2011 Cinque Terre Coastal Walking Holiday, Italy

Cinque Terre Coastal Walk - 5 days

While they were once cut off from the rest of Italy by the impressive landscape you're here to hike, the rugged villages of the Cinque Terre still remain a world away from the bustle of Rome. Follow coastal trails and discover villages clustered in the cracks of the windswept cliffs and perched above beautiful coastline. Staying in small locally owned pensions and indule in delicious rustic meals. For the active traveller who wants to experience a real slice of Italian life, this compact adventure tops the menu.

£399 pp for 1 Adult
Local Payments now included on all Gap Adventures

HighlightsCinque Terre National Park, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso

Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Corniglia (Cinque Terre)Arrive in Corniglia at any time. In the evening meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip. After the meeting, head out for a meal in a nearby local restaurant (optional).

The Cinque Terre consists of five coastal villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, part of a national park of the same name, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the course of eighteen kilometres of sheer rocky coastline, terraced hills and vineyards slope steeply down to the sea. Five little villages are built into the rocks between the beach and the hills, connected by centuries-old footpaths and mule tracks that hug the coastline 500 to 1000 feet above the sea. The extensive network of footpaths lead through olive groves and vineyards, orchards and chestnut woods, and each village has its own unique character; it is almost unfair how much intense beauty, mouthwatering cuisine and fabulous aromas are packed into one small area of the country.

Corniglia is the middle village and is spectacularly situated on the clifftops with stunning views of the sparkling Mediterranean. It is a small town but still has some typical Italian restaurants and bars, and of course is perfectly situated for exploring the surrounding countryside on foot.

Day 2 Hike the Cinque Terre Coastal TrailToday we will head out into the Cinque Terre National Park to walk the original coastal trail from Riomaggiore to Monterosso enjoying spectacular views, passing through all five of the beautiful Cinque Terre villages.

The walking trails connecting each village to its neighbours are well-marked and provide spectacular views of the National Park and the Ligurian Sea. The picturesque coastal trail winds along the shore, varying in nature and difficulty from an easy stroll to a rough and on occasion physically challenging hike.

We begin with the easy, concreted path from Riomaggiore to Manarola(1km/20mins), known as the Via Dell'Amore (or, "Lovers Walk").

The stretch from Manarola to Corniglia(2km/1hour) is an easy hike for the most part. To reach the village of Corniglia, which sits spectacularly on a cliff-top overlooking the azure Mediterranean, there is a stairway of over 360 steps. Don't worry though, because if you prefer, you can catch the small green shuttle-bus up the hill instead!

From Corniglia to Vernazza (4km, 1.5hours) the trail becomes more challenging, with more ascent and descent and some tricky narrow trails.

The trail from Vernazza to Monterosso (5km/2hours) is the steepest - it winds through olive orchards and vineyards and is rocky in places, but offers a superb view of the bay. is also steep at certain points, and similar to the first section.

We will allow plenty of time to stop-off en route and explore each village, taste some fresh seafood and local specialities at lunchtime, and perhaps round off the afternoon with a glass of local limoncello, or wine straight from the vineyards we’ve walked through along the route.

Day 3 Hike the higher trailsOn Day 3 we will venture onto one of the inland and rather higher trails, which winds for much of the route through cool and shady woodland. The views are not constant, owing to the trees, but where you come across a vantage point the panorama is truly breathtaking. Fewer tourists venture up here so the villages are unspoiled and there is a lovely sense of tranquility. We hike for approximately 8 hours, stopping for a picnic lunch en route.

Days 4 Cinque TerreToday is flexible for you to enjoy, with the help of your Tour Leader, the Cinque Terre National Park further. There are countless optional activities on offer to suit all interests - from hiking to biking, boat trips, diving, relaxing on the beach or perhaps a cookery class in typical Ligurian cuisine.

Day 5 Depart Corniglia (Cinque Terre)You are free to depart at any time on Day 5.

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