Italy: Cinque Terre Hike

It could be a painting by Picasso. The Cinque Terre — five picturesque fishing villages perched on Mediterranean hillsides, splendidly brushed in sun-washed colors. This enticing vision exists on the Italian Riviera between Genoa and La Spezia. From tiny fishing ports, our walking adventure spans some of the most glorious terrain in Italy. Our spirits are refreshed by the fragrant sea air and gentle climate of the Ligurian Coast. Medieval fortresses and ripe, plentiful vineyards contrast with harbors in which gleaming yachts are moored. Life follows a pleasing rhythm in rustic hamlets where fishermen tend colorful boats, and a vista of glittering azure serves as a seemingly perpetual backdrop. Led by our knowledgeable guides, we hike steep, ancient trails connecting the villages of the Cinque Terre and enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine. Evenings are spent relaxing at hillside inns, some overlooking the sea.

Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.

Italy: Cinque Terre Hike Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Santa Margherita, Italy. Arrive in Santa Margherita and transfer to our hotel on your own. Santa Margherita, known for its orange blossoms and beachfront promenade, is a lovely coastal town on the Ligurian Sea approximately twenty miles south-east of Genoa. Please plan to arrive early in the day, as you will be meeting your trip leader and traveling companions at 2:30 p.m. for a warm-up hike. A formal group orientation will be held this evening during dinner. Overnight in Santa Margherita for the next two nights. Dinner included.
  
  Hiking: 2 hours; Terrain: short, steep trail sections.

• Day 2

  After breakfast we begin our first full day of hiking along the dramatic seaside cliffs of the Cinque Terre, from Camogli to Portofino. Notable sights include the 13th-century Abbey of San Fruttuoso, nestled below us in a glittering blue bay, and the delightful pastel-colored fishermen's houses ringing the harbor in elegant Portofino. Our route serves as the perfect scenic introduction to this marvelous region. Breakfast and dinner included.
  
  Hiking: 5.5 hours; Terrain: rolling as well as some short steep trail sections.

• Day 3

  A transfer by train brings us to the village of Framura. From here we hike along isolated cliffside paths to Levanto and ultimately make our way to delightful Monterosso where we can stroll the narrow streets, enjoy a glass of limoncello or take a swim in the crystal-clear coastal waters. We end the day in the fishing village of Riomaggiore (one of the Cinque Terre), where the sparkling sea together with the hills, vineyards, brightly painted houses and genoese-style churches create a charming base for our explorations. Overnight in Riomaggiore for the next two nights. Breakfast and dinner included.
  
  Hiking: 4.5 hours; Terrain: combination of level and rolling trails.

• Day 4

  Today's hike takes us along the ancient footpath joining the isolated villages of the Cinque Terre: Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso and back to Riomaggiore. During our walk, village life is evident all around us as the local people tend to their boats, houses and vineyards. If we've had enough hiking, we can simply catch the local train that links the coastal villages and return to Riomaggiore on our own to relax. Breakfast and dinner included.
  
  Hiking: 5.5 hours; Terrain: rolling as well as some short steep trail sections.

• Day 5

  We say farewell to Riomaggiore this morning and hike towards Portovenere. Our route takes us through quiet pine forests, past a 15th-century sanctuary, and finally to a 16th-century Genovese naval fortress that once protected Portovenere from marauding corsair pirates. In late afternoon, we check into our hotel and have some free time to explore the cobbled streets of this picturesque seaside village. Dramatic cliffs plunge into the blue waters of the Mediterranean, providing the perfect vantage point to watch the setting sun before we head off to dinner. We dine independently tonight giving us the opportunity to choose from a variety of authentic local trattorias and cafes. Overnight in Portovenere. Breakfast included.
  
  Hiking: 6 hours; Terrain: rolling as well as some short steep trail sections.

• Day 6

  Our final day's walk starts after a short boat transfer to the neighboring island of Palmaria where we enjoy spectacular views across the channel to the multi-colored houses of Portovenere. We hike past Napoleanic-era forts and an ancient marble quarry which for centuries provided the rock for La Spezia's grand Palazzi. We'll return to Portovenere mid-afternoon and have some free time before dinner to explore or go for a swim in the Ligurian Sea. We spend our final hours in the historic "Five Lands" over a fantastic seafood feast by the old village port, celebrating our journey, new friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Overnight in Portovenere. Breakfast and dinner included.
  
  Hiking: 4 hours; Terrain: short steep trail sections.

• Day 7

  After breakfast, our adventure ends with a private transfer to the La Spezia train station, arriving La Spezia at approximately 9:45 a.m. Please do not schedule rail departures prior to 10 a.m. Breakfast included.

Note on Itinerary:

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Air Travel:

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate. 

Single Travelers:

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

Price Includes:

Hotel accommodations with private baths; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; guide/leadership; luggage transportation; ferry to Palmaria; transfer from Portovenere to La Spezia train station at trip’s end.

Not Included:

Air transportation to Italy; transfer to hotel in Santa Margherita and from La Spezia to departure airport; entrance to museums, theaters, visitor centers; lunches and 1 dinner; gratuities; alcoholic beverages and other items of a personal nature.

Qualifications:

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Some prior hiking experience is beneficial and all participants should plan on engaging in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least 2-3 months prior to departure. As many of the hikes include long ascents and descents along stone stairs, stair climbing is an excellent way to prepare for this adventure in addition to walking, hiking and/or running. A typical dayhike will average 4-8 miles in length with potentially warm weather and some steep terrain as we hike from seaside villages up stone paths into the surrounding hillsides and back down again.  On most days, trip members will have the option to shorten their hikes by taking local train/ferry service between villages instead of walking.

Weather:

In May and June, the climate is generally sunny and warm with daytime temperatures in the 80s and evening temperatures dropping 10-20 degrees. Rain showers are a possibility but typically do not last longer than a few hours. September and October weather is similar, but temperatures can be slightly cooler with fewer daylight hours.

General Information:

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

In May and June, the climate in the Cinque Terre is generally sunny and warm with daytime temperatures in the 80s and evening temperatures dropping 10-20°. Rain showers are a possibility but typically do not last longer than a few hours. September and October weather is similar, but temperatures can be slightly cooler with fewer daylight hours.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
• The restaurants have a very nice, pleasant atmosphere, but are not “stuffy”. You will feel quite comfortable in casual clothes for these meals. We suggest bringing slacks, shorts that are mid-thigh or longer, skirts, summer dresses, etc. in fabrics that are easy to wash and wear.
• Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.