Cinque Terre deserves more than just a quick “been there, done that”—these are living, breathing places best experienced at a leisurely pace, not a 48-hour sprint. This 8-day self-guided adventure lets you walk Cinque Terre’s iconic paths over the course of a week, leaving room to pause, explore, and enjoy at your own speed, with arranged lodgings and suggested routes. You’ll hit the famous spots, but the real treat is uncovering trails that usually stay off the radar. Whether it’s a quick espresso, a double gelato, or an hour at a viewpoint, you set the pace of your dolce vita adventure here.
This Cinque Terre and Portofino tour lets you experience the Italian Riviera at your own pace, combining stunning coastal hikes with charming villages and historic sites! Wander the colorful cliffside villages of the Cinque Terre, traverse ancient trails and staircases, and explore terraced vineyards overlooking the Ligurian Sea. On the Portofino Peninsula, discover picturesque harbor towns and an 11th-century abbey. With accommodations arranged, maps and routes provided, and plenty of flexibility, this tour makes it easy to fully enjoy one of Italy’s most iconic coastlines.
Arrive in Levanto, a town bathed by the sea on one side and framed by the green Apennine mountains on the other. This idyllic setting makes it the perfect base for exploring the Cinque Terre and the surrounding coastline. Hotel check-in is available from around 4pm, after which you’ll have time to stroll through the center of Levanto or take a refreshing swim before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Levanto
On the first day of hiking, you’ll make your way to Monterosso al Mare along a scenic coastal path with beautiful beaches. The trail begins with a climb to Punta Mesco, one of the region’s most remarkable viewpoints and a perfect spot for a picnic. Nearby, you can detour to explore the ruins of an 11th-century hermitage and a lighthouse with stunning views of the rugged coastline. From there, a steep path descends into Monterosso, a vibrant village of blue, red, and yellow houses along the beach. You’ll have time to explore before returning to Levanto by train (not included), or, for a longer option, follow a forested inland trail back to Levanto.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 7.8-13.7 km (4.9-8.5 mi), 4-6 hours
Elevation: +/-350-700 m (1,148-2,297 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Levanto
Today’s hike leaves Levanto heading west, crossing the first hills before descending into the small town of Bonnassola. After a short detour to the scenic “Jump of Lepre” lookout point, you continue to Framura, where you can either hike a loop back to the village or carry on to Deiva Marina further along the coast. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming seaside villages, perfect for a break or lunch at a local café. From any of these towns, you can also take the train back to Levanto (ticket not included) if you’d like to shorten the hike.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 15.3 km (9.5 mi), 5-7 hours
Elevation: +/-500-700 m (1640-2,297 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Levanto
Today begins with a train ride (ticket not included) to Manarola, a picturesque village of colorful houses overlooking a rocky harbor. From here, a panoramic trail leads up to Volastra, set among olive groves and terraced vineyards. At a crossroads, you’ll choose between two routes: descending to Corniglia, a village perched on a cliff above the sea, or continuing toward the Cigoleta Pass and down to Vernazza via the Madonna San Bernardino.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 7.4-11.4 km (4.6-7.1 mi)
Elevation: +/-300-600 m (984-1,969 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Levanto
Today begins with a train ride (ticket not included) to Riomaggiore, where you start hiking toward Campiglia and Portovenere. A climb up a series of stairs leads to the sanctuary of Madonna di Montenero, followed by a panoramic path along coastal cliffs and terraced vineyards with sweeping views of the Ligurian Sea. Continuing on the “Sentiero Rosso,” the ridge trail that spans the Cinque Terre, you’ll reach the hamlet of Campiglia for a break at one of its cafés. The descent then takes you through pine forest and narrow paths with lookout points before arriving at Portovenere, where a 16th-century castle overlooks the village and the distant Apennine peaks. A long staircase brings you into the heart of town, with time to explore its charming streets and Punta San Pietro before returning to Levanto by train (ticket not included).
