Cinque Terre & Tuscany Walking
From the Ligurian Coast to Timeless Tuscany
Delve into two different captivating regions of Italy during this one-of-a-kind trip. Savor unsurpassed coastal views as you hike amid the gardens, cacti and lemon trees of the Cinque Terre, a collection of five diminutive villages clinging to terraced cliffs above the Mediterranean. Visit Portofino, one of Italy’s premiere seaside villages - a favorite of the rich and famous. Then head to the famed wine region of Chianti, a landscape adored for its archetypal hilltop villages, vineyards and cypress-flanked lanes. After tackling coastal climbs, indulge in fresh seafood, pesto and sweet Sciacchetrà wine. Farther inland, savor hearty ribollita, mild pecorino toscano and grilled meats accompanied by velvety Chianti Classico. At night, reminisce about your day’s activities in the comfort of warm Italian hospitality.
Trip Planning Links
- 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
Day 1 Portovenere
Meet in La Spezia and shuttle to Campiglia, where we enjoy a signature Backroads picnic complete with a stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea 
Hike through the dramatic Ligurian landscape to Portovenere, taking in sweeping vistas of the Golfo della Spezia from high above Board a boat to Palmaria Island, where we feast on fresh seafood at a favorite restaurant among locals and celebrities.
Days 2-3 Santa Margherita Ligure
As we travel by boat to the picture-perfect fishing village of Riomaggiore, you’ll see why the gorgeous coast is a World Heritage site Hike along well-groomed footpaths lined by ancient stone walls to Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost town of the Cinque Terre En route, pass through cliffside Manarola (the center of Cinque Terre winemaking), quiet Corniglia and colorful Vernazza Journey by train to Santa Margherita Ligure Walk past trompe l’oeil-adorned villas on your way to picturesque Portofino, where the rich and famous come to play Savor Ligurian vintages at a fun and informative wine tasting.
Days 4-6 Panzano
Shuttle to Greve in Chianti, explore its historic center and shop for Tuscan delicacies Taste the region's best wines at one of the Greve's renowned enotecas Hike through classic Tuscan landscape of cypress-lined roads and rolling hills dotted with villas and hamlets to Panzano Discover the ancient ridgetop village of Radda in Chianti, known for Chianti Classico wine Visit Volpaia, a medieval village-turned-winery Back in hilltop Panzano, linger over an espresso at a café in the central piazza Taste local wines before dining on Tuscan specialties.
- 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:
Amalfi Coast Walking Tuscany Walking Pays Basque WalkingOther Italy Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
I had a lovely time and saw some of the most spectacular views and scenery in my life.- Westmont, IL More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Cinque Terre & Tuscany Walking
LOCAL FLAVOR: Casual Inns
Hotel Belvedere
Portovenere (1 night) This modest hotel offers superb vistas of the waterfront 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 seaside.
Villa Le Barone
Panzano (2 nights) Owned by the same family since the 1500s, this former manor house features a swimming pool, tennis courts and terraces surrounded by rose gardens.
Cinque Terre & Tuscany Walking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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 |
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 - 1300 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 5, 8 miles
- 600 - 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
- 300 - 350 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 0.5, 2.4 miles
- 50 - 300 feet elevation gain
Please keep in mind that routes may feel more difficult due to the hilly and challenging terrain.