About this experience
Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso are five villages scattered on the steep slopes of a mountain range overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Connected by picturesque trails running straight through the mountains, these small settlements have become one of the highlights of the Italian Riviera. During the excursion, you will learn about the local way of life, get a general overview of the history of the 'Five Lands,' and see the most interesting sights of the national park.
What to Expect
Beauty and Romance of Portovenere
The tour starts in the town of Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, like Cinque Terre. I will introduce you to the history of the city, tell ancient legends and interesting stories related to the 'panoramic wonder' of Liguria. You will stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town and visit the ancient Genoese fortress. You will taste the famous Genoese pesto sauce and admire the surroundings from beautiful viewpoints. The amazing photos you will take on this journey speak for themselves.
The Fabulous Five
The famous fishing villages date back to the 11th century. Mentions of these places can be found in the works of Boccaccio, Petrarch, and D'Annunzio, and the history, beauty, and art preserved in Cinque Terre attract millions of travelers from all over the world. You will walk through the beautiful Vernazza with its one-story houses, explore the charming tower houses in Manarola, visit the tiny Corniglia, see the luxurious beaches of Monterosso, and get acquainted with the largest borgo of the 'Five Lands' – Riomaggiore. Except for Monterosso, car traffic is prohibited everywhere, and the local way of life has remained practically unchanged. I will guide you through the narrow winding streets of these charming settlements, along picturesque mountain trails with breathtaking views of the sea and the coast, while sharing insights on the local culture, architecture, and rich history. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to taste seafood in pleasant establishments, sample excellent Ligurian wines, and of course, swim in the sea.
Organizational Details
- To reach Cinque Terre from Genoa or La Spezia, you can take a train or a sea tram. You can also easily reach Portovenere by boat. Keep in mind that much will depend on the weather and your tolerance for sea travel.
- I recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes since you will be walking a lot, and in summer, it's advisable to bring a hat and a water bottle.
- The tour price does not include transportation expenses, food costs, tickets to castles, museums, etc.
- Unfortunately, we will not be able to walk along the famous 'Lover's Walk' built at the beginning of the last century along the cliffs directly above the sea. Due to a landslide that occurred a few years ago, it is temporarily closed.
- From November to April, the program and the number of visited cities are reduced (for all details, please inquire via email).
