Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino
Experience Overview
Base yourself on the Italian Riviera, between the ravine-side fishing villages of the Cinque Terre and dreamy Portofino, for an inspiring hiking adventure. Guided by an expert tour leader, we explore some of the most iconic trails in Europe, walking through hills, woodland and coastal villages. Bring your camera and an appetite, the food here is as exquisite as the scenery, plus we visit a celebrated taverna for an extra-special wine tasting.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hotel Piccolo) — Five days walking; one free day — Low altitude throughout — Good fitness required — Option to travel by train to your adventure — Option to book an extension package
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hotel Piccolo) — Five days walking; one free day — Low altitude throughout — Good fitness required — Option to travel by train to your adventure — Option to book an extension package
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Walks profile: All walks take between four and six hours, including lunch stops, and require a moderate to high level of fitness as some parts of the walks can be particularly strenuous. On a couple of days, there are sections with a considerable number of steps (more than 500), which make the walks unsuitable for those with knee problems.
Terrain: The terrain and path type varies between paved tracks; uneven, rocky and steep steps; and forest trails. Some areas may be rocky underfoot with narrow, overgrown or exposed paths. While most walks are manageable for those with a good level of fitness, the walks involve some steep climbs and descents on slightly loose terrain and some have sections on narrow pathways alongside some sheer drops (not recommended for severe vertigo sufferers).
Itinerary: Path openings are subject to weather and safety conditions – this may affect the itinerary.
Food: Neither the hotel nor the restaurants in Moneglia can cater for people with severe coeliac disease.
Transport: Public transport can be subject to delays and some waiting at train stations should be expected.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, two packed lunches, one dinner and one wine tasting are included.
Liguria is well-known for its delicious cuisine and classic regional dishes include pasta with pesto or walnut sauce, focaccia bread and, of course, plenty of seafood.
With an abundance of fresh local produce and plenty of restaurants to try in Moneglia, food is a highlight of the trip. Vegetarians are well-catered for in Italy, but please inform us when booking.
Please note, neither the hotel nor the restaurants in Moneglia are able to cater for people with severe celiac disease.
Transportation
The majority of transport on this trip will be using the excellent local train services. Please note that our hotel is a 15-minute walk to the local train station but rail journeys are no longer than 45 minutes each.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Piccolo Hotel, Corso Libero Longhi, 19, 16030 Moneglia GE
Phone: +39 0185 49374
Recommended arrival time: You’re welcome to arrive any time, though rooms are typically ready in the early afternoon and there’s a welcome briefing in the evening
Airport: Pisa (PSA)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 1hr 25min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can reach the hotel by public transport. From Pisa Airport, take the PisaMover shuttle service to Pisa Central train station – a one-way ticket, bought from the ticket machines at the shuttle departure platform, costs €6.50.
Then catch a train to Moneglia. There is no direct train, so change in La Spezia. For more info and timetables visit www.trenitalia.com. The journey will take around 2hr 15min and tickets cost between €10 and €20. From Moneglia Station, it takes about 10 minutes to walk to the hotel.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales consultant if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales consultant to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
May departures can expect warm days, although rain is always possible. Nights may be rather cool. Early June is similar, with the days becoming progressively hotter and the evenings much warmer. Late June to August departures should expect very warm weather with temperatures over 30C (86F). Late September and October are cooler and can be wetter, however visibility is better. We strongly recommend a fleece-lined jacket or warm sweater in May, September and October.
Spending Money
Allow about €10-€20 per day for lunch, depending on whether you have a picnic, snack or a light restaurant meal. For evening meals, allow about €30-€40 including drinks, although it is possible to spend more than this if you choose expensive dishes. You also need some local currency for extra snacks and drinks bought from the occasional cafe.
Local taxes: many Italian cities have recently introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration oversees the tax, which is collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. For this trip, please budget approximately €5 per person for the week, although small variations are possible depending on the season.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. For this trip we recommend about €20 per person for the guide.
