PORTOFINO & THE CINQUE TERRE

A CLASSIC SHORT BREAK ALONG THE LIGURIAN COAST

PORTOFINO & THE CINQUE TERRE SUMMARY Escape on a short break to Italy’s stunning Ligurian coast, staying on the Portofino Peninsula and at Monterosso, the most northerly of the five sorbet-coloured villages of the Cinque Terre. Take time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage area on foot, following ancient trails above the vibrant blue waters of the Mediterranean.

You’ll be captivated by the picture-postcard villages of Portofino and the Cinque Terre itself—marvel at how these well-preserved villages, established in the late Middle Ages, cling to the cliff face, and delight in their delicious cuisine and café-culture as you journey from village-to-village. With three days of walking and a choice of suggested trails, plus a set of excellent route notes and maps, you’ll be able to tuck into some of the fantastic culinary treats on offer, guilt-free.

Try a dish of Tegame alla Vernazza—anchovies, potatoes, tomatoes, white wine, oil, and herbs. Or savour a Tour: Portofino & The Cinque Terre delightful and filling plate of Pansotti; ravioli with ricotta and spinach, often served with a hazelnut or walnut Code: WItPOCI sauce. To round it all off, finish with a glass of sciacchetrà. Type: Self-guided walking tour Price: See Website Stay your first two nights at the traditional fishing harbour of Camogli on the Portofino peninsula, from where Dates: April to October on any day you can visit the lovely San Frutuoso Abbey; the cove is only by boat or on foot. Walk from here to the Walking Days: 2-3 famed chic harbour of Portofino, popular with the ‘jet set’. Take time to people-watch with an iced coffee, or Days: 5 a glass of the local red as you admire the outstanding scenery and incredible yachts. Nights: 4 Start: Camogli, Portofino Peninsula Finish: Monterosso You’ll make good use of your Cinque Terre Pass, which gives you access to the park and train travel (24 hr Distance: 3-13km each day card). Travel by rail to Monterosso, where you’ll stay your next two nights, set amidst a landscape of Grade: Easy to Moderate vineyards and olive groves. Enjoy a choice of further coastal or mountain walks, or simply let the train take the strain as you discover the well-preserved villages and culture that has changed little over the centuries. IS IT FOR ME? Your walking trip, Portofino & The Cinque Terre, includes 2 nights in a superb hand-picked 2-3* hotel in Iconic Portofino combines with the candy- Camogli, and 2 nights in a lovely 3* hotel in Monterosso in rooms with private facilities; 4 breakfasts, a 24- coloured village of Monterosso on the hour Cinque Terre Card (train pass and entrance to the National Park), transfer from Camogli to San Rocco Cinque Terre, offering a captivating short on Day 2, comprehensive route notes and maps and a detailed pre-departure information pack as well as break which takes in highlights of the Liguri- emergency support. an Coast. If you are short on time, but want to escape and enjoy some sunshine, spec- tacular scenery, incredible food and classic Italian UNESCO World Heritage villages, this HIGHLIGHTS tour ticks all the boxes!

WHAT’S INCLUDED?  Discovering the multi-coloured UNESCO World Heritage villages of the Cinque Terre Accommodation: 2 Nights in 2* and 2  A fantastic three days of walking—coastal views, terraces of olive groves and vines nights in 3* hand-picked small hotels.  Experiencing glamorous Portofino, with its semi-circular waterfront and pastel houses Meals: 4 Breakfasts. Transfers: Transfer on Day 2 from Camo- Cooling off in impossibly clear blue waters, or lounging under a beach umbrella  gli to San Rocco, and a 24-hr Cinque Terre  Pesto and focaccia originate from the Ligurian coast—a great excuse to indulge! Card which gives you entrance to the park and use of local trains.

PORTOFINO & THE CINQUE TERRE A CLASSIC SHORT BREAK ALONG THE LIGURIAN COAST

DETAILED ITINERARY overlooking cobalt-blue waters. From here you Corniglia-Volastra-Riomaggiore walk can choose to walk or take a ferry to the chic Take the train from Monterosso to Corniglia, then town of Portofino (the latter is payable locally). set out on foot as you ascend the path towards

