CINQUE TERRE off-the-beaten-path experience

CINQUE TERRE & PORTOFINO off-the-beaten-path

 

SCHEDULED GROUP SIZE with guaranteed departure: min 1 – max 18 guests

PRIVATE GROUP SIZE: min 1 – no limit

DURATION: 7 Days & 6 Nights

  WALK RATING: 2+

  HOTEL STYLE: very comfortable to stylish – ensuite bathroom

CLOSEST AIRPORTS: Pisa (PSA) or Genoa (GOA)

OPTION TO COMBINE THIS TRIP BACK TO BACK WITH OTHER WALK ABOUT ITALY TRIPS (Click on this link 2024)

Scheduled tours

2024 dates

 

  • May 8-14 (a lady from Namibia seeks room share…interested?)
  • Sept 4-10
  • Oct 9-15 (a lady from Australia seeks room share…interested?)

Scheduled tours

2025 dates

New

APRIL 11-17

MAY 11-17

SEPT. 1-7

OCT. 5-11

Private tours

price p/p: varies according to group size. Check Price below here

Departures: anytime

Overview

Cinque Terre is one of the most well known, picturesque places in Italy. At the same time it can be one of the busiest place in Italy as well.
We have designed the tour in order to provide the best experience of the area without being overwhelmed by crowds.  We have chosen secret trails where you won’t see almost anybody.

Tour highlights? We walk in the vineyards of Manarola, we eat at a country agriturismo in Monterosso, meet the artisans of Chiavari that make wooden chairs from generations, enjoy an amazing lunch by the beach in Camogli, walk the amazing path of Santa Margherita to Portofino and take a private boat to San Fruttuoso, stay at very nice hotels in Levanto and Sestri Levante.

Inclusions

 

  6 night stay at very nice hotels with ensuite bathrooms. Book early and we will try to accommodate you in a room with a view.

  All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners. Local wine is always included with lunches and dinners. Vegetarian? Vegan? No problem!

  Transportation along the tour and we carry your luggage

1 local guide for groups smaller than 10. Groups larger than 10 people will be guided by 2 local guides.

  meet the artisans of Chiavari that make wooden chairs from generations

  wine tasting and lunch at the farm

 private boat in Portofino

 Learn about Pesto making in Sestri Levante

 All taxes

Itinerary

Day 1 – Meeting in Levanto (Night at hotel in Levanto)

The tour starts in Levanto at 4pm, very convenient location to get by train from main airports.
Levanto is a quite small town just north of Monterosso.
We visit the town with it’s beautiful small alleys and discover some of the local foods. We then take the train to go to Vernazza. The small fishing village of Vernazza is probably the most characteristic of the Cinque Terre and is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. We then stop at a small trattoria for a nice dinner.

2 km = 1,2 miles
 Hotel Nazionale – Levanto
dinner

Day 2 – walk in the Riomaggiore and Manarola vineyards and the Monastery of Montenero (Overnight in Levanto)​

Today the views from the vineyards of Riomaggiore and Manarola above the sea are spectacular. A short walk takes us to the church of Montenero, one of the five monasteries built in the Middle Ages on these spectacular cliffs. From this view point you can see all the villages of Cinque Terre.

We descend to Riomaggiore to discover the village  settled down by farmers and fishermen, where we will have lunch based on delicious sea food. 

Dinner will be in an amazing spot in Manarola with a tasting of local wine and food.

4 km = 2 miles
 
Hotel Nazionale – Levanto
breakfast, lunch and dinner

SHOW DAY 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Day 3 – Moneglia and vineyard visit with a panoramic family owned restaurant (Overnight in Levanto)

Today we set off to Moneglia, a cute little off the beaten track town. Here we meet Letizia, a guide that lives in Moneglia. With Letizia we stroll around the streets and alleys of Moneglia, an ancient medieval village where Luca Cambiaso, a famous local painter was born. Our walk continues to the panoramic path that takes to Letizia’s husband family restaurant. We go through vineyards until we reach the restaurant perched on a great spot with a view above the sea. The restaurant serves seafood specialties and great Ligurian wines. In the afternoon we enjoy some rest at the hotel. Dinner is on your own in Levanto with many options.