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 12.4 km (7.7 mi), 6 hours
Elevation: +/-650 m (2,133 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Levanto
From Levanto, take the train to Camogli (ticket not included) and drop off any extra luggage at your hotel. From there, begin exploring the scenic Portofino Peninsula, hiking toward the 11th-century Abbey of San Fruttuoso, tucked away in a secluded bay accessible only by foot or boat. The trail winds through aromatic Mediterranean forests, passes the Church of San Rocco, and offers numerous panoramic viewpoints. From San Fruttuoso, you can return by boat (not included) or continue on foot for a longer hiking option.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 4.6-10.5 km (2.9-6.5 mi), 4-7 hours
Elevation: +292-800 m (960-2,620 ft), -505-800 m (1,660-2,620 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Camogli
Begin the day with a train transfer to Santa Margherita (ticket not included), where you’ll have time to explore this elegant port town. From there, hike to the colorful village of Portofino. For a longer adventure, continue past Portofino to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso from the opposite direction of the previous day’s hike, enjoying spectacular views over the Gulf of Genoa. Return to Santa Margherita by boat (not included) and then take the train back to Camogli and your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 6.1-10.5 km (3.8-6.5 mi), 4-7 hours
Elevation: +/-250-650 m (820-2,133 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Camogli
After breakfast, it’s time to pack up and check out. Your self-guided Cinque Terre and Portofino tour officially comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
At times, adjustments to the planned itinerary may be required due to logistics such as fully booked accommodations, trail closures, or unfavorable weather. Please note that any changes are always made with your best interests in mind, with your safety and comfort as the top priority.
As for onsite payments—a few of them are not included in the package and should be budgeted for during your trip. These may include entry fees for site visits, such as Trail No. 2 (around €10), as well as local train or bus rides, typically between €5 and €10 each way. Meals like picnics or lunches will vary in cost depending on your preferences, and optional boat trips range from €8 to €40, depending on the route and whether you choose a round trip. More info at Prices and timetable of boats in Cinque Terre.
I enjoyed discovering Cinque Terre and trying to understand how the villagers and farmers lived.
Very good, because we were able to do the visits and hikes at our own pace.
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
In order to join this Cinque Terre & Portofino tour, good fitness is required. Though the trails are well maintained with no technical challenges, some sections are uneven or slightly inclined. Expect to walk up to 5 hours a day, often under the sun and over rocky ground. Paths are generally well marked, but you’ll need to follow the guidebook and maps provided in your travel pack. The tour is best suited for hikers in good physical condition with some regular hiking experience.
The most you’ll hike within a day is 13.7 km (8.5 mi), with up to 800 m (2,620 ft) in elevation gain. There will be options to either extend or shorten your day, learn about day-by-day distances in the itinerary.
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The following items are required for this Cinque Terre & Portofino tour. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.
Avoid cotton or cycling-specific clothing. Synthetic fabrics dry quickly and perform well in active conditions. Merino wool is also an excellent option — it dries fast, is comfortable to wear, and naturally resists odors even after extended use.
You’ll be staying at just two hotels during the tour, which keeps things simple. The only time you’ll need to handle your own luggage is when switching hotels on Day 6.
Clothing:
Gear:
First aid kit suggestions:
Carrying a basic personal first aid kit is strongly advised, as unforeseen situations may arise during travel. Access to medications and first aid supplies can be limited in certain destinations, making it essential to bring necessary prescription and over-the-counter items. Travel plans, vaccinations, and medication use should be reviewed with a healthcare provider in advance to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
Here’s a basic list of what’s generally a good personal travel first aid kit:
Optional items:
Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this self-guided Cinque Terre & Portofino tour, we take care of…
Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!
Digital travel package includes documents available in English, French, and German, sent by email, and provides access to a smartphone travel application for navigating hikes and accessing local maps (available in English only). It also contains the list of booked accommodations, and all the detailed information needed for a successful trip. If desired, a printed version of the travel package can be provided for an additional fee; it will be ready and available at the first accommodation of the itinerary, including maps, a topo guide, and a travel folder—you can add this at checkout.
As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.
Group sizes and pricing
Cinque Terre & Portofino tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this Cinque Terre & Portofino tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
The starting point of your Cinque Terre & Portofino tour is Levanto, Italy. To get there, most people fly into Pisa Airport (PSA) or Genoa Airport (GOA). From there, you can rent a car or board a train to reach Levanto—it will take you around 1.5 hours.
Hotel check-in is available from 4pm onwards, but if you arrive earlier, feel free to drop your luggage off at the hotel.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
I enjoyed discovering Cinque Terre and trying to understand how the villagers and farmers lived.