Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak
Experience Overview
Explore a surreal region of Italy that looks straight out of a postcard (only better) with this eight-day multi-active trip. The houses are painted in vivid multi-coloured shades, the sea is brighter than the sky, and the sun beams down so heavily that everything seems a little technicoloured – welcome to the Cinque Terre. This jewel of Europe changes with the light of the day and is best explored on foot, on a bike or on a kayak. On this trip, you’ll witness natural beauty on all three! Cycle past olive groves, hike to medieval monuments, kayak to gorgeous beaches and refuel your energy every afternoon with cocktails and carbs! Did someone say pasta?
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in colourful cliff-side houses and a coastal paradise that makes the Cinque Terre region of Italy one of the world's most romantic destinations.
- Adventure through the area's most scenic trails on foot, including parts of the classic coastal route. Bike through gorgeous villages (the best way to cover ground) and take a kayaking trip on the sparkling Mediterranean Sea to a paradisiacal beach.
- If you'd rather spend more time relaxing on the beach, there's some flexibility to take a train instead of hiking – with a local leader and somebody to organize everything for you, you can choose your own adventure!
- Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and afternoon aperitifs overlooking spectacular cliffs, iconic village views and the deep blue of the ocean.
- Discover a swathe of medieval marvels, such as the castle and churches of Levanto and the Abbey of San Fruttuoso.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3183
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Boat,Public bus,On foot,Bicycle,Kayak
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZGXT
Starts: Levanto, Italy
Finishes: Santa Margherita, Italy
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7),Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,090 ($386 /day)
Itinerary
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Levanto on the Ligurian coast with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not stroll through the gorgeous town, admiring the orange, yellow and blue architecture or chill out on the beach? Tonight, take in the atmosphere of this seaside location and maybe head out to dinner with your new travel companions.
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Levanto (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll embark on your first walk, which takes you along the coast from Levanto to Monterosso – the first of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. The first part of the walk leads you through the centre of Levanto’s Old Town, past the cathedral and up to its castle. Continue to Punta Mesco – the most notable promontory in the region. Visit the ruins of an 11th-century hermitage and the ruins of the lighthouse nearby. Here, you’ll have marvellous views of the rugged coastline can find a nice spot to stop for a picnic lunch. Then, follow the steep path down into Monterosso – a colourful village with blue, red and yellow houses that cluster along the beachfront. Take your time to explore this little town before taking the local train back to Levanto. In the afternoon, explore the coast on bikes and ride along the old coastal railway line to Framura, now turned into a beautiful cycling path. The scenery is stunning, and the ride is virtually flat. Maybe enjoy an aperitif overlooking the sea before returning to Levanto for the night.
Included Activities:
- Punta Mesca Guided Hike
- Coastal Bike Ride to Framura
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Levanto (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a short train ride to Riomaggiore this morning – the southernmost of the five villages. Here, you’ll start the classic coastal walk that links the five villages. Head to Manarola – an attractive little village with steep multi-coloured houses overlooking a rocky port (you can take the train if you prefer). Make your way up through a stunning terraced landscape to the village of Volastra, then continue your walk along one of the most beautiful trails in the area. Through terraced vineyards and the occasional forest, you’ll approach Corniglia, perched on a ridge overlooking the sea. Next is the little hamlet of Prevo, where you’ll trail through terraced vineyards and citrus groves. Enjoy some of the best views in the region as you approach Vernazza, dominated by its old fortress. Follow the contours of the hillside on a narrow track into the village. After a day of walking, maybe wind down with a drink in Vernazza at the harbour, surrounded by its brightly painted boats.
Included Activities:
- Cinque Terre Guided Hike
Optional Activities:
- Cinque Terre - Via dell’Amore trail (10 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Levanto (Number of Nights: 1)
Start your day with a short train ride back to the tiny village of Riomaggiore. Embark on a walk to Portovenere at the very end of the peninsula. Today’s trail is the most challenging of the Ligurian walks but is maybe the most rewarding. First, tackle a steep flight of stairs, then walk along an undulating track to reach the sanctuary of the Madonna di Montenero (those who wish to opt out of this climb can catch a bus instead). After stopping at the sanctuary for a short break, continue your walk to Campiglia. Follow the contours of the coastal cliffs, passing terraced vineyards and wonderful views of the coastline. Pass the abandoned village of Lemmen and walk high on the ridge through vineyards and pine forests. Descend to the little village of Campiglia, where you can stop for lunch, then continue towards Portovenere and for more spectacular coastal views. When you arrive at the 16th-century castle above the village, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the white marble peaks of the Apuan Alps before heading to St Peter’s Point and then into the heart of the village. After some free time to relax in Portovenere, take a public boat to your base in Levanto – a lovely way to see the coast from the water.
