If you ever travel by train between Genoa and La Spezia in Italy, it seems like you are in a tunnel nearly all the time. Occasionally you get little splashes of colour, the blue of the Mediterranean and glimpses of old houses, but before you know it you will be in the next big town. If this happens to you, you have missed out on some of Italy’s most extraordinary countryside, so special that it’s a UNESCO world heritage site. This is the Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre Card – Now this is a national park so you do have to purchase a ticket on arrival. It allows unlimited use of the walkways of the park and unlimited use of the train system that links all five villages. The money is goes towards preserving this unique place.
Monterosso Al Mare – First stop is Monterosso, which has one of the best beaches on the Cinque Terre, and there are some large statues embedded into the rocks overlooking it. Now Monterosso is perhaps most famous for anchovies. They have an anchovy festival and you can sample this local delicacy fried, raw with lemon juice, pickled in brine, salted in a glass, or my favourite oven baked with tomatoes and potatoes.
Vernazza – This is probably the most fetching of the five villages and has a wonderful piazza by the seafront. There are also the remains of an 11th century castle. If you head inland from here the road becomes choked with Vineyards and lemon groves, real picture postcard stuff, which gives you a glimpse of its agricultural heritage
Corniglia – This village balances high on a ridge above the sea and is full of beautiful 4 storey houses, narrow lanes and stairways woven into the hill alongside La Torre, a medieval lookout tower. From the central square you can head to Belvedere Santa Maria, another tower for more fabulous views, but be warned, it’s 363 steps to the top.
Manarola – There is some great history in this village, a 13th Century church, a bell tower used as a lookout in the 14th Century and an Oratory which once served as a leper colony, and these are all just on the main square. More grapes are grown here than anywhere else in the Cinque Terre so it is a good spot for wine tasting.
Riomaggiore – This is the main village of the five and the main street appears to be a mess of house slithering down a ravine. There are tiny fishing boats tied up by the small waterside square, a nod to the once busy fishing industry here. If you arrive here by train walk through the tunnel in front of the station and you will come across some great murals which depict the lives of the farmers of this region, and how they built the Cinque Terre.
Getting around: You can get to each of the villages by train, there are also ferries between the them as well but most people opt to walk between them using the many paths and trails along the hillside, the most famous of which is the Via Dell’Amore or Lovers Lane as we would call it, which is a 1km stretch between Manarola and Riomaggiore, this path has lots of stone benches to allow you to stop and take in the views. All paths should be open again for the 2015 season.
When to go – Northern Spring and Autumn, basically avoid late July and August if you can as the crowds can be huge but as there is now this ticket system the gates can be closed when it gets too busy.
How long to stay – typically 2 or 3 full days is perfect as you can visit each of the villages and enjoy some of the walks. Serious walkers might enjoy a longer stay – see below.
For more detail on Walking the Cinque Terre – click HERE
Experiences in this area
Classic Larapinta Trail in Comfort
Multiple departures April-September. Larapinta Trail In Comfort Trip highlights Trek through the ancient landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges Summit Mount Sonder for a spectacular sunrise Hike the main highlights including Ormiston Gorge and Standley Chasm Gain a deeper understanding … Continue reading →
Moonlight Valley & Ben Lomond Backcountry Hike
An exclusive high country hike through remote and varied landscapes with a rich and fascinating past. This exclusive five-day walk is a fabulous way to experience the rugged ranges behind Queenstown within the high country property of Ben Lomond Station. … Continue reading →
Nelson Lakes Backcountry Adventure
On this short, authentic New Zealand adventure we’ll explore Kaikoura before setting out in the heart of Nelson Lakes National Park. We’ll hike along the shores of Lake Rotoiti meaning ‘little water’, and spend a night each at two backcountry … Continue reading →
Siberia Valley Adventure
An absolute gem, hiding in the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park Quite simply, this is one of the most spectacular and least well known wilderness experiences in New Zealand. We’re exploring the Siberia Valley in Mt Aspiring National Park … Continue reading →
Northland Discovery
Immerse yourself in the North Island’s nature and culture as you take 5 days to hike, cruise, snorkel and kayak with us around the North Island. Itinerary Remember, the activity distances and elevations that you see on the detailed itinerary are … Continue reading →
Great Walks of New Zealand
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Ultimate North Island Adventure
Explore the volcanic marvels and forested beauty of the North Island Highlights Hike into the remote Urewera National Park to the beautiful Lake Waikaremoana Admire the steaming mud pools and spouting geysers at the amazing Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Reserve Visit the … Continue reading →
