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Home , Bonassola, Cinque Terre, Corniglia, Deiva Marina, Framura, Genoa

, THE & PORTOVENERE

DISCOVER BELLA ITALIA ON FOOT AND BY RAIL

PORTOFINO, THE CINQUE TERRE & PORTOVENERE SUMMARY A spectacular in-depth journey on foot and by rail, exploring ’s glamorous Portofino, together with two UNESCO World Heritage gems; the Cinque Terre National Park with its five classic colourful villages, and the lovely Portovenere.

The Ligurian coast, known as bella Italia’s ‘Flower Riviera’, will captivate you will its unique coastal and forest trails, where you’ll walk or take short train rides from village to village, admiring the cobalt blue sea and colourful collections of houses that cling to the cliff faces. Revel in the region’s delicious cuisine, washed down with excellent local from the region’s terraced vineyards— this tour will delight foodies and keen walkers alike.

Your trip begins on the Portofino peninsula, staying in the traditional fishing harbour of , from where you can visit the impressive San Frutuoso Abbey— located in a beautiful cove and reached only by boat or on foot, as well as the lighthouse ‘Il Faro’ which gives spectacular views of the Mediterranean and Ligurian Tour: Portofino, The Cinque Terre & Seas. You’ll continue on foot to iconic Portofino, where you can relax at the harbour with a chilled caffè Portovenere freddo and watch the fishing boats and mega-yachts bobbing on the crystal-clear water. Code: WItPORT Type: Self-Guided Walking Holiday Price: See Website Continue your Italian adventure with a walk through the hills of the East Riviera, staying overnight at Dates: April to October on any day with its laid-back beach, before continuing south along the coastline to Monterosso. Set amidst Walking Days: 5-6 terraces of olive groves and vines, Monterosso is the largest of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. Enjoy a Days: 8 choice of coastal or mountain walks through vineyards and fragrant pine and chestnut forests. Alternatively, Nights: 7 make use of your two-day rail pass, or simply relax under a colourful beach umbrella. Start: Camogli, Portofino Peninsula Finish: Portovenere

Distance: 3-13km each day Visit the town of , the most southerly of the Cinque Terre villages, dating from the 8th Century Grade: Easy to Moderate and characterised by sorbet-coloured houses perched on slate grey cliffs. Your walking tour finishes in the lovely medieval fishing town of Portovenere, on the Gulf of Poets. No wonder this area inspired such literary IS IT FOR ME? greats such as Byron and DH Lawrence. Food, history, culture and wonderful walking through UNESCO Heritage sites; visiting Your walking and rail trip in The Cinque Terre includes 7 nights in superb hand-picked 2-3* hotels in rooms Portofino, Portovenere and the Cinque Terre with private facilities, 7 breakfasts, a 48-hour Cinque Terre Card (train pass and entrance to the National national park—you’ve found the classic Ital- Park), transfer from Camogli to San Rocco on Day 2 and from Monterosso to Soviore on Day 5, luggage ian experience! Coastal and mountain trails transfers on Days 4 & 7, comprehensive route notes and maps and a detailed pre-departure information abound, with the opportunity to shorten your pack as well as emergency support. walks and take either a train or on occasion a local ferry. This is the quintessential Cinque Terre experience! HIGHLIGHTS WHAT’S INCLUDED?  Wandering ancient trails past flower-filled meadows, vineyards and olive groves Accommodation: 7 Nights in 2-3* charm-  Exploring the colourful UNESCO World Heritage villages of the Cinque Terre ing hand-picked small hotels.  The flexibility of walking or taking the train to explore village to village Meals: 7 Breakfasts.  The stylish atmosphere of harbour-side Portofino; people-watching with a caffè freddo Transfers: People transfer on Day 2 and 5, and a 48-hr Cinque Terre Card which  Staying in the charming medieval town of Portovenere gives you entrance to the park and use of  Breath-taking views of the azure , and enjoying a cool dip! local trains.

