Current as of: October 30, 2019 - 13:11 Valid for departures: From October 1, 2019 to October 31, 2022

Self-Guided Walking in the and Portono Trip Notes

 Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays 7 Days Land only Trip Code:  Destinations: Min age: 10 W06CT Moderate  Programmes: Walking & Trekking

Trip Overview

About sixty miles east of lies a corner of the region with a remarkably well-preserved landscape steeped in tradition. 'Cinque Terre' means ve lands; villages which are nestled high on cliffs or along deep inaccessible coves, with colourful houses facing the seafront. Each village offers its own olive oils, anchovies and Sciacchetrà liqueur (known as the 'Elixir of the Gods'). By day, you discover the beautiful peninsulas of Portono and using well-marked walking trails; in the evening enjoy the sunsets over the Mediterranean.

At a Glance

 6 nights hotel, all rooms en suite  5 days centre based walking  Moderate walking on a variety of paths  Low altitude throughout  Self-guided trip. Minimum age 10 years

Trip Highlights  Coastal and countryside walking among olive groves and vineyards  The chic town of Porto no  Boat trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Island  The serene village of Sestri Levante

Is This Trip for You? Activity Level: 3 (Moderate) 5 days optional centre-based walking, low altitude throughout. This is a self-guided tour, so you can walk at your own pace (we recommend taking plenty of time to rest and enjoy the views!). Although some walks will get your pulse racing you will also have plenty of time to rest, admire the views and on many days you can also enjoy swim breaks. Over the course of the week, the terrain and type of path will vary from man made paved tracks and tarmac to forest trails. Some areas may be rocky underfoot with narrow, overgrown or exposed paths. Although the walks are not technically challenging, you do need to be steady on your feet. All walks take between 2 and 6 hours including lunch stops and require a moderate level of tness. Please note that, as on all of our walking trips, when the weather is wet some of the paths can be slippy. The steep sections on Palmaria Island have ropes to help with this.

Public transport is recommended (the cost is not included in the trip) in order to reduce your carbon footprint. The transport timetables will be provided in your route notes so you can choose the bus or train time that suits you best. As this is a self-guided tour, there will be no group or tour leader and you are free to complete the walks at your own speed.

You may nd our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference: https://www.breakaway-adventures.com/Breakaway_wt_fitness_training_guide.pdf

Group As this is a self-guided tour there is no group and no leader. The tour is based at the same hotel for the 7 days and is managed by a local operator.

Adult min age: 10

Itinerary Land Only

Start City: Sestri Levante End City: Sestri Levante

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1 Start Sestri Levante

Make your way to Sestri Levante. Your hotel, the Sole e Luna, is positioned in an excellent location a stones throw from the beach and 5 minutes walk from the centre of town.

Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Enjoy a walk in the heart of the Cinque Terre National Park, taking in the towns of , and Monterosso; return by train

The walk today really allows you to explore the National Park of the Cinque Terre. Starting from Monterosso you walk along the olive groves with panoramic views out to the sea. Your path continues gently towards Vernazza and Corniglia, today's destinations. Return by train.

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 11 km / 7 miles Altitude gain (m): 520 Altitude loss (m): 520

Day 3 Transfer to ; vaporetto to Palmaria Island. In the afternoon visit the pretty town of Portovenere before taking a train or bus back After a train to La Spezia (40 mins) you take a boat (vaporetto) to Palmaria island; which is rich in Mediterranean vegetation. Depending on the season in which you travel you can see cistus and rare orchids blooming, and enjoy the beautiful coastal views. In the afternoon take a boat to the mediaeval town of Portovenere, and visit the churches of San Pietro and San Lorenzo, and the Byron Grotto. Return to La Spezia by boat or bus, and then back to Sestri Levante by train.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 7 km / 4 miles Altitude gain (m): 180 Altitude loss (m): 180

Day 4 Cinque Terre Park: Corniglia to .

This morning take a train transfer from Sestri Levante to Corniglia and from here, once you've reached the city centre you can start your walk along the Cinque Terre coast. Along the way you get the chance to experience the local vegetation and species such as rosemary, thyme and lavender. After you've reached the sanctuary in Volastra you can have your lunch here or in Manarola, your next destination. From Manarola either take the train back to Sestri Levante or stop off in , the starting point of the following day.

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 7 km / 4.5 miles Altitude gain (m): 350 Altitude loss (m): 350 Day 5 Walk along the panoramic coastal path from Riomaggiore to Portovenere; return by train or bus

Today you take a train to Riomaggiore where you will start your trek to Portovenere. This panoramic path really allows you to admire the beautiful coastline and tempting colours of the sea! From Portovenere return by boat to Monterosso, or by bus to La Spezia and then by train.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 12 km / 7 miles Altitude gain (m): 550 Altitude loss (m): 550

Day 6 Transfer to Ruta di to start your walk across the park of Portono, with plenty of time to enjoy the town before taking a train back After breakfast take a train to Camogli, and then a bus on to Ruta di Camogli where the trek starts across the Park of Portono: Paradiso - Pietre Strette - San Fruttuoso. The path is surrounded by holm oak, mixed wood, and the Mediterranean bush. Stop at the ancient Abbey in San Fruttuoso. Once you are done exploring, continue on to before taking a train back to Sestri Levante.