5 km = 3 miles
 Hotel Nazionale – Levanto
breakfast, lunch

Day 4 – Bonassola, the old train line walk. Lunch at a beautiful Agriturismo in Monterosso (Overnight in Rapallo)

Today we walk the fascinating old train line, restored for walkers and bikers, going from Levanto to Bonassola, a charming small fishing village with one of the most beautiful natural beaches of the Italian Riviera.

A very short train ride will take us to Monterosso. After having explored on your own the town, we walk on the mule path to the Agriturismo Buranco. The farm, owned by Luigi Grillo, deputy and senator of the Italian republic from the 1983 to 2013, is a delightful place where we will try the local wines and food.

In the afternoon we drive to Rapallo, our new destination.

Dinner tonight is on your own with a lots of choices.

8 km = 5 miles
 Hotel Tigullio – Rapallo
breakfast and lunch

Day 5 – Artisans’ shops in Chiavari. Boat to Camogli and dinner on the beach (Overnight in Rapallo)

A train ride will take us to the area that produces the most refined (and expensive) wood chairs that you can find in Italy, Chiavari. They are quite recognizable as the “Chiavari chair style” with its thin wood pieces and straw. We then visit a wood carver’s shop. He is so much fun! Chiavari is really interesting for many other traditional shops: gold, shoes, clothes and food, like rose syrup, farinata and hazelnut products. In the afternoon we transfer to Camogli and we walk to Punta Chiappa, a very panoramic path. We go back to Camogli on a boat to enjoy a great fish dinner just by the beach.

8 km = 5 miles
 Hotel Tigullio – Rapallo
breakfast, dinner

 

Day 6 – Walk from Santa Margherita to Portofino – boat ride to San Fruttuoso (Overnight in Rapallo)

We have saved the best for last. In the morning we visit Santa Margherita and it’s harbor. Walking on a path surrounded by olive trees we arrive to the famous and posh Portofino. Before getting to Portofino, we stop for lunch at a hut in the woods that serves a very nice pesto pasta, through the so called Valley of Mills, where the local farmers used to produce olive oil. Did you know that pesto is original to this area? We can’t miss it. Today it seems like it’s the pesto day. In the evening we will have our farewell dinner at a restaurant where the owner will teach us how to make pesto! Yummy!

8 km = 5 miles
 Hotel Tigullio – Rapallo
breakfast, lunch, dinner

 

Day 7 – Departure day

This morning we leave the Cinque Terre from the train station of Rapallo. This station is well served by fast trains.

breakfast

note on the itinerary

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and in unforeseen circumstances that mandate changes may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Accommodations with ensuite bathroom

Umbria, Assisi & Le Marche Marvels hotel

Hotel Nazionale – Levanto (DURING SEPT AND oCT TOURS)

The Cinollo family is delighted to welcome its guests for three generations, ensuring a warm and unforgettable vacation experience. The Hotel Nazionale in Levanto, located in the bustling center of the town, offers recently renovated and spacious rooms that add a touch of luxury to your stay. The newly refurbished accommodations provide a perfect blend of modern comfort and classic charm, ensuring a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for our guests. With ample space and tasteful decor, our rooms are designed to make you feel at home while enjoying the beauty of Levanto and its surroundings.

Umbria, Assisi & Le Marche Marvels hotel

Hotel Margherita – Monterosso (during May tour)

Nestled in the historic center of the town, within the pedestrian zone, Hotel Margherita in Monterosso is just a stone’s throw away from the beaches, shops, the marina, authentic restaurants, and the starting point of one of the trails in the nearby national park. Our prime location ensures that our guests can effortlessly explore the vibrant local life and easily access the beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day at the beach or an adventurous hike in the nearby park, everything is within easy reach from our hotel, promising an ideal blend of convenience and leisure.

Tigullio

Tigullio Royal Hotel – Rapallo

Refined and elegant, the 4-star Hotel Tigullio Royal is located on the central promenade of Rapallo, in the heart of the splendid Ligurian Riviera. Let yourself be enchanted by the views from our rooms, the courtesy and professionalism of our staff, and our rich breakfast in the morning, making your stay unforgettable.

