Compare Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino by Exodus Travels vs 9 Day Tastes of Tuscany by Gate 1 Travel

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Trip	Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino by Exodus Travels 5 \| Excellent 17209 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve	9 Day Tastes of Tuscany by Gate 1 Travel 3.5 \| Average 773 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip See Offer

Duration	8 days	9 days
Price From	$ 1,845	$ 2,599
Price Per Day	$ 231	$ 289
Highlights	Take coastal and mountain paths through olive groves and vineyards Explore the picturesque and colourful villages of Liguria and the Cinque Terre Walk from village to village, through forests and spectacular terraced landscapes overlooking the sea Experience an extra-special wine tasting at the internationally lauded taverna, Assirto	Travel to the Chianti region, where one of Italy's most famous red wine is produced Walking Tour of Lucca, a jewel of medieval architecture View Pisa’s famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its Leaning Tower Wine tasting, cooking class and dinner at a Tuscan Farm Explore the Renaissance city of Florence with a guided walking tour Leisure time in Montecatini, to pamper yourself at one of the celebrated spas †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Trip Style	Small group tour	Group tour
Lodging Level	Standard	Premium
Physical Level	3- Moderate	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	Hiking & Walking	Cultural 50 plus
Countries Visited	Italy	Italy
Cities and Attractions	Cinque Terre Porto Portofino	Cinque Terre
Flights & Transport	Ground transport included	Ground transport included
Activities	Hiking	N/A
Meals Included	All breakfasts, two packed lunches, one dinner and one wine tasting are included. Liguria is well-known for its delicious cuisine and classic regional dishes include pasta with pesto or walnut sauce, focaccia bread and, of course, plenty of seafood. With an abundance of fresh local produce and plenty of restaurants to try in Moneglia, food is a highlight of the trip. Vegetarians are well-catered for in Italy, but please inform us when booking. Please note, neither the hotel nor the restaurants in Moneglia are able to cater for people with severe celiac disease.	N/A
Description	On the most beautiful coastline in Italy, between the Cinque Terre and bay of Portofino, our base in the seaside town of Moneglia is a real treat. On inspirational walks through hills, woodland and coastal villages, we discover why these areas have earned names such as the Gulf of the Poets. Many of the most iconic trails in Italy are found in the Liguria region and this trip makes a great introduction to the country with ample opportunities for walking, relaxing and sampling delicious food. Better yet, we'll also visit Assirto, one of the finest tavernas in Italy, for an extra-special wine tasting.Discover the best of the Italian Riviera	7 Montecatini

Itinerary: Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino

Day 1 Start Moneglia

We begin in the seaside town of Moneglia. In the heart of a bay on the Mediterranean Sea, this picture-perfect town is listed on the I Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (Most Beautiful Villages of Italy) and has won a European Blue Flag every year since 1990 for its clear waters and the quality of the services offered. There’ll be a welcome briefing at the hotel today – a good chance to get to know the group and your expert leader. If you have extra days at hand and are willing to extend your adventure, consider booking additional nights in Pisa, Florence or Moneglia. Speak to your Sales Consultant for more information on our ‘Pre-Tour’, ‘Post-Tour’ and ‘City Extension’ packages.

Day 2 Follow the coastal trail between Deiva Marina and the villages of Framura and Bonassola

We take a short train to Deiva Marina in the morning (eight minutes) and start our walk through holm oak forests and maquis shrubland. The walk begins with a relatively steep path, climbing up to picturesque woods of pine and strawberry trees. Our efforts will be rewarded at the top of the hill with stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the promontory of Portofino. We will then take an undulating trail that offers beautiful views over the Ligurian Sea and leads to the village of Framura, where we stop for lunch. After refreshments, we descend by steps almost to sea level then meander through woods until a final steep climb for magnificent views of the sea. We then head to the pretty village of Bonassola before taking the train back to our hotel in Moneglia (15 minutes).

Day 3 Take the train to Cinque Terre National Park; walk stunning paths to some of the prettiest villages in Liguria

Today we set out to visit the spectacular Cinque Terre, declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1997 and part of the Cinque Terre National Park. The best way to explore these charming villages is on foot, and today we will walk the Sentiero Azzurro Ligure (Ligurian Blue Path), which connects the five villages. Today we visit three of the five – Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso – and pass old mule tracks, walking through terraced vineyards and olive groves. After completing some steep and rocky sections, we will be rewarded with wonderful views of the colourful villages built into the rocks facing the sea. At the end of the walk, we catch the train back to Moneglia (30 minutes) where there will be time to relax or go for a swim before dinner. Please note that some sections of the path may be closed, so we may need to take the train between villages or change the itinerary accordingly.

Day 4 Walk on the Portofino promontory and explore the world-renowned fishing village

Set out by train to Santa Margherita Ligure (50 minutes with a change in Sestri Levante), a charming coastal town, where we will begin our gentle hike to the fishing village of Portofino. Celebrated for its pastel-coloured houses and picturesque harbour, the town is now attracting celebrities from all over the world.

Day 5 Free day to relax, take optional walks or visiting nearby Portovenere or Genova

Enjoy a well-earned break and perhaps spend your day relaxing at the beach. Or you might like to use the opportunity for some sightseeing. Genoa, the capital city of the region, is the home of Christopher Columbus and the largest aquarium in Europe. Alternatively, you could spend time in the nearby town of Portovenere – on the Bay of Poets – or use the day to explore the beautiful town of Lucca.