Twin Coast Bike, Hike and Splash – TTB
Cycle the easy Twin Coast Trail and dip your wheel into both the Pacific and Tasman seas! Highlights Dip your wheel in the Pacific and Tasman Seas on the Twin Coast Trail Explore wetlands, native forest, rolling farmland & historic … Continue reading →
Nelson: Bike, Hike and Sail
Discover the food, wine and great riding along the Great Taste Cycle Trail in the stunning Nelson/Tasman region Highlights Explore the Tasman Great Taste Cycle Trail’s stunning coastline and inland rides Experience the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sounds with a scenic … Continue reading →
Fiordland, Hollyford and Stewart Island Trails
Discover the awe-inspiring Milford Sound, Hollyford Valley and unspoiled natural beauty of the wildlife-rich Stewart Island on foot Highlights Hike to magical viewpoints on Ben Lomond, above Queenstown Visit Stewart Island to see the bird life and maybe spot a … Continue reading →
Queenstown Family Adventure
This action-packed trip delivers the perfect mix of family friendly activities like hiking, jet boating and biking, plus great company for the kids whilst the adults get to enjoy themselves too! The premium accommodation offers incredible views of Lake Wakatipu, … Continue reading →
Southern Luxury Escape
On this 5-day escape you’ll experience two of the South Island’s Great Walks, as well as kayaking in Marlborough Sounds and experiencing some of our favourite, beautiful accommodations; we’ve hand-picked them for their uniqueness, hospitality, and comfort. Along the way … Continue reading →
Adventure in Paradise
Surrounded by the Humboldt and Richardson Mountains, Glenorchy is the perfect base for 5 days exploring some lesser known hiking trails. Spend 4 nights at Camp Glenorchy, New Zealand’s only net-zero energy accommodatio and the perfect base from which to … Continue reading →
South Island Multisport
On this two week trip, cover the ground (or water) by sea kayak, boat, bike, and on foot. Explore Abel Tasman National Park, cruise along the waters of Milford Sound, and take two wheels through the trails around Mt Cook. … Continue reading →
North Island Multisport
This itinerary includes biking through Karangahake Gorge and hiking the Tongariro Crossing — one of the world’s most famous one-day hikes — before jet boats and kayaks provide the transport along the Whanganui River. Day 1 Auckland Jump right into … Continue reading →
Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre Backcountry Trek
This unique trek offers the chance to delve deep into the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentinean Patagonia experiencing classic landscapes with steep granite spires towering over vast glaciers, cerulean lakes, rivers and forests. You’ll carry a full pack and … Continue reading →
Madagascar Adventure
https://worldexpeditions.com/Madagascar/Wildlife-Safari/Madagascar-Adventure Discover the diverse wildlife and ecology of Madagascar on this unique multi-activity tour. Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island and about the size of France. Isolated from Africa millions of years ago it has evolved an incredibly rich … Continue reading →
Everest High Passes
The ultimate trek to the best vantage points of the Everest region. This challenging trek will more than satisfy the ambitious trekker intent on crossing high passes without the commitment of any technical climbing. Heading towards Everest we cross the … Continue reading →
Coastal Treks of Tasmania
17-27 Jan 2023, 16-26 Feb 2023, 18-28 Jan 2024 See the best of the Tasmanian coastline with these brand new cruise & hike voyages. On your voyage enjoy time ashore completing hikes that allow you to experience the imposing cliffs, … Continue reading →
Bike, Hike & Kayak Laos and Cambodia
If you’re looking for an active adventure exploring the depth and beauty of these two gems of Indochina, this is the journey for you. This trip combines the best of Laos and Cambodia into one compact, exciting itinerary—including kayaking, hiking, … Continue reading →
Bike, Hike & Kayak Vietnam
This is an all-encompassing active journey through some of Vietnam’s most scenic highlights. It begins with a memorable cruise on Red River delta, through the limestone cliff landscapes on a beautifully crafted wooden junk. From here be delighted by the … Continue reading →
Women’s Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort
8-13 June 2022 On this fully supported trek, you’ll walk with just a day pack on well graded trails between eight and sixteen kilometres each day. At the end of each day, you’ll appreciate the facilities of the architect-designed exclusive … Continue reading →
Cuba Multisport: Bike, Kayak and Hike
Cycle, hike, snorkel, and kayak your way through Cuba’s incredible natural landscapes on a 12-day tour that gets up close to Mother Nature. Ride along the stunning Viñales Valley, passing mogotes (large limestone pincushion hills) and tobacco farms, explore the … Continue reading →
Kimberley Cruise Mitchell Plateau
The perfect way to experience the Kimberley’s spectacular coastline The Kimberley region of Western Australia is one of the world’s last great wilderness areas. The coastline is simply spectacular with deep gorges, coral reefs, mangroves and huge tides providing some … Continue reading →
Kimberley Walking Tour
