Cinque Terre & Tuscany Hiking & Walking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Deluxe Hotels
Cinque Terre & Tuscany Hiking & Walking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Deluxe Hotels
2026: Sep-Oct 2027: Apr-Oct
Coastal Italy’s Seaside Charm & Tuscan Villages
How do you say beautiful in Italian? Bellissimo. Now you’ll know how to describe this hiking journey made of warm sunlight, the azure sea, hill towns, seafood and delectable wines.
Highlights
- Hike trails framed by sea views and the iconic candy-colored villages of Cinque Terre’s UNESCO World Heritage coast
- Taste your way through two distinctive regions, from the sea-to-table fare of the Mediterranean to Tuscany’s soulful red wines
- Stroll through storybook Tuscan villages, past vineyard-draped hillsides and along serene tree‑lined country lanes
- Step into Portofino’s postcard‑perfect waterfront, visit historic Radda and immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes of the Ligurian Riviera
- Stay in well-appointed family‑owned hotels, chosen for their location near Cinque Terre and Tuscany’s best trails
Start Pisa
End Florence
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-3
Walk coastal trails through terraced vineyards and olive groves • Experience Cinque Terre’s spectacular World Heritage coastline on foot and by train • Follow well-maintained paths and ancient stone walls from Riomaggiore through cliffside Manarola, peaceful Corniglia and vibrant Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare • Venture into the rugged highlands for a fresh perspective on this remarkable region • Pass elegant villas en route to chic Portofino • Stroll Portofino’s postcard-perfect waterfront • Explore the Golfo del Tigullio towns of Santa Margherita Ligure or Rapallo • Unwind at our hotel’s private beach, with time to swim and soak up the sun • Cap off each day with Mediterranean cuisine and dinners by the sea.
Nights 1-3
Deluxe Hotel
Just steps from the bay of Santa Margherita, this art-nouveau-style hotel delivers sweeping views of the Ligurian Sea from its panoramic perch. A path down through a garden shaded by pine and palm trees brings you to the hotel's private beach, where lounge chairs frame protected swimming coves. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Days 4-6
Head inland to Chianti’s quintessential Tuscan villages, vineyards and cypress-lined lanes • Hike through the medieval villages of Greve in Chianti and Panzano • Wander the narrow streets of historic Radda, the heart of Chianti Classico • Walk to a historic wine cellar for a picnic paired with local wine • Take in sweeping pastoral views from a strada bianca (white road), surrounded by vineyards and olive groves • Sample regional wines during a fun and informative tasting • Unwind each evening at our tranquil Tuscan oasis • Extend your adventure with a visit to Florence, birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and our magnificent gateway city.
Nights 4-5
Deluxe Hotel
Owned by the same family since the 1500s, this former manor house sits among olive groves and vineyards. Traditional Tuscan décor, lush gardens, tennis courts and a heated infinity pool overlooking the countryside create a relaxed setting after a day of biking quiet country roads. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
- Activity
- Activity Level
- Mileage
- Elevation
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Cinque Terre is a popular tourist destination with busy peak seasons including summer months and on national holidays. During these periods, crowds are common. To access the best hiking areas in the Cinque Terre, we will sometimes be riding on state-operated regional trains alongside locals and other tourists. The trains can be subject to delays and crowds during peak seasons. Because the national park is still recovering from trail damage from previous years, closures may occur. In the event of a trail closure, your Backroads Trip Leaders will have alternate hikes and activities available. For more information on the park and trail closures, please visit www.parconazionale5terre.it.
Our routes for the first three days in Cinque Terre and Ligurian Coast follow mostly narrow trails, with occasional technical sections featuring roots and stones. Significant elevation gains and losses on steps can make the routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest. Because of the nature of these coastal paths, vehicle support won’t be available on some days. Alternative options to move along the coast—such as local trains or ferries—are always available.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates to see pricing, hotel or itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy, in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
FAQs
Who is the Cinque Terre & Tuscany Hiking & Walking Tour best suited for?
This trip is best suited for adults who enjoy hiking & walking with flexible daily options ranging from around 4–11 miles, including moderate walks and longer hikes with some climbs. It's ideal for those who want to experience the colorful villages of Cinque Terre and the rolling hills of Tuscany on foot, from dramatic coastal routes to vineyard-covered landscapes.
How challenging are the walks each day?
This is a Level 2–4 hiking & walking trip, offering daily options ranging from approximately 4–11 miles, from moderate routes to longer hikes with some climbs. See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain (in the itinerary) for more details, or learn more about Backroads descriptions of activity levels.
How do the two regions—Cinque Terre and Tuscany—differ during the trip experience?
Cinque Terre and Tuscany offer two distinct sides of Italy. Cinque Terre features dramatic coastal trails connecting colorful seaside villages, while Tuscany offers a slower-paced experience through vineyards, olive groves and medieval hill towns. Together, they combine iconic Mediterranean scenery with the relaxed charm of the Italian countryside.
What is the terrain like?
Terrain varies throughout the trip. In Cinque Terre, trails include dirt paths, stone steps and some uneven, rocky footing along the coast. In Tuscany, trails are generally gentler, following well-packed dirt roads through vineyards and rolling countryside.
