Night 1-2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Jolanda
This enchanting 3-star hotel is situated just a few short minutes from the beach. Amenities included: Sauna, bicycles available, family-friendly, free Wi-Fi.
Explore the natural beauty of Cinque Terre and the Ligurian coast by train and on foot
Bask in the sights, sounds, and smells of the majestic Mediterranean as you hike along forgotten pathways in the Cinque Terre National Park and Ligurian Coast. Your self-guided hiking adventure will take you on foot to ancient sanctuaries hidden in the hills and by train through charming Italian villages steeped in history.
Come on this special, self-guided tour to one of the most beautiful parts of the world and spend 6 amazing days hiking the countryside, riding the rails past stunning vistas, tasting the food and wine of the local artisans, and experiencing the wonder of the Cinque Terre National Park and Italy’s Ligurian Coast! At the end of each of your hiking days, you’ll spend 7 nights in small, family-run hotels and boutique guesthouses hand-picked to give you an authentic experience of the local Ligurian culture.
You’ll arrive by train in Santa Margherita Liguria and stay at the Hotel Jolanda, a lovely 3-star accommodation. Upon check-in, you’ll receive an arrival package with all relevant vouchers for hotels and boat rides, a hiking map, train timetables, and a roadbook with descriptions. Train tickets are not included and will need to be purchased separately.
Your second day will begin with a lovely train ride to Camogli. From there you’ll take a boat to San Fruttuoso where you’ll begin your hike. It’s a shorter journey today but still filled with beautiful sights as you wind your way along the trail to Portofino. Once you arrive in Portofino, you’ll catch another boat ride back to Santa Margherita.
The journey begins again with your choice of a train or bus ride to Rapallo. From there you can choose to climb up the scenic footpaths to the sanctuary Madonna di Montallegro or choose the famous cable car railway instead. From the sanctuary you’ll hike to Chiavari with stunning views of the Mediterranean on one side and the awesome peaks of the Apennine climbing away on the other. Hiking time will vary depending on if you choose to ride the cable car. From Chiavari, you’ll enjoy a scenic train ride to Moneglia where you’ll find your next beautiful accommodation.
You’ll ride the train from Moneglia to Bonassola where you’ll begin your hiking journey back toward Moneglia. This day is made up of three separate parts, you can hike them all, or just pick your favorites! First, you’ll journey from Bonassola across the stunning vista of Salto Della Lepre on your way to Framura. This will offer the most panoramic views of the day. Later you’ll hike through the little villages and quaint hamlets of Framura heading toward Deiva Marina, and if you’re still up for more, you can hike from Deiva Marina to Moneglia. You’ll finish the day back in the Hotel Villa Argentina.
Board the train to Levanto in the morning and enjoy more Italian countryside on your way. From Levanto, you’ll begin your self-guided hike to Monterosso. Wind down the little-used footpaths until you pass the Punta Mesco where you’ll experience the jaw-dropping grandeur of the entire Gulf of the Cinque Terre spread out before you. Once you reach Monterosso, you’ll check-in at the Hotel Margherita for your next 3 nights. In the afternoon, once you’re all checked in, you’ll partake in a wine tasting of local wines from the winemakers of the Cinque Terre. This tasting will showcase the unique wines and approach to winemaking that has developed in the relative isolation of the Cinque Terre. You’ll discover a new generation of Cinque Terre winemakers and what’s up and coming in local wines.
This is the longest day of your hiking adventure. You’ll get your chance to explore many lesser-known areas of the Cinque Terre and go off the beaten track. From Monterosso you can take an old pilgrims’ route to the sanctuary at Soviora. Journey on from Soviore to the sanctuary Reggio perched high above Vernazza and revel in the stunning views. You’ll catch the main footpath from Vernazza to Corniglia and then trek through Volastra and the majesty of the ancient vineyards on your way to Manarola. The hike can be divided up in many different ways, and you can opt to take the trains instead. When you’re finished with your trek, catch a train back home to Monterosso.
This is your final hiking day. It begins with an early train ride to Riomaggiore. From there you’ll hike along more scenic byways to Porto Venere. Take your time and soak up the sights, smells, and sounds of the Mediterranean and the charming villages nestled here amongst the cliffs of the Cinque Terre. When you’ve finished in Porto Venere, you’ll catch a boat ride back to Monterosso.
As all good things do, your self-guided adventure hike has come to an end. You’ll check out after breakfast and begin your journey to the next adventure. Good luck!
This self-guided walking tour in Italy is run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the time of the year.
The prices below are per person:
Low Season (October 1st to March 29th except holidays):
Med Season (March 30th to September 30th):
This tour is based in Hotels and boutique guesthouses.
Hotels on this trip are 2 and 3-star hotels and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel (please check Dates and Prices to find the pricing).
This enchanting 3-star hotel is situated just a few short minutes from the beach. Amenities included: Sauna, bicycles available, family-friendly, free Wi-Fi.
This classic Italian hotel has many amenities including free Wi-Fi, bicycles, soundproof rooms, and air conditioning.
This modern hotel is centrally located for your convenience. It offers amenities including nearby shops, free Wi-Fi, bar/lounge, private balcony, and air conditioning.
7 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and 1 wine tasting.
Accommodations for 7 nights in 3-star hotels as described or similar in a double-occupancy room with a private bathroom.
Transportation for your luggage from one accommodation to the next is included. Boat rides included: Camogli-San Fruttuoso, Portofino-Santa Margherita, Porto Venere-Monterosso. Train tickets are not included.
How difficult is hiking in Cinque Terre?
We rate this tour difficulty as a 3 / 5. A minimum of 4 miles (6.5 km) and a maximum of 11.5 miles (18.5 km) will need to be covered each day. Most days are at least 10 miles (17 km). While you are walking near the sea, the days can be hilly with a moderate amount of uphill and downhill. Should you get tired there are a couple of days that have shorter/alternate routes or where a train or shuttle can be taken instead. Check your roadbook for specific details.
What are the best times of year to explore Cinque Terre?
The climate is usually warm and dry and doesn’t rain often. Since there is a lot of hiking on this tour, you may prefer to avoid the warmer weather of summer (which is also high season) and visit during the spring or fall since it doesn’t rain too often. We have had great experience hiking in Cinque Terre in September and October.
What equipment should I bring?
You will need good hiking footwear and comfortable clothing (preferably in layers so you can peel one off as you warm up). We also recommend a daypack, sunscreen, and a hat. Depending on the time of year, you may want a waterproof jacket/pants just in case.
Do I need a Visa to travel to Italy?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included?
7 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and 1 wine tasting are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
Is the tour information (maps, descriptions, etc) in English?
Yes, the roadbook, maps, and descriptions are in English.
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends in Monterosso when you check out of your hotel.
Do I need vaccines?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for this country?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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Google ReviewStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour difficulty as a 3 / 5. A minimum of 4 miles (6.5 km) and a maximum of 11.5 miles (18.5 km) will need to be covered each day. Most days are at least 10 miles (17 km). While you are walking near the sea, the days can be hilly with a moderate amount of uphill and downhill. Should you get tired there are a couple of days that have shorter/alternate routes or where a train or shuttle can be taken instead. Check your roadbook for specific details.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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