Live an unforgettable experience and discover the most picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre by trekking in the company of your expert excursion guide.
This is a unique way to explore the legendary Cinque Terre or Five Lands. This coastal area of Italy is made up of 5 villages each with its own personality and style. It may be best known for the picturesque homes that are built on steep terraces that line the cliffs overlooking the sea. You will start this fantastic day by meeting your friendly guide at your La Spezia cruise terminal transportation hub. From there, it's a 20-minute walk to the train station where you will begin your adventure. On the walk, you will discover the beautiful and colorful city center of La Spezia while you breathe the scent of the breeze that characterizes this unique port.
Once at the station, you will take the first train to the small town of Manarola, this is where your trekking experience begins. Built on a high rock 70 meters above sea level, Manarola is one of the most charming and romantic of the Cinque Terre villages. Get ready to explore the ancient trails passing through the vineyards and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the colorful houses built on the cliffs. It will seem that you're admiring a work of art!
When you reach the top of the mountain and begin the descent towards Corniglia you will be able to appreciate the charm of this little village that is more than 100 meters high at sea level! The hike time is approximately 3 hours duration. Nestled in the middle of the five towns, Corniglia sometimes gets overlooked due to the myth that there are no beaches. The town, without a port, relied more on farming. They carved the rocky and steep hillside to make it productive to grow grapes on the terraced fields; which are called "fasce" in the local dialect. Their specialties include the white wine of Vernaccia di Corniglia which was known as far back as the 1300s. You'll have one hour approximately to discover and explore on your own the center of Corniglia as you walk through its narrow alleys. This town can be perfect to enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants before continuing with your adventure. Your guide can make suggestions on where to eat; lunch is at your expense.
As soon as you are finished with lunch, you will head to the train station for your next destination, Vernazza. Nestled in the coastline of Liguria, it's an enchanting postcard of pastel-colored tower homes, rocky beaches, and quiet trails. The terraces are covered in vineyards, olive trees, and private gardens. Vernazza is perhaps the crowning jewel among the Cinque Terre, named one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. It is a traffic-free village with architecture characteristic of the area, shops, and monuments. This village has best preserved the aspect of a marine town, the perfect place to relax while you admire the wonderful landscape.
You'll take the train again to your final stop, Riomaggiore where you will have 1-hour of free time to walk through its narrow streets and explore this beautiful village. Admire the particular construction of Riomaggiore and the Gulf of Cinque Terre from the panoramic terrace you will find here.
At the end of the day, you will take the train back to La Spezia where you can walk or take a taxi back to your La Spezia cruise terminal.
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