Terraced vineyards above Manarola in the Cinque Terre, Italy

Exploring Cinque Terre Itinerary: From Levanto to Santa Margherita

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Italy

Places Visited

Levanto, Val di Vara, Santa Margherita, Cinque Terre

Suggested Duration

8 Days

Follow in the footsteps of shepherds and pilgrims, hikers and explorers on the trails surrounding Cinque Terre during your custom tailored Italy itinerary. The majestic turquoise water of the Mediterranean Sea splashes against the mixture of rugged terrain and sandy beaches. Vineyards, olive orchards, and citrus groves grow on precipitous terraces. Fishing boats wade in the natural harbors. Storybook castles and elegant churches decorate medieval towns. Indulge in the unique experience of the...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy the outdoors and pristine air of Italy’s Mediterranean coastline while hiking over Punta Mesco to reach the town of Monterosso
  • Savor a stroll along the terraced vineyards of the small town of Corniglia during a private wine tour followed by a tasting in a family-owned enoteca
  • Discover the hidden abbey of San Fruttuoso, nestled in a tiny bay reachable only by boat or hiking trail
  • Follow the Lover’s Trail connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola, the two most southerly towns of Cinque Terre
  • Explore the tiny hamlets and villages surrounding Cinque Terre to discover the unspoiled culture and scenery of Liguria
  • Visit the hometown of celebrated Italian composer and musician Niccolò Paganini, located in the stunning landscape of Val di Vara

Detailed Description

Embrace the classical hiking trail connecting the five towns of Cinque Terra while stepping beyond the narrow cobbled lanes along the coastline for a grander, all-encompassing expedition during your 8-day Italy tour. The adventure begins with your arrival at Genoa’s international airport. Your private transfer greets you and escorts you south to the verdant hills of Val di Vara. Spend the remainder of the day wandering the hamlets amongst the trees to find the famous composer Paganini’s childhood home and extravagant castles before dinner.

The next day, you travel to the seaside town of Levanto. Take a moment to settle into the comforts of your gorgeous hotel before setting out onto the trail crossing over Punta Mesco. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and marvelous vista leading you to the famous town of Monterosso. Enjoy the beauty of the streets and beach before returning to Levanto for the evening. Travel by train to the town of Riomaggiore in the morning. Wander the lanes and enjoy the views over the natural harbor at your preferred pace. Continue along the Lover’s Trail to reach Manarola.

Visit the towns of Corniglia and Vernazza to enjoy the coastal views and quiet culture. Then, you return to Riomaggiore by train to follow the trail south to Portovenere. Discover the commune of Campiglia Marittima and beauty of Portovenere. Venture to the small town of Corniglia of Cinque Terre once more and visit the vineyards and wine bars of the town. Partake in a fabulous cooking class offering insight into the treasured flavors of Ligurian cuisine. Afterward, your private transfer escorts your luggage to your hotel in Santa Margherita.

You set out with your guide along the trails leading to the quiet seaside town by way of Bonassola, Framura, Costa, and Moneglia. Take your time enjoying the village life before settling in Santa Margherita. Next, you discover the secluded abbey of San Fruttuoso. Explore the interior of the 11th-century structure and lounge on the soft sand. Take a boat to the town of Camogli around the Gulf of Poets. On the final day, your private transfer greets you at the hotel and escorts you back to Genoa’s Cristoforo Colombo Airport for your flight home.

Consider browsing our other Italy itineraries for more ideas and inspiration in creating your dream Italy vacation.

Starting Price

$2,859 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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