DAY 1
Arrival and walking tour of Genoa; 2-miles, easy city walking. Nozarego to Portofino; 2 miles, easy to moderate. Transfer to Monterosso al Mare
Benvenuta! After a brief welcome gathering, we set out on a walking tour of the historical port of Genoa, a city whose claim to fame includes native son, Christopher Columbus, along with a wealth of architecture and art. We learn about its powerful past as one of four Maritime Republics (along with Venice, Pisa, and Amalfi) due to its flourishing trade with the East, shipbuilding, and banking. A seaside restaurant beckons mid day, where we enjoy the first of many delicious meals. Afterward, a private transfer brings us to the village of Nozarego, from whose charming sanctuary we set off on a walk through olive groves, and past stands of chestnut trees to the seaside resort of Portofino. This picturesque village, nestled into a cove between hills, is a favorite of the jet set, and its harbor is sprinkled with yachts from around the world. You may choose to relax at a café in the main piazza, overlooking the boats and sipping a cappuccino or enjoying a gelato (ice cream). There is time to explore the small streets and browse the town’s boutiques and shops. Those in search of additional pristine views can walk to the lighthouse at Punta del Capo. Late afternoon, we continue on to Monterosso al Mare, the first of the five Cinque Terre villages and also our home base for the next three days. Upon checking in to our comfortable hotel, we reunite for an exquisite welcome dinner of bountiful seafood antipasti, fresh herbs, colorful produce, local fish, and regional pesto pasta dishes.
Hotel Palme, Monterosso al Mare

DAY 2
Cinque Terre: Monterosso - Riomaggiore by boat; Riomaggiore - Manarola and vineyard trail; 2-3 miles, easy. Afternoon options 2.5-5 miles, moderate to challenging with elevation gain and loss of approximately 700-900 feet
After a typical Italian buffet breakfast of coffee, breads/pastries, cheese, yogurt, cereals, and fruit we set out to discover the “The Five Lands” of the Cinque Terre. Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are five, small, remote fishing villages strung along the coast northwest of La Spezia. They are linked by boat, rail, and footpath which allows for customized walking experiences and options. While Monterosso is the largest and most developed of the towns, Vernazza, with its pink slate-roofed houses and picturesque piazzas, has the best-equipped port. Corniglia is the highest of the Cinque Terre villages, perched more than 300 feet above the sea on a promontory. The cozy, classic seaside town of Manarola is the center of Cinque Terre’s wine production. The Via del’Amore (Road of Love) connects Manarola to Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the Cinque Terre towns. We reach the small harbor of Riomaggiore by boat and explore its village and castle. Afterward, we walk the Via del’Amore to Manarola. Those who wish can explore the vineyard trail--a half hour circuit through the terraced hills around the village. After lunch, there is the option to return to Monterosso by boat, or to continue on foot along well-established, though rigorous, trails to or from the charming villages of Corniglia or Vernazza. This evening we reunite for a dinner of typical Ligurian specialties at a fantastic restaurant. Hotel Palme, Monterosso al Mare

DAY 3
Val Graveglia; 4 miles, easy to moderate. Visit of Gambatesa Mines
This morning we travel inland (1-hour journey) to Val Graveglia, an area with a mining history that pre-dates the Roman conquest (to the Copper and/or Bronze Ages, as evidenced by the discovery of ancient tools). Our walk traces a trail around Monte Bossea, part of the Ligurian Appenine Mountains. We stop at a cheese factory, or caseificio, an active water mill where flour is made, and finally at a bakery, where we pick up supplies for a picnic lunch of typical focacce and vegetable tarts. After sampling the local products, we embark on a special train journey into the mine, followed by a walking tour, where we learn about the minerals unique to this region and gain insight into the lives of the local miners. On our return to Monterosso, there is time to relax before an evening of independent strolling and dining; your guide(s) will provide suggestions from among the many dining experiences available in Monterosso al Mare. Hotel Palme, Monterosso al Mare

DAY 4
Transfer to Portovenere. Isola Palmaria, 2-6 miles, easy to moderate, with challenging options
We bid farewell to Monterosso this morning and transfer to Portovenere, a Roman-Byzantine town, spectacularly situated on the Golfo dei Poeti (Gulf of Poets). The gulf is so named because many poets, including Dante, Petrarch, Byron, and Shelley, have sung its praises—even the boats in the harbor sport romantic names inspired by these famous authors. Mid-morning, we board a boat for a short trip to the island of Palmaria. This beautiful island, declared a Natural Regional Park, has a network of walking paths with stunning viewpoints of its dramatic cliffs and to neighboring Tino Island. The air is perfumed by luxuriant Mediterranean vegetation such as sage, juniper, and myrtle. Our trail leads to a lovely beach, where there is time for a swim before lunch in a scenic area, shaded by pines. After lunch, the kids return to Portovenere for a pizza and gelato making class. Adults remain on Palmaria for further walking explorations including a visit to an abandoned quarry of black and gold marble or one of the caves where Paleolithic evidence was discovered in the 19th century. Time permitting, we may tour the meticulously restored 19th-century fortress of Umberto I, which now houses a museum dedicated to the oceanography and undersea archeology of the Mediterranean. Late afternoon, both children and parents reunite for some free time before another delicious dinner, featuring the bounty of the region.
Grand Hotel Portovenere, Portovenere

DAY 5
Boat and snorkeling excursion around islands and Tramonti Coast; optional 1-mile, easy walk
After breakfast, we embark on a scenic (and active!) excursion to the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto with optional snorkeling in a shallow water zone along the Tramonti Coast. In addition to swimming alongside colorful Mediterranean fish, there is an option for an easy walk to the remains of a monastery, surrounded by unique vegetation. We return to Portovenere ready to refuel at a local osteria,indulging in seafood salads and satisfying pasta specialties. The afternoon offers time to relax at the hotel, or further explore the town, whose highlights include the Genovese Doria Castle and the churches of San Lorenzo and San Pietro. Perched high on a rocky cape overlooking the sea, the 13th-century Gothic San Pietro, with its black- and white-striped exterior is a landmark recognizable from far out at sea. We gather one last time for a memorable alfresco dining experience.
Grand Hotel Portovenere, Portovenere

DAY 6
Arrivederci! Transfer to Genoa for departures
After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer to Genoa, from where you may make connections home, or on to your next destination.

Itinerary Changes
Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Mon, July 14, 2008

Price:
Adult $3,098
Teen $2,798
Child $2,698
*Please note that all pricing is based on double occupancy. A child in her or his own room must pay the tour price plus the single supplement.

Single Supplement: $525

NIGHTS ONE, TWO & THREE:
Hotel Palme - Monterosso al Mare, Italy

A small, simple Mediterranean-style hotel located in a quiet setting by the sea. There is a lovely garden shaded by palm trees, and the hotel is just a short walk from the public beach.

NIGHTS FOUR & FIVE:
Grand Hotel Portovenere - Portovenere, Italy

A former monastery dating back to the year 1300, Grand Hotel Portovenere overlooks the sea toward Palmaria Island. Offers a wellness center with massage and spa treatment services.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality.