Welcome to Hooked on Walking and our walking holiday in Italy. This walking holiday in Liguria ( just north of Tuscany) is called the Cinque Terre - or the ‘five villages’ - have given their name to this part of the Ligurian Coast, better known as the ‘flower-Riviera’. These five picturesque villages, difficult to reach by car, are connected by a railroad-track and by one of the most beautiful coastal footpaths of Europe. Walking along this footpath you’ll continuously have spectacular views on the sea and the terraced hills where vineyards, olive and lemon grow as well as a variety of wild flowers and sweet-smelling bushes. Not only the coastal area is beautiful; more inland the mountains offer a varied landscape with vegetation and old chestnut forests. You will make day trips from Monterosso and Bonassola, using the train or boat to get to and from the many picturesque villages dotted along the coast where you can relax after a day’s walk sipping a cool glass of the excellent local white wine!. This hiking holiday is graded a level 2 self guided walking tour and is therefore suitable for most people.

 Available daily 1st April to 16th October.
6 and 4 nights tours available.
Level 2 self guided tour.

Day 1 - Arrive in Monterosso
As soon as you get settled in your accommodation, step outside and breathe in the incredibly fresh, crisp air of the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon you can visit the historic centre, and in the evening, let all your senses be delighted as you prepare for your phenomenal walking adventure ahead.

Day 2 Monterosso to Colla di Gritta 5.6 miles 9km up/down 696m 4-5 hours.
Today you head inland past the ‘Chiesa dei Cappucini’ to the Colla di Gritta. Continue over the graceful mountain ridge through stretches of lush forests, passing over Monte Molinelli, Monte Rossini, Montenegro and Colla dei Bagari until you reach Punta Mesco. Return to Monterosso by descending a series of captivating old stone footpaths. Overnight in Monterosso

Day 3 Monterosso/Soviore to Monterosso via Vernazza 6.3 miles 10km up 626m down 1080m walking time 4 hours
To avoid a very steep section at the beginning of the day, you can take the public bus in Monterosso-Fegina to Soviore Monastry. Otherwise you can walk up on an ancient cobbled path to Soviore. Here you can stop for a visit before starting the walk back to Monterosso via Vernazza. From the Sanctuary you walk on asphalt road or 1.5 km, then take a nice panoramic path that slightly descends to the Madonna di Reggio. Continue walking on a stone path down to Vernazza and here you take the coastal path to Monterosso. Overnight in Monterosso

Day 4 Riomaggiore to Portovenere via Colle del Telegrafo 8.1 miles 13km up/down 854m walking time 6 hours
The writers Shelly and Byron got inspired from visiting the Cinque Terre. Enjoy the day’s walk and the truly spectacular views of the charming, picturesque coast. Begin in Riomaggiore and walk through deciduous forests along a path which leads you to the invigorating panorama of the Gulf of La Spezia and nearby islands. Descend to Portovenere along occasionally steep footpaths. Overnight in Monterosso

Day 5 Monterosso to Bonassola via Levanto 6.3 miles 10km up 770m down 770m walking time 4 hours
Follow the coastline from Monterosso to the idyllic painter’s paradise of Levanto, walking on one of the most popular path of the Cinque Terre. Levanto is located in the centre of a charming valley surrounded by green hills and uncontaminated nature, worthwhile the visit of the Sant’Andrea Chapel. Enjoy the spectacular views on the Cinque Terre and on the Levante Ligure, glance out over the crystal clean waters and take in the essence of Liguria. In Levanto, continue your walk to Bonassola. Overnight in Bonassola

Day 6 Bonassola to Deiva Marina 6.9 miles 11km up/down walking time 4 hours
Today you walk through the hills of the East Riviera, between Bonassola, Framura and Deiva Marina. The first part of this walk is extremely panoramic with wonderful views over the northern Ligurian coast. Visit the nice villages of Bonassola and Deiva Marina and after the walk return to Monterosso by train. Overnight in Bonassola

Day 7 Departure
The trip and our services ends after breakfast. You can depart Bonassola by train and easily reach the Pisa, Genoa, Florence or Milan airports.

4 night tour takes in days 1,4,5,6,7.

Difficulty - level 2
The length of the walks varies between the 7 and 14 km. The maximum variety in height is 900 metre. Most of the routes are well marked. You’ll be out walking between the 3 and 7 hours (without the breaks). The park wardens try to keep all the paths open throughout the year, but heavy rains and summer fires can cause the temporary closure of certain stretches, so you should always check with the park.

 Accommodation
The accommodation we use are small comfortable 3 star hotels with a friendly family run atmosphere. Breakfast is always included. On our 4 night option you stay 2 nights in each location and you can choose which walks you wish to do.

2013 Prices

How to get there
It is easy to reach the Cinque Terre by train via La Spezia where you have to change to catch the local train that stops at Monterosso

The nearest airports are Pisa and Genoa. Also Florence has good connections. Nearly all trains from Genoa go directly to Monterosso, without having to change (approx. 1.30’ – 2h. From Pisa airport you have to change at Pisa Centrale and at La Spezia time approx. 2.15’. From La Spezia there is a local train that stops at Monterosso.
Note
Last train from La Spezia to Monterosso leaves around 10.00 pm.

To view other walking holidays in Italy Sicily , Piemonte , Umbria , Dolomites , Chianti Trek , Sardinia , Amalfi Coast , Island of Elba , Sicily Active Volcanoes , Tuscany Dream , North of Siena , Lake Como, Walk Resort Dolomites, Glimpse of Sardinia

Click below to view our
Cycling Holidays in Italy

HOME