Baggage Transfers: On Days 4 and 7. PORTOFINO, THE CINQUE TERRE & PORTOVENERE

DISCOVER BELLA ITALIA ON FOOT AND BY RAIL

DETAILED ITINERARY Walk to Portofino via San Fruttuoso Bonassola You’ll be picked up this morning from your hotel Stay in a friendly property close to the beach at at Camogli for a private transfer to the village of Bonassola. All of our properties here offer Day Route Km San Rocco. Start your walk with a visit to the comfortably furnished rooms and are ideally , located in a secluded bay located for exploring the area. 1 Arrive Camogli - overlooking cobalt-blue waters. From here you 2 Transfer to San Rocco and 7/11 can choose to walk or take a ferry to the chic Choice of walks: walk to Portofino via San town of Portofino (the latter is payable locally). Easier option: 5km, 421m ascent, 394m

Fruttuoso descent, 2h30 approx. Enjoy the wonderful view from Il Faro (the Light 3 Train to Bonassola. Walk to 5/11 House), located at the extreme point of the Harder option: 11km, 878m ascent, 881m via promontory, 1km from Portofino. A firm favourite descent, 4hrs approx. 4 Walk to Monterosso via 3/10 with the celebrity ‘jet set’, this pretty town is Levanto famous for its picturesque harbour. From here DAY 4 5 Transfer to Soviore, walk to 6/10 you can take the train or boat back to Camogli Walk to Monterosso via Levanto Monterosso via (payable locally). The first part of today’s walk runs along an old 6 Free day to explore Cinque 9/11 Overnight: Hotel La Camogliese**, Camogli Terre or choice of walks railway track which has recently been transformed into a fairly flat cycle path. Walk Colla di Gritta / - Choice of walks: through the and over the bridges whilst Riomaggiore Easier option: 7km, 734m ascent, 394m 7 Train to Riomaggiore. Walk 13 descent, 3h30 approx. revelling in spectacular views over the azure sea and cliffs until you reach the idyllic painter’s to Portovenere Harder option: 11km, 1165m ascent, 1185m 8 Onward travel - descent, 5h30 approx. paradise of Levanto, located in the centre of a charming valley surrounded by green hills. DAY 3 As you reach the ridge top, pause to take in the Train to Bonassola. Walk to Deiva sweeping views to the mountains which surround DAY 1 Marina via Framura the ‘Gulf of Paradise’. Arriving at Punta Mesco Arrive Camogli you continue your descent towards the village of Continue your adventure along the Ligurian Monterosso. Your Italian journey begins in the charming small Riviera by jumping on a train to Bonassola of Camogli, situated on the west (payable locally), a lovely town wedged between Choice of walks: side of the Portofino peninsula. Camogli is the sea and mountains, from where you will Easier option: 3km, 225m ascent, 226m easily reached with good train connections from begin your walk through the hills of the East descent, 1h30 approx. or (and is also an option). Riviera. Harder option: 10km, 753m ascent, 746m descent, 4h30 approx. If you have time when you arrive, visit the The first part of your walk to Framura is historic centre and embrace the relaxed seaside extremely panoramic with wonderful views over Overnight: Hotel Marina***, Monterosso the northern Ligurian coast. You can always ambience of Camogli, with its fantastic fresh The following hotels are available at an upgrade shorten your walk by finishing in Framura and seafood and colourful houses. supplement: Hotel Punta Mesco***, Hotel returning to Bonassola by train. Overnight: Hotel La Camogliese**, Camogli Amici***, Hotel La Colonnina*** or Hotel Villa On reaching the pretty little town of Deiva Adriana***, Monterosso The following hotels are available at an upgrade Marina, why not take a cooling dip in the ocean Our delightfully charming accommodation in supplement: Hotel Augusta** or Hotel to celebrate a wonderful day’s walk. Casmona***, Camogli Monterosso, the largest of the five villages of the Overnight: Hotel Villa Belvedere, Bonassola Cinque Terre, provides a welcome rest to All hotels offer a warm welcome to walkers and walkers and is again close to the beach. are conveniently close to the beach. The following hotels are available at an upgrade supplement: delle Rose***, Hotel La DAY 2 Feluca*** or Hotel Pensione Moderna***, PORTOFINO, THE CINQUE TERRE & PORTOVENERE

