. Walk the celebrated 'Via del'Amore' to Manarola, from where you continue to Corniglia for overnight. Overnight Corniglia.
Total walking time: around 3.5 - 4 hours.
Day 4: Corniglia - Monterosso. Spectacular views over Guvano Beach, and groves of olive trees, on the way to Vernazza, the only natural harbour in the Cinque Terre. Then follow a path down into Monterosso, with blue, red& yellow houses clustering around the beach. Overnight Monterosso.
Total walking time: around 4 hours.
Day 5: Monterosso - Levanto. Walk up to the Punta Mesco promontory and its old farmhouses. Along the way, you will be overlooking the Cinque Terre Marine Reserve, with fine coastal views amid the typical Mediterranean scrub, dotted with cork trees. Overnight Levanto. Total walking time: 4.5 hours.
Day 6: Levanto - Bonassola. Ascend form Levanto to pass through unspoilt Mediterranean countryside until you reach the olive groves near Poggio. A gently descending path through gardens and villas brings you to Bonassola. Total walking time: 3 hours.
Day 7: Check-out and departure
Optional extension possible to include Portofino, Camogli and San Fruttuoso. Please ask for details.
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. It is possible to shorten most walks by taking boats or train. However even when the walk is short the walk up to the path will be steep. It may not be suitable for people suffering from vertigo.
BACK TO TOP 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.
LOCATION
The Cinque Terre are located on the Italian Ligurian coast between La Spezia and Genoa.
ACCOMMODATION
2 star hotels and B & B with private bathroomsGETTING THEREAIR 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. There is a good train service to Levanto. From Portovenere the nearest train station is at La Spezia - short taxi ride or bus journey.
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 any reason.
To book, contact
worldwalks at:
email:
walking@star.co.uk T: (44)
(0)1242 254353