UNESCO Cinque Terre – Italy's Premier Hiking Holiday Destination

Introduction

The world of Cinque Terre has inspired spirituality and as a result is dotted with historic sanctuaries. Secret paths traverse its cliff sides exposing spectacular terraces sculpted over 2000 years. The hikes are amongst five unique fishing villages that until recently were only accessible by foot. Join us through diverse Mediterranean ecosystems and skirting cliffs on old coastal paths showcasing some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the planet. Soak in the tranquil views of the emerald blue Mediterranean whilst enjoying a drink and fresh local seafood in this UNESCO World Heritage site and its very special hikes.

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Highlights:

· Hiking the world famous Way of love - “Via Dell ‘Amore”

· Monterosso’s huge statue, ‘Il Gigante’, carved into its cliffs

· Coloured houses clinging to each other

· The Terrazzamento of spectacular terraced vineyards

· The extensive Muretti compared to the Great Wall of China in grandeur and scope.

· Exploring the streets of the five UNESCO villages

· The Giant murals of Riomaggiore

· Vernazza’s famous Medieval watch tower used to spy pirates and invaders

· Monterosso's enticing long, sandy beach

· Centuries old places of pilgrimage and spiritual retreat

· Sampling local cuisine in the home to focaccia, pesto, sciacchetra (a rare white wine ) gorgonzola and Limoncello

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The Holiday Description

The breath-taking coastline of the Cinque Terre encompasses the five lands and the dramatic nature of their positions making the region the main scenic highlight of the whole Riviera. The phenomenal hikes along the coast and over the villages make it all worthwhile. The charm of Cinque Terre lies in the historic hiking paths, the amazing views, getting lost down the village’s back streets, seeking out authentic Italian haunts and watching the locals go about their daily routine. Not forgetting of course experiencing the famous hiking trail Via dell’Amore “The way of love” and its romantic vista’s.

Of the Five villages to discover, Vernazza is famed for its rustic charm, Riomaggiore has the best photo opportunity but Manarola is the most picturesque, Corniglia is most verdant and Monterosso entices you to swim in the glistening sea and sunbathe on the long, sandy beach.

We will be staying by a bay with which makes a perfect retreat to and is perfectly located to visit traditional markets, the cosy old town and some of the best trattorias in Liguria.

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ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrival to Cinque Terre and settling in

we settle in and unpack.

Day 2

Hike: Monterossa to Vernazza

Distance: 6 miles (9km) 3.30hrs

Ascent: 550m ascent/descent

Rating: Moderate (initial long ascent)

Hike description

Sanctuaries have stood on the wooded slopes high above the five villages of Cinque Terre since medieval times – places of pilgrimage and spiritual retreat for centuries. This walk follows old cobbled paths to two of them. Madonna di Soviore and Madonna di Reggio. These paths enjoy wonderful views down to the sea and the villages below. On the way we pass an old watch tower used to spy for pirates and Viking invaders.

Rising on an old cobbled trail we climb steadily through old oaks and olive trees. The ancient Stone laid path eventually reappears as we soon arrive at Maddonna Di Soviore sanctuary that dates from medieval times and also housed a hospice for pilgrims. We get superb views into Monterosso bay before we rise gently to give a bird’s eye view of the village below before we reach Madonna Di Reggio with its wonderful painted ceiling and image of the Madonna. We then follow a pilgrim’s route with descending views and a panorama over our ultimate destination, the harbour bay.

Day 3

Hike: Riomaggiore to Portovenere- white cliffs, blue sea

Distance: 14km (8.7 miles) 4h 45min

Ascent: 600m ascent, 500m descent

Grade – Moderate to Strenuous

Note: some stony sections

Hike description

This is one of the most exciting routes on the Riviera di Levante. The coast comes to a jagged end with limestone cliffs rising steeply from the sea. We walk to a splendid panoramic position along an old pilgrims trail. We cross small vineyards terraces and a mountain range covered with pine, sweet chestnut holm and cork oaks with a great vantage point of La Spezia and the Ligurian Sea ahead. We skirt cliffs from now on.

Pilgrims to the Sanctuary of Montenero used to follow part of this valley floor route that starts to rise, climbing through pine forest and the grape harvest rail track. The views from the sanctuary demand your attention. From here we can see over the whole of the Cinque Terre. We rise along a ridge and dense ferns to a fine panoramic position, a tiny chapel and then forest of Mediterranean vegetation and cork oaks.

As the Gulf comes into sight we follow a rocky path to views of fantastic steep limestone cliffs that punctuate the end of the peninsula. Coming to our destination we descend into the bay with eye catching views of the island backdrop.

Day 4

Optional hike: Corniglia to Manarola

Distance: 5 miles (8km) 2h 55m

Ascent: 560m (also 560m descent)

Grade: moderate: some narrow terrace paths

Hike description

This Upper route offers impressive views over the famous vineyards that drop steeply by 300m to the sea.

A large network of drystone walls follows the contours of the slope. This Terrazzamento (Terrace) is the result of centuries of arduous toil and a breath-taking work of landscape art.

This walk is the shortest of all walks but should not be underestimated due to its steady climb at the start.

We proceed along little used roads and pass a small shrine dedicated to Madonna to a village with a rewarding piazza climbing through vineyards there are great sea views. Following this now idyllic trail and through shady forests we see the impressive Volastras extensive wine terraces. Leaving the village we follow an old mule trail through fig trees. Contouring the terraces we get great views of an old village centre which is our final destination

Day 5

Hike: Monterosso to Riomaggiore all the Cinque Terre villages

Distance: 12km (7.4 miles) 4h 45min

Ascent: 550m ascent, 500m descent

Grade :moderate

Note: detours may be taken depending on trail conditions/landslides etc..

Hike description

This is the most famous walk in Italy and with good reason. The special Cinque Terre walk encompasses all 5 villages. We follow Old coastal paths high above the sea, skirting the edge of steep slopes, olive groves and vineyards. The views down to the blue sea and the villages with their yellow and red coloured houses clinging to each other are breath-taking. We run along rocky slopes flourishing with subtropical agaves and great views of picturesque Vernazza and its famous Medieval tower. We follow cobbled mule trails to Corniglia stretched out on a ridge above the sea and lush vegetation to the sea. Walking above foaming surf and below steep cliffs overgrown with wild fennel. We Approach the beautiful image of Manarola and its colourful houses stacked on top of each other and follow on to the famous “Via Dell ‘Amore” offering fine sea views to our ultimate destination, Riomaggiore.

Day 6 – Departure

Day description

We finish the trip after breakfast, People are welcome to stay on and there are many options.

We have set up a forum for you to discuss this. People often stay on and your plans can be discussed here (https://www.meetup.com/ADVENTUREOLOGISTS/messages/boards/thread/50610485/#130173504)

Food

We will provide breakfast and pack lunch on hike days. On the other days you will be able to purchase food locally. For Dinners we have decided to remain flexible to take advantage of the excellent local restaurants.

Suggested flights – ( £62 on 18/10/16)

Out: 12:10 Stansted arrives 15:20 Genoa

Return: 15:45 Genoa Arrives 16:50 Stansted

Click here to see current flights (https://www.skyscanner.net/transport/flights/lond/goa/170504/170509/airfares-from-london-to-genoa-in-may-2017.html?adults=1&children=0&adultsv2=1&childrenv2=&infants=0&cabinclass=economy&rtn=1&preferdirects=false&outboundaltsenabled=false&inboundaltsenabled=false&ref=day-view#results)

We will provide simple instructions of how to reach the Hotel from the airport by train. If you take the suggested flight you can take the ride with the organiser.

Payment

RSVP and payment of £100 deposit is required to get your place.

A balance of £399 will be due on February the 4th to secure your place.

Payment details

Account Name: Adventureologists

Account number: 11118305
Sort Code 16-22-21

Please put your meetup profile name and the trip name in the reference so we can link the payment to you.

You must email us at info@adventureologists.com once payment is made to confirm your place.

1992 Travel Financial Protection

All payments once made are non-refundable and non-transferable unless the trip is cancelled or rescheduled. Once a full payment has been made by you, you may sell your space to someone of the same sex.

The price includes:

• 5 nights’ accommodation in twin hotel rooms

• Breakfast and Packed lunches each hiking days.

• Hikes lead by an experienced and trained mountain leader with an outdoor first aid qualification.

• Compliance with the 1992 Package Travel Regulations including Financial protection

The price does not include:

• Dinners where we shall eat out to sample the local foods in various restaurants.

• Drinks and personal expenses.

• Breakfast & Lunches on non-hiking days - there will be places to get food on days.

• All transport and any optional/suggested activities you choose

• Any tourist taxes

• ATOL or ABTA protection

• Travel Insurance (mandatory)

Equipment

Appropriate walking clothes and footwear. Hiking boots are very strongly advisable for safety also waterproof trousers and warm clothes. It’s not advisable to come without a waterproof jacket

More information on equipment can be found online and here:

https://www.meetup.com/Adventureologists/pages/What_to_bring/

Buying and selling a space

Click here for instructions for buying and selling a space (https://www.meetup.com/ADVENTUREOLOGISTS/pages/19257813/Buying_or_Selling_a_space/)

Insurance

Proof of insurance to hike to 2000m including cancellation and curtailment will be needed to come on this trip.

Safety

Your safety is our highest priority. If you have any questions prior to booking you can email us at info@adventureologists.com in the unforeseen situation where bad weather dominates we may have to offer an alternative hike or activity for safety reasons.

Terms, Conditions & Waiver

By signing up to this event, clicking on the RSVP Link or making a bank payment for a event you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions and waiver available at this link below.

https://www.meetup.com/Adventureologists/pages/Adventureologists_Terms_and_Conditions/ (https://www.meetup.com/Adventureologists/pages/Adventureologists_Terms_and_Conditions/)

© Adventureologists 2017

Errors and Omissions are Excepted