Self-guided walking
6 nights,
single centre
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
26.0Kg CO2e
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About sixty miles east of Genoa lies a corner of the Liguria region with a remarkably well-preserved landscape steeped in tradition. 'Cinque Terre' means five lands: five villages which are nestled high on cliffs or along deep inaccessible coves, with colourful houses facing the seafront. Each village offers its own olive oils, anchovies and Sciacchetra liqueur (known as the 'Elixir of the Gods'). By day, you discover the beautiful peninsulas of Portofino and Sestri Levante using well-marked walking trails; in the evening enjoy the sunsets over the Mediterranean.
5 days optional centre-based walking, low altitude throughout.This is a self-guided tour, so you can walk at your own pace (we recommend taking plenty of time to rest and enjoy the views!). Although some walks will get your pulse racing you will also have plenty of time to rest, admire the views and on many days you can also enjoy swim breaks. Over the course of the week, the terrain and type of path will vary from man made paved tracks and tarmac to forest trails. Some areas may be rocky underfoot with narrow, overgrown or exposed paths. Although the walks are not technically challenging, you do need to be steady on your feet. All walks take between 2 and 6 hours including lunch stops and require a moderate level of fitness. Please note that, as on all of our walking trips, when the weather is wet some of the paths can be slippy. The steep sections on Palmaria Island have ropes to help with this. Public transport is recommended (the cost is not included in the trip) in order to reduce your carbon footprint. The transport timetables will be provided in your route notes so you can choose the bus or train time that suits you best.
Arrive on the turquoise shores of Sestri Levante, a beautifully picturesque town with ancient fishermen's houses and a pristine sandy beach. Stay at the 3* Albergo Marina, a stone's throw from the beach and 5 minutes walk from the centre of town.
Meals: Dinner
You stay at Albergo Marina.
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The 3* Albergo Marina, centrally located in Sestri Levante, is perfectly located, within easy walking distance of both the beach and the railway station. All the ensuite rooms are comfortable and equipped with air conditioning, and the hotel also comes with lift, sun terrace, bar and billiard room.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
The walk today really allows you to explore the National Park of the Cinque Terre. Starting from Monterosso, the largest of the celebrated Cinque Terre villages, climb through cultivated olive groves to the hilltop Sanctuary of the Madonna of Soviore. Then it's downhill all the way to pastel-coloured Vernazza, clustered around its serene natural harbour. There's time to explore the village before returning by train to Sestri.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner.
Make your way to Portovenere then take a boat to Palmaria island. Rich in Mediterranean vegetation and maquis shrubland, it's not unusual to see cistus and rare orchids blooming here. A circular walk with stunning coastal vistas takes you via a steep climb to the Batteria Semaforo, part of the network of fortresses constructed by Napoleon to secure the Gulf of La Spezia. Return to Sestri Levante in time for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Take a train to picture perfect Corniglia, a charming jumble of pastel-hued houses toppling prettily down the hillside. Follow the narrow herb scented paths through vineyards up to the tiny yet panoramic village of Volastra and its 12th century sanctuary, then descend to arguably the oldest of the five Cinque Terre villages, colourful Manarola. Wander around the pretty marina and try the local wine - Schiacchetra - which is produced here, before taking the train back to Sestri Levante.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Today you take a train to Riomaggiore, the last of the Cinque Terre villages and walk along an impossibly panoramic path that hugs the coastline all the way to the charming fishing port of Portovenere. Set in a beautiful sweeping bay, and once the haunt of Byron and Shelley, there's a 16th century castle and medieval churches to explore before returning to Sestri Levante.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
After breakfast take a train to Camogli, and then a bus to Ruta di Camogli, and the start of the walk. Follow ancient forest trails through the lush Mount Portofinla Natural Park to San Fruttuoso and its 11th century abbey. Continue to chic Portofino, the Ligurian Riviera's most exclusive resort, before returning via Santa Magherita Ligure for your last night in Sestri Levante.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Leave Sestri Levante, or add on additional nights in Pisa if you wish.
Meals: Breakfast
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Alessandro della Spina, Pisa.
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The Hotel Alessandro della Spina is located just 500m from Pisa central train station and just a 10 minute walk from most of the city's main monuments. This modern and cosy property welcomes its guests with an elegant, warm atmosphere, enhanced by its charming garden, and friendly staff that are always on hand to ensure you a relaxed stay.
Hotel facilities include internet and wi-fi access in the lobby and a bar and comfortable seating area. Guest rooms are spacious, furnished with wood and marble and have air conditioning, a safe and satellite TV. Buffet breakfast includes homemade bread and croissants.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £328.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
You should allow approx 70-80 euro per person for the use of local trains/buses/boats and to access the walking paths in the Cinque Terre National Park.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Genoa airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
6 nights,
single centre
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
26.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
