The Magic of Cinque Terre

At the eastern end of the Italian Riviera, nature and history bequeathed us the magical villages of Cinque Terre. One of the most unique landscapes in the world, Cinque Terre has been recognised and listed by UNESCO since 1998. This trip is a chance to discover Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore in the wild Mediterranean maquis. A world where coloured ancient houses cling to the side of cliffs overlooking turquoise waters...

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Moneglia, the gateway to the Cinque Terre

    Moneglia, the gateway to the Cinque Terre Depending on your arrival time, you may have time to explore the enchanting historic streets of Moneglia at leisure. At 6.30pm today you meet your guide and group for an aperitif at the hotel where we will stay for 6 nights.

    Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 2 The ridges and sanctuaries of Monterosso

    The ridges and sanctuaries of Monterosso This morning we take the train to Monterosso. From here we climb up to the ridges; we wonder through a forest of maritime pines, and continue between olive groves and vineyards. Today we discover the shrines of Soviore and Reggio, found high up in the ridges, they protect the villages below. Today we also visit Vernazza village, famous for its small fishing boat harbour, where houses were built into the shelter of the mountain around the main square. Return by train to Moneglia. Dinner and overnight in Moneglia.

    Return train journey
    5 hours of hiking
    Elevation: +550 / -550m
    Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 3 Camogli - San Fruttuoso - Portofino

    Camogli - San Fruttuoso - Portofino This morning we take the train to Camogli; its name is a shortened version of 'casa delle mogli', which means 'the house of women'. According to tradition, houses here are built facing the sea so that women can sit and await the return of their fishermen husbands. We take time to visit the city before joining the trail that will take us to San Fruttuoso Abbey in the regional park of Portofino. Before taking our train back, we stop at the small port city of Portofino where the houses still have their ancient colours and shapes. Return by train to Moneglia. Dinner and overnight in Moneglia.

    Return train journey
    6 hours of hiking
    Elevation: +850 / -850m
    Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 4 Riomaggiore - Manarola - Corniglia

    Riomaggiore - Manarola - Corniglia This morning we take the train to Riomagiorre, a traditional fishing village where the houses have an ochre hue. From Riomagiorre, we hike to Manarola along a path which passes just above the 'via del amore' way of love path (closed since 2013). We visit Manarola, perched on a prominant landmark of dark rocks, it is characterized by its towers which defend the town. From here we begin our walk to Volastra and the village of Corniglia whose origin dates back to the Roman era. Found one hundred metres from the headland, the village offers panoramic views of the four other villages of Cinque Terre. Return train journey to Moneglia. Dinner and overnight in Moneglia.

    Return train journey
    5 hours of hiking
    Elevation: +750 / -750m
    Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 5 Riomaggiore - Portovenere

    Riomaggiore - Portovenere This morning we take the train to Riomaggiore. We walk up to the upper part of Riomaggiore and visit the Sanctuary of Montenero, the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace. We walk through the vineyards to another sanctuary overlooking the sea. We are gradually entering the natural park of Porto Venere, and panoramic views of the Gulf of Spezia await. This afternoon, we reach the village of Portovenere. Return to Moneglia by train. Depending on weather conditions, we can possibly travel by boat from Portovenere and Levanto (€ 18 / person to pay locally), then return by train to Moneglia. Dinner and overnight in Moneglia.

    Return train journey
    5 - 6 hours of hiking
    Elevation: +750 / -750m
    Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 6 San Antonio - Monterosso

    San Antonio - Monterosso Morning train journey from Moneglia to Levanto village where we begin todays hike. It is a gradual climb up to the pass and Cape San Antonio and a beautiful hike up through the vineyards and planted olive trees. This afternoon, we follow a path back to Monterosso and take the time to discover this city with its medieval character, 'case-tori' tower houses and 'carrugi' narrow streets. We return to Moneglia by train. Dinner and overnight in Moneglia.

