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. 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.
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 Feast on fresh seafood on Palmaria Island 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 Pass trompe l'oeil-adorned villas
en route to pretty Portofino, playground of the rich and famous A walk along Portofino's postcard-perfect waterfront is a must before heading inland to Chianti.
Day 4 Stroll through quintessential Tuscan villages,
vineyards and cypress-flanked lanes Saunter around historic Greve in Chianti, shop for local delicacies and taste the region's best wines at a renowned enoteca 
Sip regional wines at a fun and informative tasting.
Days 5-6 Savor full-bodied Chianti reds
and Tuscany's simple hearty fare Bold balsamic vinegars dance across your tongue in ancient ridgetop Radda, the epicenter of Chianti Classico wine Visit Volpaia, a medieval village-turned-winery Soak up grand pastoral panoramas from the strada bianca, surrounded by vineyards.
Trip Highlights
- Two distinct and beloved regions of Italy in one amazing trip
- Hike the Cinque Terre's spectacular coastline, with brightly colored cliffside 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
Casual Inns
Hotel Belvedere (1 night): This modest seaside hotel offers superb vistas of Palmaria Island and the Gulf of La Spezia from its terrace and balconies.
Hotel Jolanda (2 nights): Enjoy the tranquility of this family-run hotel, within walking distance of the sea.
Villa Le Barone (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)
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 2.2* | 200 | 3.6* | 300 | 5.5 | 200 | ||||
| 2 | 7.6* | 700 | 11.7* | 1300 | ||||||
| 3 | 5.0* | 600 | 8.0 | 1000 | ||||||
| 4 | 6.3* | 900 | ||||||||
| 5 | 4.6* | 600 | 10.3* | 1000 | ||||||
| 6 | 0.5 | 0 | ||||||||
| 2.4 | 300 | |||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/2-7 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/9-14 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/23-28 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/7-12 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/14-19 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/21-26 Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/4-9 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/25-30 Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/1-6 Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/8-13 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/15-20 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/22-27 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/24-29 Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/4 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/6-11 Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/13-18 Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $530 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
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
We love Backroads! Everything we heard about it was true - fun, professional and great service, wonderful food, super nice people on our trip that we loved getting to know, and beautiful scenery. Thank you for our first spectacular trip to Italy. We aren't sure we could have done all that on our own because it enabled us to go to small towns, meet with local people, eat at local restaurants, and workout pretty extensively (hiking) every day yet have the option to sightsee instead. I cannot recommend it enough to others.- Atlanta, GA
I had a lovely time and saw some of the most spectacular views and scenery in my life.- Westmont, IL
Leaders were fantastic and Backroads trips continue to give great value. The consistency of the product continues to give me no reason to look at any other adventure travel company for future trips. Food and wine were a highlight. Very special boating over to Locanda Lorena.- Cary, NC
Inspired! Very well thought out itinerary. Time stood still. For a short trip on the calendar, with so many full moments, it seemed like a long, perfectly crafted excursion.- Mill Valley, CA
It was a wonderful experience. It was my first Backroads trip and I couldn't have been more pleased. It was so well organized and executed. All aspects of the trip were anticipated and covered!- Tucson, AZ