More about the route
This is a moderately easy walking holiday, which suits those who have no experience with walking holidays but have a generally good physical health. Most walking takes place on good paths that are regularly maintained by the local authorities. Some of the trails are marked, but in some places it is necessary to follow the issued walking descriptions and maps. The average walking time will be around 4 to 6 hours per day.
Itinerary
Here you can see the program for the week.
After checking in at the hotel in Levanto, it will be possible to take a stroll around the city center or even a swim in the Mediterranean Sea to freshen up after the journey.
Hotel (example): Hotel Nuovo Garden***
The first walking day takes you along the coast to Monterosso al Mare. The first stretch of the walk leads you up towards Punta Mesco, one of the most beautiful promontories of Liguria and also a perfect place for a lunch stop. On the way back it is possible to walk past the ruins of a hermitage from the 11th century, with an amazing view to the rocky coastline. You will continue via a steep path bringing you down to the colorful town of Monterosso, which rises above the waterfront. Here there is time to explore the village before heading back to Levanto with the local train. It is also possible to hike back to Levanto through a fine alternative mountain route if you wish.
Hotel (example): Hotel Nuovo Garden***
You start the day by train to Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the five Cinque Terre villages (approx €2-3 p.p.). You can choose to walk or take the train on to Manarola - a multi-coloured little village set in majestic, steep terrain overlooking a beautiful, rocky natural harbour. Take a look at this pretty little town before heading up an incredibly beautiful route via the winter terraces to the tiny village of Volastra. From here the path winds around the mountains with stunning views along the coast towards your next stop, the charming village of Corniglia.
You will continue through terraced olive groves and citrus groves, eventually descending steeply to the village of Vernazza itself, with its dominating ancient fortress and some of the best views in Liguria. Vernazza is known as the most beautiful of the surrounding villages and here you can visit the castle tower, which offers a mountainous view of the harbour area with its colourful fishing boats. It is full of cosy cafés where you can buy refreshments before taking the train back to the hotel in Levanto.
Hotel (example): Hotel Nuovo Garden***
Today you will take the train back to Riomaggiore, from where you will head east towards Portovenere. A long flight of steps takes you up to the Santuario della Madonna di Montenero. From here the climb continues through vineyards and along beautiful coastal slopes bordered by the clear azure sea. Here is the Sentiero Rosso ridge, which runs all the way through Cinque Terre. After passing through the small village of Campiglia, a good place for a refreshment stop, the route descends through the pine forest towards Portovenere. You will arrive at the beautiful 16th-century castle that towers over Portovenere with views that, weather permitting, stretch to the distant Alpi Apuane mountains on the horizon. A flight of steps brings you down to the heart of the village, where there will be time to explore before checking into a hotel in town.
Hotel (example): 3 star Hotel in Portovenere
After the long walk yesterday, today is time to recover. There is an opportunity for a gentle walk around the island of Palmaria, just across the bay from Portovenere. There is a short boat crossing and then you have the whole day to experience the atmosphere of this very typical Mediterranean island, with its dense vegetation, and views of the cliffs and only the seagulls and azure sky above you. Take time to explore the impressive fortresses too, and perhaps go for a swim on one of the secluded beaches. When you return by boat to the mainland, you'll still have time to enjoy the charming Portovenere.
Hotel (example): 3 star Hotel in Portovenere
From Portovenere, take the bus to La Spezia and then the train to Camogli, where you will drop off your luggage at the hotel. Then start your first hike on the Portofino peninsula towards the uniquely located monastery of San Fruttuoso, which dates back to the 11th century. It is set in a beautiful bay and is only accessible on foot or by boat. The route passes through the woods and, with a number of impressive viewpoints, the church of San Rocco. From San Fruttuoso it is possible to either walk or take a boat back to Camogli.
Hotel (example): Hotel La Camogliese**
If there is no availability in Camogli, we will book you in an equivalent hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure, saving you the train ride on day 7 (the ride takes 5 minutes by local train).
Begin the day with a short train ride to Santa Margherita, where there will be time to explore this attractive town. Then you will walk to Portofino, which besides being a large resort town, and popular holiday destination for the Italien jet set, it is also a beautiful colorful village. It is possible to visit the castle and the lighthouse, which offers spectacular views. If you have the extra energy, you can continue along the trails and enjoy the magnificent views of the Gulf of Genoa to San Fruttuoso, highlighting the monastery from a different angle. From here you can choose to sail back to Santa Margherita or even back to Camogli.
Longer walk:
Walking: approx. 4-5 hours
Distance: 14km
+350 / -350
Hotel (example): Hotel La Camogliese**
If you are booked into a hotel in Santa Margherita instead of Camogli, no train rides are necessary today.
After breakfast it is time to pack your luggage and check out from the hotel for departure.
Pictures from the trip
Prices and dates
The price includes
- 3 nights accommodation in Levanto, incl. breakfast
- 2 nights accommodation in Portovenere, incl. breakfast
- 2 nights accommodation in Camogli, incl. breakfast
- Luggage transfer from Levanto to Portovenere
- Detailed route descriptions, maps and relevant tourist information.
- Phone number for 24-hour local support.
- This is a packaged holiday and is therefore covered by The Travel Guarantee Fund - See which benefits this means for you - click here
- Transportation to and from the destination
- Local train tickets (about 2 € per ticket)
- Boat tickets (Around 10 € per. Ticket – depends on the destination)
- Cancellation and travel insurance
- Luggage transfer (from Portovenere to Camogli - you carry this yourself by public transport before the day's walk)
Practical information
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:
- Choose your desired start date
- Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
- Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).
Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.
The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
The flights to/from Pisa or Genoa are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Pisa is the nearest and most accessible airport for Levanto. Check www.pisa-airport.com for the direct flight options that suit you the best. Alternatively you can fly to/from Milan, but train transportation is a little longer to Levanto from there.
The tour from Pisa to Levanto and back from Camogli to Pisa, is most easily done by train. On www.trenitalia.com it is easy to get an overview of times and destinations on the Italian trains (Pisa/Levanto takes about 1.5 hours, Milan/Levanto takes about 3 hours) but since it is difficult to purchase or change tickets online, we recommend that you buy them directly from the ticket machines at the train station.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.
Local Transportation
The local coastal train line, has frequent departures, and tickets can be purchased directly at the station (2-3 € p.p.).
On days where boats are not operating, it will be possible to take train or busses. There will be more information on this in your walking descriptions for the respective days.
You will stay three nights in Levanto in a really good 2- or 3-star tourist class hotel, two nights in Portovenere in a good 2-star tourist class hotel and 2 nights in Camogli in a 3-star tourist class hotel. Breakfast is included in all hotels.
Breakfast is included every day. It is easy to find lunch in the small villages before the walks and you will have plenty of choices for dinner in the many restaurants.
This journey has difficulty level 2
Grade 2
Easy hiking on reasonably good trails. The day walks will last 4-6 hours in hilly terrain. Anyone in good physical condition can participate. Your luggage will be transported and you only carry a light daypack. Requires comfortable footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots.
Read more about our grading system here.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll get access to your 'my tour' page where you'll find practical information about the trip.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and voucher
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
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"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"