An in-depth exploration of the Kimberley region Take 13 fun filled days to explore the best that the Kimberley region has to offer. From the Gibb River Road gorges, El Questro Wilderness Park to the Purnululu National Park (the Bungle … Continue reading →
Nakasendo Trail self-guided walking
The Nakasendo or ‘Road through the Central Mountains’ was part of feudal Japan’s network of highways. Travellers moving between Kyoto and Tokyo took several days to travel the Nakasendo, staying overnight in Juku post towns. Today’s visitors can walk sections … Continue reading →
Israel National Trail: Caesarea to Nazareth
The Israel National Trail runs approximately 1100 kilometres from Kibbutz Dan, near the border with Lebanon in the Upper Galilee in the far north of Israel, to Eilat on the Red Sea in the far south of the country. This … Continue reading →
Israel Self Guided Hike: Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee
This self-guided hike follows the Gospel Trail, commencing in Nazareth and walks in the footsteps of Jesus to the Sea of Galilee as he began to spread the gospels. We visit many intriguing natural and cultural sites along the route, … Continue reading →
Israel and Jordan: Walking in the Footsteps of Abraham
The story of Abraham, Ibrahim, the ‘Friend of God’ – as he has been named in Jewish, Christian and Islamic tradition – is the beginning of Monotheism. Abraham is perceived in all monotheistic traditions as the ultimate host, opening his … Continue reading →
Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia
Ancient monasteries and stunning mountain landscapes Overflowing with historical sites and scenic brilliance, this adventure traces parts of the Caucasian Silk route, through lands that have been occupied for thousands of years. Our journey through Armenia takes us to the … Continue reading →
Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia
A breath-taking hike through a diverse range of cultural and natural landscapes. Highlights Traverse sections of the Georgian Transcaucasian Trail Combines with Transcaucasian Trail Hike Armenia Hike in the stunningly rugged and remote Svaneti region Walk to Ushguli village, the … Continue reading →
Rome to Southern Italy
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Explore Southern Italy
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Camino – Sarria to Santiago
The last six days of the famous Camino pilgrimage route offers the chance for time starved travellers to walk the final 115kms into Santiago and gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic significance of the route. To be eligible for … Continue reading →
Food Lover’s Spanish Camino
This unique approach to a classic pilgrimage route combines a passion for good food and produce, with the incredible history of the trail crossing northern Spain. With fully supported day walks on the best sections of the pilgrimage trail paths, … Continue reading →
Walk The Full Spanish Camino
Traverse the centuries of time as well as Northern Spain on the medieval Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail. This trip offers a chance to walk the entire length of the Spanish Camino, from St Jean Pied de Port in France, … Continue reading →
Portugal Palaces and Coast Walk
Set amidst the pine-blanketed hills of the Serra de Sintra, Sintra has been plucked straight from a book of fairytales. Explore the former summer residences of the nobility of Portugal and its impressive Manor houses and national monuments over the … Continue reading →
Bulgaria and Romania on Foot
The mountain ranges of Romania and Bulgaria are not only scenically beautiful and a pleasure to walk through; they are rich in a culture which has remained relatively untouched through the centuries. At times you feel you have time travelled, … Continue reading →
Dubrovnik and Islands Walk
With its dramatic coastal position and stone walls encircling the terracotta roofs of the old town, it is no wonder that Dubrovnik is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. Discovering this enchanting city and its surrounding islands on foot … Continue reading →
Cycling in Sardinia
Plunge into the wild yet romantic beauty of south-western Sardinia and cycle beside empty beaches and sandunes in total freedom and at your own pace. The terrain is rugged in parts, with high cliffs ascending from the coast, interspersed with … Continue reading →
Amalfi Explorer
There are few trips which take in such a diverse combination of highlights. From the spectacular Amalfi coast to the fascinating ruins of Pompeii, to the historic centre of Naples and the beautiful island of Capri, this walking trip offers … Continue reading →
Cappadocia Guided Walk
For millions of years the volcanoes of the Central Anatolian Plateau erupted over the land to create the unique rock formations and fairy chimneys that characterise Cappadocia. Through the centuries, civilisations carved houses and churches within these rocky pillars and … Continue reading →
Transylvania Castles & Mountains
Explore some of Romania’s most stunning mountain landscapes and soak up the unique culture of Transylvania on this inspiring self-guided walk. Piatra Craiului meaning royal stone, is a dramatic limestone ridge which rises sharply from the forests and plains below, … Continue reading →
Cycle Puglia
Puglia in south eastern Italy encompasses the heel of Italy’s boot and is bordered by the sea on two sides (the Adriatic Sea in the east and the Ionian Sea to the southeast). The region is characterised by endless olive … Continue reading →
