Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Intrepid Travel Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
4.6 . Excellent
94%
Travel Style: Array Full on
Physical Level: All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. Moderate
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
8 days
From: $ 2,403 $ 300 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Immerse yourself in colourful cliff-side houses and a coastal paradise that makes the Cinque Terre region of Italy one of the world's most romantic destinations.
  • Adventure through the area's most scenic trails on foot, including parts of the classic coastal route. Bike through gorgeous villages (the best way to cover ground) and take a kayaking trip on the sparkling Mediterranean Sea to a paradisiacal beach.
  • If you'd rather spend more time relaxing on the beach, there's some flexibility to take a train instead of hiking – with a local leader and somebody to organize everything for you, you can choose your own adventure!
  • Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and afternoon aperitifs overlooking spectacular cliffs, iconic village views and the deep blue of the ocean.
  • Discover a swathe of medieval marvels, such as the castle and churches of Levanto and the Abbey of San Fruttuoso.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Short Description

Explore a surreal region of Italy that looks straight out of a postcard (only better) with this eight-day multi-active trip. The houses are painted in vivid multi-coloured shades, the sea is brighter than the sky, and the sun beams down so heavily that everything seems a little technicoloured – welcome to the Cinque Terre. This jewel of Europe changes with the light of the day and is best explored on foot, on a bike or on a kayak. On this trip, you’ll witness natural beauty on all three! Cycle past olive groves, hike to medieval monuments, kayak to gorgeous beaches and refuel your energy every afternoon with cocktails and carbs! Did someone say pasta?

Style Small group tour
Spend most of the time outdoors. Common trip themes and activities include cycling, hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting.
Itinerary Focus Active
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City Levanto
End City Santa Margherita Ligure

Destinations

Italy

Attractions & Cities Visited

Cinque Terre Genoa Portofino

Activities & Interests

Adventure & Adrenaline Hiking Trekking

Age Requirement

15-99

No Single Supplement
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Itinerary

Day 1 Levanto

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Levanto on the Ligurian coast with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not stroll through the gorgeous town, admiring the orange, yellow and blue architecture or chill out on the beach? Tonight, take in the atmosphere of this seaside location and maybe head out to dinner with your new travel companions.

Day 2 Hiking in Cinque Terre / Biking to Framura

Today, you’ll embark on your first walk, which takes you along the coast from Levanto to Monterosso – the first of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. The first part of the walk leads you through the centre of Levanto’s Old Town, past the cathedral and up to its castle. Continue to Punta Mesco – the most notable promontory in the region. Visit the ruins of an 11th-century hermitage and the ruins of the lighthouse nearby. Here, you’ll have marvellous views of the rugged coastline can find a nice spot to stop for a picnic lunch. Then, follow the steep path down into Monterosso – a colourful village with blue, red and yellow houses that cluster along the beachfront. Take your time to explore this little town before taking the local train back to Levanto. In the afternoon, explore the coast on bikes and ride along the old coastal railway line to Framura, now turned into a beautiful cycling path. The scenery is stunning, and the ride is virtually flat. Maybe enjoy an aperitif overlooking the sea before returning to Levanto for the night.

Day 3 Hiking in Cinque Terre

Take a short train ride to Riomaggiore this morning – the southernmost of the five villages. Here, you’ll start the classic coastal walk that links the five villages. Begin with a short stroll through Riomaggiore along a short stretch of the Via dell’ Amore. Next, is a beautiful but strenuous trail through the vineyards (you can take the train if you prefer). This takes you to Manarola – an attractive little village with steep multi-coloured houses overlooking a rocky port. Make your way up through a stunning terraced landscape to the village of Volastra, then continue your walk along one of the most beautiful trails in the area. Through terraced vineyards and the occasional forest, you’ll approach Corniglia, perched on a ridge overlooking the sea. Next is the little hamlet of Prevo, where you’ll trail through terraced vineyards and citrus groves. Enjoy some of the best views in the region as you approach Vernazza, dominated by its old fortress. Follow the contours of the hillside on a narrow track into the village. After a day of walking, maybe wind down with a drink in Vernazza at the harbour, surrounded by its brightly painted boats.

