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Cinque Terre Coastal Walk - 5 days
While they were once cut off from the rest of Italy by the impressive landscape you're here to hike, the rugged villages of the Cinque Terre still remain a world away from the bustle of Rome. Follow coastal trails and discover villages clustered in the cracks of the windswept cliffs and perched above beautiful coastline. Staying in small locally owned pensions and indule in delicious rustic meals. For the active traveller who wants to experience a real slice of Italian life, this compact adventure tops the menu.
£399 pp for 1 Adult
Local Payments now included on all Gap Adventures
HighlightsCinque Terre National Park, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Corniglia (Cinque Terre)Arrive in Corniglia at any time. In the evening meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip. After the meeting, head out for a meal in a nearby local restaurant (optional).
The Cinque Terre consists of five coastal villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, part of a national park of the same name, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the course of eighteen kilometres of sheer rocky coastline, terraced hills and vineyards slope steeply down to the sea. Five little villages are built into the rocks between the beach and the hills, connected by centuries-old footpaths and mule tracks that hug the coastline 500 to 1000 feet above the sea. The extensive network of footpaths lead through olive groves and vineyards, orchards and chestnut woods, and each village has its own unique character; it is almost unfair how much intense beauty, mouthwatering cuisine and fabulous aromas are packed into one small area of the country.
Corniglia is the middle village and is spectacularly situated on the clifftops with stunning views of the sparkling Mediterranean. It is a small town but still has some typical Italian restaurants and bars, and of course is perfectly situated for exploring the surrounding countryside on foot.
Day 2 Hike the Cinque Terre Coastal TrailToday we will head out into the Cinque Terre National Park to walk the original coastal trail from Riomaggiore to Monterosso enjoying spectacular views, passing through all five of the beautiful Cinque Terre villages.
The walking trails connecting each village to its neighbours are well-marked and provide spectacular views of the National Park and the Ligurian Sea. The picturesque coastal trail winds along the shore, varying in nature and difficulty from an easy stroll to a rough and on occasion physically challenging hike.
We begin with the easy, concreted path from Riomaggiore to Manarola(1km/20mins), known as the Via Dell'Amore (or, "Lovers Walk").
The stretch from Manarola to Corniglia(2km/1hour) is an easy hike for the most part. To reach the village of Corniglia, which sits spectacularly on a cliff-top overlooking the azure Mediterranean, there is a stairway of over 360 steps. Don't worry though, because if you prefer, you can catch the small green shuttle-bus up the hill instead!
From Corniglia to Vernazza (4km, 1.5hours) the trail becomes more challenging, with more ascent and descent and some tricky narrow trails.
The trail from Vernazza to Monterosso (5km/2hours) is the steepest - it winds through olive orchards and vineyards and is rocky in places, but offers a superb view of the bay. is also steep at certain points, and similar to the first section.
We will allow plenty of time to stop-off en route and explore each village, taste some fresh seafood and local specialities at lunchtime, and perhaps round off the afternoon with a glass of local limoncello, or wine straight from the vineyards we’ve walked through along the route.
Day 3 Hike the higher trailsOn Day 3 we will venture onto one of the inland and rather higher trails, which winds for much of the route through cool and shady woodland. The views are not constant, owing to the trees, but where you come across a vantage point the panorama is truly breathtaking. Fewer tourists venture up here so the villages are unspoiled and there is a lovely sense of tranquility. We hike for approximately 8 hours, stopping for a picnic lunch en route.
Days 4 Cinque TerreToday is flexible for you to enjoy, with the help of your Tour Leader, the Cinque Terre National Park further. There are countless optional activities on offer to suit all interests - from hiking to biking, boat trips, diving, relaxing on the beach or perhaps a cookery class in typical Ligurian cuisine.
Day 5 Depart Corniglia (Cinque Terre)You are free to depart at any time on Day 5.
