Itinerary
- Day 1
Levanto
You'll arrive in Levanto on the Ligurian coast today. If your flight gets in early, there's time to walk around the town and see those colorful orange, yellow and blue buildings, or just relax on the beach for a bit. The welcome meeting happens at 6 pm, so after that you're on your own to soak in the seaside vibe and grab dinner with other travelers if you feel like it.
Optional Activities
- Stroll through Levanto's town center and admire the architecture
- Relax on the beach
- Dinner with travel companions
Landmarks/POIs Levanto - Day 2
Framura
This morning starts with a guided coastal walk from Levanto to Monterosso, the first Cinque Terre village. You'll pass through Levanto's Old Town and see the cathedral and castle ruins before reaching Punta Mesco with its 11th-century hermitage ruins and lighthouse. Stop for a picnic lunch overlooking the coastline, then head down to colorful Monterosso. Take the train back to Levanto in the afternoon, then a guided bike ride along the old coastal railway line to Framura. End with an aperitif by the sea before returning to Levanto.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Punta Mesca Guided Hike from Levanto to Monterosso
- Coastal Bike Ride to Framura
Optional Activities
- Explore Monterosso village
- Aperitif overlooking the sea
Landmarks/POIs Levanto Old Town Levanto Cathedral Levanto Castle Punta Mesco 11th-century Hermitage Ruins (Punta Mesco) Lighthouse Ruins (Punta Mesco) Monterosso Framura - Day 3
Cinque Terre
A short train ride takes you to Riomaggiore this morning to start the classic coastal walk through all five Cinque Terre villages. Head to Manarola with its steep multi-colored houses above a rocky port, then up through terraced vineyards to Volastra. The trail continues through vineyards and occasional forests to Corniglia on its ridge overlooking the sea. Pass through Prevo's terraced vineyards, then approach Vernazzo with its old fortress. Follow the hillside track into the village and settle in with a drink at the harbor surrounded by brightly painted boats.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cinque Terre Guided Hike from Riomaggiore through all five villages to Vernazzo
Optional Activities
- Take train from Manarola instead of walking
- Drink at Vernazzo harbor
Landmarks/POIs Riomaggiore Manarola Volastra Corniglia Prevo Vernazzo Vernazzo Fortress - Day 4
Riomaggiore to Portovenere
A short train ride back to Riomaggiore starts your day before the most challenging Ligurian walk to Portovenere. You'll climb steep stairs and walk an undulating track to the Madonna di Montenero sanctuary with mountain views, though there's a bus option if you prefer. Continue past abandoned villages through vineyards and pine forests with spectacular coastal cliff views. Lunch happens in Campiglia, then you press on to Portovenere, passing a 16th-century castle with views of the white marble Apuan Alps. Visit St Peter's Point, explore the village, then take a scenic public boat back to Levanto.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Riomaggiore to Portovenere Guided Hike
- Boat Cruise Portovenere to Levanto
Optional Activities
- Take bus to Madonna di Montenero sanctuary instead of hiking
- Visit the 16th-century castle
- Visit St Peter's Point
Landmarks/POIs Riomaggiore Madonna di Montenero Sanctuary Campiglia Lemmen (abandoned village) Portovenere 16th-century Castle (Portovenere) St Peter's Point Apuan Alps - Day 5
Levanto to Santa Margherita
You're transferring from Levanto to Santa Margherita Ligure today with options for how to get there. Walk part or all of the way, or take the train for the full journey. The optional Wild West Walk follows the beach into the foothills down to Bonassola for a morning coffee. Continue to the red-rock hamlet of Framura with its ancient hillside hamlets. From Costa, enjoy hilltop views out to sea. You can keep walking to Deiva Marina, walk back to the coast for a swim, or catch the train to Santa Margherita.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walk the Wild West Walk from Levanto following the beach to Bonassola
- Stop for morning coffee in Bonassola
- Visit Framura and its red rock hamlets
- Walk from Costa hamlet with sea views
- Continue walking to Deiva Marina
- Walk back to the coast for a swim before catching the train
Landmarks/POIs Levanto Bonassola Framura Costa (Framura hamlet) Deiva Marina Santa Margherita Ligure - Day 6
Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino
Today you'll explore the Portofino Peninsula with a guided walk through Santa Margherita Ligure's historic center and time to shop for your picnic lunch. Walk into the hills with beautiful bay views, reaching Portofino by late morning, one of the most typical Ligurian villages. Explore and take a scenic walk to the church, castle and lighthouse with views back over the inlet. After lunch, head to a small inlet near Portofino for guided sea kayaking along the headland. Finish with an aperitif on the beach, an optional swim, or village exploration before returning to Santa Margherita.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided Hike to Portofino
- Portofino Sea Kayaking
Optional Activities
- Shop in Santa Margherita Ligure town center
- Visit Portofino church, castle and lighthouse
- Aperitif on the beach
- Swim near Portofino
Landmarks/POIs Santa Margherita Ligure Portofino Portofino Church Portofino Castle Portofino Lighthouse Portofino Inlet - Day 7
Santa Margherita Ligure
This is your free day to relax and explore Santa Margherita Ligure however you'd like. Stroll through the town center, enjoy the beach, or take optional guided walks across the Portofino Peninsula hills. You can visit the 11th-century Abbey of San Fruttuoso in a secluded cove reachable by boat or foot, with optional swimming. From nearby Camogli, take a boat to see the coastline from the water, then wander the colorful historic center and enjoy a relaxed drink or gelato on the terraces.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Relax in Santa Margherita Ligure town center
- Enjoy the beach
- Take train to Camogli
- Take train to Genoa
- Guided walk from Ruta hamlet across Portofino Peninsula hills to Monte Portofino
- Visit Abbey of San Fruttuoso (11th-century)
- Swim near Abbey of San Fruttuoso
- Boat from Abbey to Camogli
- Wander Camogli's historic center
- Drink or gelato on Camogli terraces
Landmarks/POIs Santa Margherita Ligure Ruta Monte Portofino Abbey of San Fruttuoso Gulf of Tigullio Golfo Paradiso Camogli Genoa - Day 8
Departure
Your trip ends after breakfast today. Santa Margherita Ligure has excellent train connections to Genoa, Milan, Florence and Pisa if you want to continue exploring Italy.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Train to Genoa
- Train to Milan
- Train to Florence
- Train to Pisa
Landmarks/POIs Santa Margherita Ligure