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 12 km / 7 miles Altitude gain (m): 200 Altitude loss (m): 450

Day 7 End Sestri Levante

Make your own way back to the airport, or add on additional nights in Pisa if you wish.

Meals included: Breakfast

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that different GPS measuring devices can give differing results dependent on the barometric pressures at the time. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter.

Accommodation Sole e Luna You will spend 6 nights in the charming, family-run B&B Sole e Luna. This cosy hotel is located a stones throw from the sea and is 5 minutes walking distance from the train station. All rooms are en suite and some rooms have a balcony. There is a beach right outside the hotel where you can swim.

All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.

Additional Accommodation

Extra accommodation is available in Sestri Levante and also in Pisa. Please ask your sales consultant for more information.

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single will only guarantee a room for single use. It does not necessarily mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Please note that a member of the group may be allocated a single room by default if the make-up of the group means there isn’t anyone for them to share with. Paying the supplement in advance is the only way to guarantee a single room.

Single supplements cannot be refunded retrospectively.

Single supplement from $306.90 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

Liguria is well-known for its delicious cuisine and classic regional dishes include pasta with or walnut sauce, bread and of course plenty of seafood! With an abundance of fresh local produce and plenty of restaurants to try in Sestri Levante, food is a highlight of the trip. Vegetarians are well-catered for in Italy.

Transportation This trip uses public transport to access the walks. All timetables will be provided in your route notes.

Weather & Seasonality

Weather Information

April and May departures can expect warm days, although rain is always possible. Nights may be rather cool. Early June is similar, with the days becoming progressively hotter and the evenings much warmer. Late June to August departures should expect very warm weather with temperatures over 30 degrees celsius. Late September and October are cooler and can be wetter, however visibility is better. We strongly recommend a eece-lined jacket or warm sweater in May, September and October.

Weather Charts Weather chart

Joining Instructions

Travelling land only: 7 days starting in Sestri Levante and ending in Sestri Levante

Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Sestri Levante on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start hotel are given in the Final Joining Instructions. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our ofce or your travel agent.

Transfers Details

Airport transfers are not included in this trip. The easiest way to reach Sestri Levante from the USA is to y to Pisa airport. From here, Sestri Levante it is only 72 miles away. There is a shuttle bus from Pisa airport to Pisa Centrale. From Pisa C take the train to Sestri Levante. You may need to change at La Spezia. The total journey time should be no longer than 2 hours.

It may be possible for us to arrange a private arrival and departure transfer. This will need to be requested so prices can vary - please ask your sales consultant at the time of booking.

Location start: Sestri Levante Location end: Sestri Levante

What to Take Essential Equipment

Light walking boots (with good tread and ankle support)

Small sized day sack (30 litres capacity will sufce for camera and water bottle)

Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses

Towel for beach use Waterproofs and warm clothes (for inclement weather)

Water bottle (preferably with 2-litre capacity)

Sandals

Optional Equipment

Walking poles

Small umbrella in case of unexpected showers

Swimwear View from hotel balcony, Sestri Levante

Practical Information Passport Italy

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs of cials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Visa Italy

No visa required for USA passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.

For further travel advice please visit U.S. State Department at https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

There are no specific health risks on this trip.

Vaccination Italy

There are no specific health risks. Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay t and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not quali ed to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to- date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

For additional information please visit: Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Insurance - are you adequately covered? It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident of the United States, we recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.

Local Time

Italy's Timezone: Europe/ CET (GMT +01:00)

Electricity

Italy's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins.

Standard European 2-pin plug

Money Italy's Currency

The national currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 0.9 to the US$.

Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.

ATM Availability ATMs are widely available in Sestri Levante and in all the major towns visited. Most places take major credit cards, however, cash is generally easier.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money We recommend you allow about €5-15 per day for lunch, depending on whether you have a picnic, snack or a light restaurant meal. For evening meals not included you should allow about €15-30 including drinks, although it is possible to spend more than this if you choose expensive dishes. You will also need some local currency for extra snacks and drinks bought from the occasional café.

You should allow a total of €150 to cover public transport (bus, train and boat) expenses which are not included in the trip price.

Portovenere, Italy

Responsible Tourism

At Breakaway we believe in the power of Responsible Travel. Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage.

Important Information

On all guided trips Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

On all trips

In booking this trip you should be condent in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway ofce and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our ofce or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be exible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

TRAVEL AWARE – STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD

The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for

Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.

How to Book Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286;

International Tel: +1-843-856-9771.

https://www.breakaway-adventures.com

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