TRAILS OF THE CINQUE TERRE WALKING ON THE LIGURIAN RIVIERA TRAILS OF THE CINQUE TERRE - SELF GUIDED WALKING SUMMARY The best way to discover the Cinque Terre is on foot. Five fishing villages nestled into the steep coastline of the Ligurian Riviera make up the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Smell the sea as you walk along ancient walking trails clinging to the steep cliffs, marvel at the terraced vineyards and savour the tranquillity of the pine and chestnut forests of the Cinque Terre National Park. Known as Italy’s “Flower Riviera” the Ligurian Riviera is a delight for all the senses. Waves crash below coastal footpaths, wild flowers and vineyards surround you & the smell of fresh coffee tempts you into local cafes. The five fishing villages of the Cinque Terre have remained almost untouched by modern developments and are an idyllic walking escape. Based in Monterosso and Portovenere you can explore the coast by foot, boat or train and choose from a selection of coastal and mountain walks each day. Tour: Cinque Terre Trails Walking Holi- day Code: WItSCTT Your walking holiday in The Cinque Terre includes hand-picked 3 star hotel accommodation, all Type: Self-Guided Walking Holiday breakfasts, a 48 Hour Cinque Terre Card (train pass), luggage transfers, comprehensive route notes and Price: See Website Dates: April to October on any day. maps and a detailed pre-departure information pack as well as emergency support. Walking Days: 5 Days: 7 Nights: 6 Start: Monterosso HIGHLIGHTS Finish: Portovenere Distance: 10—14 km Daily Grade: Easy to Moderate Exploring the steep streets of the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Cornilia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Drinking in the delicious views of the emerald blue Mediterranean. IS IT FOR ME? Soaking in the atmosphere over a glass of vino and delicious local seafood at an Of course it’s for you! Wonderful walking, outdoor cafe. delicious Italian food and white sandy beaches. What’s not to love? Plunging into the sea at one of the many fabulous swimming spots. WHY CHOOSE MACS ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS? WHAT’S INCLUDED? We specialise in outstanding self guided walking holidays where every last detail is taken care of. We Accommodation: Hand-picked small ho- understand what makes for an unforgettable adventure; great walks, breath-taking scenery and warm, tels. welcoming accommodation, wonderful food and wine, all backed up by outstanding customer service. Each Meals: A tasty local breakfast is included holiday we offer is unique, tailor made to meet your requirements. each day. Other meals are not included but always available at your accommodation or WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY IN THE CINQUE TERRE? nearby. Walking is the very best way to discover the hidden coves, coasts and villages of the Cinque Terre. Free to Baggage Transfer: Monterosso to wander at your own pace and off the beaten track you can really get under the skin of the people, history, Portovenere. towns, food and wine of this enchanting region. TRAILS OF THE CINQUE TERRE WALKING ON THE LIGURIAN RIVIERA ITINERARY OPTIONS The following hotel is available at an upgrade of a promontory and surrounded on three sides supplement: by vineyards and terraces. The fourth side Albergo Degli Amici, Monterosso descends steeply into the sea. From here you Seven Day Option walk up the path towards Volastra and on Code: WItSCTT1 Hotel Degli Amici is a 3 star hotel located in the towards Riomaggiore. Then take a train back to Days: 7 (5 Days Walking) historical centre of Monterosso, in an extremely Monterosso. Nights: 6 peaceful area, surrounded by vineyards and Overnights: 4 Monterosso, 2 Portovenere olive trees, just 150 metres from the sea. Walk 1: 6-10km, 266 or 643m ascent, 870 OR 1098m descent, 3 or 4 hours approx. DAY 2 Day Route Km Walk 2: 10km, 471m ascent, 448m descent, 4 Walk from Bonassola to Deiva hours 1 Arrive Monterosso - Marina 2 Walk from Bonassola via 5.5- Overnight: Monterosso Today you walk through the hills of the East Framura to Deiva Marina 12.5 Riviera, between Bonassola, Framura and Deiva DAY 4 3 Taxi or Walk to Soviore Marina. The first part of this walk is extremely and walk back via Vernaz- panoramic with wonderful views over the Monterosso to Levanto za to Monterosso, or walk northern Ligurian coast. Visit the charming Corniglia-Volastra- 6-10, Follow the coastline from Monterosso to the villages of Bonassola and Deiva Marina and after Riomaggiore-Manarola 11 idyllic painter’s paradise of Levanto, located in the walk return to Monterosso by train. 