Jewels of the Cinque Terre & Portovenere (self-guided)

Day 1: Arrive Levanto

Your trip starts today with your arrival in Levanto. Levanto is located in the province of La Spezia in the region of Liguria and is easily accessible by direct train from Milan (approx 3 hrs) and Pisa (approx 1 1/2 hrs) as well as many services from Florence (approx 3 hrs) and Rome (approx 4.5 hrs). For information on all train schedules see the Italian national rail site of Trenitalia (www.trenitalia.com). Whilst at your discretion, we recommend arriving/departing by train where possible within Europe due to this method of transports minimal carbon emissions. Please make your own way to the joining hotel that is centrally located in Levanto (details are in your travel documents).After settling in to your hotel you may wish to explore the town centre and take a swim at Levanto's beach.

Day 2: Monterosso al Mare

The first day walk takes you along the coast to Monterosso al Mare. The first section of the trail leads up towards Punta Mesco, the most notable promontory in the region. This is a good spot to stop for a picnic lunch. Just short of the point you can take a small detour to the ruins of an old 11th century hermitage and the nearby 'semaforo', from where you will enjoy marvellous views of the rugged coastline. You then follow a fairly steep path down into Monterosso, a colourful village, with blue, red & yellow houses that cluster behind the beachfront. There's time to explore the town before taking the local train back to Levanto. For those who want there is also the option to walk back to Levanto from Monterosso, following a more inland forested path, which over the ridge brings you back behind the castle of Levanto. (Walking time: 3-5 hours (5 hours if you walk back to Levanto). Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 3: Riomaggioro - Sentiero dell'Amore - Manarola - Vernazza

This morning you first take the train from Levanto to Riomaggiore, the most southerly of the five villages. From there you start the most 'classical' of all walks in the Cinque Terre: the walk along the famous 'Sentiero dell'Amore' ('Lover's Walk') to Manarola, an attractive little village with steep multi-coloured houses overlooking a rocky port. You then head up the 365 steps to Corniglia, perched on a ridge overlooking the sea. From there you continue through terraced vineyards and the occasional citrus grove. As you approach Vernazza, dominated by its old fortress, you enjoy some of the best views in the region. You contour around the hillsides following a narrow track that leads us up and down, before a fairly steep descent brings you into the village itself. In Vernazza, arguably the prettiest of all the villages, there is time to ascend the castle tower for a stunning view of the port with its brightly painted boats. There are numerous cafés & bars where you can enjoy refreshment before taking the train back to Levanto. (Walking time: 4-5 hours) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 4: Madonna di Reggio and Madonna di Saviore

Today's walk takes you into the inland of the Cinque Terre, to the churches of Madonna di Reggio and Madonna di Saviore. You first take the train to Vernazza and then walk a path along the coast to Monterosso, approaching this beautiful little town from the other end. You may wish to stop and enjoy a coffee break before you start climbing up to the sanctuary of Madonna di Saviore. Here you can have lunch or relax for a while, before walking on to the next sanctuary, that of Madonna di Reggio. The walk then continues more or less along the contour lines; through the hills you walk to the little church of San Bernardo, with beautiful views over the coast, and from there you descend down to the coast at Vernazza again. A shorter option takes you directly from Madonna di Reggio, along a number of little chapels, back down to Vernazza.(Walking time: 4.5 hours) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 5: Riomaggiore - Campiglia - Portovener

You walk takes you in an easterly direction today. From Riomaggiore, you commence your walk to Campiglia and Portovenere. You first hike up a long flight of stairs to the Santuario della Madonna di Montenero (optional bus). Continuing uphill you begin contouring along the coastal cliffs, through terraced vineyards, enjoying wonderful views of the coastline framed by clear blue waters. You are now on the 'Sentiero Rosso', the ridge-top traverse that goes from one end of the Cinque Terre to the other. You pass through the little hamlet of Campiglia where you can stop for a refreshment. Walking down into the pine forest, the track narrows as you continue towards Portovenere with some spectacular views. Arriving at the 16th century castle above the village, you may be able to see the distant peaks of the Alpi Apuane before a long staircase takes you into the heart of the village. There is time to visit the charming village and Punta San Pietro, before settling into your hotel overlooking the Gulf of the Poets. (Walking time: 4-5 hours) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 6: Portovenere - Palmaria

After the yesterday's longer walk, today you'll have some time to recover. There is the option to take an easy roundwalk on the island of Palmaria, just across the bay from Portovenere. By boat you take the short crossing and then you'll have the whole day to discover the beauty of this very Mediterranean island immersed in dense vegetation, overlooking the cliffs with the seagulls and azure blue sky above you. Take some time to discover the impressive fortresses and perhaps go for a swim on one of the island's remote beaches. Upon returning by boat to the mainland, we recommend you visit the charming village of Portovenere itself and choose a restaurant on the harbour of Venus for your last supper. (Walking time: 3.5 hours) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 7: End Portovenere

Tour ends after breakfast in Portovenere. Additional accommdation can be booked in Portovenere - enquire at time of booking. To leave Portovenere; regular daily buses and ferries operate to La Spezia from where you can take onward train travel to other destinations in Italy. Regular ferries also operator to La Spezia and other towns on the Cinque Terre. Meals included: 1 breakfast