Find out More - Visit the GAP Adventures website
Walking Holiday in Tuscany with Travelsphere
The beautiful landscape of Tuscany is the perfect backdrop for this wonderful holiday. Explore glorious countryside and enchanting towns as you walk through this stunning region, enjoying delicious local wines in the evening.
Included excursions
Monte Amiata - We start our walk on the eastern slopes of Mount Amiata, a dormant volcano and Tuscany’s only true mountain. We take a tour of the Abbadia San Salvatore, one of the oldest monasteries in the region, and the town of the same name that has sprung up around it. From here we walk to the historic small town of Pian del Castagnaio (approx. 2½ hours’ walk), where we break for lunch (not included). We then take the coach to the top of the mountain, taking the short walk to the summit.
Montalcino to Sant’ Antimo Abbey - Drive to the beautiful hilltop town of Montalcino and take a pleasant walk through the farmland of Brunello country – home to the region’s most famous wine. We pass by typical Tuscan villas and farmhouses with panoramic views of the historic countryside and Monte Amiata. We end at the stunning Romanesque Abbey of Sant’ Antimo (approx. 2½ hours’ walk).
Wines of Castello Banfi - Transfer by coach to this lovely castle, from where we walk to the cantina (approx. 1 hour walk). This family-owned vineyard has been voted ‘International Winery of the Year’ in its category many times and also produces wonderful balsamic vinegar. Enjoy a tour of the cellars, plus a tasting.
Bagno Vignoni to Pienza - Departing from the picturesque spa resort of Bagno Vignoni we enjoy a leisurely walk through rolling fields and along a trail to the renaissance town of Pienza (approx. 2½ hours’ walk), where we have free time to sample some of the local specialities, such as Pecorino cheese.
Optional excursions
Siena & San Gimignano - Siena is an enchanting medieval town, while fascinating San Gimignano is known for its beautiful towers.
Walking - Easy
These are for anyone of any age. Plenty of rest stops and time to enjoy the local scenery, mostly on good paths but occasionally rough underfoot. Sturdy walking shoes are advisable.
Terrain: Mostly good paths
Ascent: Less than 300m per day
Duration: Up to 4 hours per day
Walking - Moderate
These are for anyone who is comfortable walking hills. Still plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery, however on slightly more rugged terrain. Walking boots with ankle support are recommended.
Terrain: Slightly rugged
Ascent: Less than 500m per day
Duration: Up to 5 hours per day
Accommodation
You will stay in the delightful Hotel Mizar in Chianciano Terme. The hotel has a bar, dining room and garden. All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone.
Itinerary
Day 1 : UK/Italy
Depart on your flight to Rome. On arrival transfer to your hotel in the attractive town of Chianciano Terme for a six night stay.
Day 2 - 6 : Chianciano Terme
Located close to the border between Tuscany and Umbria, the town of Chianciano has a historic centre with narrow streets and picturesque piazzas waiting to be explored. The town also has a selection of bars, cafés and shops. You are free to relax and join our great range of included walks and excursions.
Day 7 : Italy/UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
2011 Departures
27 Apr 2011 - £599
11 May 2011 - £629
25 May 2011 - £649
8 Jun 2011 - £679
22 Jun 2011 - £679
7 Sep 2011 - £699
21 Sep 2011 - £649
5 Oct 2011 - £599
Find Out More - Tel Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368
Walking Holiday on the Italian Island of Elba - 8 days from £672
The island of Elba is perfect walking country and we are delighted to offer a seven-night holiday staying at the Hotel Gabbiano Azzurro on a bed and breakfast basis and including three guided walks.
Highlights
- An undiscovered island
- Relax or explore
- Dine as you wish
- Three guided walks
Meal arrangements
- 7 nights bed and breakfast
Also included
- The services of an experienced Page & Moy Tour Guide
- Hotel porterage
Maximum Group Size
All departures on this tour are limited to a maximum group size of 30.
Your Accommodation
Hotel Gabbiano Azzurro I (3-star), 7 nights bed and breakfast.
