ITALY The Cinque Terre self-guided tour (Liguria) G uaranteed departure dates for 2008: Every day during the period April-October Ref. number: - (Other dates also possible within the best period if the requirement for min group size is fulfilled) Last edited by: Tsr, 26/1/08 settled in your accommodation, step Overnight in hotel in Monterosso. Introduction outside and breathe in the incredibly Walking distance: 10 km; walking Cinque Terre is a group of five villages fresh, time: 5 hrs; uphill/downhill walking: (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, 650/650m. Manarola, Riomaggiore) of northwest Italy crisp air of the Mediterranean Sea. In the on the Ligurian Sea south of Genoa. Built afternoon you can visit the historic into the sheer rocky coast, they are famed center, and in the evening, let all your Day 3: Riomaggiore to Monterosso for their rugged scenery. These secluded senses be delighted as you prepare for Take the train to Riomaggiore (the villages are best reached by train or foot, your phenomenal walking adventure ticket is included in your 3 day Cinque as car access is limited. Walking along the ahead. Overnight in a hotel Monterosso. Terra park card). This classic Cinque coastal footpaths offers striking views of * Reaching Cinque Terre: Terre walk offers breathtaking views lush Mediterranean vineyards and wild Getting to Cinque Terre is easy and best of the Mediterranean Sea and flowers abloom; while further inland there done by train. For the most part the terraced hills of vineyards. Marvel at are tantalizing pine and chestnut forests. roads are narrow and dangerous and the multicolored mosaic of these five Travel by train or boat from Monterosso to parking is practically non-existent. picturesque villages overlooking the picturesque villages where you can savor Besides getting around by train is simple sea. Though the path gets crowded the delicious local cuisine and relax with a and cheap. Cinque Terre is on the from Riomaggiore to Corniglia, the glass of white wine in an outdoor café Genova - La Spezia line and trains run tourists subside as you climb and overlooking the sea. The Cinque Terre is frequently during the time visitors would reach serene beauty up high. The sure to please the palette of every visitor. want to be there. Arriving from outside day’s walk can be divided into four the area train into Genova and then look separate stretches as you can catch Special highlights: for trains heading to LaSpezia. There are the train at any of the villages. - The illustrious five villages of many towns which dot the coastline so Overnight in hotel in Monterosso. Monterosso, Vernazza, Cornilia, make sure the town where you want to Walking distance: 13.9 km; walking Manarola, Riomaggiore Levanto & stop is on the board for that run. From time: 7 hrs; uphill/downhill walking: Bonassol Genova, the train ride should take 940/950m - Breathtaking views of the emerald blue between 1 and 2 hours depending how /breakfast/ Mediterranean Sea many stops are made. From the south, - Steep terraced hills of olive groves, do the same from LaSpezia. Cinque Day 4: Riomaggiore to Portovenere vineyards and lemon trees Terre is very close to LaSpezia so the Take the train to Riomaggiore. - Outstandingly delicious sea food and the ride is not very long at all. Timetables The writers Shelly and Byron got famous Trofie al Pesto can be found at TrenItalia.com inspired from visiting the Cinque - Fabulous beaches for swimming Terre. Get inspired on this climb, - Sightseeing Piza or Florence Day 2: Monterosso to Colla di Gritta. complete with truly spectacular views Today you head inland past the ‘Chiesa of the charming, picturesque coast. Itinerary: dei Cappucini’ to the Colla di Gritta. Begin in Riomaggiore and walk Day 1: Arrival in Pisa or Florence. Continue over the graceful mountain through deciduous forests along a Transportation by public transport (bus, ridge through stretches of lush forests, path which leads you to the train) to Monterosso on your own (you will passing over Monte Molinelli, Monte invigorating panorama of the Gulf of find all public transportation information Rossini, Montenegro and Colla dei La Spezia and nearby islands. and schedules in the detailed roadbook). Bagari until you reach Punta Mesco. Descend to Portovenere along Arrival in Monterosso. As soon as you get Return to Monterosso by descending a charismatic, occasionally steep series of captivating old stone footpaths. footpaths. Return to Monterosso by Penguin Travel 1 Postadresse: Frederiksberg Allé 32, 1820 Frederiksberg C, København. Tel. i Norge: 85 22 66 85. www.penguintravel.no, [email protected] bus or boat. Overnight in Monterosso. There are also harrowing points where prolonged but light. Because you are Walking distance: 12.1 km; walking time: 6 there is not much between the narrow by the sea, the sea breeze tends to hrs; uphill/downhill walking: 710/730m path and hundred foot drops to the make the long summer days less hot. /breakfast/ beach. It is advisable when planning to It is recommended to inquire about make the hikes that proper footwear and the weather expectations before you Day 5: Monterosso to Levanto clothing is worn and the weather is set out for the day, especially in Follow the coastline from Monterosso to checked before departure. mountainous surroundings. Ask your the idyllic painter’s paradise of Levanto, Practical information hosts. located in the center of a charming valley - The walks are along well marked surrounded by green hills and footpaths and mule tracks. It can be tiring Equipment and clothing: uncontaminated nature. Along the way, walking along the stone steps of diverse Anything obligatory. For the full list pass the Promontory of Mesco, a lookout sizes. These walks, though not very long, with recommended items see point where you can visit the ruins of the are moderate to demanding because of “General”. Chapel of San Antonio Semaforo. Glance the steep hills. Several walks can be out over the crystal clean waters and take shortened. Extension: in the essence of Liguria. Overnight in - The park wardens try to keep all of the The tour can be extended with a stay hotel in Bonassola. paths open throughout the year, however in any of the places throughout the Walking distance: 7 km; walking time: 3 heavy rains and summer fires can cause tour or any other city in Italy. hrs; uphill/downhill walking: 400/400m temporary closure of certain stretches, /breakfast, dinner/ so be sure to check with the park office. Group size: Min 2 persons - Best arrival & departure airport: Pisa, Day 6: Framura to Levanto Genoa or Florence Airports The price includes: 6 BB, 1 HB Take the train to Framura. - When booking the tour you need to (drinks excluded), accommodation as Today’s walk begins in Framura, an old inform us where would you like to spend mentioned above; luggage transfer village inhabited for over 1000 years. the last night – in Pisa or Florence from Monterosso to Bonassola, Continue along the lush vegetation of olive - Detailed description of the public Cinque Tere 3 day park card, 24 hour groves and lemon trees as you greet the transportation connections and telephone assistance, detailed sea with your ecstatic smile. Take a rest at schedules is provided in the itinerary roadbook and maps in English. one of the local cafés in Bonassola, where road book you can enjoy a glass of Sciacchetrà, the The price does not include: flights renowned local dessert wine and admire Accommodation & boarding and public transportation, travel the impressive ‘red marble’ rock. You stay in 3 star hotels with private insurance, transfers from and to the Overnight in hotel in Bonassola. facilities; 6 days on bed & breakfast and airport, tips, entrance fees, alcohol Walking distance: 11,1 km; walking time: 5 1 day on halfboard (drinks excluded) as drinks, cigarettes and other personal h; uphill/downhill walking: 550/550m per itinerary. expenses. /breakfast/ Luggage transportation Day 7: Arrivederci Cinque Terre! Train Luggage transfer is normally provided by to Pisa or Florence the accommodation itself. Please clearly When you are ready, take the train from mark all your belongings with your name Bonassola to Pisa or Florence (not and put a small note with the name of the included in the price), depending where next accommodation in order to indicate your last night is. In Pisa you can spend where the bags should go to next (check the afternoon visiting the spectacular your accommodation list). Ask the Piazza dei Miracoli or going for a bike ride accommodation owner where the bags through the town. In Florence there are should be left in the morning. Labelling infinite sightseeing possibilities. Overnight your belongings prevents mix ups, in hotel in Pisa or Florence. delays and loss. Bags should be ready /breakfast/ and at the reception or store room by 9.00am Day 8: Departure The trip ends after breakfast unless you Tour type: IT have booked other services with us. Remember to leave the key and pick up Difficulty grade: B your passport. Take a bus or taxi to the airport. Best period: April – October. /breakfast/ Weather DETAILED ROAD BOOK AND MAP Throughout Central Italy you can expect WILL BE PROVIDED UPON ARRIVAL temperatures between 10-25°C in spring and autumn; thay can reach 35°C in July Terrain and August. Mornings can be chilly but There are pathways covering the entire they quickly warm up as the day goes by. area and one can hike the entire stretch in Showers are common in early spring and a good day. The hikes though are not for from September on and throughout the the casual hiker. Some points of the walk autumn, although not every day and they are steep and the paths very narrow.