DISCOVER BELLA ITALIA ON FOOT AND BY RAIL

DAY 5 or DAY 8

Transfer to Soviore, walk to Corniglia-Volastra-Riomaggiore walk Onward travel Monterosso via Vernazza Take the train from Monterosso to Corniglia, then set out on foot as you ascend the path towards After a good breakfast, begin with a transfer to Bid farewell to the Cinque Terre and continue Volastra and on to Riomaggiore. Stop for a your onward journey home. You can depart Soviore, thus avoiding the very steep section up delicious or a glass of full-bodied red an ancient cobbled path. On arrival in Soviore Portovenere by bus to and from there from the local vineyards, before taking the train you can easily get to Pisa, Genoa, Florence or you can either stop to visit the local monastery or back to Monterosso. immediately begin your walk towards Vernazza. airports by train. Walk: 10km, 471m ascent, 448m descent, 4hrs Follow a panoramic path that gently descends to approx. Additional Nights and Extensions the Madonna di Reggio, a Sanctuary hidden in the hills behind the little town of Vernazza. From Overnight: Hotel Marina***, Monterosso here continue walking on a stone path down to TOUR INFORMATION DAY 7 this pretty port full of colourful houses and old fishing boats, before taking the panoramic Train to Riomaggiore. Walk to Why not extend your tour with a few extra nights coastal path back to Monterosso. Portovenere before/after or during your tour? Contact us to tailor-make your arrangements. To shorten the walk, you can stop in Vernazza if A short train ride (payable locally) takes you to you wish, and take the train back to Monterosso. Riomaggiore, the most southerly of the villages of Accommodation the Cinque Terre, dating from 13th Century. Overnight: Hotel Marina***, Monterosso Continue your walk to the edge of the chain of We specifically choose our hotels for comfort, mountains which borders the Cinque Terre area. Choice of walks: location and real authenticity. Our small hotels are of a good standard (some 2* but mostly 3*), Easier option: 6km, 266m ascent, 707m From Colle del Telegrafo, follow the ridgeline with en suite rooms offering a genuine warm descent, 3hrs approx. until you reach Portovenere, passing through the Harder option: 10km, 643m ascent, 1098m village of Campiglia. Your final walk will be Italian welcome. descent, 4hrs approx. rewarded with great views over the Cinque Terre We will always try and accommodate you at the coastline and the impressive cliffs of Portovenere locations detailed in the brochure, but because DAY 6 at the end. of limited availability and the popularity of this Free to explore Cinque Terre or The stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of region we may have to accommodate you at an optional Colla di Gritta or Corniglia- Portovenere was a favourite of such literary alternative location of the same or better greats as Byron, Shelley and DH Lawrence. Its standard. We will confirm your accommodation Riomaggiore walks photogenic San Pietro Church was built atop the details on confirming your reservation. Spend today as you wish—perhaps simply remains of a 6th-century church, said to occupy the site of an ancient Roman temple to . relaxing at Monterosso or returning to one of the Single Rooms pretty villages of the Cinque Terre by train. Walk: 13km, 861m ascent, 875m descent, 6hrs approx. Single rooms are available but attract a single Alternatively, choose from the following optional supplement. walks: Overnight: Hotel Paradiso, Portovenere Solo Walkers Monterosso loop walk via Colle di Gritta The following hotels are available at an upgrade Head inland past the ‘Chiesa dei Cappucini’ to supplement: Hotel Belvedere*** or Hotel Royal This is a great holiday for solo walkers. If you are the Colla di Gritta. Continue over the mountain Sporting***, Portovenere travelling solo the holiday is slightly more ridge through lush forests, passing over Monte expensive as some costs are not shared. All of our superb accommodations in Portovenere Molinelli, Monte Rossini, and Colla Meals dei Bagari until you reach Punta Mesco. Return overlook the water. Relax and watch the world go to Monterosso via a series of old stone footpaths. by as you sip a toast to your Cinque Terre The delicious Italian food and wine available adventure. locally is undoubtedly a highlight of this holiday. Walk: 9km, 690m ascent, 696m descent, 3hrs PORTOFINO, THE CINQUE TERRE & PORTOVENERE

