Italy: Genoa & the Cinque Terre

This tour is one of our Self-Guided Walking Adventures, rated moderate with challenging sections. This tour is more of a hiking than a walking experience. You should be in excellent physical condition with good balance and no orthopedic or cardiovascular conditions. While hikes only average 2 to 4 miles per day, there are significant daily ascents and descents up to 1,200 feet on steep paths and steps. The Cinque Terre region is characterized by extremely hilly and rocky terrain and very few stretches of flat walking. Ascents range from 30 to 45 minutes, beginning with 10 to 20 minutes of steep stair climbing on high stone steps. The hiking trails level out for periods of time and then descend steeply, also over stone steps. The terrain is mainly single-track trails, rocky with loose gravel. Paths are sometimes cobbled, hard-packed dirt, uneven stone steps, and pine needle-covered dirt through wooded areas, and occasionally paved. The itinerary includes three different Natural Protected Areas: Portofino, Punta Manara, and Cinque Terre. Most of the hikes are in oak and pine forests, through rugged hills dotted with Mediterranean herbs and shrubs, terraced farmland, and hillside vineyards. Some of the hikes have little coverage from the sun, which, depending upon the temperature, can increase the challenge of this tour. Despite the paths being along the coast, they are well protected by vegetation and vertigo is not an issue, except in the Cinque Terre National Park, where a second option is available. A walking stick is highly recommended, even if you do not usually use one. There are no easier walking options available except for very short strolls in towns or on flat promenades by the sea. However, the availability of local trains and boats provides plenty of flexibility and opportunities to skip the walks and explore the authentic fishing villages or bustling towns of the Italian Riviera, visit historical sites, or, depending on the time of year, to swim in the Ligurian Sea. Remember: preparation is the key to ensuring your tour readiness; the more you walk or participate in aerobic exercise prior to your trip, the more you will enjoy your experience!

Alternate options may be available
**Route mileage, hours, and elevation gain/loss are all approximate
***Elevation gain/loss indicated if greater than 500 feet