Travel Italy - Hiking in Liguria

The paths that link up the many villages of coastal Liguria are a delight for both mountain and sea lovers. Each village has its own personality and each trail has views and scenery that will have the hiker curious about what’s around the next corner. At night, hikers stay in friendly little seaside or mountain towns, sip on local wine and enjoy pasta enhanced with the special sauces of Liguria. Trails extend from “Porto Venere”, near La Spezia, to “Camogli”, north of Portofino, and they vary from steep uphill grades to gentle ups and downs; from meandering bridle paths to higher cliff trails. Due to the small sizes of the villages, lodgings vary from small hotels to simple rooms (with bath) that have been renovated and prepared for hikers.

The trail systems are extensive so the exact itinerary for a 7 day tour is dependent on the ability of the hikers. The length of each day's trip, the degree of difficulty, the amount of time spent in the mountains (versus the seaview hikes) can be decided once Ciao Tours has information about the group. A private guide accompanies our clients on the trail system north of Cinque Terre.

Day 1

Inclusions

7 Nights Lodging in Villas, Country Houses and Hotels

7 Hiking Excursions

Hiking Guide

All Ground Transportation

All taxes

Transfer from Pisa to Porto Venere to hike the first section of the famous Italian Riviera. An early departure will allow the group some time by the seaside before finishing the trek into Riomaggiore for the night. Approx. 2 hours of hiking.

Day 2

From Riomaggiore to Manarola is an easy stroll along the Via Amore. After some time to explore this quaint village, the trail leads you on to Corniglia, a tiny hamlet perched on a rocky hillside that looks down on the beautiful Ligurian Sea. Before climbing the steps to Corniglia some time at the beach is always refreshing. Approx. 1 1/2 hours of hiking.

Day 3

A morning hike to the quaint seaside town of Vernazza where a swim at the tiny beach in the center of town is a welcome treat. Then on to lovely Monterosso with its tiny streets where restaurants and shopping abound at one end of town and a fairly typical Italian seaside promenade with hotels facing the sea at the opposite end. Approx. 3 hours of hiking.

Day 4

Today, heading up more steeply, you pass the temple to Santa Maria Maddalena, ending at Soviore sanctuary. Going up, you pass the small churches of San Bernardo and San Antonio, never losing sight of the Levanto Basin until Passo del Bardelone. After a picnic lunch you go along the ridge of the Levanto Basin and then slightly downhill to Foce di Lavaggio. A pretty bridle trail leads to Lavaggiorosso and on to Levanto. You take the train to smaller Bonassola for the night. Approx. 6.5 hours of hiking.

Day 5

One of the longer more strenuous days, you go inland about 2 kms after Moneglia and the trail winds its way towards Monte Moneglia. Next comes Colle di Casa Venino and finally Casarza Ligure, today's lunch stop. Passing little Bivio Ca Blanca and Monte Comunaglia you are once again high above the sea on the way to Riva Trigoso. Approx. 5 hours of hiking.

Day 6

Following the coast to Punta Manara there's a great opportunity to take photos and admire the ever changing views of the Italian Mediterranean coast. Heading down towards Sestri Levante, a well known seaside town on the Tigullio coast, the views are quite extraordinary. This exquisite town is your stop for the night. Approx. 3 hours of hiking.

Day 7

Today, after taking the train to San Margherita, travelling by bus or boat, Portofino, well known to the rich and famous, is the first highlight of the day. Next comes a hike to tiny San Fruttuoso, accessible only by sea or hiking. Oddly enough, this little port often has a cultural display in its tower for the many people who visit on Sundays and holidays. After lunch, hikers forge ahead to the tougher part of today's trip. Along the high, steep cliffs there are wires to ensure the safety of the hikers. Although caution must be exercised, there is no real danger. This week's hiking ends on the far side of the small peninsula in Camogli. Approx. 5 hours of hiking.

Day 8

Weather and season permitting, the boat will take you back to Riomaggiorre for the transfer back to Pisa.

Ciao Tours hopes you enjoyed your Hiking Excursion and that they will see you again some day soon.

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