Exploring Cinque Terre Villages
6 Days Starting and ending in Monterosso, Italy
Visiting: Monterosso, Levanto, Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre, Portovenere
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JTC
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre with our "Exploring Cinque Terre Villages" tour. This self-guided walking holiday on the stunning Ligurian Coast offers a perfect blend of coastal walks, cultural experiences, and breathtaking views. Stay in a charming hotel in Monterosso and enjoy daily breakfasts before setting out on scenic hikes to iconic locations such as Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Highlights include a half-day walk to Levanto, a circular trek from Monterosso to Col di Gritta, and the classic Cinque Terre trail featuring "The Path of Love." With an information pack, GPX files, and the Cinque Terre Card included, you'll have everything you need for an enriching adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Monterosso
Location: Monterosso
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Make your own way to Monterosso aiming to arrive by early evening. The walk from the station to the hotel takes about 10 minutes along the coastal road, 15 mins with baggage. After checking in, you may have time to take a quick swim, or just walk along the maze of streets. The historical centre of the village is characterized by carrugi (narrow lanes) with little shops selling local handicrafts. It is only a short walk to the Capuchin Monastery where you can enjoy the silence as you look out over the sea.
Accommodation: All nights for this trip are spent in a very pleasant and comfortable hotel located in the old historical centre of Monterosso, a short distance from the sea. The hotel is a family-run establishment with double/twin rooms having ensuite facilities. The hotel has a shaded garden, and a rooftop terrace which overlooks the sea and the town. Ask staff regarding upgraded rooms with balconies.
Day 2 : Half Day Walk To Levanto - 8.75 Km/5.4 Miles
Location: Levanto
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a half day hilly walk to Levanto along the beautiful coastal path and up to the romantic ruins of an abandoned Franciscan church on a peninsular. From near here you will get a great panoramic view across the Cinque Terre coast and maybe as far as Elba and Corsica. You then drop down to the popular resort town of Levanto, once a Lombard capital, past the old castle. You could then have a gelati and a swim before taking the train back to Monterrosso - there are usually a couple per hour. The route passes by some lovely viewpoints, giving the opportunity to pause on olive terraces overlooking the sea. If it is very hot, there is shade around with oak and pine forests clinging to the coastal hillsides. If you still have energy, just walk back the way you came, and get a different perspective in the afternoon light.
Day 3 : Circular Walk, Monterosso To Col Di Gritta Via Punta Mesco - 10 Km/6.2 Miles
Location: Monterosso al Mare
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This starts the same way as the Levanto walk, but from near the Franciscan ruins, we take off on a wilder path across the line of forest smothered hills behind Monterosso. A very nice shady walk in places with heathers, pines, oaks and brooms as well as aromatic maquis shrubs. There are often marvellous views across the sea. On a clear day you may possibly see Corsica and the Alp Maritime of Southern France across the Mediterranean Sea. The walk reaches an old convent, before plunging down on a pilgrimage trail back to Monterosso.
Day 4 : A Walk Along The Cinque Terre - 12 Km/7.4 Miles
Location: Cinque Terre
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This walk is the classic walk along the Cinque Terre. Due to rockfall the trail is partially closed at present and the current route starting at the village of Corniglia is about 7.5 km, but the full trail may reopen in 2024. In its original form, one takes the train from Monterosso to Riomaggiore, the walk returns via the coastal path taking in vineyards, citrus groves and picturesque villages as it goes. Head along "The path of love" to Manarola and then continue to Corniglia, Vernazza, and back to Monterosso. The route gets harder as you go along, but if you are feeling the heat, or are tired, you could take a train back from any of the stations. In the current state of affairs, although you can walk to either end of the 'Via dell'Amore', that section is closed off and the walk commences from the railway station at Corniglia. It is still however a popular and beautiful day.
Day 5 : Walk From Riomaggiore To Portovenere - 12 Km/7.4 Miles
Location: Portovenere
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, start by taking the train to Riomaggiore. The walk starts by ascending the magnificent coastline steeply through extensive vineyard terraces and then undulates through mixed woodlands reaching the tiny village of Campiglia with views to islands out to sea. From here the trail gets more remote and rocky, with an excellent picnic lunch stop on a panoramic knoll. On the descent there are vistas of Portovenere and the church of San Pietro sitting on a rock in the Mediterranean. Although not a Cinque Terre village, Portovenere - the port of love - is a beautiful place and a couple of hours can easily be spent walking around the narrow streets. Return ideally by ferry. They run every couple of hours in reasonable weather. In bad conditions you need to take a bus to the train station at La Spezia, to return to Monterosso.
