Cinque Terre & Tuscany Walking
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.
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 (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.
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 en route 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 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.
LOCAL FLAVOR: Casual Inns
Hotel Jolanda (2 nights): Enjoy the tranquility of this family-run hotel, within walking distance of the seaside.
Albergo Belvedere (1 night): Situated right at the water's edge, this simple hotel offers superb vistas from its terrace and balconies.
Villa Le Barone (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.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 3, 5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 7.7, 10 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 2.5, 7, 9.8 miles
- 500 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 5.6 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 4.7, 10.6 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 2 Route Option Available
- 0.5, 2.4 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
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 | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 9/7-12Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1030 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel Variation: On this trip we will stay at the Jolanda on Nights 1 & 2, the Belvedere on Night 3, and L'Ultimo Mulino on Nights 4 & 5, not the Fattoria Valle. - 9/14-19Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1030 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/21-26Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1030 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/28-10/3Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1030 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/5-10Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1030 for sgl. occ.)
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/3-8Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $880 for sgl. occ.)
- 5/31-6/5Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $880 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/12-17Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $880 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/26-31Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $880 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/16-21Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $880 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/6-11Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $880 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/13-18Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $880 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/27-10/2Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $880 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/11-16Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $880 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
- 5/10-15Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $880 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/9-14Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $880 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
I had a lovely time and saw some of the most spectacular views and scenery in my life.- Westmont, IL
Great sampling of two distinct regions! The spectacular seaviews from the Cinque Terre Coastline, combined with the small picturesque villages perched on the cliffsides and forested walking trails in the heart of the Chianti will definitely keep you coming back for more.- Regional Manager, Italian Trip Operations