Cinque Terre

Day 1 (1)* • Arrive in Levanto

Originally a Roman town, it now has medieval walls, a 13th century castle and elegant Neo-Classical buildings from its days of grandeur as a fashionable bathing resort in the 19th century

HHH Nazionale (std) HHH Villa Margherita (sup)

Day 2 • Free day in Levanto

Optional circular walk in the hills, once the domain of the feared Zolaschi, who controlled the ancient ridge-top trade route (6 4 or 8 miles, 3 5 or 5 hrs) Walk on to the coastal village of Bonassola (1 hr) Return by train or on foot

HHH Nazionale (std) HHH Villa Margherita (sup)

Day 3 (2) • Levanto to Monterosso

Superb coastal path, through pine woods and scented scrub, with views of the whole Cinque Terre. A stepped path leads down to Monterosso, with medieval centre, castle and Capuchin convent (4 8 or 9 7 miles, 2 5 or 6 hrs)

HHH Villa Steno (std) HHHH Porto Roca (sup)

Day 4 • Free day in the area

A steady climb up a cobbled path brings you to a ridge with wonderful views – both inland and seaward, leading to the sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio, from where a fine pilgrim path leads gently down to Ver nazza, the for mer Roman port of 'Vulnetia' (7 9 miles, 5 5 hrs) Retur n along the coast by train, boat or on foot

HHH Villa Steno (std) HHHH Porto Roca (sup)

Day 5 (3) • Monterosso to Riomaggiore

Follow paths along the coast, with views of the famously picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre, and their terraced vineyards Range of routes (up to 14 3 miles, 8 hrs)

NB: Some coastal sections of this day's options may be crowded or closed, particularly in high season, but there are delightful alternatives.

HH Villa Argentina

Day 6 (4) • Riomaggiore to Portovenere

Up through terraced vineyards to the wooded ridge, via the sanctuary church of Montenero, then through pine, chestnut woods and scrub, before emerging to views of the dramatic coastline and descending to Portovenere (8.7 miles, 5.5 hrs).

HHH Albergo Paradiso (std)

HHHHH Grand Hotel Portovenere (sup)

Day 7 • Free day in Portovenere

Explore Portovenere or take a boat to the island of Palmaria, with picturesque paths and beaches for swimming (3 miles, 2 5 hrs)

HHH Albergo Paradiso (std)

HHHHH Grand Hotel Portovenere (sup)

Day 8 (5) • Departure day

*Days in brackets refer to 5-day itinerary

Route open: April-June; Sept-Oct

Airports to first hotel: u Genoa (57 miles)

Train/bus: 2 hrs - ~€20

Taxi: 1 hr 15 - ~€220 u Pisa (68 miles)

Train/bus: 2 hrs - ~€25

Taxi: 1 hr 15 - ~€220

Route Manager: ATG-trained, lives locally and speaks fluent English, Italian and conversational Chinese

Route Book: 127 pages – detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information

Walking: Easy to challenging (Grade 2 – 4+) See p 8

Terrain: Paths mostly ancient but well-preserved, though steep, narrow and rough in places A variety of options to suit a wide range of fitness levels.

Longer/higher route