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Guided
Cinque Terre Hiking Tour
Envision the perfect hike in Italy. You are on a trail surrounded by vineyards, but you are on the coast. Below you are the sparking waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The trail leads to a tiny fishing village and an inviting beach. This is our Guided Cinque Terre hiking tour. The adventure begins in Lucca, a less traveled town famous for its 15th Century ramparts. We climb Lucca's tallest tower, cycle on top of its ancient walls, and explore a villa that was once a beer garden. We travel by van to the five fishing villages known as the Cinque Terre where we hike ancient footpaths between the pastel-colored villages. Further up the coast we visit elegant Portofino and walk in the Portofino National Park. Quiet coves, transparent blue waters, and the smell of wildflowers will be your constant companions as you explore the Italian Riviera at your own pace.
​Highlights
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Two-mile bike ride on top of the ancient walls of Lucca
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Pesto making lesson in the Cinque Terre with local chef
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Wine tasting Cinque Terre wines with sommelier
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Optional Cinque Terre winery visit
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Hike to Portofino
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The secluded Abbey of San Fruttuoso
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Beautiful Mediterranean Sea views
Price
US$ 2,000 per person, double occupancy
Dates
Email us your dates. We can schedule the tour when you want.
Single Supplement
+ US$ 250 for single room occupancy
Length
6 Days, 5 Nights
Meet / Finish
Lucca / Santa Margherita Ligure
Route Rating
Moderate to Challenging: 1-4 miles (2-8 km) per day of hiking with some steep ascents/descents.
Terms and Conditions >
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Lucca
Rendezvous in Lucca. Lucca is Tuscany's best-kept secret. Within its majestic walls lies a medley of piazzas, cafes, and art galleries. Lucca's walls are 150 feet wide and have been transformed into an elevated park and promenade. From the cushy seats of cruiser bikes we circle the town on top of the ancient walls. We climb a medieval clock tower, tour a historic villa, and visit a bustling piazza built on the remains of a Roman amphitheater.
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Day 2 and 3: Monterosso al Mare
Travel by van to Monterosso. Panoramic seaside trails meander through vineyards and olive groves high above the sea. Over two days we hike to all five towns, finishing our hikes with refreshing dips in the sea. A local chef teaches us her family recipe for pesto sauce and prepares a lasagna and seafood dinner. A sommelier explains the nuances of the local wines during a guided tasting. The villages are well connected by trains and ferries so you can hike as much or as little as you like.
Day 4, 5 and 6: Santa Margherita Ligure
Drive to Santa Margherita Ligure. Hike past elegant villas and manicured gardens to Portofino, an idyllic seaside resort on a picturesque harbor. Stroll through emerald pinewood forests to the secluded Abbey of San Fruttuoso. The Abbey sits in a secluded cove accessible only by foot or boat. Savior a seafood lunch at a small seaside restaurant. Santa Margherita is on a main train line for easy transfers at the end of your walking holiday.
Daily Distance
Lodging
Alle Corte degli Angeli
Lucca (1 night)
This four-star hotel is located on a quiet side street just off the main shopping area within the walls of Lucca. The rooms are spacious and air-conditioned.
hotel website >
Hotel Margherita
Monterosso al Mare (2 nights)
The Hotel Margherita is located 250 meters from the Monterosso beach. The hotel is in the historic center of town, surrounded by the local shops, and restaurants.
hotel website >
Hotel Minerva
S. Margherita Ligure (2 nights)
Located on a quiet street close to the marina. The Minerva has a beautiful garden where you can eat al-fresco and a roof-top terrace with sea views.
What's Included
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All lodging, three and four star hotels
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All breakfasts
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Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
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Guided wine tasting
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Optional winery visit with wine tasting
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Four beautiful hikes
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Route notes and map
Departure from Portovenere
End of Tour
Your hiking tour ends in Portovenere. Portovenere does not have a train station. You can take a bus or private shuttle to the train station in La Spezia. Train travel times from la Spezia are:
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La Spezia to Florence: 2 hours
La Spezia to Milan: 3 hour
La Spezia to Rome: 4 hours
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
Siena Hotel Supplement During Palio
During the Palio (Siena's horse race) hotel prices triple. A surcharge of US$ 100 per person will apply for if you stay in Siena Jun 29-30, Jul 1-2, or Aug 13-16.
What if it Rains?
On self-guided tours there is no van support. But, we do move your luggage. If it rains you can catch a ride with us when we move your bags, just call to make arrangements.
Want to Save?
Consider one of our self-guided hiking trips. We can schedule a self-guided hiking tour whenever you want March 1 to October 31.
Our Dates Dont Work?
We may be able to offer the dates you want. Email us with the dates you prefer.