Day 4 Hiking to Portovenere

Start your day with a short train ride back to the tiny village of Riomaggiore. Embark on a walk to Portovenere at the very end of the peninsula. Today’s trail is the most challenging of the Ligurian walks but is maybe the most rewarding. First, tackle a steep flight of stairs, then walk along an undulating track to reach the sanctuary of the Madonna di Montenero (those who wish to opt out of this climb can catch a bus instead). After stopping at the sanctuary for a short break, continue your walk to Campiglia. Follow the contours of the coastal cliffs, passing terraced vineyards and wonderful views of the coastline. Pass the abandoned village of Lemmen and walk high on the ridge through vineyards and pine forests. Descend to the little village of Campiglia, where you can stop for lunch, then continue towards Portovenere and for more spectacular coastal views. When you arrive at the 16th-century castle above the village, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the white marble peaks of the Apuan Alps before heading to St Peter’s Point and then into the heart of the village. After some free time to relax in Portovenere, take a public boat to your base in Levanto – a lovely way to see the coast from the water.

Day 5 Levanto / Santa Margherita

Today, transfer from Levanto to Santa Margherita. You can either walk part of the way or take the train for the entire distance. If you decide to walk, you will be travelling on the so-called Wild West Walk that follows the beach, then heads into the foothills and down to the charming seaside village of Bonassola (a good place for a morning coffee stop). Stroll through the seaside hills towards the small village of Framura – a collection of ancient hamlets on a hillside, distinctive due to its red rocks. From Costa, the largest hamlet, walk around the hills for splendid views out to sea. You can opt to continue your walk to the resort of Deiva Marina or walk back down to the coast to swim before catching the train to Santa Margherita.

Day 6 Hiking & Kayaking on Portofino Peninsula

Today, you’ll see the best of the Portofino Peninsula. First, take a short walk through the historical centre of Santa Margherita Ligure, where you can also do some shopping for your picnic lunch. Then walk into the hills and enjoy beautiful views across the bay. By late morning, you’ll reach Portofino – one of the most typical Ligurian seaside villages and a popular resort for jet setters. Explore this charming village and take the scenic walk to the church, castle and lighthouse, where you can look back on the inlet of Portofino. After lunch, it’s time to get ready for a great paddling adventure! In a small inlet near Portofino, you’ll grab a paddle and go kayaking along the stunning headland of Portofino. When you arrive, maybe enjoy a relaxed aperitif on the beach, go for a swim or explore the village before returning to Santa Margherita.

Day 7 Santa Margherita

Today, you can relax in Santa Margherita, stroll through its beautiful town centre or enjoy the beach. Maybe take the train to Camogli or Genoa to explore the city, or opt to join a walk across the beautiful hills of the Portofino Peninsula. From the small hamlet of Ruta, you can walk along some splendid fin-de-siècle villas towards the highest point of the Peninsula – Monte Portofino. You’ll then have several longer and shorter options to reach the Abbey of San Fruttuoso – an 11th-century marvel set in a secluded cove and reachable only by boat or on foot. All walks bring you through a verdant forested landscape with amazing views across the Gulf of Tigullio and the Golfo Paradiso. When you arrive, maybe visit the abbey or go for a swim. Take a boat to Camogli and admire the beautiful coastline from the sea. In Camogli, take your time to wander around the colourful historic centre and enjoy a relaxed drink or grab a gelato on one of its many terraces.

