Active Journeys SelfSelf----GuidedGuided

Hiking Tour Italy

Tour descriptions

Day 1 & Arrive Sestri Lavante

Day 2 2 Like the family jewels that bedeck its habitual visitors, the Italian Riviera is glam- Circular Route options ourous, but in the old-fashioned way. The resort towns and coastal villages that

Day 3 18.5km stake intermittent claim on the rocky shores of the Ligurian Sea are the long-lost To cousins of newer seaside paradises found elsewhere. Day 4 15 km To Here the grandest palazzi share space with frescoed, angular, late 19th century

Day 5 13 km apartment buildings. The rustic and elegant, the provincial and chic, the small- To Portofino town and cosmopolitan, collide here in a sun-drenched blend that defines the Ital- Day 6 5 km ian side of the Riviera. There is the glamour of its chic resorts such as Portofino, Free day in Portofino the tranquil beauty and outdoor adventures of the region, plus the history and ar- Day 7 12 km chitectural charm of . Mellowed by the balmy breezes blowing off the sea, To travellers bask in the sun, explore the pictur- Day 8 esque fishing villages, and pamper themselves at Tours ends the resorts that dot this ruggedly beautiful land- scape.

It is famous for its particularly mild climate which, together with the charm of its old fishing Tour Details ports and the beauty of its landscape, has made Daily mid-April to end June it a popular destination. September to mid-October

Length: 8 days/ 7 nights Fast Facts

Cost: $2395 per person STD • Walk from the beautiful Bay of • Colourfully painted towns and villages, $3395 per person SUP Silence to the ancient fishing port beautiful palaces and excellent Grade: Moderate/Intermediate beaches of Camogli Starts: Sestri Lavante • Ancient slate-paved trails • Stunning coastal scenery and views, Ends: Camogli • Discover San Fruttuoso Abbey, acces- olive groves & the dramatic Porto- sible only on foot. fino peninsula

Active Journeys Contact: 11----800800800----597597597----55945594 or 416416----236236236----50115011 Email: [email protected]

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive in Arrive at your leisure to the town of Sestri Levante with its picturesque medieval streets and port. Explore the tran- quil bay and excellent beaches.

Day 2 Free day 6.5 or 17 km Time to explore Sestri, from its lollypop-coloured houses to bustling streets and palazzi, or choose an optional cir- cular or coastal walk southwards.

Day 3 Sestri Levante to Chiavari 18.5 km / 6 hrs In the morning you will have some time to relax or swim or head out following the coastal path, then cross the hills to the 12th century basilica of San Salvatore before con- tinuing to Chiavari’s medieval centre and fine Botanical Gardens.

Day 4 Chiavari to Rapallo 15 km / 5.5 hrs Take the paved trails through olive groves and small farms past two fine churches before descending to Rapallo. An alternate high route is also available to you through a wilder countryside.

Day 5 Rapallo to Paraggi/Portofino 13 km / 5 hrs There is an optional cable car descent to Montallegro. Then quiet trails that lead around the bay to Santa Mar- guerita Ligure and a tiny cove of Paraggi (standard hotel) or continue on to Portofino (superior hotel). There are opportunities en route to have a swim and relax.

Day 6 Portofino free day Explore the famous, picturesque resort town or Portofino, where the “rich and famous” exist with the local fishing community in harmony.

Day 7 To Camogli 12 km / 4 hrs Climb past the ruined mills to the pine-shaded trails with lovely views down to the monastery of San Fruttuoso. One more climb of the day before descending to the church of San Rocco to Camogli for your last overnight.

Day 8 Departure Day

What to Expect Getting There What will the weather be like? The daytime temperature will be warm and sunny. In the summer it is hot, high 80’s , in spring and fall , you can expect high 70’s (high 20’s C), and cooler evenings. Sunscreen is a The main airport closest to the start- must during the day, as is a sweater for the cooler nights. Traditionally it does not rain, but ing point is Genoa. From here you it is recommended to bring some rain gear in case. can take the train to Sestri Levante, How many hours of walking a day? 1.5 hours. Be prepared to walk between 3-6 hours daily, rarely on flat terrain. The Italian countryside is all hills. On the return , take a taxi to Porto-

fino where you can take the train How fit do I need to be? The fitter the better, and some hiking experience is recommended but not required. Set- back. tling into different locations, this allows you the option of taking a day off, not walking, or only doing half the route if you want, if you take public transport to your next accommoda- tion

What are the hotels like? We use lovely accommodations, with twin-bedded rooms, all with private facilities. They are 2 and 3 star hotels. With the superior cost, the hotel in Sestri and Portofino are fine 4 * properties ( in Portofino - the San Giorgio , a small renovated Palazzo). Breakfast only .

Who will help? Our Route Managers look after the luggage transfers. They meet you before you set out on your trip, either on the first day or the morning of the second one. The Route Manager is always on hand to help out in emergencies or difficulties, and is available by cell phone.

How to book your holiday

• Contact our office to make sure there is space available. Extra Services One of our travel planners will walk you through the en- tire booking process. Hotels in range from €120 per night to a deluxe 5* property at €450 per night. • Download the reservation form from our website and

send in completed form by fax or email. Once this is done, 6 day/5 night option available - 1 night in your space is confirmed and a pre-departure packet will each town be sent immediately.

• Deposit is required immediately, and final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Terms & conditions are out- lined on the back of our Reservation Form.

• Plan your air travel as soon as possible.

• We encourage you to purchase travel insurance, either through us or directly a travel insurance provider.

• Ensure that you are in proper health for the trip chosen. Contact us for more information on vaccinations, inocula- tions, and fitness requirements.