    Return train journey
    3 - 4 hours of hiking
    Elevation: +450 / -450m
    Accommodation: Hotel

The details in this indicative programme are updated regularly but imponderables and unpredictable circumstances may result in inaccuracies. Please note that in order to provide a safe adventure which is best suited to your demands, the weather and the operational conditions, changes to the programme may be made. Please also note that your group may contain travellers from different backgrounds because this trip was built in collaboration with our partners. For more information do not hesitate to contact us.

Dates & prices

Departures for French-speaking groups:

No departure for now

Trip code: EICINQ

Included

  • Full-board and accommodation as detailed in itinerary
  • Transfers as detailed in itinerary
  • Your 'pass' to access the footpaths
  • Accompaniment by a qualified expert guide

Not included

  • Your international flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Entry fees for sites and museums
  • Lunch Day 1 and meals after breakfast Day 7
  • Hotel parking fees (5 EUR per day, reservation in advance necessary)
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses
  • The optional boat trip on Day 6 (18 EUR)

Notes

Please note that your group may contain travellers from different backgrounds because this trip was built in collaboration with our partners. For more information do not hesitate to contact us.

Terms and conditions

Booking conditions

Booking a trip with Altaï Italia  implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 35% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.

Invoice procedure

Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. Altaï Italia reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.

Cancellation policy

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, Altaï Italia require written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:

  • Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
  • Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained

Special cases:
Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.
  • Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.
  • Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.
  • Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.

Please note that fees apply according to the date we receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.

If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.

Changes to travel contract

If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact Altaï Italia in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Italia may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.

Pricing

The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. Altaï Italia reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.

Contract transfer

If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance for your trip with Altaï Italia as soon as your booking is confirmed. We advice you to purchase a travel insurance policy which covers flight cancellations, luggage loss and emergency health care. Please look carefully at which activities are covered by your insurer and do not forget to bring all necessary documents and information with you (name of the company, name of the contract, insurance policy number, telephone number...)

Practical info

Staff

This adventure is lead by an expert Altai guide. You will meet them at your hotel on the first evening and they will accompany you throughout your stay. Armed with an abundance of experience and a wealth of expert knowledge our professional Altai Italia team are always happy to share their passion for everything Italian.

Food

Italian Italian gastronomy is one of the richest and tastiest in the world. This trip includes full-board.

Breakfasts
A continental style breakfast is served at your accommodation each morning.

Lunches
Each day your guide will prepare a picnic lunch for the group inclusing a variety of fresh local produce

Dinners
We will eat at our accommodation in the evenings.

Drinks
Throughout your stay, you are responsable for purchasing all of your drinks including water. In some places you can refill your water bottles in hotels. We advise you to purchase large (5L) bottles of water from which to fill your personal water bottles from during your trip.

Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs.

Accommodation

You will stay with Vanessa and Andrea in a family-run 2* hotel in Moneglia.

Vanessa is of Genoese origin and has lived in Moneglia for two years, since she took over the hotel. She feels very close to the Cinque Terres because she travelled these paths throughout her childhood. She is now settled with Andrea her husband and their children Gabriele and Linda. Vanessa likes to welcome her guests with her warm smile so that they feel at home.

Budget & exchange

The currency is the Euro, € (EUR)
Visit http://www.xe.com for the latest currency converter and exchange rates. You can withdraw euros from in-country ATMs and card payments are widely accepted.
Please budget for in-country transfers as necessary, meals as necessary, tips, drinks and personal expenses.

Tips

Although the custom is not widespread here, if you are satisfied with the services of your guide, tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.

