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Map of Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak including Italy

Walk into a world that's a play of colourful houses and blue sea as you amble between the cliff top villages of the Cinque Terre

When entering this region of Italy, things can seem a little surreal. The houses are painted in vivid multi-coloured shades, the sea is brighter than the sky and the sun rains down so heavily that everything seems a little technicoloured – welcome to the Cinque Terre. Describing it as a gem of Italy is totally correct, but to be more specific, it would have to be an opal – a play of colours, mainly reflected by the blue of the sea, dotted with gold, pink and green houses. This is a rare jewel that changes with the light of the day, and is best explored on foot, by bike or by kayak to truly understand the natural beauty of this precious treasure.

Start
Levanto, Italy
Finish
Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy
Destination
Italy
Style
Original
Theme
Multi-Active Adventures, Walking & Trekking
Code
ZGXT
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Dazzling cliff-side houses and an impossible coastal location make Cinque Terre one of the world's most romantic destinations

  • Adventure through the area's most scenic trails on foot and by bike, including parts of the classic coastal route, all under expert local guidance. Take to the water on a kayak trip to secluded beaches

  • If you'd rather spend more time relaxing on the beach, there's flexibility in some places to take a train instead of hike

  • Enjoy delicious meals overlooking spectacular cliffs, colourful villages and sparkling seas

  • Discover a swathe of medieval marvels, such as the castle and churches of Levanto and the Abbey of San Fruttuoso

Is this trip right for you?

  • This multi-activity trip requires a good level of fitness and health for the hiking, biking and kayaking. Many of the walks involve steep hills and steps that you'll need to be able to climb. Walking times vary between three and six hours a day, but the rewards are worth every step. Please note that recent landslides have ruined many paths along the Cinque Terre coastal route. As maintenance is being carried out in some areas, some of the daily walks may vary, and sometimes will be replaced by walks of a higher physical rating. Your leader will update you and offer alternative walks.

  • Summer temperatures in Italy can be extreme (up to 40°C). It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

  • Please note that activities can be switched or even cancelled depending on weather conditions. e.g. if the weather does not safely permit the kayaking on Day 6 it may be postponed until Day 7, or cancelled if the weather is still not suitable.

  • As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. If you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is bookable at an additional charge, subject to availability. Please ask your booking agent for more details.

Itinerary
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Arrive in Levanto, centrally located on the Ligurian coast. Please make your own way to the hotel. No activities are planned for today until tonight's group meeting, so you can arrive at any time. In this meeting, your leader will give you a briefing on what lies ahead. In the evening you can take a relaxed stroll through the town to take in the atmosphere of this seaside location, and perhaps head out to dinner with your new travel companions.
Accommodation
  • Hotel in Levanto (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting today at 6pm, where you'll meet your fellow travellers and group leader. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Today you will 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 old town centre of Levanto, past the stunning cathedral and up to its castle. It then continues up to Punta Mesco, the most notable promontory in the region. Just short of this point, take a small detour to the ruins of an 11th-century hermitage and the nearby ruins of the lighthouse. Here you can enjoy marvellous views of the rugged coastline and find a nice spot to stop for a short break and picnic lunch. Then follow the fairly 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 interesting little town before taking the local train back to Levanto. In the afternoon explore the coast in a different way: Get 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 virtually flat. Perhaps enjoy an aperitivo in a great spot overlooking the sea, before returning to Levanto.
Accommodation
  • Hotel in Levanto (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Punta Mesca Guided Hike
  • Coastal Bike Ride to Framura
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Walking distance: 10 km; approximately 3–4 hours
Cycling distance: 12 km; approximately 2 hours; Please note that helmets are provided on today's bike riding activity.

A short train ride brings you to Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the five villages. Here you will start the most famous of all walks in the area: the classic coastal walk that links the five villages. Begin with a short stroll through Riomaggiore and along a short stretch of the ‘Via dell’Amore’. Next is a beautiful but strenuous trail through the vineyards (train ride optional). This takes you to Manarola, an attractive little village with steep multi-coloured houses overlooking a rocky port. From Manarola, 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 bit of forest, you approach Corniglia, perched on a ridge overlooking the sea. Next is the little hamlet of Prevo, walking through terraced vineyards and the occasional citrus grove. Enjoy some of the best views in the region as you approach Vernazza, which is dominated by its old fortress. Follow the contours of the hillside on a narrow track that leads you up and down, before a fairly steep descent takes you into the village itself. After a day of walking, perhaps wind down with a drink in Vernazza, on the wonderful town square at the harbour, resplendent with its brightly painted boats. In the late afternoon you will take the train back to Levanto.
Accommodation
  • Hotel in Levanto (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cinque Terre Guided Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Walking distance: 9 km; approximately 4 hours. Please note that due to recent landslides in the area, it's not possible to walk the full extent of the Via dell'Amore and the coastal section between Manarola and Corniglia. The alternative inland routes described above will be of a higher physical rating. If you would rather not walk these sections, it is possible to take the train instead.