Just a few meters from the beach and boats to Santa Margherita and Portofino, San Fruttuoso, Portovenere, and the Cinque Terre, it represents the ideal solution for leisure and business stays in Liguria.

Price

Price per person changes depending on the occupancy number of your private group. Valid 2024
Number of guests price in double room (euros) single supplement (euros)
1 contact us  
2 or 3 5320 640
4 or 5 3570 640
6 or 7 3330 640
8 or 9  3200 640
10 or 11 3130 640
12 or more 3010 640
More guests? Please ask us a quote. We can also tailor the tour to your needs.
  • deposit 300 EURO
  • balance is due 95 days ahead of trip beginning date
  • you can pay in instalments
  • if you travel in July or August there is a seasonal surcharge of 400 euro per person

INQUIRY

2025 Private tour

Price per person changes depending on the occupancy number of your private group. Valid 2024
Number of guests price in double room (euros) single supplement (euros)
1 contact us  
2 or 3 5320 580
4 or 5 3890 580
6 or 7 3690 580
8 or 9  3490 580
10 or 11 3390 580
12 or more 3190 580

More guests? Please ask us a quote. We can also tailor the tour to your needs.

  • deposit 300 EURO

  • balance is due 95 days ahead of trip beginning date

  • you can pay in instalments

  • if you travel in July or August there is a seasonal surcharge of 400 euro per person

Guides

Gianni

Gianni

Founder, trip organizer and guide at Walk About Italy (with a degree in Geology)

I am 51 years old.  Geology is my background (Ph.D.) but to me life is about more than an academic degree. Music and walking are my passions. I have been a certified guide for nature walks since 1999. After working many years as a guide and also in the back stage of the travel industry for foreign walking tour companies, I earned my Tour Organizer business license, valid in Italy and the rest of the world. Let me organize your vacation to Tuscany and other parts of Italy.

Tours he guides: Tuscany, Amalfi, Sicily, Umbria – Assisi & Le Marche, Cinque Terre

Francesca

Francesca

Working as a guide in Cinque Terre since 1998! (with a degree in Geology)

Native of Genova, the ancient Maritime Republic, Francesca has a degree in Geology and a big passion for the territory where she works: Liguria and Piemonte. She works as an hiking guide since 1998 and as a city guide since 2014. People, Food, Wine and Olive oil are the highlights of her interests!

Tours she guides: Cinque Terre

Trip facts

SHOW DAY 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Day 3 – Moneglia and vineyard visit with a panoramic family owned restaurant (Overnight in Levanto)

Today we set off to Moneglia, a cute little off the beaten track town. Here we meet Letizia, a guide that lives in Moneglia. With Letizia we stroll around the streets and alleys of Moneglia, an ancient medieval village where Luca Cambiaso, a famous local painter was born. Our walk continues to the panoramic path that takes to Letizia’s husband family restaurant. We go through vineyards until we reach the restaurant perched on a great spot with a view above the sea. The restaurant serves seafood specialties and great Ligurian wines. In the afternoon we enjoy some rest at the hotel. Dinner is on your own in Levanto with many options.

5 km = 3 miles
 Hotel Oasi – Levanto 
breakfast, lunch

Day 4 – Bonassola, the old train line and the Convent of Monterosso (Overnight in Sestri Levante)

Today we walk the interesting old train line, restored for walkers and bikers, going from Levanto to Bonassola, a charming small fishing village with one of the most beautiful natural beaches of the Italian Riviera.

Back in Monterosso we walk on the mule path to the Convent of Saint Francesco, where we meet the friar living and working there: lunch will be inside the convent, like the Cappuccini friars.

In the afternoon we reach Sestri Levante, our new destination.

8 km = 5 miles
 Grande Albergo – Sestri Levante
breakfast and lunch

Day 5 – Artisans’ shops in Chiavari. Aperitif on a private boat in Camogli (Overnight in Sestri Levante)

The area produces the most refined (and expensive) wood chairs that you can find in Italy. They are quite recognizable as the “Chiavari chair style” with its thin wood pieces and straw. We then visit a wood carver’s shop. He is so much fun! Chiavari is really interesting for many other traditional shops: gold, shoes, clothes and food, like rose syrup, farinata and hazelnut products. In the afternoon we transfer to Camogli and we walk to Punta Chiappa, a very panoramic path. We go back to Camogli on a boat to enjoy a great fish dinner just by the beach.

