Compare Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino by Exodus Travels vs 9 Day Tuscany & Amalfi Coast by Gate 1 Travel
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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3.5 | Average
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Duration | 8 days | 9 days |
Price From | $ 1,770 | $ 2,709 |
Price Per Day | $ 221 | $ 301 |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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Countries Visited | ||
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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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 |
4 Montecatini, 3 Naples |
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 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.
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 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, a charming coastal town, where we will begin our 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 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.
DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Italy
DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Florence, Transfer to Montecatini
DAY 3, Wednesday - Excursion to Florence
DAY 4, Thursday - Full Day in Montecatini
DAY 5, Friday - Full Day in Montecatini
DAY 6, Saturday - Travel towards the Sunny South
DAY 7, Sunday - The Gorgeous Amalfi Drive
DAY 8, Monday - Full Day in Naples
DAY 9, Tuesday - Depart Italy |