WalkingWomen goes to Liguria – the hidden Cinque Terre

SUMMARY

Date: Friday 1st to Friday 8th October 2027 – 7 nights and 8 days.

Guide: Sara and Laura, local guides 

Walking Grade:  Goat Level 2 – this is the top end of this level as trails can be steep with uneven stone steps,dirt tracks and rocky sections. You need to be fit for hiking all day, and with stamina, as there are some short, steep sections on these ancient paths ! The hiking is stunning on a beautiful network of footpaths and stairways that have been used by locals for centuries. 

Max elevation: 372m/1220 ft – some parts are quite steeply up.

Terrain: Ancient stairs and paths that form a network of hiking trails. Sometimes rocky and we recommend walking poles if you usually use them and robust boots or shoes.

Max distance: 8km/ 5 miles 

Highlights:

• The ancient area of Cinque Terre – the lesser trodden parts
• Historic Sanctuaries
• Stunning coastline
• The small town of Levanto and our historic,traditional small hotel

Base: Hotel Palace Levanto

At the gateway to the Cinque Terre and located in Levanto’s  town centre just 100 metres from the sea. Family run with timeless charm and a warm welcome.

Arrivals: MEET AT THE PALACE HOTEL for check in  at 16.00 on Friday.

There are many ways to get to Levanto – nearest airports are Pisa or Genoa approx 1 hour away with connecting buses and trains. Milan is approx 3 hours away and there is a connecting train from Milan Malpensa. It is a great destination to reach by train as there is a train station at Levanto ( Stazione de Levanto) with connections to Pisa , Genoa, Milan and on to the UK.

As there are so many routes we are not offering one group transfer but will advise and connect you to others travelling.

Departures: AFTER BREAKFAST on Friday October 8th 

Price: £2,500 per person solo occupancy ( £2200 per person if sharing a room )

Includes:

• Ensuite rooms
• All meals – breakfast, lunches on 6 walking days,  and all evening meals
• Local specialist Guiding
• Excursions
• Local transport required for your walks and activities
• Tourist Tax

Not Included:

• Travel to Levanto
• Any activities not on the itinerary
• Drinks from the bar/ not included with meals

DETAILS

We are excited by our latest destination to Italy having found Sara, a local guide in the area. It is a very popular area due to its beauty and fabulous hiking. Sara knows the hidden spots and we will explore these together.

Since the Middle Ages, local farmers have been inhabited and walked the cliffs above the eastern Ligurian Sea, making a living through agriculture and small-scale trade. They exchanged olives, anchovies, lemons, fish and olive oil with neighbouring villages and towns, in return for cheese, meat and other goods that could not be produced on the steep slopes. Over time, with extraordinary effort, these farmers traced and created a dense network of footpaths and stairways. Across the centuries, these routes have been constantly improved, rebuilt, repaired and reshaped many times over. Today these ancient stairs and paths form a beautiful network of hiking paths, winding through vineyards and offering spectacular views of the sea from the surrounding hills.

ITINERARY

The itinerary may change depending on the weather and at the discretion of your guide. Sometimes activities may have to change but rest assured you will have lovely days to show you the best this region has to offer . Your itinerary will be discussed with you each day.

Our plan:

Friday October 1st 16.00 at the Palace Hotel, Levanto  : ARRIVAL , ORIENTATION AND WELCOME EVENING

Saturday:  SOVIORE SANCTUARY TO VERNAZZA 

We start with a train ride to Monterosso and begin our hike from the top of the hill. The sanctuary’s are an important feature of this area and we will enjoy visiting some of them.

Sunday:  CORNIGLIA TO VERNAZZA  Elevation: 149 mt (490 ft) ↑ – 214 mt (700 ft) ↓Distance: 4 km (2.5 mi). Time: approx 2 h 30 min

The route follows one of the classic Cinque Terre footpaths, winding through terraced vineyards and Mediterranean vegetation with beautiful views of the coastline throughout. There are several ups and downs along the way, and the final descent into Vernazza is quite steep, with a long series of stone steps, but the effort is well rewarded by the unique beauty of the views upon arrival in one of the most iconicvillages in the area.We hope to stop at a traditional local restaurant (sometimes hey close depending on the weather) along the trail – an ideal setting for a taste of local food before continuing towards Vernazza.

Monday : Montenero Sanctuary with a hike to the Bonanini Possa Winery

Transfer by van to Monenegro Sanctuary where we begin our hike to the Winery for a vineyard visit and tasting. We also hike to Riomaggiore where we tour the village and hike the Via dell`Amore, the Lovers Path. We will visit the village of Manarola.

This hike offers a wonderful introduction to the terraced vineyard landscape that has shaped the Cinque Terre for centuries.

Tuesday: Cycle Tour Levanto to Framura Distance: 7.5 km (4.5 mi) Time (by bike): 35 min ( if you prefer not to cycle there will be an alternative walk)

The cycle path linking the three coastal villages of Framura, Bonassola and Levanto.

The route follows a former railway line that has been transformed into a scenic coastal path, passing through old tunnels, secluded bays and charming seaside villages. The terrain is almost entirely level . It is a lovely bike ride and we recommend it,  but if you are not a fan of cycling we will offer a walk – we are WalkingWomen after all!

Wednesday: Free Day . An optional hike for those interested will be offered  to  LEVANTO TO MONTEROSSO VIA PUNTA MESCO Elevation: 350 mt (1150 ft) ↑ – 350 (1150 ft) ↓ Distance: 8 km (5 mi) Time: approx 4 h

This hike is for those who would like a bit more exertion, this is one of the most rewarding routes in the region. The path climbs steadily from Levanto through woodland and Mediterranean scrub before reaching Punta Mesco, a spectacular cape overlooking the sea. From here there are magnificent views spanning across the entire Cinque Terre coastline. At the top of the promontory, the remains of an ancient hermitage lend a deeper sense of history to an already memorable setting. From Punta Mesco the route descends towards Monterosso. The descent is quite steep in places and requires careful footing, but it is a beautiful way to approach the village and a fitting end to one of the most scenic walks in the region

Thursday: Palmaria Island . Elevation: 187 (615 ft) ↑ – 187 (615 ft) ↓ Distance: 5.1 km (3.15 mi) Time: approx 3 h

Today we take a ferry to Palmaria Island in the Regional Park of Portovenere,just south of the Cinque Terre. Reached by a short boat crossing, the island combines dramatic cliffs, Mediterranean woodland, hidden coves and traces of its military past. A wonderful walk.

Friday: DEPARTURE 10.30am ish after breakfast 

The loop offers beautiful views over the Gulf of Poets and a completely different atmosphere from the Cinque Terre itself.