Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak

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8 Days From

$2710

Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak

8 Days Starting in Levanto and ending in Santa Margherita Ligure

Visiting: Levanto, Hiking in Cinque Terre / Biking to Framura, Hiking in Cinque Terre, Hiking to Portovenere, Levanto / Santa Margherita, Hiking & Kayaking on Portofino Peninsula, Santa Margherita

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

ZGXT

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2710

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

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?

Highlights

  • 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.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Levanto

Location: Levanto

Accommodation: Hotel in 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

Location: Hiking in Cinque Terre / Biking to Framura

Accommodation: Hotel in Levanto

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Included Activities:
-Punta Mesca Guided Hike
-Coastal Bike Ride to Framura

Day 3: Hiking In Cinque Terre

Location: Hiking in Cinque Terre

Accommodation: Hotel in Levanto

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Included Activities:
-Cinque Terre Guided Hike

Optional Activities:
-Cinque Terre - Via dell’Amore trail

Day 4: Hiking To Portovenere

Location: Hiking to Portovenere

Accommodation: Hotel in Levanto

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Included Activities:
-Riomaggiore to Portovenere Guided Hike
-Boat Cruise Portovenere to Levanto

Day 5: Levanto / Santa Margherita

Location: Levanto / Santa Margherita

Accommodation: Hotel in Santa Margherita

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Optional Activities:
-The Wild West Coast Hike - Free
-Monte Porto Fino hike - Free
-Santa Margherita - Camogli hike (with train) - Free

Day 6: Hiking & Kayaking On Portofino Peninsula

Location: Hiking & Kayaking on Portofino Peninsula

Accommodation: Hotel in Santa Margherita

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Included Activities:
-Guided Hike to Portofino
-Portofino Sea Kayaking

Day 7: Santa Margherita

Location: Santa Margherita

Accommodation: Hotel in Santa Margherita

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Optional Activities:
-Abbey of San Fruttuoso
-Rapallo hike with gondola

Day 8: Santa Margherita

Location: Santa Margherita

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (7 nights)

  • Punta Mesca Guided Hike

  • Coastal Bike Ride to Framura

  • Cinque Terre Guided Hike

  • Riomaggiore to Portovenere Guided Hike

  • Boat Cruise Portovenere to Levanto

  • Guided Hike to Portofino

  • Portofino Sea Kayaking

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Included Activities

  • Punta Mesca Guided Hike
  • Coastal Bike Ride to Framura
  • Cinque Terre Guided Hike
  • Riomaggiore to Portovenere Guided Hike
  • Boat Cruise Portovenere to Levanto
  • Guided Hike to Portofino
  • Portofino Sea Kayaking

Transport

  • TRANSPORT IN EUROPE
  • Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.

Accommodation

  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • TWIN SHARE BASIS
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
  • FACILITIES
  • Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Important Information

  • 1. It is very important that you provide your height at time of booking so we can ensure that you have the appropriate sized bicycle when your trip starts. If you do not provide your height ahead of arrival we cannot guarantee a suitably sized bike for you.
  • 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room
  • 1. This multi-activity trip requires a good level of fitness and health for the hiking, biking and kayaking. Many of the walks involve steep hills and steps that you'll need to be able to walk up. Walking times vary between three and six hours a day, but the rewards are worth every step. Please note that recent landslides have affected many paths along the Cinque Terre coastal route. As maintenance is being carried out in some areas, some of the daily walks may vary, and sometimes will be replaced by walks of a higher physical rating. Your leader will update you and offer alternative walks.
  • 2. Please note that activities can be switched or even cancelled depending on weather conditions. e.g. if the weather does not safely permit the kayaking on Day 6 it may be postponed until Day 7, or cancelled if the weather is still not suitable.
  • 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

Mode of Transport

  • TRANSPORT IN EUROPE
  • Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    This multi-activity trip requires a good level of fitness and health for the hiking, biking and kayaking. Many of the walks involve steep hills and steps that you'll need to be able to climb. Walking times vary between three and six hours a day, but the rewards are worth every step.

    Please note that recent landslides have ruined many paths along the Cinque Terre coastal route. As maintenance is being carried out in some areas, some daily walks may vary and will sometimes be replaced by walks of a higher physical rating. Your leader will update you and offer alternative walks.

    Summer temperatures in Italy can be extreme (up to 40°C). It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability for that season.

    As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. If you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is bookable at an additional charge, subject to availability. Please ask your booking agent for more details.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

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Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

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I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

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Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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