After your individual arrival, you will reach Levanto, which is centrally located on the Ligurian coast. You will then make your own way to your hotel. No activities are planned for today, so you can arrive and relax. Your adventure begins in the evening at 6 pm with a welcome meeting where you'll meet your local guide and fellow travelers. Afterwards, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the city – soak up the maritime atmosphere and perhaps have dinner with your new travel group.

Today your first hike along the coast begins, from Levanto to Monterosso al Mare, the first of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. You'll start by strolling through the old town center of Levanto, past the impressive cathedral and up to the castle. The path then leads to the striking headland of Punta Mesco. Just before reaching it, a short detour to the ruins of an 11th-century hermitage and the remains of the lighthouse is worthwhile. Once at the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and recharge with a picnic. Afterwards, a steep path leads down to Monterosso – a colorful village with houses painted in blue, red, and yellow along the seafront. Take some time to explore the narrow streets before returning to Levanto by regional train. In the afternoon, you'll discover the coast on two wheels: You'll cycle along the old coastal railway line to Framura, which now serves as a flat, beautiful cycle path. The sea views are spectacular, and perhaps you'll enjoy an aperitivo in a stunning spot before heading back to Levanto.

Today a short train ride takes us to Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. Here begins what is probably the most famous hike in the region – the classic coastal walk that connects the villages. First, you stroll through Riomaggiore and along a short section of the Via dell'Amore. Then begins the most beautiful, but also more strenuous, part of the hike through the vineyards – alternatively, you can take the train. Passing through terraced vineyards and small wooded areas, you reach Manarola, a charming village with steep, colorful houses perched above a rocky harbor. The trail continues uphill to the village of Volastra and along one of the most scenic paths in the Cinque Terre. Passing through vineyards and occasional woods, you'll reach Corniglia, perched high above the sea. Afterwards, you'll pass the small hamlet of Prevo and hike through more vineyards and citrus groves before arriving at the impressive fortress of Vernazza. A narrow path leads up and down before a steep descent takes you into the village. After this active day, you can relax with a drink in the picturesque village square at the port of Vernazza with its colorful boats, before taking the train back to Levanto in the late afternoon. Note: Due to recent landslides, the Via dell'Amore and the coastal section between Manarola and Corniglia are not fully accessible. The alternative routes described through the interior are more challenging; those who do not wish to hike them can conveniently take the train.

Today your day starts with a short train ride back to Riomaggiore. From here begins one of the most challenging – and at the same time most rewarding – hikes in Liguria: The trail leads you to Portovenere at the very tip of the peninsula. First, you climb a steep staircase and follow a hilly path to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Montenero. Those wishing to avoid this climb can take the bus. After a short break at the sanctuary, you continue your hike towards Campiglia. Breathtaking views unfold along coastal cliffs and through terraced vineyards. You pass the abandoned village of Lemmen and hike high along the ridge through vineyards and pine forests before stopping in Campiglia for lunch. The tour then continues to Portovenere. From the 16th-century castle hill, spectacular views of the coast unfold – on a clear day, even as far as the white marble peaks of the Apuan Alps. A long staircase leads to St. Peter's Point and into the heart of the village. After some free time in Portovenere, you return to Levanto by public boat – a wonderful opportunity to experience the coast once more from the water.

Today you're moving your base from Levanto to Santa Margherita Ligure. You have the choice: hike part of the way or take the train for the entire leg. If you choose the hike, you'll embark on the so-called Wild West Walk. It begins along the beach, then climbs into the headland and descends to the charming coastal village of Bonassola – a perfect spot for a coffee. From there, you continue through the hills by the sea towards the small village of Framura, a collection of old hamlets distinguished by their red rocks. From the largest hamlet, Costa, a level path leads around the hills, offering magnificent views of the sea. You can decide whether to continue walking to the resort of Deiva Marina or return along the coast for another swim before taking the train to Santa Margherita. Note: If you'd like to take a break or hike less, you can switch to the train at several points. The hike to Framura takes about 3.5 hours (9 km), and to Deiva Marina it takes around 6 hours. Your main luggage will be transported today; you only need to carry your daypack.

Today, the best of the Portofino peninsula awaits you. First, you'll explore the historic center of Santa Margherita Ligure and have the opportunity to do some shopping for your picnic lunch. Afterward, you'll head up into the hills, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the bay. In the late morning, you'll reach Portofino – one of the most famous Ligurian coastal villages and a popular holiday destination for jet-setters. Stroll through the village, visit the church, the castle, and the lighthouse, from which you can overlook the bay (Portofino means "beautiful harbor"). After lunch, the paddling adventure begins: In a small bay near Portofino, you'll receive an introduction to kayaking, and then it's off along the breathtaking headland. After the tour, you can enjoy an aperitivo on the beach, go for a swim, or explore the village before we head back to Santa Margherita. Note: Weather-dependent activities such as kayaking may be postponed to the next day if necessary.

Today, how you spend your day is entirely up to you. You can relax in Santa Margherita Ligure, stroll through the charming town center, or enjoy the beach. If you wish, you can also take the train to Camogli or Genoa to explore these fascinating cities. For hiking enthusiasts, a tour across the hills of the Portofino peninsula is highly recommended. From the small hamlet of Ruta, the path leads past magnificent villas from the late 19th century up to Monte Portofino, the peninsula's highest point. From there, you can hike along various routes to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso – an 11th-century masterpiece accessible only on foot or by boat. The trails wind through verdant forests, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Tigullio and the Golfo Paradiso. After arriving, you can visit the abbey or take a refreshing swim before continuing by boat to Camogli. There you will have time to explore the colorful old town, enjoy a drink on a terrace, or try a delicious gelato.

Our journey together ends after breakfast. Santa Margherita Ligure is well connected by train to other Italian cities, including Genoa, Milan, Florence, and Pisa. If you would like to spend a few extra nights in Santa Margherita, we would be happy to help you book accommodation.