Cinque Terre Walking Holiday
Your guided Cinque Terre walking holiday
Travel with us to the Liguria region, where inspiring hiking routes and incredible scenery are just waiting to be explored. One of the first activities includes visiting the charming town of Sestri Levante, followed by a hike to Punta Manara, offering panoramic vistas of the Ligurian coastline. Next, hop on a train to Vernazza and Manarola, where we'll explore these iconic Cinque Terre villages and enjoy a trek along the Corniglia trail with its captivating views of terraced vineyards and surrounding rugged cliffs. We'll also hike Levanto to Monterosso al Mare, a trail that winds through fragrant olive groves and offers breathtaking views of the Ligurian landscape. Discover lesser-known gems of Rapallo and Chiavari, then enjoy a scenic boat trip to San Fruttuoso to embark on the coastal route to Portofino. Our Cinque Terre walking holiday is a brilliant choice for looking to immerse themselves in dramatic coastal scenery, charming villages, and the rich culture of the Italian Riviera.
This trip will include some Leisurely and moderate routes on and is ideal for moderately experienced or experienced walkers. The average daily walking distance on leisurely walks is between 3km and 10km and the average daily walking distance on moderate walks is between 6km – 16km.

Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Moderate
Day
Let the Adventure Begin!
Travel to Italy
Our adventure begins as we meet our local guide at the airport, before being transferred to Setri Levante, in the beautiful Ligurian region.
Sestri Levante & Punta Manara Hike – A Feast for the Senses
Sestri Levante & Punta Manara
We begin our day with a pleasant stroll around the beautiful centre of Sestri Levante, a picturesque fishing village nestled on a peninsula framed by two stunning bays: the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fables. We wander its charming streets, lined with colourful buildings and artisanal shops, and take in the vibrant energy of its harbour.
We then embark on a scenic hike through the Mediterranean macchia to Punta Manara, a headland that offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Tigullio. The trail winds through fragrant woods and along the ridges of rolling hills, where every turn reveals another spectacular panorama. Along the way, we learn about the region’s unique flora and fauna from our guide.
Hike details: ~3 hours | 7 km | Moderate difficulty | 350m elevation gain
Pesto-making class
We return to Sestri Levante for a delightful pesto-making class. Under the guidance of a local chef, we'll learn the traditional method of crafting Liguria’s iconic sauce, ending the day by savouring our freshly made pesto over pasta, paired perfectly with a glass of local white wine.
A Day in the Cinque Terre – Hidden Gems of the Italian Riviera
Vernazza, Corniglia and Manarola
Let's take a train to Vernazza, one of the most iconic villages in the Cinque Terre. We explore its narrow streets, vibrant harbour, and colourful houses before beginning our hike. The trail from Vernazza to Corniglia winds through terraced olive groves and vineyards, offering awe-inspiring views of the coastline. The beauty of this rugged terrain is matched only by the sense of accomplishment as we reach Corniglia, perched high above the sea.
After a well-deserved break in Corniglia, we hop on a train to Manarola, another of the Cinque Terre's enchanting villages. Here, we’ll have time to explore its picturesque streets, visit local shops, and perhaps enjoy some gelato or coffee as we soak in the atmosphere.
Then we return to Sestri Levante by train.
- Hike details: ~2.5 hours | 5 km | Moderate to difficult | 400m elevation gain
Levanto to Monterosso – Coastal Splendor
Levanto, Mesco, Semaforo and Monterosso
We travel by train to Levanto, a charming coastal town with a rich history and beautiful beaches. There, we stroll through its old town, where medieval architecture meets modern vibrancy, before beginning our hike.
The trail from Levanto leads us through lush vineyards and olive groves to the Mesco promontory, a scenic lookout that offers one of the best panoramic views of the Cinque Terre coastline. We take a moment to soak in the sight of the turquoise sea and the five iconic villages dotting the cliffs at the scenic point Semaforo.
We continue our hike to Monterosso al Mare, the largest and perhaps most vibrant of the Cinque Terre villages, before returning to Sestri Levante by train.
Hike details: ~3.5–4 hours | 8 km | Moderate difficulty | 400m elevation gain
At leisure
At you own pace
Today is yours. Relax at the beach, explore nearby villages, or indulge in Ligurian delicacies at a local restaurant. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a bike or kayak to discover the coast from a new perspective.
Riva Trigoso and Moneglia - Coastal Tranquility
Riva Trigoso & Moneglia
Today, we take the train from Sestri Levante to Riva Trigoso. The path connecting Riva Trigoso to Moneglia is a beautiful route through greenery that allows us to traverse splendid landscapes with sea views. The proposed route also passes by the Torre di Punta Baffe, an ancient building used as a lookout post during the pirate era. It is not a particularly difficult path, along which there are no exposed points. The delightful surprise is the variety of the landscape. Indeed, sea and coastal views alternate with glimpses of the more inland valleys. We cross woods, pass small streams where wild animals find refreshment, and finally reach Moneglia: one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
At the end of the day, we get back to the Setri Levante by train.
Hike details: ~4 hours | 11 km | Moderate difficulty | 500m descent
Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Portofino & Santa Margherita – A Day of Coastal Elegance
Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Portofino & Santa Margherita
Our final full day begins in Camogli, a quintessential Ligurian fishing village, which we reach by train. We stroll its narrow alleyways and admire its vibrant harbour before picking up a picnic of freshly baked focaccia.
Then we take a scenic boat ride to San Fruttuoso, a secluded bay home to a historic abbey. From here, we hike along rugged coastal trails to Portofino, the jewel of the Riviera. We wander its chic streets, admire the luxurious yachts, and revel in the contrast of opulence and rustic beauty.
We continue our journey to Santa Margherita, a charming seaside town known for its elegance and tranquillity and explore its waterfront promenade.
Hike details: ~2.5–3 hours | 6 km | Moderate difficulty | 450m elevation gain
Return Home
Farewell to Cinque Terre
Time has come to say "Ciao" to Cinque Terre as we're transferred to the airport for our flight back to Ireland.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.