Cinque Terre

 Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Levanto

Day 2
Free day in the area
Excursion. a circular walk in the hills above Levanto to the site of Monte Bardellone, tower of the feared Zolaschi who once controlled the ancient ridge-top trade route. (7.80 miles, 5 hrs)

Day 3
Levanto to Monterosso.
Superb coastal path, through woods and scented scrub, with views of the whole Cinque Terre. Ancient stony mule paths along steep scrub covered slopes and cliffs, to Monterosso. (6.8 miles 4 hrd 30).

Day 4
Free day in the area
Choice of high paths and circular routes, all fully described in the booklet.

Day 5
Monterosso to Manarola/ Riomaggiore
Walk the famous Cinque Terre coastal path, linking the five villages and serving the vineyards as well, which has been modified into endless steps. (6.7 miles or 8 miles, 4hrs 30)
Alternative routes and optional excursions.

Day 6
Manarola/Riomaggiore to Portovenere.
Up through terraced vineyards to the wooded ridge, via the sanctuary church of Montenero. On the ridge the path enters extensive pine and chestnut woods and emerges to reveal views of the dramatic coastline before descending to Portovenere. (9.5 miles, 5 hrs)

Day 7
Free day in Portovenere
Excursion by boat to the island of Palmaria, where besides some picturesque paths there are good beaches for swimming. (4 miles, 2 hrs)

Day 8
Return to Pisa airport.

Extend your stay in Genoa or Pisa.

PLEASE NOTE - there is a small charge, payable locally, to walk some of the paths in the Cinque Terre.

Shorter 5 day Itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Levanto Day 2 Levanto to Monterosso. Superb coastal path, through woods and scented scrub, with views of the whole Cinque Terre. Ancient stony mule paths along steep scrub covered slopes and cliffs, to Monterosso. (6.8 miles 4 hrd 30).   Day 3 Monterosso to Manarola/ Riomaggiore Walk the famous Cinque Terre coastal path, linking the five villages and serving the vineyards as well, which has been modified into endless steps. (6.7 miles or 8 miles, 4hrs 30) Alternative routes and optional excursions.   Day 4 Manarola/Riomaggiore to Portovenere. Up through terraced vineyards to the wooded ridge, via the sanctuary church of Montenero. On the ridge the path enters extensive pine and chestnut woods and emerges to reveal views of the dramatic coastline before descending to Portovenere. (9.5 miles, 5 hrs)   Day 5 Departure.   Extend your stay in Genoa or Pisa.

 Accommodation

Nights 1 & 2
	Levanto *** Nazionale Family-run hotel in town centre. B&B
Nights 3 & 4
	Monterosso *** Le Cinque Terre Modern hotel close to the sea front. B&B
Night 5
	Riomaggiore ** Villa Argentina Hotel with sea views at the top of the village. B&B		Manarola *** Marina Piccola Family run hotel at the foot of the village by the sea. B&B
Nights 6 & 7
	Portovenere *** Paradiso Mediterranean style hotel, on the Gulf of Portovenere. B&B		Portovenere *** Portovenere Grand Hotel Mediterranean-style hotel, on the Gulf of Portovenere. B&B

 Planning

Terrain

The coastal path follows the contours of the coast and is punctuated by flights of ancient steps. Once you are on the ridge (2,000 ft) you can walk on fairly level terrain. The paths are mostly ancient but well preserved, though sometimes narrow and rough in places. Certain short sections of the route not suitable for vertigo sufferers-alternative paths available.

When to go

Start any day from 01 Apr to 25 Jul and also from 01 Sep to 24 Oct

On Route

** Levanto: medieval walls, loggia and 13C castle on a promontory contrast with the once grand and fashionable 19C and early 20C resort. Neo-classical buildings and palm trees are set beside narrow medieval alleys and buildings with their origins in the 8C, with a wide beach which offers excellent swimming.

* Monterosso: the first of the Cinque Terre villages.The old part comprises the castle, Capuchin convent and Medieval village. The new village is built along the extensive beach and promenade.

** Vernazza: the former Roman port of 'Vulnetia'. Above the village is the pilgrim church of Madonna di Reggio.

** Manarola: set on a massive buttress of rock, the town is of Roman origin and has the remains of a castle and also a church built in 1338 with a fine rose window.

** Riomaggiore: another spectacular village with a long history, castle and church, and attractive harbour.

* Sanctuary church of Montenero: founded in 790 containing a miraculous picture in Byzantine style depicting the Virgin on a cloud, with 11 disciples.

** Portovenere: of Roman/Byzantine origin, though the present village is predominantly medieval with a massive fortress and fortified houses along the port. The promontory is now surmounted by a Gothic church to San Pietro.

* Corniglia: Unique village of Roman origin, set high above the coast on a steep promomtory inaccessible from the sea.

Flights & Transport

Recommended Destination Airports: Genoa Pisa

There are international flights to Pisa and Genoa and then trains to the Cinque Terre. Frequent trains depart from Pisa and Genoa to Levanto until approx. 2100.

The towns are connected by local trains which run frequently, except for Portovenere where you can take a bus to La Spezia to connect with the trains back to Genoa, Pisa, Milan or Rome.

Taxis
Pisa Airport to First Hotel - approximately 250 Euros.
Genoa Airport to First Hotel - approximately 200 Euros.
Last Hotel to Pisa Airport - approximately 180 Euros.
Last Hotel to Genoa airport - approximately 220 Euros.

Notes
No. of luggage moves included: 3

No. of nights with half board (dinner included): 0

Shortest / Longest days walk: 2 / 5 hrs