Begin your day with a short train ride back to the tiny village of Riomaggiore. Embark on a walk that leads you to Portovenere at the very end of the peninsula. Today’s trail is the most challenging of the Ligurian walks; it's also perhaps the most rewarding. First you will walk up a rather steep flight of stairs, then 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. Continuing uphill you will follow the contours of the coastal cliffs, passing terraced vineyards and enjoying wonderful views of the coastline. Pass the abandoned village of Lemmen and walk high on the ridge through vineyards and pine forest. Finally descend to the little village of Campiglia, where you can stop for lunch and some refreshments. Then continue towards Portovenere and enjoy even 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 you descend a long staircase that takes you to St Peter’s Point and then into the heart of the village. After some free time to relax in Portovenere, return by public boat to your base in Levanto – a lovely way to see the coast from the water.
Accommodation
  • Hotel in Levanto (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Riomaggiore to Portovenere Guided Hike
  • Boat Cruise Portovenere to Levanto
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Walking distance: 12–14 km; approximately 5–6 hours

Today we transfer our base from Levanto to Santa Mergherita. You have the option to 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. The first part of your walk 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). Then 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, a level path contours around the hills and offers you splendid views out to sea. You can opt to either continue your walk to the resort of Deiva Marina, or walk back down to the coast to take a swim, before catching the train to Santa Margherita.
Accommodation
  • Hotel in Santa Margherita (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • The Wild West Coast Hike - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
If you'd like to relax on the beach in one of the villages and spend less time walking today, you can catch the train at various points along the way. If you walk to Framura only, it will take approximately 3.5 hours (9 km) rather than 6 hours if you walk the full way to Deiva Marina. Please also note that your main luggage is going to be transferred by vehicle today, so you will only need to take your day-pack on whichever hike you choose to do.

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 start a walk into the hills and enjoy beautiful views across the bay. By late morning you will 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 (the name of which translates into 'fine harbour'). After lunch time get ready for a great paddling adventure. In a small inlet near Portofino we will outfit everyone with paddles and offer some basic kayaking instruction (if needed!). Then we go for a unique experience: Kayaking along the stunning headland of Portofino. Upon arrival perhaps enjoy a relaxed aperitivo on the beach, go for a swim or explore the village before returning to Santa Margherita.
Accommodation
  • Hotel in Santa Margherita (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Guided Hike to Portofino
  • Portofino Sea Kayaking
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Walking Distance: 10 km; approximately 3.5 hours. Please note that activities can be switched depending on weather conditions; if the weather does not permit the kayaking it may be postponed to tomorrow, or cancelled if the weather is still not suitable.

Today you can decide to relax in Santa Margherita, stroll through its beautiful town centre or enjoy its beach. Alternatively take the train to Camogli or even Genoa, to explore this stunning city. Or opt to join in for 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 will 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. Upon arrival there is the option to visit the abbey or perhaps go for a swim. Then take a boat to Camogli, a chance to 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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel in Santa Margherita (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Abbey of San Fruttuoso - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. Santa Margherita is well connected by train to other cities in Italy, with regular trains to Genoa, Milan, Florence and Pisa. If you'd like to book additional nights in Santa Margherita, please enquire when you book this trip.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
If it is all ending too soon you may want to consider extending your trip by adding another one of our Italy Active trips. The 'Amalfi Coast: Hike,& Kayak' trip focuses on the stunning coastline south of Naples, and the 'Italian Lakes: Hike, Bike & Kayak' trip takes in the beauty of Lake Como and Lake Garda. The start locations for both trips can easily be reached by train. Check the Italian Railways website on trenitalia.it or ask your leader for assistance. Many departure dates coincide to create the perfect combination. Please speak to your booking agent for more details.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

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

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Included activities

  • Punta Mesca Guided Hike
  • Coastal Bike Ride to Framura
  • Cinque Terre Guided Hike
  • Riomaggiore to Portovenere Guided Hike
  • Boat Cruise Portovenere to Levanto
  • Guided Hike to Portofino
  • Portofino Sea Kayaking

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. This multi-activity trip requires a good level of fitness and health for the hiking, biking and kayaking. Many of the walks involve steep hills and steps that you'll need to be able to walk up. Walking times vary between three and six hours a day, but the rewards are worth every step. Please note that recent landslides have affected many paths along the Cinque Terre coastal route. As maintenance is being carried out in some areas, some of the daily walks may vary, and sometimes will be replaced by walks of a higher physical rating. Your leader will update you and offer alternative walks.
2. Please note that activities can be switched or even cancelled depending on weather conditions. e.g. if the weather does not safely permit the kayaking on Day 6 it may be postponed until Day 7, or cancelled if the weather is still not suitable.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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