Day Route Km Volastra and on to Riomaggiore. Stop for a Enjoy the wonderful view from Il Faro (the Light House), located at the extreme point of the delicious gelato or a glass of full-bodied red wine 1 Arrive Camogli - promontory, 1km from Portofino. A firm favourite from the local vineyards, before taking the train 2 Transfer to San Rocco and 7/13 with the celebrity ‘jet set’, this pretty town is back to Monterosso. walk to Portofino via San famous for its picturesque harbour. From here Walk: 11km, 1003m ascent, 980m descent, 4- Fruttuoso you can take the train or boat back to Camogli 5hrs approx. 3 Free to explore the Cinque 9/11 (payable locally). Terre, or choice of walks Overnight: Hotel La Camogliese**, Camogli Overnight: Hotel Marina***, Monterosso Colla di Gritta / Corniglia- The following hotels are available at an upgrade Riomaggiore Choice of walks: supplement: Hotel Punta Mesco***, Hotel 4 Train to Bonassola. 3/10 Easier option: 7km, 734m ascent, 394m Amici***, Hotel La Colonnina*** or Hotel Villa Walk to Monterosso via descent, 3h30 approx. Adriana***, Monterosso Levanto Harder option: 13km, 1165m ascent, 1185m 5 Onward travel - descent, 5h30 approx. Our delightfully charming accommodation in Monterosso provides a welcome rest to walkers DAY 3 and is again close to the beach. Free to explore Cinque Terre or DAY 1 DAY 4 optional Colla di Gritta or Corniglia- Arrive Camogli Riomaggiore walks Train to Bonassola. Walk via Your Italian journey begins in the charming small Take the train to Monterosso, the largest of the Levanto to Monterosso fishing village of Camogli, situated on the west five villages of the Cinque Terre, and your base Take the train (payable locally) to the relaxed side of the Portofino peninsula. Camogli is easily for the next two nights. Spend today as you village of Bonassola, with a beautiful sandy reached with good train connections from Genoa wish—perhaps using your rail pass to explore beach. The first part of today’s walk runs along or Pisa (and Florence is also an option). along the coastline, or simply settle in and relax an old railway track which has recently been If you have time when you arrive, visit the at Monterosso, taking time to explore the transformed into a fairly flat cycle path. Walk historic centre and embrace the relaxed seaside alleyways, restaurants and cafés of this delightful through the tunnels and over the bridges whilst ambience of Camogli, with its fantastic fresh UNESCO World Heritage village. revelling in spectacular views over the azure sea and cliffs until you reach the idyllic painter’s seafood and colourful houses. If you’d prefer to explore further on foot, choose paradise of Levanto, located in the centre of a from the following optional walks: Overnight: Hotel La Camogliese**, Camogli charming valley surrounded by green hills. Monterosso loop walk via Colle di Gritta The following hotels are available at an upgrade As you reach the ridge top, pause to take in the Head inland past the ‘Chiesa dei Cappucini’ to supplement: Hotel Augusta** or Hotel sweeping views to the mountains which surround the Colla di Gritta. Continue over the mountain Casmona***, Camogli the ‘Gulf of Paradise’. Arriving at Punta Mesco ridge through lush forests, passing over Monte you continue your descent towards the village of Your accommodation offers a warm welcome to Molinelli, Monte Rossini, Montenegro and Colla Monterosso. walkers and is conveniently close to the beach. dei Bagari until you reach Punta Mesco. Return to Monterosso via a series of old stone DAY 2 Choice of walks: footpaths. Easier option: 3km, 225m ascent, 226m Walk to Portofino via San Fruttuoso descent, 1h30 approx. Walk: 9km, 690m ascent, 696m descent, 3hrs Harder option: 10km, 753m ascent, 746m You’ll be picked up this morning from your hotel approx. descent, 4h30 approx. at Camogli for a private transfer to the village of or San Rocco. Start your walk with a visit to the Overnight: Hotel Marina***, Monterosso San Fruttuoso Abbey, located in a secluded bay PORTOFINO & THE CINQUE TERRE

A CLASSIC SHORT BREAK ALONG THE LIGURIAN COAST

DAY 5 morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so (Brignole station) then it is s a 40mins train to you are free to choose from the available options. Camogli (total journey around 1hr). Onward travel Baggage Transfer From Pisa take the PisaMover bus from the Bid farewell to the Cinque Terre and continue airport, just a 1km ride into the train station/city your onward journey home. You can depart As you will be taking the train from Camogli to centre then it’s a 2h15 train ride to Camogli (total Monterosso by train and easily get to Pisa, Monterosso on Day 3, you will take your luggage journey approx. 2h30-3hrs). Genoa, Florence or Milan airports by train. with you. No baggage transfers are included on this tour. Visit www.trenitalia.it for times, prices and booking. Tickets can be purchased on arrival or Equipment online prior to departure. TOUR INFORMATION Your information pack has a detailed equipment Our pre-departure information pack has detailed list which includes standard walking gear such as public transport information so you will have no Additional Nights and Extensions good walking boots or shoes, waterproofs, problem reaching the Cinque Terre.