Highlights
— Hike the most scenic trails of the Italian Riviera with a small group of like-minded adventurers — Explore the famously beautiful fishing villages that form the Cinque Terre — Hike to the picturesque harbour village of Portofino — Join an extra-special wine tasting at a celebrated taverna — Enjoy a warm Italian welcome at our hotel near the beach in Moneglia
Trip Details
Product Code: 4369
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: tes each.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: TEH
Starts: Moneglia, Italy
Finishes: Moneglia, Italy
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
— All breakfasts, two packed lunches, one dinner and one wine tasting — All accommodation (see accommodation section) — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughoutAccommodation
Piccolo Hotel, a family-run property in MonegliaFifty years in the making, the Piccolo Hotel is the dream come true of the Zanetti family. Elsa and Luigi were the founders, before their son Alberto joined, followed by the next generation – Elsa and Luigi’s grandchildren. The 38-room hotel is in the centre of Moneglia, just a few minutes’ walk from the train station and a Blue Flag-rated sandy beach. When it’s time to relax, there’s the free-to-use Atlantis Wellness centre, which has a heated swimming pool with a waterfall and water jets, plus two underwater loungers. Elsewhere, there’s a solarium terrace with a hydromassage tub plus a sea-view restaurant serving Ligurian cuisine. Worth knowing A limited number of double rooms for sole use are available for a supplement, please enquire for details.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,945 ($368 /day)
Itinerary
We begin in the seaside town of Moneglia. In the heart of a bay on the Mediterranean Sea, this picture-perfect town is listed on the I Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (Most Beautiful Villages of Italy) and has won a European Blue Flag every year since 1990 for its clear waters and the quality of the services offered. There’ll be a welcome briefing at the hotel today – a good chance to get to know the group and your expert leader. If you have extra days at hand and are willing to extend your adventure, consider booking additional nights in Pisa, Florence or Moneglia. Speak to your Sales Consultant for more information on our ‘Pre-Tour’, ‘Post-Tour’ and ‘City Extension’ packages.
We take an eight-minute train to Deiva Marina in the morning and start our walk, first climbing around 400 steps. We then take a relatively steep path, climbing up to picturesque woods of pine and strawberry trees. Our efforts are rewarded at the top of the hill with stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the promontory of Portofino. We then take an undulating trail with beautiful views over the Ligurian Sea, which leads to the village of Framura, where we stop for lunch. After refreshments, we descend by steps, which can be tough going, particularly in the wet, almost to sea level then meander through woods until a final steep climb for magnificent sea views. We then head to the pretty village of Bonassola before taking the 15-minute train back to our hotel in Moneglia .
Today we set out to visit the spectacular Cinque Terre, declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1997 and part of the Cinque Terre National Park. The best way to explore these charming villages is on foot, and today we will walk the Sentiero Azzurro Ligure (Ligurian Blue Path), which connects the five villages. Today we visit three of the five – Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso – and pass old mule tracks, walking through terraced vineyards and olive groves. After completing steep and rocky sections with continuous ups and downs, we are rewarded with wonderful views of the colourful villages built into the rocks facing the sea. At the end of the walk, we catch the train back to Moneglia (30 minutes) where there will be time to relax or go for a swim before dinner. Please note that some sections of the path may be closed, so we may need to take the train between villages or change the itinerary accordingly.
Set out by train to Santa Margherita Ligure (50 minutes with a change in Sestri Levante), a charming coastal town, where we begin our hike to the fishing village of Portofino, which starts with a near 2.5mi (4km) continuous uphill stretch. Celebrated for its pastel-coloured houses and picturesque harbour, the town is now attracting celebrities from all over the world.
Enjoy a well-earned break and perhaps spend your day relaxing at the beach. Or you might like to use the opportunity for some sightseeing. Genoa, the capital city of the region, is the home of Christopher Columbus and the largest aquarium in Europe. Alternatively, you could spend time in the nearby town of Portovenere – on the Bay of Poets – or use the day to explore the beautiful town of Lucca.
This morning, we take a short train ride to Rapallo (50 minutes with a change in Sestri Levante) and the cable car up to the sanctuary of Montallegro (1,969ft/600m). From here, we walk through quiet woodland, catching glimpses of the Ligurian Sea en route to the seaside town of Chiavari. In the early evening, we enjoy an extra-special wine tasting at Assirto, an internationally heralded taverna in Moneglia. The experience starts with a sparkling rosé, before we enjoy a sensory journey through a trio of wines. To cap the evening, we'll try passito, a traditional Italian sweet wine made from dried grapes.
