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.
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
Itinerary
Day 1: Levanto
Day 2: Hiking in Cinque Terre / Biking to Framura
Day 3: Hiking in Cinque Terre
Day 4: Hiking to Portovenere
Day 5: Levanto / Santa Margherita
Day 6: Hiking & Kayaking on Portofino Peninsula
Day 7: Santa Margherita
Day 8: Santa Margherita
Inclusions
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
Images Courtesy of Intrepid Group
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