Explore the land of the Cinque Terre by foot! In the company of your English speaking Local Guide who will accompany you on all of your hikes each day, you will get to truly appreciate the natural beauty and pituresque villages of the Cinque Terre. Take things at your own pace, spend as long or as little time in the various places you pass through (and maybe stop for a dip in the azure waters to cool down during your walks!). Having your private hiking guide allows you complete flexibility with the reassurance that you are well looked after as you are on the trails. Enjoy your luxurious surroundings each evening as you return to your hotel - always no more than a short train ride from the end of your hikes.

Santa Margherita Ligure is that wonderfully old-fashioned kind of Riviera resort where palm fronds wave along the esplanade and visitors spend time enjoying the balmy climate, attractive views and comfortable long-established hotels. Santa Margherita Ligure is a fair-sized town; large enough not to seem smothered by the tourism which has been an integral part of the town's existence for decades. The harbour mainly caters for smart yachts, but the town is also home to a small fishing fleet which can be seen unloading opposite the businesslike morning fishmarket.

Good daytrips from 'Santa' include Portofino, the picturesque San Fruttuoso monastery, the resorts of Camogli and Rapallo, Genoa and the Cinque Terre (around an hour by train, or an all-day boat excursion).

Bars, cafes, gelaterie and restaurants are spread along the seafront and there are also a few along the main quay - (the latter are rather more expensive but the view is lively).

Avail of a private transfer between Genoa and Santa Margherita Ligure on the Mediterranean coast. The town is located along the innermost part of the Tigullio gulf, to the east of the Portofino peninsula. Admire the views on the drive as you approach the town - the surrounding hills are covered with Mediterranean vegetation and offer the most favorable setting for spectacular views out on to the coast.  The terraced lands, predominantly used for the cultivation of olive trees, the elegant cobbled roads which twist their way down through the colorful houses and the locals' traditional fishing vessels make this town one of the most picturesque areas of Italy. The journey should take approximately 40 minutes.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

You'll be met by a local Assistant today who will persoanlly welcome you to the Italian Riviera and give you an orientation of what you can expect over the next number of days for your walks along the Cinque Terre. You can go over the detailed map and other materials so you get a good sense of what is in store and any questions you may have can be addressed at this time.

Santa Margherita Ligure is a fair-sized town; large enough not to seem smothered by the tourism which has been an integral part of the town's existence for decades. The harbour mainly caters for smart yachts, but the town is also home to a small fishing fleet which can be seen unloading opposite the businesslike morning fishmarket. Bars, cafes, gelaterie and restaurants are spread along the seafront and there are also a few along the main quay - these latter are rather more expensive but the view are lovely. If you prefer to picnic, there is a good-sized Coop supermarket in Corso Matteoti which is generally open until 8pm.

Consider a private guided walking tour of Santa Margherita. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in adding this into your itinerary.

Situated in a central position between Portofino and Rapallo, only 100 metres from the sea in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, the Hotel Jolanda offers an enchanting atmosphere for a truly relaxing break. The structure is an elegant building, furnished in warm colours within a refined and comfortable décor of Chinese fans, a lift decorated with historic carvings and a 19th century secretaire. In the evenings you can relax in this historic setting, taking advantage of the modern equipment, including a gym and spa area with Turkish bath.

Overnight at Hotel Jolanda (3*).

After meeting up with your walking guide this morning, you will get to discover the treasures of the Portofino Peninsula on a 10 km walk. Walking from the charming village of Santa Margherita Ligure you'll reach the marvellously located San Fruttuoso Abbey, set in a picturesque and deep cove. The guided hike along a panoramic path will lead you to a gorgeous bay with crystal blue water which hosts the Benedictine monastery, the tower of Doria and the houses of the fishermans village.

From San Fruttuoso, you'll arrive at Camogli by boat. The costal town boasts towering trompe l'oeil painted houses. The beautiful church and an ancient castle close to the beach compose one of the most famous Italian setting and are well worth exploring.

Take a regional train from Camogli to Santa Margherita this afternoon. The short train ride is approximately 5 minutes.

Overnight at Hotel Jolanda (3*).

The pretty coastal town of Sestri Levante is approximately 56 kilometers south of Genoa and is set on a promontory. While Portofino and the Cinque Terre are probably the most well known tourist destinations on the Italian Riviera, Sestri Levante is becoming quite a favorite among Italians. This once quiet fishing village is slowly turning into a tourist hotspot, developing an old and a new town.