This morning, we head back to the Cinque Terre to walk some of the quieter, alternative trails. The exact route depends on local track conditions, but they are generally on higher ground than the classic Sentiero Azzurro, so offer even more spectacular views of the coastline and villages. The second part of the walk today will likely involve scrambling between Manarola and Rio Maggiore; if you’d prefer to skip this section, you can opt to take a boat (extra cost) instead.
You’ve taken some of the most beautiful coastal walks in the world this holiday, but now’s the time for one final breakfast before starting your return journey home. Of course, if you’d like to continue the adventure, you can speak to your sales consultant about extending your stay at the hotel.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Joe C - Traveled, September 2023
Nice trip, but more challenging than most Lv 3 Overall, this is a good trip with a good guide. It is well organized and has plenty of opportunities for people who are less fit to skip a section or entire day. That said, it became very apparently some people did have to skip a day. While the trip notes mentioned steep and loose descents, I would say about 6 out of 15 people on my trip were not prepared for what was ahead of them. More emphasis should be put on the difficulty of the terrain on the main tour page to make it a little more obvious. Maybe also a picture or two of the steps in the trip notes. Having completed several Exodus trips, this felt more like a level 4 trip, not level 3. I think this may be why the wrong audience was attracted, which took away from my personal experience. An example of this was seeing a 70+ year old member of the group refusing to use two hiking poles and ending up falling down a cliff. Luckily this person was okay, but this is a situation we should not have been in. Most Inspirational Moment The dinner at Assirto. While this was a recommended, not included dinner, it was a great suggestion. It was a very memorable experience with great food. Thoughts on Group Leader Michele was good guide and very knowledgeable of the area and culture. He did have a big challenging of leading a group with an extreme difference in abilities. We also had a group which was largely fractured in regards to going to dinners together. Given all those challenges, he still did a good job. I would be happy to do another tour with him again, and probably will. Advice for Potential Travellers Be aware you will have to scramble and have steep declined. The trip may also much much more challenging than you expect due to the temperature and humidity in Italy. The trip will cost more than you expect as the trip notes are grossly out of date in regards to expenses. Everything cost roughly 40% more than expected, which I think caused some of the travelers in my group to not have a great experience. Suggestions I believe this trip should be rated level 4 if kept as it. I think it would be a better experience for all if this was increased to a real level 4+ by making it a bit more challenging and then create a level 2 version for those who are more interested in sightseeing. Every Exodus trip I take seems to have less and less meals included. I generally use this company as it is a complete package, but lately it seems less predictable on how much the trip will actually cost. This was previously an advantage which offset the higher price when compared to some competitors. I also miss the solo departure dates. My experiences are just not the same as they were in the past, so another big differentiator which I no longer see.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2023
Kevin Scott - Traveled, September 2023
Long walks and fabulous views At the end of September we were a bit surprised that the villages were still quite crowded, but really pretty, especially when viewed from the hills above. The walks were quite long, and steep in places, but everyone managed them; there are options to cut some of the walks short by taking the train back, but nobody wanted to miss out on the whole experience. The trip notes warn that some of the long downhill sections are not ideal for vulnerable knees, and I would suggest taking this advice seriously. Our guide, Michele, was efficient and great company. The Picollo hotel in Moneglia is a very good choice; family run, friendly, with good food, a pool, sun deck and close to the beach. The trains we used were excellent. Most Inspirational Moment Portofino; an easier walk and a lovely little town, although prone to crowding when cruise liners are in! Spending time with such a lovely group. Thoughts on Group Leader Great fun, good organiser and communicator, and careful to support walkers of varying abilities / paces along the way. Advice for Potential Travellers If we went again we would try later in the year in the hope that it is less busy. The walks are rated moderate, but there are a couple of steep scrambles; most of our group were fit hikers - a few "training" walks would benefit travelers less used to long hilly walks. Suggestions Don't be put off by anything above, the leader, the coast line, the villages, and the whole experience, were really good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023