4 Walk Monterosso to Le- 7/14 the centre of a charming valley surrounded by green hills and uncontaminated nature. Along vanto OR Loop Walk Mon- Overnight: Monterosso terosso-Levanto the way, pass the Promontory of Mesco, a 5 Walk Riomaggiore to Por- 13 Walk 1: 5.5km, 350m ascent/, 280m descent, lookout point where you can visit the ruins of the tovenere 2.5 hours Chapel of Sant’ Antonio Semaforo. Glance out 6 Round walk of Palmaria 6.5 Walk 2: 12.5km, 550m ascent, 650m descent, over the crystal clean waters and take in the Island 5 hours essence of Liguria. DAY 3 It is also possible to walk all the way back to Monterosso from Levanto. DAY 1 Soviore to Vernazza or Corniglia– Volastra-Riomaggiore-Manarola Walk 1: 7km, 350m ascent/descent, 3 hours Arrive Monterosso Walk 2: 14km, 820m ascent/descent, 5 hours Today’s first optional walk begins with a very We recommend flying to Genoa or Pisa, which steep section up an ancient cobbled path to Overnight: Monterosso have good train connections to Monterosso. Soviore. (If you wish to avoid this steep section DAY 5 Florence is also an option. you can take a taxi to Soviore from Monterosso). Settle into your accommodation, step outside On arrival in Soviore you can either stop to visit Riomaggiore via Colle del Telegrafo and breathe in the fresh, crisp air of the the local Monastery or immediately begin your to Portovenere walk towards Vernazza. Follow a panoramic path Mediterranean Sea. The hustle and bustle of the This really is a superlative day of walking. Begin that slightly descends to the Madonna di Reggio, historic centre of Monterosso is captivating. by taking the train to Riomaggiore. From a Sanctuary that is located on the hills behind Alternatively head to the wide sandy beach for Riomaggiore climb mule tracks through the little town of Vernazza. From here continue the afternoon. deciduous forests to enjoy panoramic views of walking on a stone path down to this pretty port the Gulf of La Spezia. It’s easy to appreciate why Overnight: Hotel Marina, Monterosso full of coloured houses and fishing boats. This small and charming family run 3 star hotel is Shelly and Byron were so inspired by this located on a narrow street in the historic centre Alternatively you may choose to embark on the magical coastline. walk from Corniglia to Riomaggiore. Use your of the old fishing village of Monterosso. Tear yourself away from the tremendous views Cinque Terre Pass to take a train from to descend to Portovenere via rough hewn paths Monterosso to Corniglia which is situated on top and staircases. TRAILS OF THE CINQUE TERRE WALKING ON THE LIGURIAN RIVIERA Overnight: Hotel Paradiso, Portovenere good walking boots or shoes, waterproofs, TRIP INFORMATION comfortable walking clothes, warm and This lovely small hotel is located right on the Gulf waterproof clothes and a day pack. of Portovenere with a view of Palmaria Island and the Apuan Alps which frame this picturesque Accommodation Walking Grade area. We specifically choose our hotels for comfort, This holiday is graded easy to moderate because location and real authenticity. All are owner The following hotel is available at an upgrade although the daily walks are relatively short the operated three star hotels with en suite rooms supplement: terrain is very hilly and summer temperatures that offer a genuinely warm Italian welcome. Hotel Belvedere, Portovenere can be high. The walks follow ancient footpaths and mule tracks. Many are made up of steep The Hotel Belvedere has over 40 years of Accommodation Details stone staircases and some are literally cut into experience in welcoming customers and the We will always try and accommodate you at the the cliff so if heights aren’t your thing this may rooms all have magnificent views from the locations detailed in the brochure, but because of not be the best trip for you. balconies. You will be sure of a warm welcome at limited availability we may have to accommodate the Belvedere. you at an alternative location of the same or Navigation better standard. We will confirm your Walk: 13km, 861m ascent, 875m descent, 6 You will be following way marked trails for many accommodation details on confirming your hours of your walks and we supply very detailed route reservation. notes and maps so navigation is generally easy. DAY 6 Single Rooms ***Hydrogeological instability in the Cinque Terre Round walk of Palmaria Island Single rooms are available but attract a single region can at times cause the closure of certain Take the ferry to Palmaria Island today for a supplement. sections of the trails. Before embarking on your wonderful days walking. Explore the coast round daily walk please check with your the island and discover various fascinating Solo Walkers accommodation and also if possible on the caverns. Palmaria Island also showcases a Cinque Terre National Park website. This is a great holiday for solo walkers. If you are fantastic variety rare reptiles and marine birds. travelling solo the holiday is slightly more Overnight: Portovenere expensive as some costs are not shared.