Riviera &

Portofino:

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Sestri Levante

Day 2 Free day in Sestri Levante
…with its picturesque port and bay. Optional circular walk (2hrs)

Day 3 Sestri Levante   to Chiavari
Follow coastal path with fine views to the 13C basilica of san Salvatore dei  Fieschi.Then on to Chiavari (11.6 miles, 6.5hrs).

Day 4 Chiavari to Rapallo
Slate-paved path through olive groves and small  farm lead  past two fine churches before descending to Rapallo (8.3 miles,5hrs). Alternative high route with spectacular views (9.4 miles, 5.5hrs).

Day 5 Rapallo to Paraggi / Portofino
Quiet path and alleys lead round the bay to Santa Margherita Ligure, swimming opportunities on route, before reaching the tiny clove of  Paraggi ( Standard 4.8miles,3hrs). Superior route continues for 1 more mile to the glittering village of Portofino.

Day 6 Free day to explore Portofino
Standard route follows a paved walkway which contours around a wooded  headland to Portofino (1 mile). Opportunities to explore the hidden valleys inland (3.1 miles, 1.5hrs).

Day 7 Paraggi to Camogli
Climb pasts ruined mills to pine-shaded path with lovely views and down to the 11C monastery of San Fruttuoso. Opportunities to visit the monastery and swim. Climb through the wood and terraces to the central mountain ridge, and descend past the church of San Rocco to Camogli (7.6 miles,5.5hrs).

Day 8  Departure day
Why not extend in Genoa or Pisa ?

Riviera &

Portofino:

Accommodation

Nights 1 & 2
	Sestri Levante **** Miramare Situated on the beautiful Bay of Silence with terrace and private beach. B&B.
Night 3
	Chiavari *** Monterosa Well situated in a quiet position within the medieval town centre. B&B.
Night 4
	Rapallo **** Tigullio Royal Recently renovated hotel on the attractive promenade. B&B
Nights 5 & 6
	Paraggi ** Argentina Small, simple, friendly hotel in exclusive cove. B&B.		Portofino **** San Giorgio Small, renovated palazzo in quiet location. B&B.
Night 7
	Camogli **** Cenobio Dei Dogi Charming grand hotel overlooking the sea with private beach & pool. B&B.

Riviera &

Portofino:

Planning

Terrain

Ancient paths through olive groves and woodland, traversing hillsides above coast. A few steep climbs and ascents with some approaches to villages and the sea including long flights of steps. Slate-paved paths are a unique feature of the area and can become slippery when wet. Sticks/poles advisable.

When to go

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

On Route

** Portofino: Impossibly picturesque, exclusive resort coalesced with authentic fishing village. Castello San Giorio.Yachts, shops, galleries, resturants, cafes, glitterati.

** San Fruttuoso: Famous abbey in tiny cove accessible only by sea or on foot. 11C church and abbey buildings including the tombs of Doria family.

* Sestri Levante: Picturesque Bay of Silence and promontory, characteristic medieval sreets, intriguing architecture and trompe l'oeil painted buildings. Excellent beaches.

* San Salvatore Dei Fieschi: 13C Romanesque-Gothic basilica, constructed for Fieschi Pope Innocent IV, with elegant façade, lovely rose window, and Gothic portal with 15C fresco.

* Chiavari: Fine medieval centre with interesting palazzi and porticoed streets. Home of the 'Chiavari' chair, a design classic (as exhibited at New York's MOMA). Beautiful Botanic Gardens. Excellent fresh produce market Mon-Sat. Beach.

* Rapallo: Fashionable resort town, with 16C castle built on a rock in the bay. 'Hannibal's bridge' supposedly Roman, but actually a medieval 'imposter'. Known for lace production.

* Santa Margherita Ligure: Famous and fashionable resort with delightful harbour area. 17C Villa Durazzo with elegant gardens.

* Camogli: Once famous for its fleet of sailing ships. Tall, painted houses, picturesque fishing harbour, seafront promenade and beach,maritime museum.

Flights & Transport

Recommended Destination Airports: Genoa Pisa Milan

The towns on this route are linked by train and are therefore easily accessible. There are international flights to Genoa from where trains to Sestri Levante run every hour or so and take approximately 1hr 20mins. Trains from Camogli to Genoa run every hour or so and take approximately 30mins. There are also ferry services working along the coast between Sestri Levante, Chiavari, Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, San Fruttuoso and Camogli.

Taxi Prices:
From Genoa airport - First Hotel approx 100 euros
From Pisa airport - First Hotel approx 200 euros

From Milan airport - First Hotel approx 300 euros

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