Jan Ashton - Traveled, September 2023
Cinque Terre and Portofino I loved this trip, the scenery was stunning and definitely worth the hike up to get the best views. The Piccolo Hotel was situated about 50 yards from the Beach which was great for when we got back and could pop in for a quick swim and to ease to achy legs. Not forgetting the daily Gelato. My only criticism was I felt my room was very basic, it was also dark, the air conditioning only worked when the windows and shutters were closed. Unfortunately no natural daylight which was a shame as there were some lovely rooms. I had paid £400 for the single room supplement, I wouldn’t have been happy having to share with someone. On the upside the breakfasts were amazing, plenty of choice. Most Inspirational Moment Next to the last day when we covered the last two Cinque Terre. We had a scramble up hill to get to the top to have the most amazing views. It was definitely challenging and I am pleased to say that all our group managed to complete it. Sense of achievement at the top was amazing. Thoughts on Group Leader Miki was amazing, what else can I say, she gave us options every day and explained everything in great detail, she has amazing knowledge. Miki also said that this group was the only one ever when everybody completed the hard scramble. Advice for Potential Travellers Ensure you are fit enough, make sure you have all correct clothing especially walking boots and poles, someone on our group went out to buy new trainers as didn’t have walking boots. Most of all enjoy yourself have fun, go and jump in the sea. It was very hot when we were there 29/30 degrees. On our rest day quite a number of us opted to spend on sun loungers on the beach, it was brilliant. Suggestions Maybe give people the option to upgrade to a better quality room when booking
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2023
Richard Lawtey - Traveled, August 2023
The Beautiful walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino We have only very recently returned from the Exodus Adventure Holiday ‘Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino’ We had the most wonderful time exploring the stunning coast line and beautiful villages in this UNESCO World Heritage region. Using the excellent and efficient Italian train service we were able to access the start of each days walk. We climbed, and we descended through the steep hills and promontories that are the feature of this coast line, and go someway to preserving its unspoilt beauty. It was a hot week, but all of the walks were perfectly paced to meet all of the group needs, and expertly led by our wonderful guide. The History and geography of the area was explained to us as we went. The Cinque Terre villages revealed themselves through tantalising glimpses from upon high before we finally descended into their charming hearts. For anyone wanting to experience this stunning area of Italy, then this holiday is the perfect presentation. Exodus continue to deliver experiences to cherish for a lifetime. Most Inspirational Moment There is always a great sense of satisfaction and pride in completing a walk. It can seem a challenge, but the prizes both on the walk, and particularly and the inevitable spectacular conclusion is always worth the effort. Just soaking up the village life, a well earned 'cold beer', or a dip in the green/blue sea is always a treat and worthy reward. Shady spots under the canopy of trees and beautiful, magnificent churches provided rest bite from the heat and inspiration and awe in equal measure. We fell in love with the 'base camp' small town of Mongolia and the Hotel Piccolo. The Hotel, family run and personal, only a few steps away from the beach, making a early morning swim before breakfast a real treat. Thoughts on Group Leader In Michaela we were so blessed. She was the perfect guide and companion. Let's start with the basics, she was efficient, organised, knowledgable, informative, patient, hard working. So, in terms of meeting the job specification, absolutely first class. Now the real Michaela, lovely, friendly, witty, personable, enthusiastic, encouraging, fascinating. We had a lovely group of people on the trip, but the absolute star was Michaela. Fantastic spoken English, she took great delight in expanding our rudimentary Italian with daily lessons and tests at the end of the day. She loved our sense of humour and gentle teasing. She gave so much more than was expected and brought great joy. Please pass on my thanks and fond wishes to Micky. Advice for Potential Travellers Come with good walking shoes, plenty of water, your camera, your swimming costumes, and open mind and a good appetite. Suggestions Another great trip and experience provided by Exodus. Back to the brochure and onto the next one. But, where to next ?