comfortable walking clothes, warm and Why not extend your time in Italy with a few extra Getting from Monterosso nights before/after or during your tour? Contact waterproof clothes and a day pack. Departing from Monterosso, you can take the us to tailor-make your arrangements. Walking Grade Alternatively, take a look at our longer 8-day train to Genoa Airport (2 hrs to Genoa Piazza This holiday is graded easy to moderate because Principe, changing at Levanto/La Spezia) and itinerary. then take a bus from Brignole station to the although the daily walks are relatively short the airport. Accommodation terrain is very hilly and summer temperatures can We specifically choose our hotels for comfort, be high. The walks follow ancient footpaths and If you are flying out of Pisa, you can take a 1h30- 2hr train ride to the airport (changing at La location and real authenticity. Our small hotels mule tracks. Many are made up of steep stone Spezia/Pisa Centrale). are of a good standard (2* and 3*), with en suite staircases, with steps of varying sizes; some are literally cut into the cliff so if you are not good rooms offering a genuine warm Italian welcome. For those travelling to Florence Airport, it is a with heights then this may not be the trip for you. 2h45 train journey (changing at Viareggio) to We will always try and accommodate you at the Navigation Firenze Novella station, then you can take a locations detailed in the brochure, but because direct shuttle bus from Florence’s Piazza of limited availability and the popularity of this You will be following way marked trails for many Statione to the airport. region we may have to accommodate you at an of your walks and we supply very detailed route It is worth noting that from La Spezia trains alternative location of the same or better notes and maps so navigation is generally easy. standard. We will confirm your accommodation connect to Pisa, Genoa or Florence Airports as well as other destinations in Italy. Visit details on confirming your reservation. Important note: Hydrogeological instability in the Cinque Terre www.trenitalia.it for times, prices and booking.

Single Rooms region can at times cause the closure of certain Travel in the Cinque Terre Single rooms are available but attract a single sections of the trails. Before embarking on your supplement. daily walk please check with your The excellent local train service connects all the accommodation and also if possible on the villages and is what you will use to access many Solo Walkers Cinque Terre National Park website. of the walks. Another pleasant alternative is to use the local ferry services to travel between This is a great holiday for solo walkers. If you are villages (ferries are payable locally). travelling solo the holiday is slightly more TRAVEL INFORMATION expensive as some costs are not shared. Getting to Camogli Meals

Genoa or Pisa Airports are the most convenient The delicious Italian food and wine available although Florence is also a possibility. locally is undoubtedly a highlight of this holiday. The price of your holiday includes breakfast each From Genoa take a local bus to the centre PORTOFINO & THE CINQUE TERRE

A CLASSIC SHORT BREAK ALONG THE LIGURIAN COAST

scheme available to you if you have a complaint, AVAILABILITY & PRICE HOW TO BOOK contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, Tel 020 3117 0581 www.abta.com Availability Once you have read all the information in this factsheet or on our website and decided on your You can start your holiday on any date between preferred itinerary, visit our website or give us a M.A.C.S. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL April and October. The best time of year is April call to confirm availability. You can then book by We operate trips in some of the most beautiful through to June and September until mid any of the following methods: October. July and August can be very busy and areas in Europe and try to operate in an very hot for walking. Book Securely Online: www.macsadventure.com environmentally aware and sustainable manner. Telephone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886 We do this by following our M.A.C.S. Price Responsible travel policy. Please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or Up to date prices are available on our website. email: [email protected] if you have any Minimise Impact & Maximise Benefit queries. Included: Our operating policies, office policies, holidays and tours are all designed to minimise impact  4 nights in 2-3* accommodation including BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE breakfast in rooms with private facilities and maximise benefit to the environment and local communities.  Transfer from Camogli to San Rocco (Day 2) Financial Security  24hr Cinque Terre Card— train pass and Action & Advocacy entrance to the Cinque Terre National Park In In accordance with "The Package Travel, We believe that by engaging our team and clients  24-hour telephone assistance Package Holidays and Package Tours in environmental and community projects we can  Detailed route notes and maps Regulations1992" all passengers booking with make a real difference. Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the Excluded: initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all Carbon & Communities monies paid to us, including repatriation if Travel and our business activity does of course  All lunches and dinners required (this insurance will not cover repatriation contribute to carbon output and climate change. to the country of origin for the passengers outside  Flights and additional public transportation We have put several policies in place to minimise of the EU), arising from cancellation or our carbon footprint.  Travel insurance curtailment of your travel arrangements due to  Any hotel taxes that are payable locally only the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd. There is Sensitive & Sustainable  Admissions and entrance fees no requirement for Financial Protection of day trips, and none is provided. This insurance is Macs Adventure has worked hard to ensure that  Personal expenses; drinks, phone calls, etc. our holidays are sensitive to the community you only valid for packages booked that DO NOT will visit.  Any item that has not been specifically include flights. mentioned in the program ABTA Member Statement Optional Extras: Macs Adventure Holidays  Single room supplement and solo walker is a Member of ABTA. supplement (if applicable) ABTA and ABTA. Members help  Additional nights holidaymakers to get the most from their travel

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