Italian Riviera Trek

Upon arriving in historic Genoa, you’ll locate the beautiful Hotel Nuovo Nord. When you check-in you’ll receive an arrival packet containing a roadbook, maps, and descriptions of the upcoming hikes. After you settle in, come enjoy your first authentic Ligurian dinner in a quaint restaurant not far from your hotel. If you have any extra time, don’t miss out on the UNESCO world heritage site of the Via Garibaldi buildings!

Today is an easy hike to get you started! As you head toward the elegant suburb of Genova Nervi, you’ll pass through some of the most beautiful villas and gardens of the city. As you continue your urban trek, you’ll follow along a charming seaside promenade and then wend your way through the lovely village Genova Boccadasse. Upon arriving in Genova Nervi, be sure to check-out the beach and public gardens before checking into the Hotel Esperia for dinner.

Follow the twisting footpaths from vista to vista as you make your way to see the Gulf of Paradise and the Portofino Promontory. You’ll explore rustic parts of the Italian countryside as you pass through small hamlets, olive orchards, and lush Mediterranean vegetation. Continue on through the gorgeous coastal towns of Bogliasco, Sori, and Recco, and don’t forget to check-out the famed cheese focaccia before you leave town! Finally, take in the views of the sea as you walk the coastal road to Camogli where you’ll be staying the night.

As you leave Camogli, you’ll stroll along the promenade, drinking in the sights and sounds of Italy. As you near the end of it a long staircase will carry you to the village of San Rocco for amazing views over the Gulf of Paradise. You’ll follow the path through shady wood and then shrubland until you lose yourself completely in nature as you trek the hidden byways of the Portofino regional park. You’ll finish the day walking the promenade to Santa Margherita Ligure and then Rapallo. If you get too tired, you can always catch a bus to your hotel for the night.

This is the day you climb to heaven! Or at least to a famous sanctuary. The Sanctuary Madonna di Montallegro is 612 m above sea level and quite a beautiful climb. If it’s too much of a climb for you, you can always take the famous cable car instead. Once you finish at the sanctuary it’s off to Chiavari on a little-known track high above the Mediterranean on one side and against the steep slopes of the Apennine on the other. When you get into Chiavari don’t forget to visit the historical center before you check-in at the Hotel Monte Rosa.

Today’s adventure again starts you out with an urban trek through a town called Lavagna. Once through the town, you begin an ascent to the church Santa Giulia on the hilltop above. From there you can drink in the panoramic views of the Gulf of Tigullio before resuming your journey with the descent into the promenade of Sestri Levante. After you explore the town center and the promenade, you’ll begin the final and most beautiful leg of the trail. Wind your way up the path to Punta Manara and pause at the promontory for an incredible clifftop panorama. As you leave the vista behind, you’ll have about 1 hour left before you reach the town of Sestri Levante and your final destination: the charming guesthouse Pergola dei Paggi for a delicious home-cooked meal.

After you breakfast and check-out the tour is finished. Like all good things, it must come to an end… or must it? Perhaps you’d like to pair this tour with our self-guided Cinque Terre Self-Guided Pilgrimage from Sestri Levante to Portovenere and continue right down the Ligurian Coastline!