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Helen Gentles - Traveled, May 2023
Great week of walking, great guide. A wonderful week of great walking, fabulous scenery, lovely hotel, great food in the local restaurants, including a wine tasting – all coordinated by a fabulous guide. Most Inspirational Moment Lots of highlights - Portofino, walking along the terraces towards Riomaggiore, seeing the Giro D’Italia including Geraint Thomas whizz past on our ‘day off’! It’s lovely to return home feeling relaxed and very fit. Thoughts on Group Leader Michela is a superb leader, the best I have come across. She was fun, organised, knowledgeable and constantly looking after the group and each individual. Advice for Potential Travellers A certain level of fitness is required for ascending and descending hundreds of steps each day. The Cinque Terre National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as a result is a popular place to visit. One of our walks was particularly busy with lots of stopping and starting on a narrow path in order to allow walkers coming the other way through. The scenery was spectacular but dealing with such crowds may not be everyone’s ‘cup of tea’.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2023
Sharon Reuben - Traveled, April 2023
I LOVED this trip I LOVED this trip…my 10th with Exodus but my first walking holiday, and there was so much to enjoy. The walks were tough and I was nervous; I’m used to walking much further but not used to such steep hills and the many, many steps. But though my legs were often screaming, it was well worth it and I’d highly recommend the trip and the area. The hotel was nice, rooms simple but had everything I needed, the town we stayed quiet but lovely, the restaurants are all fantastic in the town, and the beach is lovely – and it’s a rare thing for a beach to not be dominated by the Italian ‘beach clubs’ that usually take up most of the best spots. The wine tasting is a very special evening. Most Inspirational Moment The view of Portofino as you come over the headland, walking across the terraces that stretch for miles across the mountains, with a village ahead of you and another behind...the sense of achievement when you reach each one! Thoughts on Group Leader Michela is a fantastic guide; great company, kind and thoughtful, informative and she worked really hard to ensure we got the best from our trip, including being flexible to dodge potential / actual bad weather. She put our safety and enjoyment at the forefront; the paths were very steep and the stones very slippery so I agree, it's not suitable in bad weather. But we got to explore towns we wouldn't have seen, and all her recommendations - for our free time and the final rainy day - were spot on. Every day Michela gave us options; ways you could skip a section, shorten a walk or do something a little different if either an injury or just by choice, you wanted a change from the group walk. This made the whole trip very accessible to everyone. Advice for Potential Travellers Do bring trekking poles and hiking boots, it's very uneven terrain. It was great to be based in one place - no packing & unpacking - but most of us brought more than we needed! A camelbak or bladder are very handy, to sip water constantly rather than use a bottle. Take note when there are beaches available that day - the water is stunning, so wear or take swimmers ...I was always keen to get my boots off and feet in the water, and would have swum if i'd had my cossie! Some days it's worth grabbing food in Moneglia where we stayed, so you have more time to chill out in the lunch stop...obv some people just wanted to head to a restaurant / bar, but it's nice to chill, head to the water etc as well...Ice cream is good everywhere but obv Michela knows the best spots! Tag days on before / after or both...Pisa has so much more to offer than the tower, and Lucca is stunning, very different and just 30 mins from Pisa by bus or train. Local transport is excellent and cheap, so you can see and do a lot in this region.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2023
Liz Herrick - Traveled, August 2022
Fabulous walks and scenery From the first day the scenery was just breathtaking. Walking can be a little challenging at times depending on fitness. Piccolo Hotel Moneglia very good. Lots of restaurants to eat out in of an evening. The villages are just as you imagine however can get very crowded. The group of people we walked with were great fun and a good mix of ages. A fabulous holiday. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the villages from the paths. They are just stunning. Wine tasting in Moneglia with Lucca who was so knowledgeable and inspirational. We also had a fantastic meal at the restaurant. Thoughts on Group Leader Michela our group leader was lovely. So understated. Very efficient, knowledgeable about the area and managing the group in a gentle manner. A pleasure to walk with her. Advice for Potential Travellers Fitness does help with this walk as lots of ascents and descents. So get some training in before you go. However there are alternatives to some of the climbs. We had a room with a balcony over looking the sea. There is a supplement however it was worth it as these rooms are larger. The sandy beach at Moneglia is lovely and the swimming was excellent I am told. Suggestions If you love Italy and walking a super trip all round.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2022
Kim Lambden - Traveled, May 2022