Day 8 Santa Margherita

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. With regular trains to Genoa, Milan, Florence and Pisa, this is the perfect spot from which to continue your adventure. If you'd like to book additional nights, just speak to your booking agent.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 2,403
Price Per Day: $ 300 per day
Checking price
Start DateFinish DateBase PriceAvailability 
May-05-2024May-12-2024$ 2,40311 spots left Reserve
May-12-2024May-19-2024$ 2,4266 spots left Reserve
May-19-2024May-26-2024$ 2,40311 spots left Reserve
May-26-2024Jun-02-2024$ 2,4037 spots left Reserve
Jun-02-2024Jun-09-2024$ 2,49810 spots left Reserve
Jun-09-2024Jun-16-2024$ 2,4988 spots left Reserve
Jun-23-2024Jun-30-2024$ 2,49812 spots left Reserve
Aug-18-2024Aug-25-2024$ 2,49812 spots left Reserve
Aug-25-2024Sep-01-2024$ 2,49810 spots left Reserve
Sep-01-2024Sep-08-2024$ 2,59612 spots left Reserve
Sep-08-2024Sep-15-2024$ 2,59612 spots left Reserve
Sep-15-2024Sep-22-2024$ 2,5968 spots left Reserve
Sep-22-2024Sep-29-2024$ 2,59612 spots left Reserve
Sep-29-2024Oct-06-2024$ 2,59612 spots left Reserve
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Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

4,407 Intrepid Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings

94%
4.6 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 3,319
Great 671
Average 144
Disappointing 80
Terrible 193
Value
4.6
Guide
4.6
Activities
4.6
Lodging
4.6
Transportation
4.6
Meals
4.6

Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Memorable experience!

4.0
Details
Value4.0
Guide4.0
Activities4.0
Lodging4.0
Transportation4.0
Meals4.0
The trip was well organized, good meals included, a memorable trip.

A beautiful place to explore and enjoy

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
A beautiful place to explore and enjoy, a great group leader and group of people

the trip was well organised, good meals

4.0
Details
Value4.0
Guide4.0
Activities4.0
Lodging4.0
Transportation4.0
Meals4.0
the trip was well organised, good meals included, a memorable trip.

Company Reviews

Avoid Intrepid

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
Many recent reviews are pointing to a sharp decline in quality and service with Intrepid. My recent experience echoes all that has been mentioned. They are appalling at responding to serious concerns. I have countless auto responses from its laughingly useless and lazy customer service department. Their financial management is a joke. They couldn't find my payment despite my twice providing traces from my bank. They are pathetic liars about not just the money. They lied about their failure to send me any information about my upcoming trip, how they omitted me from the group email circulation. They lied about anyone including a 'senior manager' trying to phone me.
Even the length of the trip is a con with first day being nothing more than a brief meeting at 1800. The last 'day' being breakfast at the hotel with not a sight or sound of the Rep.
Intrepid is a dishonest mess. They are now purely concerned with making money.
Do not use this company. They are terrible and there are many better (and safer) providers out there.
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We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food…

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment.
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Central Asia Explorer

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
This was my third trip with Intrepid, and I'll continue to plan future trips with them. I choose Intrepid to travel to parts of the world where I don't feel comfortable traveling alone, and the experience is always memorable. Intrepid provides experiences that would be difficult for a traveler to do on their own. The most recent trip I did was to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, and it was a fantastic experience.
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Details

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport Train,Boat,Public bus,On foot,Bicycle,Kayak

Group Size

Small Group - 24 max

Maximum Number of People in Group: 12

Accommodations

Hotel (7 nights)

Guides

All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Age Notes :

Min. Age: 15

Max Age: 99

Additional Information

Finish point

  • Hotel Regina Elena
  • Lungomare Milite Ignoto 44
  • Santa Margherita Ligure
  • ITALY
  • Phone: +39 0185287003

Alternate Finish point

  • For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.
  • 18 Aug 2024 (ZGXT240818), 29 Sep 2024 (ZGXT240929)
  • Rapallo
  • Array
  • Rapallo
  • ITALY

Trip ID#:

intrepid-ZGXT

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