Included Activities:
- Riomaggiore to Portovenere Guided Hike
- Boat Cruise Portovenere to Levanto
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Levanto (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, transfer from Levanto to Santa Margherita. You can either walk part of the way or take the train for the entire distance. If you decide to walk, you will be travelling on the so-called Wild West Walk that follows the beach, then heads into the foothills and down to the charming seaside village of Bonassola (a good place for a morning coffee stop). Stroll through the seaside hills towards the small village of Framura – a collection of ancient hamlets on a hillside, distinctive due to its red rocks. From Costa, the largest hamlet, walk around the hills for splendid views out to sea. You can opt to continue your walk to the resort of Deiva Marina or walk back down to the coast to swim before catching the train to Santa Margherita.
Optional Activities:
- The Wild West Coast Hike - Free
- Monte Porto Fino hike - Free
- Santa Margherita - Camogli hike (with train) - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Santa Margherita (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll see the best of the Portofino Peninsula. First, take a short walk through the historical centre of Santa Margherita Ligure, where you can also do some shopping for your picnic lunch. Then walk into the hills and enjoy beautiful views across the bay. By late morning, you’ll reach Portofino – one of the most typical Ligurian seaside villages and a popular resort for jet setters. Explore this charming village and take the scenic walk to the church, castle and lighthouse, where you can look back on the inlet of Portofino. After your picnic lunch, it’s time to get ready for a great paddling adventure! In a small inlet near Portofino, you’ll grab a paddle and go kayaking along the stunning headland of Portofino. When you arrive, maybe enjoy a relaxed aperitif on the beach, go for a swim or explore the village before returning to Santa Margherita.
Included Activities:
- Guided Hike to Portofino
- Portofino Sea Kayaking
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Santa Margherita (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you can relax in Santa Margherita, stroll through its beautiful town centre or enjoy the beach. Maybe take the train to Camogli or Genoa to explore the city, or opt to join a walk across the beautiful hills of the Portofino Peninsula. From the small hamlet of Ruta, you can walk along some splendid fin-de-siècle villas towards the highest point of the Peninsula – Monte Portofino. You’ll then have several longer and shorter options to reach the Abbey of San Fruttuoso – an 11th-century marvel set in a secluded cove and reachable only by boat or on foot. All walks bring you through a verdant forested landscape with amazing views across the Gulf of Tigullio and the Golfo Paradiso. When you arrive, maybe visit the abbey or go for a swim. Take a boat to Camogli and admire the beautiful coastline from the sea. In Camogli, take your time to wander around the colourful historic centre and enjoy a relaxed drink or grab a gelato on one of its many terraces.
Optional Activities:
- Abbey of San Fruttuoso (9 EUR)
- Rapallo hike with gondola (10 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Santa Margherita (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. With regular trains to Genoa, Milan, Florence and Pisa, this is the perfect spot from which to continue your adventure. If you'd like to book additional nights, just speak to your booking agent.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Oleg - Traveled, May 2023
A good active trip with lots of hiking and stunning scenery. However a few things to keep in mind: - this trip specifically and Italy generally attracts older crowd - we had 8 out of 11 people on the trip being what seemed to be over 60, even though it was an active trip. This made it difficult to be a younger person on the trip, as just not a lot in common with the majority of those on the tour - not much insight from the guide provided, just showing where the hikes start and end, and much was left to the participants, including own dinners in the evening, taking boats largely by ourselves etc - do NOT bring a backpack if you prefer a suitcase - ignore whats in the essential notes about it, you dont need it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2023
Mitchell - Traveled, September 2022
I was looking for an active traveling experience in a beautiful location of the world, and this fit the bill. The trip was more changeling than I imagined, but also so much more rewarding. Lisa was the perfect group leader for this trip. She managed to be encouraging and at the same time respectful of each one's abilities and interests. I've traveled with a few other groups and this was one of the best traveling experiences thanks to Lisa and the great group of fellow travelers
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2022
nick - Traveled, September 2022
The trip was brilliant. Lisa was fantastic. Accommodation good. Amazing scenery. Would highly recommend this trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2022
joan - Traveled, August 2022
Our guide was extra attentive to helping my needs be met…especially since my active hiking participation was less then the others in our group. I never felt excluded from the group. I am also so grateful for all the after tour local guidance provided. Everything worked out perfect for my part of this adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2022
Maritza - Traveled, June 2022
If you love hiking, this is a must. Good, clean hotels. Trails required lots of climbing at the start, more challenging then I expected. Other parts of trails were very manageable if in good physical condition. Heed warning about packing light and bringing only essentials. Wish I had gotten up earlier to see towns before cruises and land tours crowded towns.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2022
Kim - Traveled, May 2022
The tour was very active, had some physical activity every day, which was a great way to see the region! Our tour leader Renato was amazing, well organized and a lot of fun. Smaller group size was great!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2022
Emily - Traveled, September 2021
So glad I picked Intrepid for another one of my vacations - this time an active hike, bike and kayak adventure exploring the picturesque Cinque Terre coastline in Italy. I had a blast travelling with like minded strangers who became friends, and our awesome guide Annalisa.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2021
Steven - Traveled, May 2024
This trip exceded my expectations. A combination of a great tour guide, fantastic fit fellow adventurers and good weather made this an experience I will never forget. It does pay to have a good level of fitness for the good climbs and to have good footwear. The climbs are rewarded with the fantastic views. I will certainly be using Intrepid again for the next tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2024
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