DISCOVER BELLA ITALIA ON FOOT AND BY RAIL

The price of your holiday includes breakfast each  Transfer rom Camogli to San Rocco (Day 2) morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so From Genoa take a local bus to the centre and from Monterosso to Soviore (Day 5) you are free to choose from the available options. (Brignole station) then it is s a 40mins train to Camogli (total journey around 1hr).  Luggage transfers on Days 4 and 7 Baggage Transfer  48 hr Cinque Terre Card— train pass and From Pisa take the PisaMover bus from the entrance to the Cinque Terre National Park On Days 4 & 7 your bags will be transferred from airport, just a 1km ride into the train station/  24-hour telephone assistance your hotel and moved onto your next overnight centre then it’s a 2h15 train ride to Camogli (total accommodation. We ask you to limit your journey approx. 2h30-2hrs).  Detailed route notes and maps luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person. Excluded: Visit www..it for times, prices and Equipment booking. Tickets can be purchased on arrival or  All lunches and dinners online prior to departure. Your information pack has a detailed equipment  Flights and additional public transportation list which includes standard walking gear such as Our pre-departure information pack has detailed  Travel public transport information so you will have no good walking boots or shoes, waterproofs, problem reaching the Cinque Terre.  Admissions and entrance fees comfortable walking clothes, warm and  Personal expenses; drinks, phone calls, etc. waterproof clothes and a day pack. Buses run every 30 minutes (15 minutes in peak season) from Portovenere to La Spezia and take  Any item that has not been specifically Walking Grade about 40 minutes and cost 1.90€ single. mentioned in the program Alternatively a taxi costs about 40€. From La This holiday is graded easy to moderate because Spezia trains connect to Pisa, Genoa or Florence although the daily walks are relatively short the Airports as well as other destinations in Italy. Visit HOW TO BOOK terrain is very hilly and summer temperatures can www.trenitalia.it for times, prices and booking. be high. The walks follow ancient footpaths and Once you have read all the information in this mule tracks. Many are made up of steep stone Travel in the Cinque Terre factsheet or on our website and decided on your staircases, with steps of varying sizes; some are preferred itinerary, visit our website or give us a The excellent local train service connects all the literally cut into the cliff so if you are not good call to confirm availability. Book Securely Online: villages and is what you will use to access many with heights then this may not be the trip for you. www.macsadventure.com of the walks. Another pleasant alternative is to Telephone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886 use the local ferry services to travel between Navigation villages (ferries are payable locally). Financial Security You will be following way marked trails for many In In accordance with "The Package Travel, of your walks and we supply very detailed route AVAILABILITY & PRICE notes and maps so navigation is generally easy. Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations1992" all passengers booking with Important note: Availability Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the Hydrogeological instability in the Cinque Terre You can start your holiday on any date between initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all region can at times cause the closure of certain mid- April and the end of October. The best time monies paid to us, including repatriation if sections of the trails. Before embarking on your of year is April through to June and September required (this insurance will not cover repatriation daily walk please check with your until mid October. July and August can be very to the country of origin for the passengers outside accommodation and also if possible on the busy and very hot for walking. of the EU), arising from cancellation or Cinque Terre National Park website. curtailment of your travel arrangements due to Price the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd. There is no requirement for Financial Protection of day TRAVEL INFORMATION Up to date prices are available on our website. trips, and none is provided. This insurance is Included: only valid for packages booked that DO NOT Getting to/from Camogli/Portovenere include flights. Genoa or Pisa Airports are the most convenient  7 nights 2-3* accommodation including although Florence is also a possibility. breakfast in rooms with private facilities