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Cinque Terre and Liguria – 7 days self-guided walking package

7 Days
  • 18
  • Cinque Terre, Liguria
  • Walking Packages
  • Stress free luggage
  • Self guided Tour
  • English,
  • Train, Bus, walking
  • Monterosso
  • Bonassola
  • selected 3*
  • some meals included
  • Self-guided
  • Luggage transfer included
  • 2
  • 3

Highlights

Discover the enchanting Cinque Terre, a collection of five distinctive fishing villages situated along the Ligurian Coast, often referred to as Italy's “Riviera dei Fiori” or “Flower Riviera.”
Walk scenic coastal trails offering breathtaking sea views, passing through lush Mediterranean vineyards and fields of wildflowers, and continuing inland to fragrant pine and chestnut forests. Travel by train or boat from Monterosso to these postcard-perfect villages, savour the region’s exceptional local cuisine, and unwind with a glass of crisp white wine at a seaside café overlooking the Mediterranean.

Level of difficulty 2 = Moderate day walks of 3-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) in hilly to mountainous areas using well-maintained, sometimes stony paths.

Comfort level 3 = Good hotels, inns, B&Bs, agriturismo (farmhouses) with en-suite private bathrooms, often well-located and serving good meals. 

Highlights

  • The Cinque Terre’s five iconic villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore
  • Picturesque spots on the Riviera Ligure: Bonassola, Deiva Marina, Framura, Levanto
  • Steep terraced hills with olive groves, vineyards and lemon trees
  • Outstandingly delicious seafood and the famous Trofie al Pesto
  • The colourful town of Portovenere
  • Breath-taking views of the cobalt blue Mediterranean Sea
  • Fabulous swimming beaches and marvellous sunshine
  • Stress-free luggage and routing

Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Monterosso al Mare

    Make your way to Monterosso al Mare and check into your hotel. Take some time to settle in, then head out for a stroll and enjoy the fresh sea air and unmistakable scent of the Mediterranean. As evening falls, admire the historic village bathed in warm light and look forward to the memorable week of walking ahead.

  • Day
    2

    Monterosso Loop via Levanto ( 12 km | approx. 5 hours)

    Today’s walk is exceptionally scenic, with sweeping views of the coastline and the inland mountain ranges. You may choose to shorten the route by starting from Colle di Gritta. The trail follows a graceful mountain ridge through stretches of lush forest before reaching Punta Mesco. From here, descend back to Monterosso along a series of atmospheric old stone footpaths.
    Challenge: 12 km, 815 m ascent / 815 m descent

  • Day
    3

    Choice of Walks in the Cinque Terre ( 7–11 km | approx. 3–4 hours)

    Today offers a selection of walks, each showcasing the classic landscapes of the Cinque Terre. Collect your Cinque Terre Card from the hotel reception or the Park Information Office at Monterosso train station before setting out.

    Option A – Soviore to Monterosso via Vernazza (10 km)
    Take a taxi from Monterosso to the Sanctuary of Soviore to avoid a steep initial climb, or walk up via the ancient cobbled path. After visiting the sanctuary, follow a short stretch of road before joining a panoramic trail to Madonna di Reggio. Continue downhill to Vernazza, then follow the coastal path back to Monterosso.

    Option B – Corniglia to Manarola via Volastra and Riomaggiore (11 km)
    Travel by train to Corniglia and walk uphill toward Volastra, continuing to Riomaggiore. From here, either take the train back or walk the famous Via dell’Amore to Manarola before returning by train.

    Option C – Monterosso to Corniglia via Vernazza (7 km)
    Walk one of the most popular coastal trails linking the Cinque Terre villages. The route undulates along the coastline and features mostly easy walking, with some sections of stone steps. Return to Monterosso by train at the end of the walk.

    Challenge: 7–11 km, varying ascents and descents depending on the chosen route

  • Day
    4

    Riomaggiore to Portovenere (15 km | approx. 6 hours)

    After a short train ride to Riomaggiore, begin today’s walk with a gradual climb to Colle del Telegrafo. From there, follow a panoramic ridge trail, passing through the village of Campiglia before descending to Portovenere. This is a highlight walk, offering outstanding views over the Cinque Terre coastline, Portovenere, and the Gulf of La Spezia.
    For a shorter day, you can walk or take a bus from Campiglia to La Spezia. Return to Monterosso at the end of the walk.
    Challenge: 15 km, 900 m ascent / 890 m descent

  • Day
    5

    Colle di Gritta to Bonassola via Levanto (10 km | approx. 4 hours)

    Start the day with a short bus ride to Colle di Gritta. From here, choose between an easier descent toward Levanto or a longer, more scenic route along the hills overlooking the town, passing through several inland villages. From Levanto, continue on foot or take the train, or enjoy the coastal cycle path to Bonassola.
    Challenge: 10 km, 620 m ascent / 940 m descent

