Hike the Mediterranean Paradise of Cinque Terre

Welcome to Cinque Terre, where a week of hiking along the Italian Riviera unfolds above the warm Mediterranean, winding through olive groves, vineyards, and brightly painted villages. Set on Liguria’s dreamy coastline, these five historic towns invite us to slow down, explore on foot, and experience Italy the way it’s meant to be felt.

Each day, we follow scenic trails carved into cliffs and hillsides, with the sea always shimmering below, the tang of salty air never far away. Evenings bring quiet moments, glowing sunset, and well-earned rest.

As our week comes to an end, we’ll understand why Italy is called Bel Paese—a beautiful country best discovered step by step.

This boot is made for hiking—and that’s just what you’ll do

This guided week-long hiking journey lets us experience Cinque Terre at a slower, richer pace, with a single coastal hotel as our base for the entire stay. No daily packing or hotel changes—just well-planned walks, expert guidance, and the freedom to fully enjoy the trail.

Beyond hiking, we dive into local culture through a hands-on cooking class and regional wine tasting, sharing experiences most visitors never get to enjoy. It’s a more intimate, authentic side of Cinque Terre—perfect for travelers who value comfort, connection, and depth.

Stretching from the vineyards of Riomaggiore to the beaches of Monterosso, this coastline was shaped by centuries of isolation. Long before roads existed, villages were linked by narrow footpaths carved into the cliffs. Today, those same historic trails form one of Europe’s most celebrated hiking routes, inviting us to explore this UNESCO-listed landscape on foot.

  • COLORFUL VILLAGES
  • MEDITERRANEAN COAST
  • DELICIOUS ITALIAN FOOD
  • VIBRANT ARCHITECTURE
  • RICH HISTORY & CULTURE
  • COOKING CLASS & WINE
  • FULLY SUPPORTED

A weeklong feast for the senses

SEASIDE STROLLS UNDER THE MEDITERRANEAN SUN

The villages of Cinque Terre tumble from the cliffs above the Ligurian Sea in vibrant color, inviting us to wander cobbled lanes, harbors, and scenic walkways at an easy pace. Dolce vita moments unfold naturally, set against pastel villages and shimmering coastal views.

Throughout the week, we explore Cinque Terre and beyond, uncovering hillside paths, quiet corners, and neighboring landscapes most travelers never see. Between walks, we enjoy local cuisine, vineyard-lined terraces, and sweeping Ligurian panoramas—immersed in the true rhythm of the region.

Life on the colorful, busy streets of Cinque Terre
Aerial view of the village of Monterosso al Mare in Cinque Terre

A TASTE OF CINQUE TERRE

This journey goes beyond hiking, offering meaningful connections to local food and wine. In the hillside village of Volastra, we explore vineyard terraces and an open-air wine museum, ending with a tasting of regional wines paired with local snacks and sweeping views over the coast.

In Monterosso, we come together for a hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare traditional pasta with fresh pesto alongside a local host. With beautiful coastal views as our backdrop, we share the meal we’ve created—an authentic, memorable taste of Cinque Terre culture.

cooking class cinque terre
cinque terre lemons

Your Italian adventure lies ahead

Take five and enjoy life in Cinque Terre

SEASIDE HOTEL & HARBOR VIEWS

We’ll call NH La Spezia home for the entire adventure—right on the harbor, near Cinque Terre, and cafés galore. Most rooms look out over the sea, all are newly renovated, quiet, and comfortable. Best of all, we unpack once and settle in—no daily hotel changes, no constant repacking!

This single-base stay keeps things wonderfully flexible: if someone needs a rest day, they can relax at the hotel without disrupting the group. Single rooms are available for solo travelers, and we’ll enjoy a great restaurant and rooftop cocktails—an ideal setup for a week-long trip and a more relaxed pace.

FEEL THE OLD-TIME CHARM

Cinque Terre’s car-free villages, ancient stone architecture, and unhurried pace make it feel like a step back in time. Life here unfolds much as it has for centuries, with movement shaped by footpaths and rail rather than roads—inviting us to slow down and experience the region in a more traditional way.

Beyond the five villages, we explore the surrounding coastline and history, including Porto Venere, home to a dramatic cliffside church and deep literary roots. For those drawn to heritage and quiet reflection, we also encounter age-old sanctuaries and historic routes that reveal the spiritual heart of this remarkable landscape.

manarola village
hiking above cinque terre

Your guide

Originally from Bergamo, Riccardo blends an engineer’s precision with a pilgrim’s curiosity. His long walks along the Via Francigena led him to Lunigiana, where he chose to settle and work as an environmental hiking guide. Drawing on his technical and managerial background, Riccardo has spent years designing and leading meaningful group journeys in Italy and abroad. Driven by curiosity and a deep respect for place, he believes travel is one of the most powerful ways to learn, connect, and share stories.

In this region, we collaborate with a trusted local association of guides, so while Riccardo may not lead every departure, rest assured—you’ll be in excellent hands. All our guides are friendly, highly qualified, and deeply knowledgeable, bringing their own local insight and personality to the experience.

riccardo italy
Elaine Richards

Franco was an incredible guide who lives in the area. He adapted the itinerary to suit the weather and took us to local watering spots with amazing views. He organised the train and park tickets on our behalf which made life easier for us.

Lisa

I recently did the guided tour of the cinque terre. I don’t often provide feedback but this tour was amazing. You can’t go wrong when you have a back drop of the cinque terre but what made the tour was the very knowledgable guide Stefano. His knowledge of the Cinque Terre walks, history and nature was fantastic, he was always willing to answer our questions. It was great having an Italian guide, not only did we learn about the region but also Italian culture in general. The food and accommodation was also very good.

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