Trip Extensions

Cinque Terre Extension: Hiking the Italian Riviera

Hike along the Italian Riviera and explore Cinque Terre – an Italian Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site! Experience a dearly held and culture as you travel through these five isolated Medieval villages set high above the Ligurian Sea.

Trip Overview

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Cinque Terre, or “Five Lands,” isone of Italy’s most unique and well-protected treasures. Strung along 18 kilometers (11 miles) on the sheer rocky coastline and serrated cliffs of the Italian Riviera, the five early Medieval villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso – offer a delightful view into an historic way of life. Cut off by mountains, Cinque Terre’s residents have carefully cut terraces into the hillsides that overlook the Ligurian Sea, cultivating grapes and olives on this rugged, steep landscape. For centuries farmers here eked out a living in this same way, even going so far as to harvest grapes by boat in the more accessible vineyards! Cinque Terre is noted for its beauty, with vibrantly colored houses set amidst a wild but hospitable coastline, dotted with medieval fortresses and surrounded by plentiful vines, offering breathtaking views of the harbors and crystal clear waters below.

These five small villages were once connected only by centuries-old footpaths and mule tracks, which hugged the coastline 500 to 1000 feet above the sea. Today this same footpath remains the best way to explore the region. In fact, it remains one of the only ways! Delightfully inaccessible by cars and motorbikes, hikers are most welcome, with the option of support by a railway that connect the villages, and electric buses that offer transport within each village on the steeply inclined streets.  

The trail through Cinque Terre offers a fantastic journey through a marvelous landscape. You’ll hike through olive groves and vineyards, orchards and chestnut woods, stopping at each village along the way, each with its own unique character. What’s more, Cinque Terre and the network of trails that connects the villages and the surrounding sea are not only a national park (Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre), but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes a protected marine area. An ancient way of life, fortunately for us, refusing to give in to modernity.

Highlights

  • Explore the Cinque Terre on foot
  • Discover charming, colorful seaside villages, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, with spectacular beaches beneath
  • Walk from town to town on ancient footpaths that wind through vineyards and olive groves, set high above the sea along the cliffs of the incredible Italian Riviera
  • Savor a taste of 'La Dolce Vita' in Portovenere

Day By Day

Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of the Dolomite Mountains Team and your mountain guide. Daily mileage and altitude gain may vary depending on the device used.

  • Day 1

    Hotel in Portovenere (B)

  • Day 2

    Hotel in Portovenere (B)

  • Day 3

Accommodation

Great hotels with Dolomite Mountains. Whether intimate lodge, family run B&B, or luxury spa resort, our hotels are unique, eminently local, and hard to leave.

At Dolomite Mountains, we hand pick accommodations that best reflect the style of each region, to provide you with the most authentic experience of the unique cultures found in the different cities and towns where we travel. We work directly with the owners of each property, forging strong relationships to ensure you receive the best service and care during your stay. Regardless of whether it is a five-star luxury hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast you desire, we choose the best-in-class accommodations within each category, providing you stays at the most sought after hotels in each region. And, we always make sure you have access to inspired, regional cuisine!

Cost

All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions.

Cost available on request. 

High season supplement from July 16th to September 10th: 15% surcharge

Helicopter Sightseeing & Airport Transfers – There's Nothing Else Like It!
Take to the skies for an aerial look at the spectacular scenery, and make memories to last a lifetime! Whether on a panoramic sightseeing ride or an airport transfer, you'll appreciate a bird's eye view of the stunning scenery aboard state-of-the-art single-engine helicopters. With over 30 years in operation, our experienced pilots and ground crew employ the utmost safety standards, quality, and service. Contact us for a quotation.
Rides are weather dependent. Heli-transfers from/to airports require advanced reservation. In-resort rides can be reserved with shorter notice.

Cost Includes:

Cost Includes:
  • 2 nights accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Portovenere
  • All breakfasts
  • A €15 donation to Wow Nature’s reforestation projects makes your trip carbon-neutral 
  • Local tourist tax
  • Italian VAT tax

Airport transfers available on request.

Area Map