Cycle a Rail TrailView trips
2
introductory to moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights hotels

Price

8 daysfrom

$1810AUD

 
 
Trip Code: PFC

Trip highlights


  • Discover the lesser known spectacular trails of the Ligurian coast on foot
  • Explore the famous colourful villages of the Cinque Terre
  • Walk through steeply terraced vineyards and visit small monasteries
  • Delight in the local cuisine and wines with fresh seafood, pesto and focaccia the staples
  • Enjoy the hospitality of small hotels specially hand picked for their location

Italy's Cinque Terre, a series of five small fishing villages dug into the cliffs where the Apennine Mountains meet the Mediterranean coastline, is one of the country's most spectacular sections of coast. This trip provides you with the opportunity to follow the entire coast, from the Portofino peninsula to the colourful town of Portovenere in the south, which will allow you to experience the five famed villages, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, as well as the chance to get away from the busier villages to encounter the delights of the lesser known Camogli, Bonassola, Deiva Marina, Framura and Levanto. Following well marked footpaths and mule tracks, each day your walks along the coastal footpaths of the Ligurian Riviera will entertain you with panoramic vistas of the emerald blue Mediterranean Sea, views of lush vineyards and olive groves while inland there are dense pine and chestnut forests waiting to be discovered. Of course, there are also scenic vantage points to admire the colourful villages that make this part of Italy so popular with travellers.

Itinerary

Conde Naste Traveler describes the village of Camogli as 'one of Italy’s best-kept secrets' and we tend to agree. Tightly hugging the coastline, this colourful village is big enough to have a range of great restaurants and small enough to feel authentic. Located on the western side of the Portofino peninsula, the port dominates life from the thriving fishing industry to the beachside cafes. On arrival in Camogli, make your way to your hotel then head out to experience Ligurian coastal life. In the afternoon you can visit the historic centre, and in the evening, let all your senses be delighted as you prepare for your phenomenal walking adventure ahead. Overnight Camogli.

Meals:  Nil

From Camogli follow one of the main paths of the Portofino Regional Park; a first steep section takes you to the village of San Rocco (it is possible to take a bus instead), then further on to the San Fruttuoso Abbey, located right on the water. From San Fruttuoso, you can choose to walk or take a ferry to Portofino. Enjoy the wonderful view from Il Faro (the Light House), located at the extreme point of the promontory, before reaching the ritzy seaside town of Portofino. Take some time to enjoy a drink at a waterfront cafe before taking the train or boat back to Camogli. Overnight Camogli. 12km/7.5mi, 910m/2985ft, -894m/2933ft Option to take a shortcut to Portofino: 3km/1.9mi

Meals:  B

This morning begins with a short train ride with your luggage to Bonassola. After depositing your luggage at the hotel (around 700m from the train station), start the walk through the hills of the East Riviera which divide Bonassola, Framura and Deiva Marina. The first part of the walk, from Bonassola to Framura, is extremely panoramic with wonderful views over the northern Ligurian coast. Return to Bonassola by train. Option to shorten the walk by ending in Framura. 11km/6.9mi, +/-700m/2296ft

Meals:  B

After breakfast, take a train to Deiva Marina where the day’s walk starts. The hike follows the jagged coastline, crossing a few valleys to end in Riva Trigoso, which is one train stop from Sestri Levante (also worth visiting). Return to Bonassola by train for your overnight stay. 15km/9.4mi, +1008m/3307ft, -996m/3268ft Option to shorten the walk: start in Moneglia (5.5km/3.5mi).

Meals:  B

The first part of today’s walk runs along an old railway recently transformed into a flattish cycle path. You walk through tunnels and bridges with spectacular views over the sea and the cliffs until you arrive at Levanto. Reach the ridge top to enjoy the spectacular views over the mountains which surround the gulf. Later the trail takes you to Punta Mesco where you walk down towards the village of Monterosso al Mare, your base for the next 3 nights. Your luggage will be waiting for you at your hotel. 10.5km/6.5mi, +/-460m/1509ft

Meals:  B

Around 9am this morning a short transfer takes you to Soviore Monastery where you can stop for a visit before starting the walk back to Monterosso via Vernazza. From the Sanctuary you walk on asphalt road for 1.5km, then take a nice panoramic path that slightly descends to the Madonna di Reggio. Continue walking on a stone path down to Vernazza, where you take the panoramic coastal path back to Monterosso. 9.5km/5.9mi, +320m/1049ft, -784m/2572ft Option to shorten: stop in Vernazza and take a train back to Monterosso.

Meals:  B

A short train ride takes you to Riomaggiore, where the day's walk starts. The first 1.3km climbs gradually to Colle del Telegrafo from where there's a gentle descent to Portovenere along a panoramic ridge trail and through the village of Campiglia. The route is very scenic, with spectacular views of the Cinque Terre coastline, Portovenere and the Gulf of La Spezia, walking on clearly defined footpaths. If you want to shorten the walk, from Campiglia walk (4.8km) or take a bus to Marola and then another bus to Portovenere. At the end of the walk, return to Monterosso by boat or bus and train. 17km/10.6mi, +676m/2217ft, -686m/2250ft

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast. From Monterosso you can take the train to Milan or Genoa, or Pisa and Florence (via La Spezia) for your onward travels.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts - usually continental in style consisting of coffee, tea, pastry. Some breakfasts will be more substantial including breads, cheeses, yoghurt, juice etc.
  • 7 nights in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes & maps, GPS Tracks
  • Luggage transfer on day 5 (max 1 piece, max weight 20kg and max size 60 x 50 x 40 cm per person). Supplement applies for excess
  • Transfer from Monterosso to Soviore on day 6
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Camogli and from Monterosso al Mare
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Cinque Terre card - allow €14.50 for a two day pass (subject to change without notice). The pass is not required on all walking days.
  • Local taxes - allow €1-1.5 per person per day - payable locally
  • Entrance fees
  • Bus trips, boat trips and train trips to get to and from walks.
  • Luggage transfer on day 3 - you will need to take your luggage with you on the train to Bonassola in the morning and deposit your luggage at the hotel before starting your walk.
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

introductory to moderate  
2

INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE – GRADE 2 If you are not used to walking in mountainous terrain this walk may be considered more challenging than the introductory to moderate grade we have set. There are some more difficult sections and short ascents on rough surfaces, however overall the distances are usually 10-14.6km. The walks are along well marked footpaths and mule tracks and up and down steps of varying size. During the hotter months the walk can be more demanding and we recommend you plan to start early. To fully participate you should be able to walk for up to 5 hours a day. The terrain offers a classic landscape of small (although sometimes steep) hills, olive groves and vineyards and some days you will have shorter and longer walking options. A good level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 31 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
Note:
High season is 21 Mar to 5 Oct, mid season is 6 Oct to 31 Oct, supplement applies

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events or just tailoring a trip to suit your own needs - learn how you can tailor your own Customised Tour.

Priceper person from

$1810AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementAUD$580
  • Solo traveller supplementAUD$760
*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Portofino and the Cinque Terre trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Trip reviews


Why cycle with us

SELF GUIDED EXPERTS

As the pioneers of self guided active travel in Australia you can expect a seamless experience. Our quality tour notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality experience for you.

TRUSTED LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about cycling and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for you.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. We've sourced the highest quality bikes and most authentic accommodations so you can enjoy a stress free cycling trip.


Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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