Take a regional train from Santa Margherita to Monterosso this morning with your Guide.The train duration is approximately forty five minutes.

Your luggage will be transfered from your hotel in Santa Margherita to Sestri Levante today.

Your private guided 7km walk starts in Monterosso al Mare along the rugged coastline passing through the forest with long wide views over the coast shore. Your hike leads to the promontory of Mesco and the ruins of the Chapel of San Antonio. From here, you'll walk down the hill along a coastal pathway between orchards and gardens. You will duly arrive into the pleasant town of Levanto, located in the center of a charming valley surrounded by lush hills where you'll have time to have lunch.

You will be transfered from Levanto to Sestri Levante. The drive should take approximately 40 minutes.

Grand Hotel dei Castelli is located between Portofino and Cinque Terre. Set upon the peninsula of Sestri Levante, overlooking the wonderful scenery of a great park, the hotel offers panoramic views in a quiet and privileged position. On the top of Castle of Cypresses the solarium offers you an ideal place to relax, comforted by the sounds of the sea and the perfumes coming form the surrounding vegetation. The hotel's restaurant serves excellent international and local dishes, with sea-food specialities. It is a privileged spot for enjoying romantic sunsets on the Gulf of Tigullio.

Overnight at Grand Hotel dei Castelli (4*).

Take a regional train from Sestri Levante to Riomaggiore - one of the villages of the Cinque Terre. The train duration is approximately forty five minutes.

Today you will no doubt enjoy an attractive 7km guided walk along the remaining four of the five picturesque hamlets that give the name to the five lands of the Cinque Terre. Along the trail, you can enjoy a real farm experience, spending time with small and passionate wine producers as you visit their vineyards. From Riomaggiore, you'll take the famous Via dell'Amore - Love’s Trail, that brings you to Manarola; a dazzling village with steep multi-coloured houses overlooking a rocky port.

From Manarola the trail continues towards the next village of the five lands: Corniglia, climbing up along a scenic path that goes from sea level to the scenic hamlet.

Walking through ancient cultivated terraces and olive groves, and then along the cliff edge with striking views you'll reach the village of Vernazza: a cluster of rooftops around a picturesque harbour.

If you prefer to take your time wandering through the narrow alleyways of steep multi-coloured houses of the villages, assisted by your guide, you can also take a train from any station along the way to return to Sestri Levante.

Take a regional train from Vernazza to Sestri Levante. The train duration is approximately forty minutes.

Overnight at Grand Hotel dei Castelli (4*).

Sestri Levante is the starting point of your stunning 7km guided walk to the Punta Manara today.  The path starts from the alleys of the old town and after a series of steps leading out of the village, leads to a trail surrounded by a unique mix of  vegetation such as Mediterranean scrubland, a strip of cork oak forests and olive groves. The park holds the well preserved remains of the Saracen tower, that stands high above sea level. Characterized by strategic importance, it is an excellent sighting point with magnificent views of the Gulf of Silence and Sestri.

Why not consider taking to the seas for the afternoon on a sailing trip! Alternatively, consider a round of golf with a scenic backdrop at one of the courses nearby. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in either of these optional activities.

Overnight at Grand Hotel dei Castelli (4*).

Take a regional train from Sestri Levante to Monterosso this morning. The train duration is approximately twenty five minutes.

From Monterosso, assisted by your guide, you will take a boat to the fascinating village of Portovenere, elected Unesco World heritage site for its unique beauty. This breath-taking voyage offers amazing views all over the five lands’ coast and over the Palmaria and Tino islands. The name of the ancient Portus Veneris refers to a temple to the goddess Venus, situated on the promontory where you can admire the remarkable beauty of the San Peter Church built over a cliff.

Weather permitting, from the harbor of Portovenere you can reach the Isle of Palmaria by boat, and here enjoy an easy 3km walk, passing abandoned marble quarries and admiring suggestive grottoes.

At days end, return to Monterosso by boat.

Take a regional train from Monterosso to Sestri Levante. The train duration is approximately twenty five minutes.

Overnight at Grand Hotel dei Castelli (4*).

Avail of a private transfer between Santa Margherita Ligure and Genoa today.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).