Explore one of the world’s most stunning and dramatic seaside retreats. The Cinque Terre will charm you with its abundant viewpoints, rich cultural heritage, and mouth-watering cuisine. Awe at the vibrantly colored homes and businesses that sit atop craggy shore rocks, framed by a lush green horizon. Check each of the five villages off your bucket list as you experience each unique location by foot, bike, or kayak. Prior to the trip, be sure to visit Florence: famous for its art, history, science and shopping… Florence is truly a Tuscan jewel.
Hike through the famed five villages that offer breathtaking seaside views
Cycle through vineyards and olive groves with plenty of time to appreciate the region’s timeless beauty and historic art treasures
Paddle by kayak to a UNESCO world heritage site, an island named Palamaria
Discover your favorite Italian wine
Swim in the aquamarine sea for a water-side view of the magnificent Riomaggiore
Taste the sweet genuine gelato made by local Italians
Explore caves and coves hidden along the magical coastline near Levanto
A few more reasons you’ve gotta go:
01
Learn about the Italian “dolce vita” (sweet life) and Mediterranean local and sea life
02
Do some independent exploring, shopping, or swimming when visiting the villages
03
Explore the area by every type of transportation but car, as Cinque Terre is car-free
This morning we meet in stunning Florence, Italy and after transferring to Levanto we begin a short warm up bike ride along the coast. We’ll stop for lunch and have some time to dip your toes into the inviting Mediterranean sea. After we transfer you to the Mira-mare apartments and Suites where you’ll refresh seaside tonight’s welcome dinner with spectacular views.
About Mira-mare apartments and Suites
Enjoy your luxury apartment with views you will not soon forget. Enjoy the wonderful pool, basking in the region’s famous sunlight, peaceful and traditional setting is ideal for relaxing the mind and superbly furnished, with ensuite bathrooms. All apartments have a breathtaking view of the Gulf of La Spezia, known as “Golfo dei Poeti” (the Poet’s Gulf).
All the apartments have satellite TV, equipped kitchen (fridge, freezer, cooking hot plates, microwave, tableware), king size or queen size beds and of course a sea view. Breakfast can be arranged at a local restaurant a few steps from the property, or we’ll take you to the market to choose the breakfast items you prefer.
This morning we’ll make a transfer by boat to Manarola where we’ll hike from there to Riomaggiore (1.5 hours). You’ll enjoy an unforgettable seaside lunch in this picturesque village. Before our transfer back to La Spezia by train, you’ll have some free time in the village to take a swim, or to do some shopping. Tonight, we’ll take a short walk to the restaurant Osteria la Tortuga.
Today we choose to kayak along the memorable coastline of Porto Venere to the UNESCO world heritage island of Palmaria. We’ll enjoy some beach time after our time on the water, and perhaps a gelato as well? Tonight, you’ll have a free evening to explore the restaurant scene in La Spezia.
This morning we’ll transfer by boat to Manarola, from there our hike to Corniglia begins, you’ll have some free time to explore this cozy village after another great Italian lunch. Afterwards, we’ll start our hike to Vernazza, there you’ll have time to explore the Castello Doria, or just sip some wine before dinner.
Today we’ll take the train to Levanto, where we’ll embark on a boat adventure to caves and coves hidden along the magical coastline. We’ll cross off the last of our five villages today as we stop in Monterosso al Mare. This evening, explore Levanto during your free time before tonight’s dinner.
Lounge around this morning as you relax by the pool, taking it easy on this last full day. During the afternoon, we’ll head out to explore Doria castle and La Palmaria island for scenic coastal hike. Toast to a superb week before the grand farewell dinner along the coast.
Say arrivederci to la dolce vita, and shuttle to Florence after enjoying one last breakfast. Your guide will drop you off at the Florence airport or your hotel at the appropriate times for your departure home or the beginning of your trip extension.
*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
Prior to the trip, arrive at your own convenience in Florence. On Day 1, we will meet you in the lobby of Grand Hotel Minerva in Florence at 8:30 a.m. After a briefing and a transfer to Levanto, the biking begins. After breakfast on Day 7, we take you to the airport, train station, or the hotel of your choice in Florence (one-hour transfer).
Activities
Cycling:
Day 1 bicycle mileage options: 5
Hiking:
Day 2 Hiking 1.5 miles
Day 4 Hiking 2.5 miles
Day 6 Hiking 1.5 miles
Kayaking / Sailing:
Day 3, 2-3 hours
Day 5 Boat tour with snorkeling/swimming (most of the day)
Cultural Discoveries
Discovery:
Ciao Bella! No place brings out the romantic in you like Italy. Learn all about the dolce vita of Italy as you explore one of the most picture-perfect regions of the Mediterranean. Evenings we’ll relax at your superb apartments perfectly situated for enjoying inspirational views, gourmet meals and fine local wines, as we embrace the people and the lust for life that makes Italy so unique.
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They take the time to explain the local history and daily sightseeing and route options. Each route has been carefully
planned to include options to please each traveler’s interests. Austin Adventures guides are available to help you select the distance that’s right for you and to offer advice and assistance as you desire.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions except one dinner on your own are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in the Trip Price
• Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
• Meals as listed in detailed daily itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
• Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
• Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
• Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
• Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.
• Pre-departure and packing information.
• Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in the Trip Price
• Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
• Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
• Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
• Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
• All types of personal insurance.
• Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Europe Expert
Adam Beecham
Want to know how to make fast friends in foreign places and how to get the most out of a destination by experiencing it like a local? Ask Adam, a longtime Austin Adventures guide who now serves as European Operations Manager in Holland. He caught the travel bug during a semester abroad in New Zealand and Australia and quickly discovered he never wanted to stop experiencing—and more importantly, sharing—the wonder of travel. He taught English in China, managed a resort in Mexico, and now lives with his wife and child in the Netherlands, ensuring guests have the best guides and experiences possible on their European adventures.
