CINQUE TERRE

Coastal Walking on the Italian Riviera

Enjoy some of the finest coastal walking in Europe on this the most beautiful section of the Italian Riviera. The five charming villages of the ‘Chinquay Terray’, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore have been praised by artists and poets for centuries. They have celebrated the tiny aquamarine inlets that serve as fishing harbours and the ancient terraces rising steeply out of the coastal crags in words and pictures. Now you can discover all this for yourselves!

This popular shorter holiday will appeal to easy going walkers who are happy to be flexible and juggle their hiking itineraries according to their mood or the prevailing climate. There are gentle coastal strolls and strenuous hikes alike, into the surrounding hills through the precarious cliffside vineyards and scented pine forests. You can visit the churches, viewpoints, seasides and beaches of the neighbouring towns, returning to our centre in Monterosso al Mare via the efficient local rail service that links the towns of the Cinque Terre with the beach resort of Levanto and train hub at La Spezia. From here there is convenient access to Pisa and its airport. From April through to September there is also a ferry service between the towns.

The tour is particularly recommended for spring and autumn departures, where the crowds have cleared and the temperatures are amiable for walking. (Note that a National Parks card - not included - has to be bought locally €36 approx, but acts as a pass on the trains along the Cinque Terre).

Centre Based 6 days	Click here  detailed dossier
Duration: 5 nights/6 days Tour Code: JTC Grade: Easy - Moderate Day Stages: Upto 20km. Choose from a range of walks.
SELF-GUIDED Dates 2013	Click here for latest SELF-GUIDED prices
March - October Note: Mid July - Mid August can be very hot.

Accommodation

5 nights/6 days - Your 3 star hotel is named after the young lady who runs it, off the winding medieval streets of Monterosso, just a couple of minutes from its tiny beach. The dinners here offer a taste of the local ‘cucina’ and regional flavours often prevail, including delicious seafood platters. Perhaps washed down with a Cinque Terre Domain wine such as ‘Sciacchetra’ which is made with sun dried grapes and thus has a higher sugar content.

Sherpa Notes

Accommodation & Meals
Bed and breakfast five nights in a 3* hotel

Way Marks
The walks are generally well waymarked.

Travel
via Air: British Airways (BA) services Gatwick to Pisa. Bus or train from Pisa to Monterosso changing in La Spezia. After breakfast in Monterosso at the end of the trip take a train to Pisa for your return flight. Allow 60 Euros for transfers (not included).