  • Day
    6

    Bonassola to Deiva Marina (11 km | approx. 5 hours)

    Explore the hills of the Eastern Riviera on a stunning walk connecting Bonassola, Framura, and Deiva Marina. The route reveals colourful villages, small harbours, sandy beaches, and rugged coastline, with ever-changing sea colours from deep cobalt to emerald and turquoise. At the end of the walk, return to Bonassola by train.
    Challenge: 11 km, 700 m ascent / 700 m descent

  • Day
    7

    Departure

    After breakfast, your self-guided walking holiday comes to an end. Depart from Bonassola by train for an easy onward journey to Pisa, Genoa, Florence, or Milan airport. Or contact us to arrange further services worldwide

The Cost Includes

  • 6 nights' accommodation with breakfast
  • Luggage transfer from Monterosso to Bonassola on DAY 5
  • Cinque Terre Card Park + Train 2 days (DAY 3)
  • Digital detailed route notes and maps in English
  • Access to the trip on GUIBO navigation app
  • 24-hour telephone assistance

The Cost Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to Monterosso and from Bonassola
  • Trains, busses or boats wherever necessary (except those specifically mentioned)
  • Lunches & Dinners
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Personal equipment
  • Tourist taxes

Accommodation and varies

All accommodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. We choose comfortable *** hotels where all rooms have private en-suite bathrooms.

You can find below the standard hotels for this trip. If a hotel is fully booked, then we will book a similar one for you and inform you about the alternative booked. 

Extra overnight: You can book additional night(s) at any of the accommodations along the way

Hotel Marina (Monterosso*** lies in a quiet area, 100 meters from the sea. Rooms are beautifully
decorated, spacious and well finished with free Wifi, air-conditioning/heated, TV, telephone. Breakfast is very good and various and the staff is welcoming and helpful.

Hotel Villa Belvedere (Bonassola) is located on a hill overlooking the blue bay of Bonassola and has a big garden. Rooms overlooking the sea and the surroundings and are furnished in a simple way, clean but not very soundproofed. Accommodations have heating, telephone, TV, Free Wifi, ceiling fan. Breakfast is good and various. 

Payment and Cancellation

Payment: deposit of 20% per person within 7 days of confirmation and balance 60 days before departing from Australia.

Cancellation:

  • cancellations once deposit paid  20% of the tour cost;
  • cancellations from 60 to 15 days  before departure date: 40% of the tour cost;
  •  cancellations from 14 to 9 days before departure date: 70% of the tour cost;
  •  cancellations from 8 to 0 days before departure date: 100% of the tour cost;

Technical Information

A note on the self-guided adventures and Fitness preparation:

Self-guided walking requires individuals to use problem-solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. You should be comfortable reading maps, referring to route notes, and having a good sense of direction (or be willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self-guided trip, you will get the hang of it after the first couple of days, as most of our first-time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly, and we provide a 7-day service hotline in case of any problems. A certain level of the unknown comes with self-guided trips; however, with a systematic approach, potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self-guided journey is something that, once experienced, is sought repeatedly.
Fitness preparation: The concept behind most of our trips is active holidays; the fitter you are, the more quickly you will adjust and enjoy yourself. We expect participants to take responsibility for their fitness and preparations consistently before departure and INCREASE the regular weekly training schedule in the two months following release. That way, when you start walking, you will feel relaxed, comfortable, and strong, having done more than sufficient preparation for the trip. You will also have more energy to enjoy the views, take photos and explore the sights in your spare time rather than make it to the next hotel. While the day is when the most exciting features of interest will be found, and being fit allows you to optimise every situation you encounter. At a minimum, we recommend 40 minutes of aerobic exercise: running, swimming, biking, hill walking, or gym work two to three times a week for two to six months leading up to your walk. Note that the best training is the activity you will be doing: walking up and downhill and cross-country. Practice this as much as possible. Training should be stepped up as you get closer to departure to an appropriate amount (you don’t want to cause yourself an injury!). Using your gear before departure (boots, day pack, clothing, etc.) gives familiarity and comfort whilst walking. It makes sense to know that all your gear ‘works for you’ BEFORE departure, rather than discovering how things work or fit (or don’t!) on the trip you have invested so much in. Use the philosophy of ‘getting fit to go walking’ rather than ‘going on a walk to get fit’ to avoid problems.

Optional Services:
These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

  • Single room supplement
  • Transfers to reach the starting location or leave the tour's arrival site will be quoted on request.

The Italian Travel Bureau, also known as itb.tours, is a reputable boutique-style operator. It provides unique & small group tours, packages, for our clients. To meet the ongoing demand for unique and exciting travel experiences, our web page is in continuous development with new products and destinations. All our costs are AUD$.

1300 2 DREAM (1300 237 326)
Australia

info@italianbureau.com.au

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