Cinque Terre Italy hiking tour visits Lucca and Portofino

2010 Price
US$ 1,700 per person
($250 Single Supplement)

Tour prices are based on double room occupancy. A single supplement is required for single rooms. Single guests can request a roommate and not pay the supplement.
More Information

2010 Dates
August 5-10
September 16-21
October 2-7

2011 Dates
May 6-11

6 Days, 5 Nights

Route Rating
Moderate: 3-5 miles per day of hiking with some steep ascents/descents.

Meet / Finish
Lucca / Santa Margherita Ligure

Highlights

Two-mile bike ride on top of the ancient walls of Lucca
Pesto making lesson in the Cinque Terre with local chef
Wine tasting Cinque Terre wines with sommelier
Hike to Portofino
The secluded Abbey of San Fruttuoso
Beautiful Mediterranean Sea views

What's Included

All lodging (3-star hotels)
One lunch
One dinner
All breakfasts
Friendly bilingual tour guide
Pesto making class
Guided wine tasting
Van transfers during tour

Cancellations: Terms and Conditions

» Tour Summary
» Map and Distances
» Hotels
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Dates don't work?
Consider one of our self-guided bike trips. We can schedule a self-guided bike tour whenever you want March 1 to October 31 (minimum two people).

Have a group of four or more?
With a group of four or more we can schedule a guided tour whenever you want.

Guided Cinque Terre Hiking

Cinque Terre Hiking begins in Lucca, a less traveled town famous for its 15th Century ramparts. In Lucca we take bicycles on a leisurely tour of the town which includes a stop at the historic Pfanner villa and gardens. Leaving Lucca we travel by van to the five fishing villages known as the Cinque Terre. There we find clean waters rich with mussels, calamari, and shellfish. We hike the ancient footpaths that connect the pastel-colored villages. Traveling further up the coast we visit elegant Portofino and walk in the Portofino National Park. Quiet coves, transparent azure waters, and the smell of wildflowers will be your constant companions as you explore the Italian Riviera at your own pace.

Day 1 Lucca Rendezvous in Lucca. Lucca is one of the few towns in Italy that has preserved its original walls. After lunch we go for a safe, easy, two-mile bike ride following the pedestrian promenade on top of the wall. Along the ride you will enjoy great views as you completely circle the historic center. To complete our orientation we climb to the top of the 14th century Guinigi Tower which offers 360° views of Lucca.

Day 2-3 Monterosso (Cinque Terre) Travel by van to Monterosso (Cinque Terre). After lunch we hike two-hours to Vernazza. The pedestrian trail offers great sea views as it winds along the terraced hillside. In Vernazza you can cool off with a gelato (ice cream) or take a swim in the sea. Before dinner we meet Suzi at her family's wine bar. She conducts a wine tasting and explains everything that you ever wanted to know about the local vintners. Dine in a local ristorante that offers the freshest local seafood. The following morning we travel by train to Riomaggiore the easternmost town of the Cinque Terre. Today you will become a Cinque Terre expert as we backtrack visiting the four remaining villages by foot. Tonight will be dedicated to local culinary flavors. We start with a pesto making lesson lead by a local chef. Later we enjoy pesto lasagna followed by fresh swordfish.

Day 4-6 Santa Margherita Ligure After breakfast we drive to the town of Santa Margherita Ligure. Today's walk takes you past elegant villas and manicured gardens on your way to the Italian Riviera's most famous seaside village - Portofino. There you can admire immaculate yachts and humble fishing boats. The next morning we return to Portofino and begin the most spectacular walk of the tour. Hiking through emerald pinewood forests you make your way to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. You will be enchanted by the sea views as you hike through the Portofino National Forest. The Abbey sits in a secluded cove accessible only by foot or boat. Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant. After lunch take a break on the beach or tour the recently restored abbey. In the afternoon we hop a boat back to our hotel. Santa Margherita is on a main train line for easy transfers at tour's end.