This attractive family-run modern hotel is situated just ten minutes’ walk from the waterfront of the colourful fishing village of Marciana Marina, with its pretty harbour, shops, cafes, restaurants and pebble beach. The hotel has a breakfast room, bar, lounge, secluded garden, swimming pool and sun terraces. The air-conditioned guest rooms are on two floors and have a telephone, TV and fridge. The hotel does not have a lift.
Your Itinerary
This holiday includes three guided walks:
North & South
Starting outside Poggio, we take a gentle walk to the National Park of Monte Perone. We cross to the south of the island and follow a tiny road down to the mediaeval town of Saint Ilario. Our path then curls past vineyards and ends with a wonderful view of Marciana Marina.
Easy / moderate walking – 4 hours. Distance – 7½ miles.
Legend, Mystery & Intrigue
Starting in the mediaeval mountain hamlet of Poggio, we walk along a chestnut-flanked road towards the Napoleonic Spa before taking the woodland path up to San Cerbone Chapel. Passing the Pisan fortress, we climb to the intriguing 11th-century Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte. Descending, we call at the ancient village of Marciana Alta.
Easy /moderate walking – 3½ hours. Distance – 7½ miles.
Mare e Macchia
Public transport takes us to the panoramic heights of Zanca, from where we walk down through semi-tropical vegetation to Sant’Andrea. Here we explore the waterfront before continuing to the tiny village of Maciarello. Our steep path then sweeps down through vineyards onto the cove of La Cala. After a brief climb through orchards and vineyards, our wonderful walk culminates with breathtaking views of Corsica.
Easy / moderate walking – 3½ hours. Distance – 6½ miles
Dates, Prices & Departure
holiday ref: EEITWE
02/06/2010 £752
15/09/2010 £672
Deposit £100 per person
Prices are based on the shared occupancy of twin or double rooms with private facilities.
Visit the Page & Moy Website or telephone 0845 358 2639 to find out more
Treasures of Tuscany Walking Holiday with Sherpa Expeditions
Sherpa Expeditions walks through the gentle landscape of Tuscany take you through a countryside that is timeless. Tuscany is a region well suited to a walking pace and there is much to absorb. Here are some of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe with their Romanesque and gothic churches and buildings. We walk through a varied countryside of rolling hillsides, vineyards, olive groves and forests alive with colour. Tuscany offers many gastronomic delights: pecorino cheese, wild boar and porcini mushrooms to name but a few. It is also Chianti wine country with several wine tasting opportunities.
Linking some of the Tuscan hilltop towns, we start in the old Etruscan town of Volterra, where you can see the Roman Theatre and Pallaza Priori and enjoy a warm up walk from the village of Pignano. We spend two nights in Volterra and then our trail leads off through forested hills, occasionally crowned with stone farmhouses, olive groves and vineyards.
We visit San Gimignano noted for its famous towers and often called Tuscany’s Manhattan but it is perhaps the best preserved medieval town in Italy, We wend our way from here through intensive farmland and quiet woods to Colle Val D’Elsa.
From Colle, we take farm tracks and white roads, ‘Strada Bianca’, which lead us on to Monteriggioni, a medieval fortress town. From there we pass through thick holm oak forest to the village of San Columba and then by local bus on to Siena, the archetypal Tuscan city.
You can extend your stay by taking the 11 day tour which takes you through the heart of the Chianti vineyards and a landscape that will be familiar from the old paintings you have already seen along your route. It hasn’t changed very much. Finishing in Panzano, we transfer by bus to Florence for a final night in the Tuscan capital, a great place for art lovers and romantics of all ages.
Inn to Inn 7 or 11 days
Duration: 6 nights/7 days or 10 nights/11 days
Tour Code: JTT
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Day Stages: Minimum 8km, max 20km.
SELF-GUIDED Dates 2010
Start any day April - November
7 Day ESCORTED Dates 2010
Group Size: Min 4, max 15, plus trek leader
EJTT19 Wed 19 May - Tue 25 May
EJTT04 Mon 4 Oct - Sun 10 Oct
Visit the Sherpa Expeditions Website for more information
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