Walks of the Cinque Terre This was my first trip not only with Exodus but on any walking group holiday. It could not have been better! The promise was to enjoy varied walks in stunning locations, and that was what was delivered. Key to the success of this holiday were the efforts of our guide Michela who worked tirelessly on all aspects of the of the trip and ensured the whole group had the very best of times. Thoughts on Group Leader I would highly recommend Michela, she was an excellent guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2022
Bill Seals - Traveled, May 2022
Cinque Terre Trip was great, sites and scenery was amazing. One of the best places in Italy to visit. Our guide Michela was brilliant, well organised efficient and loads of fun as well. Nothing was to much trouble for her. Most Inspirational Moment Couldn’t pick one moment they were all really great Thoughts on Group Leader Michela was very very good. The best group leader of any trip so far and I’ve done quite a few. Advice for Potential Travellers Learn some Italian (with Dave) Suggestions Had a great time. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2022
Matthew Smith - Traveled, April 2023
What a week - what a guide! It’s hard to mess up a trip to the Cinque Terre, hut Exodus has really nailed this one. A well-paced itinerary put us in all the right places, and moneglia is a delightful place to stay. The hotel Piccolo is excellent – centrally located, family-run and scrupulously clean, it is hard to fault and somewhere I would happily visit again. One tip: ask for an upgrade when you arrive, the extra cost is definitely worth it. Saving the best to last, however, we were blessed to have Miki as our guide. She was incredibly attentive throughout the week, and was always 2 or 3 steps ahead in anticipating our needs. Hugely knowledgeable about her home region, she also has a great sense of humour, and always seemed to be genuinely happy to be with us. She is a jewel, and turned a great experience into an unforgettable one. Most Inspirational Moment Impossible to identify a single moment. Thoughts on Group Leader We were blessed to have Miki as our guide. She was incredibly attentive throughout the week, and was always 2 or 3 steps ahead in anticipating our needs. Hugely knowledgeable about her home region, she also has a great sense of humour, and always seemed to be genuinely happy to be with us. She is a jewel, and turned a great experience into an unforgettable one.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2023
Peter Bowe - Traveled, September 2022
Steep walks, good food, great guide! This was a great holiday walking in lovely countryside by the coast and visiting the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre and Portofino. The walks themselves were usually very steep and would not suit everyone, a good level of fitness is required although you don’t need to be a mountaineer. The hotel in Moneglia is on the beach and we were able to swim after the walk every day. I was away during the first week of October, I didn’t see any rain and the average daily temperature was 24-25C but the previous week had been wet so no guarantees! Most Inspirational Moment Completing the steepest walk up and down to Riomaggiore Thoughts on Group Leader Michela was an excellent leader, nothing was too much trouble for her and her organisational skills were exemplary. She was also very knowledgeable about the area we were in and happily fielded a multitude of questions. It's fair to say that she was responsible for making the holiday as enjoyable as it was. Advice for Potential Travellers Try and get some hill walking in at home before you arrive in Italy. Suggestions I have previously walked the Amalfi Coast with Exodus and this trip was a definite step up in terms of being more physically demanding.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2022
Jane Wyndham - Traveled, August 2022
Stunning Scenery This was a thoroughly enjoyable trip. The location in Moneglia is superb. The beach right opposite is beautiful. The breakfasts were great in the Piccolo too. We loved the spectacular scenery of the Cinque Terre and Portofino although they are very busy locations. The best views are from above as you walk down towards them. We made wonderful new friends and enjoyed sharing meals and drinks with them. 100% recommendation. Most Inspirational Moment Making great friends and sharing the amazing views and experiences. Thoughts on Group Leader Mikaela was a superb leader and had a very friendly and accommodating manner. She had great sense of humour, was fun and made everything seem possible and enjoyable. Advice for Potential Travellers Walking boots not shoes are advisable and walking poles as some sections are steep or slippery. Suggestions Ask to book a balcony room in the Piccolo Hotel as rooms are quite dark and the views of the beach are perfect.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2022
Julie Parker - Traveled, May 2022
Fantastic walking Feeling a bit trepidatious, as it was our first trip abroad since covid, we needn’t have worried. This was a fabulous week walking in the most beautiful Ligurian countryside. Michela put us at ease straight away, along with the rest of a very, friendly group. Moneglia was an excellent base, away from the very busy villages along the Cinque Terre, but offering an excellent train service to the start of our walks. It was great to come back and swim at the end of the day. It also had a choice of fabulous restaurants and focaccerias. Most Inspirational Moment All of the walks were so beautiful and different. My favourite walks were between the Cinque Terre villages, particularly looking down at Vernazza from the "Blue Path" and the stunning walk between Cornelia and Manarola, walking through the terraced vineyards and beautiful wild flowers. Each village had its own character, but my