Cinque Terre & Tuscany Walking
From the Ligurian Coast to Timeless Tuscany
How do you prepare for this adventure? First you walk, and practice stopping suddenly. So that you'll be ready for the spontaneous views - colorful villages clinging to cliffs with waves crashing below. The scenery will arrest you mid-step, so be ready. Then pick the most delectable Chianti you can find. It won't match the Classico in Panzano but it's good practice. Finally get your fill of just-off-the-boat fresh seafood, hearty pork and beef, friendly people, rows of cypress, warm sunlight, patch-work hills and the blue Mediterranean. And you've got a good start.
- Two distinct and beloved regions of Italy in one amazing trip
- Hike the Cinque Terre's spectacular coastline, with brightly colored cliffisde villages
- Outstanding seafood by the Mediterranean and simple hearty fare in Chianti
- Stroll through archetypal Tuscan villages, vineyards and cypress-flanked lanes
- Taste crisp Ligurian white wines and full-bodied Tuscan reds
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Two distinct regions of Italy in one amazing trip 
Hike through the dramatic landscape to Portovenere, taking in sweeping vistas of the Golfo della Spezia Explore the Cinque Terre's spectacular coastline, a World Heritage site, by foot, boat and train Well-groomed paths lined by ancient stone walls lead from stunning Riomaggiore through cliffside Manarola, quiet Corniglia, colorful Vernazza to inviting Monterosso al Mare.
Day 3 Crisp Ligurian white wines and sublime seafood by the Mediterranean Pass trompe l'oeil-adorned villas en route to pretty Portofino, playground of the rich and famous A stroll along Portofino's postcard-perfect waterfront is must! Sip Ligurian vintages at a fun and informative tasting, then gear up for Chianti.
Day 4 Stroll through archetypal Tuscan villages, vineyards and cypress-flanked lanes Explore historic Greve in Chianti, shop for local delicacies and taste the region's best wines at a renowned enoteca.
Days 5-6 Savor full-bodied Tuscan reds and Chianti's simple hearty fare Bold balsamic vinegars dance across your tongue in ancient ridgetop Radda, of Chianti Classico fame Visit Volpaia, a medieval village-turned-winery Soak up grand pastoral panoramas from the strada bianca, surrounded by vineyards.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
Terrific experience. The locales were beautiful, food was amazing, hikes were challenging but gorgeous, ferry opportunities gave a nice water option, a great blend of seaside and Tuscan experiences.- Cary, NC More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Cinque Terre & Tuscany Walking
Casual Inns
Hotel Belvedere
Portovenere (1 night) This modest seaside hotel offers superb vistas of Palmaria Island and the Gulf of Poets from its terrace and balconies.
Hotel Jolanda
Santa Margherita Ligure (2 nights) Enjoy the tranquility of this family-run hotel, within walking distance of the sea.
Villa Le Barone
Panzano (2 nights) Owned by the same family since the 1500s, this former manor house offers vistas of the surrounding countryside, olive groves and vineyards of Chianti Classico. (pool, tennis)
Cinque Terre & Tuscany Walking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available
- 2.1, 6.6 miles
- 200 - 250 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 7.6, 11.7 miles
- 650 - 1290 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 5, 8 miles
- 590 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 6.3 miles
- 900 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 4.7, 10.6 miles
- 330 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 0.5, 2.4 miles
- 30 - 290 feet elevation gain