Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Intrepid Travel · 8 days

4.4

8 Reviews

View Map

Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Explore a surreal region of Italy that looks straight out of a postcard (only better) with this eight-day multi-active trip.

Highlights

See the colourful cliffside houses and coastal paradise that makes the Cinque Terre region one of the world's most romantic destinations.
Adventure through the area's most scenic trails on foot, including parts of the classic coastal route. Bike through villages (the best way to cover ground) and kayak on the sparkling Mediterranean Sea to a sandy beach.
Choose your own adventure – if you'd rather spend more time relaxing on the beach, there's some flexibility to take a train instead of hiking, just let your local leader know!
Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and afternoon aperitifs overlooking the cliffs, village views and the deep blue of the ocean.
Discover a swathe of medieval architecture, like the castle and churches of Levanto and the Abbey of San Fruttuoso.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Train,Boat,Public bus,On foot,Bicycle,Kayak

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Levanto, Italy

Finishes

Santa Margherita, Italy

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Active, Walking & Trekking

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Levanto

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Levanto on the Ligurian coast with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not stroll through the gorgeous town, admiring the orange, yellow and blue architecture or chill out on the beach? Tonight, take in the atmosphere of this seaside location and maybe head out to dinner with your new travel companions.

Accommodation:

Hotel in Levanto (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Hiking in Cinque Terre / Biking to Framura

Embark on your first walk along the coast from Levanto to Monterosso – the first of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. The first part of the walk leads you through the centre of Levanto’s Old Town, past the cathedral and up to its castle. Continue to Punta Mesco – the most notable promontory in the region. Visit the ruins of an 11th-century hermitage and the ruins of the lighthouse nearby. Here, you’ll have marvellous views of the rugged coastline can find a nice spot to stop for a picnic lunch. Then, follow the steep path down into Monterosso – a colourful village with blue, red and yellow houses that cluster along the beachfront. Take your time to explore this little town before taking the local train back to Levanto. In the afternoon, explore the coast on bikes and ride along the old coastal railway line to Framura, now turned into a beautiful cycling path. Maybe enjoy an aperitif overlooking the sea before returning to Levanto for the night.

Included Activities:

Punta Mesca Guided Hike
Coastal Bike Ride to Framura

Accommodation:

Hotel in Levanto (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Hiking in Cinque Terre

Take a short train ride to Riomaggiore this morning – the southernmost of the five villages. Here, you’ll start the classic coastal walk that links the five villages. Head to Manarola – a little village with steep multi-coloured houses overlooking a rocky port (you can take the train if you prefer). Make your way up through a terraced landscape to the village of Volastra, then continue your walk along one of the most beautiful trails in the area. Through terraced vineyards and the occasional forest, you’ll approach Corniglia, which sits on a ridge overlooking the sea. Next is the little hamlet of Prevo, where you’ll trail through terraced vineyards and citrus groves. Enjoy some of the best views in the region as you approach Vernazza, dominated by its old fortress. Follow the contours of the hillside on a narrow track into the village. After a day of walking, maybe wind down with a drink in Vernazza at the harbour, surrounded by its brightly painted boats.

Included Activities:

Cinque Terre Guided Hike

Optional Activities:

Cinque Terre - Via dell’Amore trail (10 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel in Levanto (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Hiking to Portovenere

Start your day with a short train ride back to the tiny village of Riomaggiore. Embark on a walk to Portovenere at the very end of the peninsula. Today’s trail is the most challenging of the Ligurian walks but is maybe the most rewarding. First, tackle a steep flight of stairs, then walk along an undulating track to reach the sanctuary of the Madonna di Montenero (those who wish to opt out of this climb can catch a bus instead). After stopping at the sanctuary for a short break, continue your walk to Campiglia. Follow the contours of the coastal cliffs, passing terraced vineyards and wonderful views of the coastline. Pass the abandoned village of Lemmen and walk high on the ridge through vineyards and pine forests. Descend to the little village of Campiglia, where you can stop for lunch, then continue towards Portovenere for more spectacular coastal views. When you arrive at the 16th-century castle above the village, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the white marble peaks of the Apuan Alps before heading to St Peter’s Point and then into the heart of the village. After some free time to relax in Portovenere, take a public boat to your base in Levanto – a lovely way to see the coast from the water.