Day 6 Transfer to Rapallo by train, take the cable car up Montallegro for fantastic views and walk down to Chiavari, afternoon wine tasting

This morning, we take a short train ride to Rapallo (50 minutes with a change in Sestri Levante) and the cable car up to the sanctuary of Montallegro (1,969ft/600m). From here, we walk through quiet woodland, catching glimpses of the Ligurian Sea en route to the seaside town of Chiavari. In the early evening, we enjoy an extra-special wine tasting at Assirto, an internationally heralded taverna in Moneglia. The experience starts with a sparkling rosé, before we enjoy a sensory journey through a trio of wines. To cap the evening, we'll try passito, a traditional Italian sweet wine made from dried grapes.

Day 7 Return to the Cinque Terre area for an alternative walk through glorious coastline and colourful villages

This morning we head back to the Cinque Terre to walk some of the quieter, alternative trails. The exact path you will walk will depend on local track conditions, but they are generally on higher ground than the classic Sentiero Azzurro, so offer even more spectacular views of the coastline and villages.

Day 8 End Moneglia

You’ve taken some of the most beautiful coastal walks in the world this holiday, but now’s the time for one final breakfast before starting your return journey home. Of course, if you’d like to continue the adventure, you can speak to your sales consultant about extending your stay at the hotel.

Itinerary: 9 Day Tastes of Tuscany

DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy

DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Florence, Transfer to Montecatini
Arrive in Florence and transfer to your hotel in Montecatini, the spa center of Italy known for its world-famous thermal baths and expansive parks and gardens. The rest of the day is at leisure to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM (exact time will be advised on tour arrival day) with your Tour Manager on the upcoming journey that awaits you in Italy. We recommend you to select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM. The meeting will be followed by a dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Sunday - Chianti Wine Tasting and Lunch, Town of Greve
Today, enjoy breathtaking scenery as you travel to the magnificent Chianti region, in the very heart of the Tuscan countryside, where one of Italy's most famous red wine is produced. Chianti offers a unique landscape, with green, gentle hills covered with wide fields of vineyards and olive groves, small rural villages, characteristic parishes and countryside homes in stone. The Chianti landscape is so stunning that it has inspired many famous photographers - so keep your cameras ready. Stop at one of the local vineyards for a wine tasting followed by lunch, highlighted by regional specialties. Then, on to the small town of Greve where you have time to wander around, sip an espresso, or indulge in a gelato before returning to Montecatini
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Monday - Full Day in Montecatini
Full day at leisure to explore Montecatini and its surroundings on your own or take an optional tour to the spectacular Cinque Terre*, one of the most beautiful areas of the Liguria region. Here the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprises of five small villages, nestled in the cliffs overlooking the sea and the surrounding hillsides. Marvel at the scenic coastline while exploring the villages and the beautiful vistas. This active walking tour covers a fair amount of ground facing uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. Trains and/or boats will be the means of transportation between the towns
*Exact tour itinerary & operation of the tour is subject to weather conditions and group size and will be advised locally
Optional: Full Day Cinque Terre
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Tuesday - Excursion to Pisa and Lucca, Wine Tasting & Cooking Class with Dinner
Magnificent panoramas await you today. Drive through the rolling countryside dotted with olive trees to Lucca, a jewel of medieval architecture, with its massive 17th-century walls framing the city. Walk along the winding streets of the original Roman grid revealing layers of history at every turn. Arrive at the Church of San Michele adorned by its beautiful piazza, occupying the site of the ancient Roman Forum. Then, to Pisa to view the famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, one of the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. The monuments on the extraordinary Piazza dei Miracoli create a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. A lovely end to the day with a visit to a traditional Tuscan farm. After a warm welcome and wine tasting, participate in a "hands-on" cooking class followed by dinner with delicious typical local dishes and regional wines
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Wednesday - Full Day in Montecatini
Explore Montecatini on your own today, or join the optional full day excursion to the enchanting medieval city of Siena that sits elegantly over three hills. The heart of the city is the stunning Piazza del Campo, the huge central plaza where the Roman Forum used to be. It is now the site of the famous Palio horse race, that takes place twice every summer to celebrate the holy apparition and assumption of the Virgin Mary, patron saint of the city. Tour Campo Square before returning to Montecatini for dinner at the hotel
Optional: Full Day Siena from Montecatini
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Thursday - Excursion to Florence
Today, travel to Florence, birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the heart of Florence, to view the magnificent Duomo, with its Brunelleschi-designed dome, the renowned "Gates of Paradise" of the Baptistery by Ghiberti and Giotto's Bell Tower. Proceed to the open-air art museum of Signoria Square, and admire the statues of the Loggia dei Lanzi, Palazzo Vecchio, former residence of the Medici family before continuing to the splendid Ponte Vecchio, the "Old Bridge". Spend time on your own in the early afternoon to visit museums, shop for gold and quality leather before returning to Montecatini
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Friday - Full Day in Montecatini
This last day is yours to relax. Explore the streets with its many elegant shops and stylish cafes, or treat yourself to a soothing massage at one of the spas in town. Perhaps join the optional morning tour and discover the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, often depicted in Leonardo's maps and in his famous drawings. Surrounded by centuries-old olive trees, in a landscape almost untouched by time, you will view the house where Leonardo was born in 1452. From there, continue to the town of Vinci, to visit the museum that documents the work of Leonardo the inventor, the scientist, and the engineer. End the tour with a Tuscan "merenda", savoring the typical wine and snacks of the area before returning to Montecatini. Tonight, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a dinner
Optional: Half Day Leonardo da Vinci Tour from Montecatini (AM)
Overnight: Montecatini
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Saturday - Depart Italy
Transfer to the airport in nearby Florence for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast