The Cinque Terre is a collection of five famously picturesque coastal villages along the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region of North Western Italy, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The villages are linked by footpaths, trains and boats and cars are not allowed into the villages themselves.
There are a number of fairly challenging hiking trails between the villages that offer splendid views over the Mediterranean. Walking from one town to the next you can stop off to eat and/or sunbathe at each one. If you don’t want to hike all the way back to where you are staying you can take the train that runs regularly between all five villages, a two day train card is included in the package. Bear in mind that some of the paths have been closed since the flash floods of 2011, but most are still accessible.
Other popular activities in the area include mountain biking, horse riding and scuba diving, while paragliding is popular in the winter around Monterosso.
There are a number of cafes and restaurant dotted around each of the villages, some of which are fairly touristy, while others offer wonderful fresh local seafood specialties, accompanied by the excellent dry white wine produced locally on the terraced vineyards you will see around the area.
Multi-Activity Holiday in the Cinque Terre
See the Cinque Terre from a different perspective on this fantastic short multi-activity holiday. Kayak along the coast, go rock climbing on sea cliffs and e-bike along scenic coastal roads. No experience needed, just a reasonable level of fitness and a sense of adventure. Stay in a central self-catering apartment in either Manarola or Riomaggiore, two of the five villages that give the area its name
Highlights
- Explore the beautiful Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera
- Enjoy 3 guided activities during your stay
- Take a cookery class or a wine tasting as an optional extra
Included
- 4 nights accommodation in one or two bedroom apartment in Manarola or Riomaggiore
- Self-catering basis
- One half-day guided kayaking excursion
- One 4 hour guided e-bike excursion
- One 4 hour private guided climbing excursion including packed lunch
- Equipment for all activities
Excluded
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Transfers to activities
- Meals and drinks
- Local taxes where applicable
- Anything else not specified above
Itinerary
Half-day kayaking tour
Paddle from Monterosso towards Vernazza until you reach the beach at Guvano. Morning tour takes 3 hours, in the summer you can also stop off to snorkel. Evening sunset tour takes 2.5 hours (available from April to end of September) with a stop in a cove for wine and snacks.
If you are an experienced kayaker and would prefer a full-day tour please contact us before you book.
E-bike tour
Your guide will meet you with your e-bikes at La Spezia train station and give you a quick briefing on the excursion and show you how to use your pedal-assisted bikes. The excursion along quiet paved roads lasts around 4 hours and takes in Vernazza, the sanctuaries of San Bernadino and Madonna di Reggio, local vineyards and olive groves and beautiful coastal views. Your guide will tell you all about the local history and culture along the way, with plenty of photo stops. Towards the end of the tour you will stop in Soviore for a glass of local wine and a taste of fresh foccaccia.
Total height difference: 610m / Length of tour: approx 18km / Technical level: Easy
Rock climbing excursion
Great for beginners and experienced climbers alike as there are routes to suit all levels at this scenic climbing spot high above the Ligurian sea between Portovenere and the Cinque Terre. You will meet your guide in Portovenere and hike for 45 mins to the climbing area where you will be given a short briefing before climbing. This is a private tour, if there are any members of the party who do not want to take part but would like to join the hike and watch just let us know before you book. If you have your own climbing shoes then bring them otherwise your guide will provide them. A packed lunch is included.
You will need to make your own way to the meeting point for each activity, the best way to get to each place is by train or ferry, further information will be provided when you book.
Please Note
All activities are suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness. If you would like a more challenging version of the cycling, kayaking or rock climbing, or would prefer to swap one of them for a different activity, please let us know before you book and we can tailor a break to suit your requirements. Other possible activities include river trekking and horse riding.
Extras/Upgrades
Additional activities can be arranged on request, such as a guided tour of a vineyard, a cookery class, a sunset boat tour, or a pesto making lesson; contact customer services for details.
Your accommodation is in one or two bedroom apartment with private bathroom and fully equipped kitchen in the village of Manarola or Riomaggiore.
All apartments are centrally located just a few minutes' walking distance from restaurants, bars and shops. Some apartments have a balcony and/or sea view.
If you have a request for a particular location please let us know and we will do our best to satisfy your request.
Nearest Airport: Pisa – 100km / 1 hour 20 mins
Other airports: Genova - 130km / 1 hour 40 mins
By Car
From Pisa take the A12/E80 to La Spezia, from there take Via delle Cinque Terre/SS370 and follow signs to Manarola.
Please note that there is a car park just outside the village as the village itself does not allow motorized traffic. Many people prefer to park in La Spezia and take the train.
By Public Transport
Take the train from Pisa central station to La Spezia (approx 1 hour 15 mins), from there change and take the local train to Manarola which takes just 10 minutes.
By Private Transfer
Taxi available outside airport. Private transfer available on request after main booking.
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