Included Activities:

Riomaggiore to Portovenere Guided Hike
Boat Cruise Portovenere to Levanto

Accommodation:

Hotel in Levanto (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Levanto / Santa Margherita

Today, transfer from Levanto to Santa Margherita. You can either walk part of the way or take the train for the entire distance. If you decide to walk, you’ll be travelling on the so-called Wild West Walk that follows the beach, then heads into the foothills and down to the seaside village of Bonassola (a good place for a morning coffee). Stroll through the seaside hills to the small village of Framura – a collection of ancient hamlets on a hillside, distinctive due to its red rocks. From Costa, the largest hamlet, walk around the hills for views out to sea. You can opt to continue your walk to the resort of Deiva Marina or walk back down to the coast to swim before catching the train to Santa Margherita.

Optional Activities:

The Wild West Coast Hike - Free
Monte Porto Fino hike - Free
Santa Margherita - Camogli hike (with train) - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel in Santa Margherita (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Hiking & Kayaking on Portofino Peninsula

Today, you’ll see the best of the Portofino Peninsula. First, take a short walk through the historical centre of Santa Margherita Ligure, where you can also do some shopping for your picnic lunch. Then walk into the hills and enjoy beautiful views across the bay. By late morning, you’ll reach Portofino – one of the most typical Ligurian seaside villages and a popular resort for jet setters. Explore this charming village and take the scenic walk to the church, castle and lighthouse, where you can look back on the inlet of Portofino. After your picnic lunch, it’s time to get ready for a great paddling adventure! In a small inlet near Portofino, you’ll grab a paddle and go kayaking along the stunning headland of Portofino. When you arrive, maybe enjoy a relaxed aperitif on the beach, go for a swim or explore the village before returning to Santa Margherita.

Included Activities:

Guided Hike to Portofino
Portofino Sea Kayaking

Accommodation:

Hotel in Santa Margherita (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Santa Margherita

Today, you can relax in Santa Margherita, stroll through its beautiful town centre or enjoy the beach. Maybe take the train to Camogli or Genoa to explore the city, or opt to join a walk across the beautiful hills of the Portofino Peninsula. From the small hamlet of Ruta, you can walk along some splendid fin-de-siecle villas towards the highest point of the Peninsula – Monte Portofino. You’ll then have several longer and shorter options to reach the Abbey of San Fruttuoso – an 11th-century marvel set in a secluded cove and reachable only by boat or on foot. All walks bring you through a verdant forested landscape with amazing views across the Gulf of Tigullio and the Golfo Paradiso. When you arrive, maybe visit the abbey or go for a swim. Take a boat to Camogli and admire the beautiful coastline from the sea. In Camogli, take your time to wander around the colourful historic centre and enjoy a relaxed drink or grab a gelato on one of its many terraces.

Optional Activities:

Abbey of San Fruttuoso (9 EUR)
Rapallo hike with gondola (10 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel in Santa Margherita (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Santa Margherita

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. With regular trains to Genoa, Milan, Florence and Pisa, this is the perfect spot from which to continue your adventure. If you'd like to book additional nights, just speak to your booking agent.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $3,250

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Explore a surreal region of Italy that looks straight out of a postcard (only better) with this eight-day multi-active trip.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 10 May 2026

View Map

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

3.5

Oleg

Traveled, May 2023

06/10/2023

A good active trip with lots of hiking and stunning scenery. However a few things to keep in mind: - this trip specifically and Italy generally attracts older crowd - we had 8 out of 11 people on the trip being what seemed to be over 60, even though it was an active trip. This made it difficult to be a younger person on the trip, as just not a lot in common with the majority of those on the tour - not much insight from the guide provided, just showing where the hikes start and end, and much was left to the participants, including own dinners in the evening, taking boats largely by ourselves etc - do NOT bring a backpack if you prefer a suitcase - ignore whats in the essential notes about it, you dont need it

4.5

Mitchell

Traveled, September 2022

09/13/2022

I was looking for an active traveling experience in a beautiful location of the world, and this fit the bill. The trip was more changeling than I imagined, but also so much more rewarding. Lisa was the perfect group leader for this trip. She managed to be encouraging and at the same time respectful of each one's abilities and interests. I've traveled with a few other groups and this was one of the best traveling experiences thanks to Lisa and the great group of fellow travelers

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Book Now