Cycle Sicily
A stunning cycle in south-east Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean and renowned for its rich history and Baroque architecture. You will cycle through the Val di Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discover the most fascinating cities … Continue reading →
Ancient Venetian Empire by Bike
Explore three countries by bike in one week, cycling between Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. The history of the Republic of Venice provides the background to the entire trip. From the canal city of Venice, pass beaches, simple fishing villages and … Continue reading →
Sri Lanka Expedition: Village & Tea Treks
Trek the enchanting terrain of the Teardrop Isle Venture off the tourist trail and uncover the raw beauty of Sri Lankan paradise on this heart-pumping, soul-warming, active adventure that takes you behind the scenes of this irresistible island. Trek deep … Continue reading →
Trek Armenia The Transcaucasian Trail
Traverse the spectacular Transcaucasian trail and be part of a hiking movement Follow the spectacular Transcaucasian trail through the stunning mountain ranges of Armenia on this world-class, long-distance hike that traverses one of the most biologically and culturally diverse regions … Continue reading →
Kilimanjaro: Machame Route
Conquer the highest peak in Africa – Tanzania’s Mt Kilimanjaro Trek the amazing Machame Route to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest point. At high altitude, it’s a challenging journey through uniquely varied terrain. Camp out at night and … Continue reading →
Colombia’s Lost City Trek
Discover the famous ‘Lost City’, hidden deep in Colombia’s jungle See the sights of cosmopolitan Bogotá and its historic La Candelaria District Be enchanted by the colonial architecture and cobbled alleys of Cartagena Climb the 1200 steps to reach the … Continue reading →
Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek
Trek ancient trails in the tranquil countryside of Japan. Stray onto the beaten track with an eight-day trekking adventure on some of the ancient pilgrim routes in Japan. The Koya-san and Kumano Kodo treks take you deep through the wilderness … Continue reading →
BEST OF ITALY AND SICILY
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Walking the Prosecco Hills
Discover one of the oldest wine regions in Italy, the Prosecco Hills Just an hour’s drive north of Venice, in the foothills of the Dolomites, is one of the world’s best, yet largely undiscovered, wine regions. Here ancient terraced vineyards … Continue reading →
Italian Indulgence
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Tuscan Treats
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Bike, Hike & Kayak Northern Thailand
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Gastronomic Barolo Walk
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Gourmet Tuscany
On this Italian tour package, the town of Montecatini serves as your home base from which to venture out daily to explore the surrounding landscapes of breathtaking Tuscany. You’ll indulge in picturesque scenery, world-class local wines, traditional cuisine, and cultural … Continue reading →
Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy
This 9-day Italy tour takes you on a journey to discover world-renowned treasures in art, architecture, and history. You’ll begin in Naples – home to centuries of some of the most important art and architecture Italy has to offer – … Continue reading →
Jewels of the Adriatic
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Slovenia & Croatia
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Slovenia and Croatia. Caves and waterfalls abound in Plitvice Lakes National Park, but it’s the 16 interlinked lakes flowing between Mala Kapela Mountain and Pljesevica Mountain that draw the crowds. Renowned for … Continue reading →
Northern Italy, Slovenia and Croatia
Travel from plunging gorges to soaring mountains. Discover cliff-top fortresses and Riviera-style villages. Taste wines and fresh-pressed olive oils, among countless local specialities. This journey through Italy, Slovenia and Northern Croatia captures the beautiful diversity of these unforgettable countries. Itinerary … Continue reading →
Highlights of Calabria & Sicily
Discover the secrets of Italy’s vibrant south on a journey through Calabria and Sicily. From the pristine waters of Palinuro to the stalwart fortifications of Tropea, all the way to the smoke gently floating from the volcanoes of the Aeolian … Continue reading →
Alpine Railway Journey
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Everest in Style
Adventure through the foothills of the one and only Mount Everest Embark on an unforgettable Everest adventure that makes no compromise on creature comforts. This new and unique itinerary combines the thrills of Nepal trekking with the very best available … Continue reading →
Highlights of Sicily and Southern Italy
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West Highland Way
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Exploring the Cotswolds
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Coast to Coast Rambler
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Best of Italy
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Experience Bohemian Paris with Urban Adventures
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