Cinque Terre Classic Hike
The dreamy charm of the Riviera and Liguria
Capture an era of past Italian maritime life as we ascend ancient footpaths to this untouched quintet of pastel fishing villages perched on cliffs high above the Ligurian Sea. Hike over farmland tilled for centuries, where rosemary, thyme, and basil pique our appetites for the area’s pesto, seafood, and crisp white wines. Traverse untrammeled routes through silvery oak groves and by steep vineyard–covered hillsides that flaunt breathtaking views of the sea. While the villages and luminous coast remain unspoiled, now is the time to visit this rich, kaleidoscope known as the Cinque Terre or the Five Lands.
Tour Essence
- Terraced vineyards and dramatic coastal scenery
- Five distinct tiny villages – each with their own character or personality
- Amazing local, fresh and daily caught Mediterranean fish
- Discover the local cuisine with expert Ligurian chefs
- Village walks, ancient abbeys, wine tastings and gastronomic surprises
- Visits with local craftsmen and fishermen
- Explore the islands near Portovenere
What to Expect
Terrain
Intermediate. Long stretches of stone steps, small narrow and sometimes steep footpaths, cliff walks and a lot of up and down terrain.Start Location
Santa MargheritaEnd Location
PortovenereMileage
Average Daily: 6 miles Total: 29 milesElevation
Average Daily: 1,093 ft Total: 5,468 ft
Once you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.
- Transport: Train, boat & private van transfers as noted in the itinerary
- Expert, bilingual guides
- Village walks, ancient abbeys, wine tastings and gastronomic surprises
- Pesto and anchovy preparation & dinner with a local family
- Ferry or motorboat ride along the coast of Portofino
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts
- 5 dinners
Hike over farmland tilled for centuries, where rosemary, thyme, and basil pique our appetites for the area’s pesto, seafood, and white wines. Traverse untrammeled routes through silvery oak groves and by steep vineyard–covered hillsides that flaunt breathtaking views of the sea. While the villages and luminous coast remain unspoiled, now is the time to visit this rich, kaleidoscope known as the Cinque Terre.
2026
2027
Start Location
Santa MargheritaFly Into
Fly to Genoa C. Colombo (GOA), Milan Malpensa (MXP), or Pisa G. Galilei (PSA)End Location
PortovenereFly Out Of
Genoa, Florence, Milan, or RomeSanta Margherita
Meals Provided
DinnerAverage Mileage
4 milesElevation Gain
1,100 ftRiding Terrain
Steep trail sections and stairsMeals Provided
DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Laurin, Cinque Terre
Located on the water the Four Star hotel Laurin has a splendid view of the Gulf of Tigullio and the ancient port of Santa Margherita Ligure.
Cinque Terre
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
6/9 milesElevation Gain
2,000/2,300 ftRiding Terrain
Rolling pathways, rocky trails, and some steep trail sections as well as a 45-minute continuous uphill climb.Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Hotel Laurin, Cinque Terre
Located on the water the Four Star hotel Laurin has a splendid view of the Gulf of Tigullio and the ancient port of Santa Margherita Ligure.
Levanto to Monterosso
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
5.6 milesElevation Gain
2,000 ftRiding Terrain
Long, steep pathways and stair sections with a 45 minutes continuous uphill climb, rocky trails, and rolling hills.Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Park Hotel Argento
This 4 star hotel is situated in Levanto, just a short distance away from the beautiful Cinque Terre. The hotel was recently built and includes all the facilities and comforts of a 4-star hotel to ensure that guests enjoy a relaxing stay. Found in a convenient location from which to explore the coast, the hotel has an outdoor swimming pool with a massage section, wellness center with sauna, Turkish bath and shower.
Hike through ancient villages and olive groves.
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
7.6 milesElevation Gain
2,900 ftRiding Terrain
Some long, steep trail and stair sections with a 45 minutes continuous uphill climb, rocky trails, and rolling hills. You can shorten the hike by taking a ferry or train.Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Park Hotel Argento
This 4 star hotel is situated in Levanto, just a short distance away from the beautiful Cinque Terre. The hotel was recently built and includes all the facilities and comforts of a 4-star hotel to ensure that guests enjoy a relaxing stay. Found in a convenient location from which to explore the coast, the hotel has an outdoor swimming pool with a massage section, wellness center with sauna, Turkish bath and shower.
Riomaggiore to Portovenere
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
9 milesElevation Gain
3,200 ftRiding Terrain
Rocky trails, rolling and steep trail sections including a 40-minute continuous uphill climb.g. Narrow paths, some stone steps, with a steep descents and climbs. All up and down. Exposed areas.Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Le Ville Relais
Le Ville Relais consists of two typically Ligurian houses set in a splendid panoramic position in the West of the Gulf of la Spezia, with deluxe rooms and suits. They take every effort to make their guests feel as welcome and as comfortable as possible, both in attention to detail of the fine furnishings in each room and in the common areas and outside grounds. Here, guests can relax at the swimming pool, in the big garden with solarium or on the terraces, which are surrounded by olive and lemon trees.
Palmaria Island Hike
Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAverage Mileage
3 milesElevation Gain
2,100 ftRiding Terrain
Pathways and rocky trails with short, steep sections.Meals Provided
Breakfast, DinnerAccommodations
Le Ville Relais
Le Ville Relais consists of two typically Ligurian houses set in a splendid panoramic position in the West of the Gulf of la Spezia, with deluxe rooms and suits. They take every effort to make their guests feel as welcome and as comfortable as possible, both in attention to detail of the fine furnishings in each room and in the common areas and outside grounds. Here, guests can relax at the swimming pool, in the big garden with solarium or on the terraces, which are surrounded by olive and lemon trees.