Vital equipment

  • Sturdy hiking boots, good quality necessary, choose high rise boots to protect your ankles which non-slip 'vibram' soles
  • Walking trousers
  • Shorts
  • T-shirts (sports tops, fast-drying, technical materials)
  • A quality rain coat, breathable with sealed seams (Nikwax / Gore-tex...)
  • A warm layer, windproof
  • A sunhat / cap
  • Your swimsuit and a fast-drying towel
  • Your personal toiletries
  • A towel
  • Sunglasses (quality)
  • Sun cream (face and lips)
  • A head torch and spare batteries
  • Water bottle(s) min. 1.5L, light, refillable and isothermal

Helpful equipment

  • Casual shoes for the evenings and for exploring towns/villages
  • Toilet paper and a lighter
  • Anti bacterial hand gel
  • A tupperware box and cutlery for picnics
  • Hiking poles
  • A compass

Luggage

We advise you to pack your belongings as follows:
  • A small backpack 35-40 litres with a waist strap to carry with you each day containing your camera, water, your lunch, swimming stuff, a spare jumper etc...
  • A large marine style bag or rucksack containing the rest of your belongings
  • An anti-theft pouch to wear around your neck or waist containing your important documents

Medicine

We recommend that you bring a small personal first aid kit containing any medication you may need such as inhalers, plasters, antiseptic and painkillers... Your guide is a trained First Aider and will carry a First Aid kit in case of emergencies.

Passport

To go to Italy, most travellers need a vaild passport. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements.

Visa

Most travellers will not need to obtain a visa. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific visa requirements.

Mandatory vaccines

No mandatory vaccinations are required.

Health information & recommendations

A consultation with your doctor is a prerequisite for any trip.

Weather

The climate in Italy varies depending on the region. As a rule it is very hot in the summer, especially in Southern Italy, Autumn is exquisitely mild and sea temperatures enable bathing until November.  Spring is undoubtedly the best time to go hiking in Italy.

Electricity

European-style plugs with two round pins are used.  Voltage is normally 220/230 V, 50 Hz.

Local time

Italy uses Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/ Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)  +1. Daylight Saving Time (DST) is observed here.

Sustainable tourism

Altaï always aims to have as little impact on the environment as possible. As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take Responsible and Sustainable Tourism very seriously.

Since the beginning, we have advocated for responsible tourism and the importance of equitable and sustainable principles. Harmonising these fundamentals ensures a fair distribution of economic benefits, improved working conditions for local teams and an increased awareness of the importance and practice of environmental protection.

We kindly request that you adopt the following simple actions when travelling with Altaï Réunion in order to support our ethical, sustainable and responsable tourism policies:
  • Avoid dropping litter - use bins or carry your rubbish with you.
  • Use drinking water sparingly - avoid wasting water, take showers not baths, report leaks, etc..
  • Support the preservation of cultural sites - resist the temptation to touch statues, moves stones etc..
  • Exchanges are prefarable to donations - generations gifts can destabalize the local economic balance.
  • When walking, be aware of fragile ecosystems, observe wildlife from a distance, stick to trails, limit trampling and do not steal from the nature - resist the temptation to pick flowers, collect fossils or stones...
  • Some hotels have air conditioning - to avoid excessive energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, please use sparingly and remember to cut the aircon when you are not in the room.
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Juliette

My local agent
Juliette

  • Passionate about cultures
  • Determined
  • In search of musicality in every journey
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Region
Cinque Terre
Activity
Hiking & Trekking
Duration
6 days
Group
4 to 15 people
Code
EICINQ
Price
From €715
Level
3/5
Comfort
4/5
Language(s)
French

Strengths

  • Discover the Cinque Terres, UNESCO World Heritage recognised and an ideal for hiking
  • Benefit from our ideally placed accommodation in Moneglia
  • Discover hidden paths with stunning panoramic views
  • Visit the village of Camogli and spend a day in the beautiful Gulf of Portofino

Guide's advice

This region of Italy certainly lives up to its reputation, between the steep coast, beautiful trails and picturesque villages, this is a trip to do at least once in your lifetime!
The Magic of Cinque Terre

Required level

This trip includes 3 - 6 hours of walking per day. The paths we follow feature uneven stairs and we recommend bringing walking poles to aid your knees. Maximum elevation: + 850m on one day but generally much flatter.

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