Other walks are possible and can be done on extra days, or as alternatives.
There is a beautiful 7 km /4.3 mile walk in the hills above Manorola and Corniglia, with some great coastal views, visiting the village of Volastra in the vineyards.
Or you could try the tougher 12 km /7.4 mile walk which winds high above the bay from Vernazza into the littoral mountains to walk over Monte Malpertuso in ancient chestnut woodland. This walk has a steep descent back into Vernazza.
All these walks are usually quiet compared to the 'Via dell'Amore.'
Day 6 : Arrangements End After Breakfast
Location: Cinque Terre
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart from the Cinque Terre after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
5 nights in a modern and charming hotel -
5 breakfasts
Enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning of your stay.
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5 nights in a charming hotel on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Stay in a modern and charming hotel with ensuite facilities for 5 nights.
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Information pack including route notes & maps
Receive an information pack with detailed route notes and maps to guide your walks.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline for any urgent assistance during your trip.
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GPX Files
Get GPX files for navigation during your hikes.
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Cinque Terre Card
Includes the Cinque Terre Card for access to trails and local transportation.
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Entrance fees
All entrance fees to attractions and sites are covered.
What's Not Included
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Lunches, Dinners & Beverages
Meals other than breakfast are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not provided and must be arranged separately.
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Transportation to and from Monterosso is not included.
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses like laundry and phone calls are not covered.
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Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Any unscheduled transfers during the trip are not included.
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City tax - locally payable to the accommodation
City tax of approximately 2 Euros per day, per person, is payable locally to the accommodation.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
An additional supplement is required for solo travelers or single room bookings.
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Guide - this is a self guided holiday
This is a self-guided holiday, so no guide is provided.
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Cinque Terre Card. This costs approx 7.50-19 Euros, depending on the type of card and is only required on the day that you walk on the route No.2
The Cinque Terre Card, costing approximately 7.
50-19 Euros, is required only on the day you walk on route No.
2.
Accommodation
5 nights in a modern and charming hotel. The hotel described is our usual choice of accommodation, however if it is not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. The hotel may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests.
Grading
We grade this tour as ‘Easy – hard’, because there are easy and moderate options and also some reasonably strenuous day walks. A high standard of fitness is not necessary but in order to make the most of the walking opportunities in this area clients should be able to walk for up to 7 hours a day in hot sun on tracks and paths that can be quite steep and undulating. Some routes have steep steps or loose gravel in places. Being sensibly dressed for the sun and the heat and drinking enough water are both very important!
Mode of Transport
Make your own way to Monterosso aiming to arrive by early evening. The walk from the station to the hotel takes about 10 minutes along the coastal road, 15 mins with baggage. After checking in, you may have time to take a quick swim, or just walk along the maze of streets.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
You will stay in a modern and charming hotel for 5 nights. The hotel is usually located in the old historical centre of Monterosso, a short distance from the sea. It is a family-run establishment with double/twin rooms having ensuite facilities. The hotel has a shaded garden and a rooftop terrace overlooking the sea and the town.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts. Lunches, dinners, and beverages are not included.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided holiday. You will receive an information pack with detailed route notes and maps to guide your walks.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
The tour is graded as 'Easy – hard' because there are easy and moderate options as well as some reasonably strenuous day walks. A high standard of fitness is not necessary, but you should be able to walk for up to 7 hours a day in hot sun on tracks and paths that can be quite steep and undulating.
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What should I do if I need urgent assistance during the trip?
You will have access to an emergency hotline for any urgent assistance during your trip.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, there are several additional costs including travel insurance, transportation to and from Monterosso, personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, unscheduled transfers during the trip, and a city tax of approximately 2 Euros per day, per person, payable locally to the accommodation. Additionally, a supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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What is the Cinque Terre Card and is it included?
The Cinque Terre Card is included in the tour and provides access to trails and local transportation. However, the card, costing approximately 7.50-19 Euros, is only required on the day you walk on route No.2.
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What happens on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will make your own way to Monterosso aiming to arrive by early evening. The walk from the station to the hotel takes about 10 minutes along the coastal road, 15 minutes with baggage. After checking in, you may have time to take a quick swim or just walk along the maze of streets in the historical centre of the village.
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What are some of the highlights of the walks included in the tour?
Some highlights include a half-day walk to Levanto along the beautiful coastal path, a circular walk from Monterosso to Col di Gritta via Punta Mesco, a classic walk along the Cinque Terre including 'The path of love', and a walk from Riomaggiore to Portovenere with views to islands out to sea.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.