Basic travel information
The stunning scenery of the north-west coast of Italy, the idyllic small villages and the vineyards of the mountain slopes invite you to hike in the Cinque Terre region of Liguria.
The Italian Ligurian coast between the cities of La Spezia and Genoa was still known in the 19th century as an inaccessible region. The five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, nestled among the steep cliffs of the coast, from which the area is called the Cinque Terre, or “five countries”, were united for a long time only by hillside trails. Today, the villages are also connected by a local train and a ferry connection, but they have not lost their historical charm. Kinttup Trails, on the other hand, has developed into a world-famous network of hiking trails and a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site throughout the area.
We travel to Italy on Finnair’s direct flights. On the way, we make day hikes on the paths between the villages, admiring the mountain scenery and the terrace plantations of the slopes. We stay comfortably in the middle of the Cinque Terre, in the village of Riomaggiore.
Itinerary
DAY 1 – HELSINKI – MILAN – RIOMAGGIORE
Direct flight from Finland to Italy. Transfer from Milan Airport to the Ligurian coast, to the charming village of Riomaggiore in the Cinque Terre area, where we will stay for the duration of the trip. Free time to explore the village and a joint dinner. (I)
ACCOMMODATION IN
VILLA ARGENTINA OR SIMILAR
DAY 2 – LEVANTO
We start the day by moving outside the Cinque Terre, to the town of Levanto, from where we walk the coastal route back to the village of Monterosso al Mare. We will have a picnic lunch near the former convent of Punta Mesco and look south, overlooking the entire Cinque Terre coast. Hiking approx. 3h 15min, ascents and descents approx. 200m. (A, L)
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
VILLA ARGENTINA OR SIMILAR
DAY 3 – VERNAZZA
The program for the second day of hiking includes a route from Riomaggiore to the village of Vernazza. The route runs along mountain slopes through vineyards and olive groves and forests. Little Vernazza is perhaps the most picturesque of the Cinque Terre villages. Picnic lunch along the way, return in the evening to Riomaggiore. Hiking approx. 4.5h, ascents and descents approx. 750m. (A, L)
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
VILLA ARGENTINA OR SIMILAR
DAY 4 – VOLASTRA, MANAROLA
Today we hiked from Vernazza to Riomaggiore on a different route than the day before, via Volastra and Manarola. We visit along the scenic route e.g. In the Church of San Bernadino. Hiking approx. 4.5h, ascents and descents approx. 700m. (A, L)
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
VILLA ARGENTINA OR SIMILAR
DAY 5 – MONTEROSSO
We take a local train to the village of Monterosso al Mare, from where we make a circular route exploring the old Catholic chapels and churches around the village. Return to Riomaggiore in the afternoon. Hiking less than 5 hours, ascents and descents approx. 670m. (A, L)
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
VILLA ARGENTINA OR SIMILAR
DAY 6 – PORTOVENERE
We start the last day of hiking with a brisk excursion to Portovenere. The small town of Portovenere is famous for its old coastal fortress. We will have a picnic lunch along the way and enjoy the great coastal scenery. We return from Portovenere by boat to Monterosso al Mare, which means that you can see the hiking trails for almost a whole week on the boat trip. From Monterosso we return by train to Riomaggiore. Hiking approx. 4h 45min, ascents and descents approx. 600m. (A, L)
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
VILLA ARGENTINA OR SIMILAR
DAY 7 – RIOMAGGIORE – MILAN – HELSINKI
We leave the Cinque Terre behind and head to Milan Airport, from where we fly back home. (A)
MEALS: [A] BREAKFAST [L] LUNCH [I] DINNER
