Trekking towards Portovenere in the Cinque Terre, Italy

Trekking the Italian Riviera Tour: Treasured Trails of Cinque Terre

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Italy

Places Visited

Florence, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Manarola...

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Suggested Duration

8 Days

Redefine your ideas of comfort and luxury on the trails of the Italian Riviera as you relax in the natural landscape of the meandering cliffs and the stunning Mediterranean Sea. Your custom tailored tour will lead you along the ancient paths that connect medieval villages, secluded monasteries, and lush seaside towns. The scents of lemon trees and basil plants blend into the sea breeze as antique towers that have protected the coastline from pirates and maritime powers for centuries stand tall....

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Experience the incredible Mediterranean coastline of Liguria as you trek along the ancient trails that connect secluded villages and towns
  • Listen to monks perform traditional Gregorian chants while you absorb the panorama of the Florence skyline
  • Discover the secluded San Fruttuoso Monastery only reachable by boat or walking trail
  • Indulge in the luxuries of the medieval city of Portovenere and the beauty of the Gulf of Poets
  • Sip wine on a private vineyard near Corniglia with a fantastic view of the Ligurian Coast
  • Discover the vines and olive orchards that circle the ancient town of Volastra
  • Indulge in the fresh flavors of Ligurian cuisine, from the seafood to the pesto
  • Climb the watchtowers of the various towns of Cinque Terre erected to protect the coastline from pirates
  • Visit elegant villas and graceful gardens that offer ample views of the mountains and sea
  • Capture the fascinating aromas of the history of perfume at the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

Detailed Description

Combine the pleasures of the Italian villages with the wonders of the Italian scenery during your active exploration of the Italian Riviera. Your 8-day scenic tour provides you with unparalleled views of the dramatic Ligurian coastline, filled with medieval fortresses and moored yachts. Follow unique trails that connect tranquil churches and flourishing vineyards. Each village contains a distinctive charm with its own cuisine based on the regional style. When your flight lands at the Florence airport, your private transfer will escort you into the heart of the Renaissance city. After settling in, your guide will lead you on an introductory walking tour to take in the open-air museum for which the Florentine streets are known. End your tour at the church of San Miniato to hear the monks’ Gregorian chant.

Venture next into the region of Liguria at the town of Santa Margherita. Enjoy the aroma of orange blossoms on the promenade before your brief hike to the nearby Portofino. Next day, trek along the cliffs of the Italian Riviera to reach the sheltered San Fruttuoso Abbey before you return to the town of Portofino. Enter next into the famed hamlet of Cinque Terre and leave the quiet, but luxurious, Levanto and cross over the prominent hills into Monterosso. Relish the marvelous vistas along the way as you eventually reach the picturesque region of Vernazza.

Next, you will follow the trails from Vernazza to Manarola. Pass through the middle of the Five Towns, known as Corniglia. Enjoy a visit to a local winery where vines overtake the hillside near the ancient town of Volastra. Once in Manarola, board the return train to Monterosso for the evening. Venture next to Riomaggiore, the southernmost town of Cinque Terre, by morning train and begin your outing for the day. The trail winds along pine and chestnut forests to reach the Gulf of Poets at the town of Portovenere, where you will indulge in the luxurious charms of the medieval city.

Continue to take the ferry to La Spezia to meet your private transfer. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the splendor of Tuscany as you please, whether with a visit to the quintessential towns of Pisa and Lucca or by returning to Florence to relish more of the Renaissance influence on the culture. You could also visit the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, the first perfumery in the world. To conclude, your private transfer will escort you to the Florence airport for your flight home.

Starting Price

$3,600 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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