favourite was Corniglia, smaller and quieter than the others. The wine tasting was also an amazing experience. Luca was so passionate and knowledgeable and the restaurant was small and atmospheric. We went back the following night for an amazing meal. Thoughts on Group Leader We have travelled many times with Exodus and have to say Michela was an absolutely, brilliant guide. She was so well organised and everything ran so efficiently. We appreciated the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to achieve this. Her expert knowledge and love of the area was obvious. She was gentle and caring, constantly checking that all members of the group were okay. She gave us various options of boat or train at points in the walk, if we felt the walking was too much at any point. This was greatly appreciated by some members of the group. At the end of our week with her, she felt like a good friend. Advice for Potential Travellers Read the trip notes carefully, as they tell you exactly what the walks are like, then you will enjoy your trip and be rewarded by spectacular walks and scenery. Good footwear and poles help navigate the steep ascents and descents. Suggestions This is a fabulous holiday in a beautiful part of Italy, so great to be travelling abroad again. Also loved the gelato and sorbets, particularly pistachio!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2022
David Austin - Traveled, May 2022
Excellent trip Excellent holiday. Michela was a very good guide, the best I’ve had from Exodus. I learned a lot of Italian! The walks are a suitable length and great scenery. On my free day I walked to Sestri Levante from the hotel in Moneglia, this 10 mile walk was much more remote than the group ones with amazing views. I would recommend the holiday. Most Inspirational Moment All walks were great Thoughts on Group Leader Michela Wicks was a fantastic leader. Organised, friendly, helpful and fun to be with. The whole trip was seamless. Advice for Potential Travellers Don’t get the pork in the included dinner at the hotel, it was really bad! Walking to Sestri Levante on the day off was a really good walk in terms of views and paths.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2022
Wendy Carol - Traveled, May 2022
Fantastic vacation!! We had a great time hiking the Ligurian hills and the Cinque Terre towns. Michela was a great guide, she immediately became an integral part of our group with her gentle, yet thoughtful leadership. We had wonderful views, beautifully-maintained trails and a lot of laughs. Some of us raced ahead to explore all that nature had to offer while others meandered slowly taking pictures of everything. The trail options made our trip accessible to everyone in our group with all our varied walking and hiking abilities. We enjoyed exploring new towns everyday and trying our language skills with everyone we met. Most Inspirational Moment When the view of Portofino opened up before us on the hike from Santa Margherita. Thoughts on Group Leader She was a great leader. She had a gentle, yet commanding way of keeping us together and taking care of our issues on the trail. She was a great friend and mentor, explaining about the area, the people, the customs and the way of life. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring hiking boots, poles, a rain jacket, water bottles and make sure you are in good hiking shape before you leave. Suggestions We are planning to use Exodus for our next trip to the Amalfi Coast.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/17/2022
Paula Richards - Traveled, September 2020
Fantastic... everything :) An exhilarating week of walking in beautiful Liguria complemented by great food and drink. Most Inspirational Moment The amazing view looking down on Corniglia against a lively turquoise sea on the last day - absolutely stunning. The wine tasting was also fabulous - interesting wines in a very atmospheric restaurant. Thoughts on Group Leader Michela was brilliant: she was informative, really adaptable given the challenges of coronavirus and the occasionally stormy weather and made some great suggestions for where we could eat out in the evening. Advice for Potential Travellers Italy’s a great place to go despite coronavirus - it felt very safe and clean. Be prepared for lots of mask wearing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2020
Sue Totterdell - Traveled, October 2019
Amber warning This was a great trip, with spectacular scenery, delicious food and a comfortable hotel. Although the steps (up and down) involved should not be underestimated, the ‘amber warning’ refers to the rainstorm that coincided with our day off. Despite this, I would recommend this trip to anyone who enoys coastal scenery and even suggest this relatively late departure date to avoid some of the crowds in the popular Cinque Terre villages. Most Inspirational Moment The walk to Portofino was probably the best but this reflects that it was the sunniest day, so the photographs remind us what a wonderful day we had. However, the overall enjoyment owed a lot to a wonderful group of fellow walkers. It was certianly one of the most musical Exodus trips I have taken. Thoughts on Group Leader Michela was great. She warned us of the likelihood of bad weather on the Tuesday, moved the rest day so that it coincided. She provided all the information we needed to take the proposed trip to Genoa but then came to breakfast early on Tuesday morning to warn us that the weather forecast had deteriorated and that we should stay closer to Moneglia. We did indeed experience a dramatic storm and were very pleased that we were not high in the hills when it happened. The drowned walkers we saw about town made us glad for Michela's advice. She also managed to keep the group together very well, so that the speed of ascent and descent (tricky after the rain) suited us all. Very professional. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't be put off from going late in the season. Even in October we met lots of people on the footpaths of the Cinque Terre but I can see it would be musch busier in summer. The rain was warm! Take walking poles if you have them - particularly useful on slippery descents. Suggestions I really like these weeks when we are able to travel to/from our walks using the local trains.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/02/2019
