Cinque Terre and the Southern Italian Riviera

Day 1
Sestri Levante

In Liguria, the southern half of the Italian Riviera ends with a dramatic flourish at the cliff-bound villages of Cinque Terre (“five lands”), five picturesque hamlets wedged into a mountainous coast terraced with ancient vineyards. This self-guided extension offers a wonderful opportunity to explore these atmospheric towns, with their jumble of pastel-colored houses and tiny harbors. You’ll begin by taking the coastal train via La Spezia to Sestri Levante, a resort town with spectacular twin bays divided by a rocky promontory. After checking in at the hotel, you can spend the afternoon exploring Sestri, with its frescoed tower-houses, open-air markets, Romanesque and Baroque churches, crescent beaches, and portside cafés along a palm-lined promenade, typical of the Italian Riviera. Overnight at hotel in Sestri Levante.

Days 2-3
Hiking Options in Cinque Terre and north of Sestri

One of the immense pleasures of Cinque Terre is hiking between little villages on rosemary-scented trails through vineyards and gardens, enjoying fantastic vistas of the sea all the while. The five Cinque Terre villages are, from north to south: Monterosso, with its castle and bell towers; Vernazza, perhaps the most photogenic of the villages, with its tiny, perfect harbor full of brightly painted wooden boats; Corniglia, perched on a headland above terraced vineyards; 12th century Manarola, where the ocean pounds on rocky cliffs below; and Riomaggiore, with its beautiful fishing harbor. These villages are a quick 30-minute train ride south of Sestri Levante. North of Sestri Levante, you can also visit neighboring seaside towns like Camogli, with its lovely tromp l’oeil-decorated tower-houses and outdoor cafes. A walk from Camogli along coastal headlands takes you to the rocky promontory of Monte Portofino for astounding views. Posh Portofino and the lovely seaside resort of Santa Margherita are other fine excursions. During your stay, you enjoy a wonderful sampling of Liguria’s regional specialties, from fresh-caught fish to wines produced in Cinque Terre’s ancient vineyards.

This scenic region of the Italian coast is mountainous, so some recommended hikes are challenging. Once you sign up for this extension, we will send you a booklet with detailed trip notes, including suggested hikes and restaurant options in various towns and villages.

Day 4
Depart

Depart by train for Pisa and homeward-bound flights.

Extension Costs

$510 per person, double occupancy
Solo traveler: $690

All costs subject to change