Trip
Overview
Lodging
Detailed Itinerary
Reserve early for the best available price. More Info
All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner.
La Spezia, Italy/Florence, Italy
Boat, Culture & History, Fine Wine & Cuisine, Natural Beauty &/or Wildlife, Romance &/or Honeymoon, Swim
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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.
View other trips in Europe Italy
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 (and somewhat technical) Ligurian landscape to Portovenere, taking in sweeping vistas of the Golfo dei Poeti archipelago Board a private boat to Palmaria Island, where we feast on fresh seafood at a favorite restaurant among locals and celebrities.
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 en route to picturesque Portofino, where the rich and famous come to play Savor Ligurian vintages at a fun and informative wine tasting.
Shuttle to Greve in Chianti, explore its historic center and shop for souvenirs Try the local bruschetta - locals swear it's the best in Italy 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 hamlet with a wealth of well-preserved architecture Back in hilltop Panzano, linger over an espresso at a café in the central piazza Taste local wines before dining on Tuscan specialties.
Route Rating What's this? Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Each offers options for more or less activity, so you can decide exactly how much you want to do day by day.
Lodging What's
this? Our lodgings are divided into three different categories.
Premiere Inns:These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic
regional flair.
Casual Inns:These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the
areawith such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and
proximity to our activities.
Deluxe Camping:We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every
camp chore and perform culinary magic.
I had a lovely time and saw some of the most spectacular views and scenery in my life.- Westmont, IL
For more than 29 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Cinque Terre/Tuscany tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in Europe Italy, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Europe Italy walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Europe Italy biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Europe Italy multisport tours click here.
Santa Margherita Ligure (2 nights): Enjoy the tranquility of this family-run hotel, within walking distance of the seaside.
Portovenere (1 night): Situated right at the water's edge, this simple hotel offers superb vistas from its terrace and balconies.
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.
2 Route Options Available
2 Route Options Available
3 Route Options Available
1 Route Option Available
2 Route Options Available
2 Route Option Available
Please keep in mind that routes may feel more difficult due to the hilly and challenging terrain.
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking |
||
| 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 |