Candace Maliteare - Traveled, September 2019
Just a few more steps... We joined the majority of our group mid-Sept with Michela in Pisa. An informal meet and greet and an idea as to what to expect was laid out each day. As quoted by our fearless leader ‘A little bit of up and then we level off’ this was – pretty much the start of every glorious day. Michela was a great guide – easy going, kept us on point and moving at a comfortable pace. A couple of the days were more steep than others, it was super hot when we were there which didn’t help. On a cooler day, the up’s would have been a lot more tolerable. The last day provided some amazing views. Moneglia is a cute/quiet town with great options for dining – the host hotel was super comfortable and crazy clean! Most Inspirational Moment Each day really! if it wasn't just getting to the top of the hill , it was turning a corner and being in awe of some really great picture moments of the Cinque Terre. Thoughts on Group Leader Fantastic leader! It's not an easy task keeping every one happy and in order. Michela always made sure we had options. Options if someone wasn't well, or wasn't comfortable with the hike. Options for restaurants and suggestions on our free day. She also constantly checked in with everyone as we hiked and kept us updated as to how much longer or what to expect along the way. Thank you Michela!! Advice for Potential Travellers Don't underestimate the walks. Up is up and down is down.!! If the heat bothers you, try for a cooler season. Hiking boots are a must. Suggestions The only small point - the first hiking day. It was mainly in the forest with a few short glimpses of water /valleys. It's a great workout, (that was the inspirational part) and the hikes get better. So hang in there and carry forward.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2019
Simon Smith - Traveled, August 2019
A fabulous week This was my first Exodus walking holiday and I will definetly be doing more. Our guide Michela was fantastic, making every day a day to remember. Her walks were sometimes challenging but always within everyone’s capabilities and we visited some amazing villages. The holiday did not stop there as Moneglia where we stayed was full of restaurants which made for wonderful evenings out. Most Inspirational Moment Every day was inspiring whether it was climbing up the hills, walking through the woods or down into the villages but our last walk across the terraces will be one of my favourite memories Thoughts on Group Leader You could not ask for a better leader. Michela looked after us day and night, making sure everyone was happy with what they were doing and offering alternatives if the main activity did not suit. Michela is very knowledgable and interesting, telling us all about the places we visited. She also looked after us in the evening suggesting and organising different restaurants for group meals. Nothing was too much trouble for Michela even down to making sure we all got home safely. Advice for Potential Travellers There are some steep climbs, but nothing impossible for so.eone of average fitness. Walking poles can be useful on some of the rougher descents. Suggestions A fantastic holiday. Go for it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2019
Beverly Eastwood - Traveled, August 2019
Wonderful week I have recently returned from this holiday and can honestly say it was one of the best Exodus walking trips I have done. The area itself is unique and stunningly beautiful. Every day was different and incredibly well organised by Michela , our leader who was excellent. The week was busy but never felt too much and was a really comprehensive tour of the Ligurian coast. The hotel was lovely with good rooms and a great breakfast buffet. Most Inspirational Moment This is very difficult to say as each of the walks had its own breathtaking moment - - whether it was a view as we walked into one of the towns or the silence of the forests. We also all took a boat trip on our free day and the views from the boat were amazing - sailing into Portovenere was stunning. Thoughts on Group Leader Michela as I have said was excellent. There was so much thought that went into everything she organised. If someone did not want to do all the walking or wanted a day off she was so helpful and detailed in regard to other options. She was incredibly knowledgeable and interesting - not only with exploring the area but with restaurant recommendations. The food was fabulous. Nothing was too much trouble and there was genuine concern that we should all have a wonderful holiday. Advice for Potential Travellers Some of the walks are challenging as they are steep at times with many steps .... definitely worth it for the views , and you don’t have to be super fit but a reasonable ability to walk up and down hills is definitely advisable. Suggestions If you like Italy and enjoy walking this holiday is a must.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2019
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