8 km = 5 miles
 Grande Albergo – Sestri Levante
breakfast, dinner

 

Day 6 – Walk from Santa Margherita to Portofino – boat ride to San Fruttuoso (Overnight in Sestri Levante)

We have saved the best for last. In the morning we visit Santa Margherita and it’s harbor. Walking on a path surrounded by olive trees we arrive to the famous and posh Portofino. Before getting to Portofino, we stop for lunch at a hut in the woods that serves a very nice pesto pasta, through the so called Valley of Mills, where the local farmers used to produce olive oil. Did you know that pesto is original to this area? We can’t miss it. Today it seems like it’s the pesto day. In the evening we will have our farewell dinner at a restaurant where the owner will teach us how to make pesto! Yummy!

8 km = 5 miles
 Grande Albergo – Sestri Levante
breakfast, lunch, dinner

 

Day 7 – Departure day

This morning we leave the Cinque Terre from the train station of Sestri Levante. This station is well served by fast trains.

breakfast

note on the itinerary

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and in unforeseen circumstances that mandate changes may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

group meets here:

Levanto – Hotel Oasi
Via Terraro
19015 Levanto

at what time?

4.00 PM

trip ends here:

Sestri Levante train station

at what time?

9.30 AM

Useful information on the tour

 

How to prepare for this trip

Walking or jogging for 60 minutes 3 times a week for 5 weeks ahead of trip will make your experience more enjoyable. In case you live in a flat area you might also incorporate some steps in your physical activity.

 

What to bring:

  • Walking shoes with good traction (sometimes we might have mud on the trail)
  • Hat, Swimming suit, sun cream, water bottle to refill with tap water
  • Dinners at Italian restaurants do not require any special dress code.
    Wear shoes with good traction

An average day of the trip

On a typical day you hike/walk with your guide in the morning for 3 hours, then we stop at a restaurant or farmhouse for lunch (lunch can last 1hour and half). We serve local food and wines as we believe that food plays an important role in the enjoyment of Cinque Terre.
In the afternoon there might be some more walking or town stroll. Around 4.30 or 5pm your guide will take you back to the hotel.
Your guides are available from 9am to 5pm on each day.
Before dinner you will be able to rest a couple of hours.
Dinner will be served in a restaurant in town.
Local wine is always included for lunch or dinner. We serve vino della casa (house wine) as the quality of local house wines is very high.

 

Weather

In general, the climate Cinque Terre is very mild. That’s why it’s called “the Italian Florida”. Usually summers in Cinque Terre are hot with little or no rain. July and August are the hottest months (but still nice for walking as there is always a breeze blowing up on the hills). Spring (April and May) and Autumn (October and November) are milder. You can have some drops of rain but not too many. Winter is colder but you still can count on many sunny days.

Month   avg. High     avg. Low

Apr   66 °F (19 °C)    46 °F (8 °C)
May  73 °F (23 °C)   54 °F (12 °C)
Jun     81 °F (27 °C)   59 °F (15 °C)
Sep    81 °F (27 °C)   59 °F (15 °C)
Oct     72 °F (22 °C)  52 °F (11 °C)
Nov    61 °F (16 °C)  45 °F (7 °C)

Tipping your guides

Should you wish to tip your guides, the gratuity is entirely at your discretion. The standard in the industry ranges from 5€ to 10€ per person, per guide, per day. Tipping is not due to Gianni Stanghellini as he owns the company.

 

Tipping your drivers

Should you wish to tip your drivers, the gratuity is entirely at your discretion. The standard in the industry ranges from 1€ to 3€ per person, per driver, per day.

 

Extra expenses

Plan to have extra cash or money in your credit card enough to buy a couple of coffee or tea every day (5 euros average) . Two nights out of seven you are on your own for dinner (20-25 euros per meal per person, average)

Snapshots from the tour

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