Internationale groepsreis Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino

We begin in the charming seaside town of Moneglia. Beautifully located in the heart of a bay on the Mediterranean sea, the picture-postcard town is listed since 2012 on the 'I Borghi Più Belli d'Italia' (Most Beautiful Villages of Italy) and has been awarded the European Blue Flag every year since 1990, for its clear waters and the quality of the services offered.

In the morning we take a short train to Deiva Marina and start our walk through holm oak forests and maquis shrubland. The walk begins with a relatively steep path, climbing up to picturesque woods of pine and strawberry trees. Our efforts will be rewarded at the top of the hill with stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the Promontory of Portofino.We will then take an ondulating trail that offers beautiful views over the Ligurian Sea and leads to the village of Framura, where we stop for lunch. After the refreshments, we descend by steps almost to sea level then meander through woods until a final steep climb for magnificent views of the sea. We then head to the pretty village of Bonassola before taking the train back to our hotel in Moneglia. 

Today we will set out to visit the spectacular Cinque Terre (Five Lands), one of Italy's most beautiful 'works of art', 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 on the famous Sentiero Azzurro Ligure (Ligurian Blue Path), which connects the five villages.Today we will visit three of the five, namely Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso, and we will pass along old mule tracks, walking through terraced vineyards and olive groves. After completing some steep and rocky sections, we will be rewarded with wonderful views of the colourful villages, built into the rocks facing the sea. 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.At the end of the walk, we catch the train back to Moneglia where there will be time to relax or go for a swim before dinner.

This morning we will set out by train to Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming coastal town, where we will begin our hike to the fishing village of Portofino. Famous for its pastel-coloured houses and picturesque harbour, the town is now attracting celebrities from all over the world. 

Today you will enjoy a well-earned break and perhaps spend your day relaxing at the beach. Those with more energy might like to use the opportunity for some sightseeing. Genoa, the region’s capital city, home of Christopher Columbus and the largest aquarium in Europe is not be missed. Alternatively, you could spend some time in the near town of Porto Venere, referred to being one of the stops in the "Bay of Poets"  or use the day to visit the beautiful town of Lucca, located further away.

This morning we will take a short train ride to Rapallo and the cable car up to the sanctuary of Montallegro (600 mt). From here we will set out on a walk through quiet woodland, catching glimpses of the Ligurian sea en route to the seaside town of Chiavari. In the early evening we will have the chance to enjoy the local speciality at our well-deserved wine tasting!

This morning we will head back to the famous Cinque Terre to walk some of the quieter, alternative trails. The exact path you will walk will depend on local track conditions, but they are generally on higher ground than the classic Sentiero Azzuro, so offer even more spectacular views of the coastline and villages.

Our trip ends in Moneglia, after breakfast.