The Cinque Terre – 11 Nights
THE CINQUE TERRE is located along a strip of the Mediterranean coastline
between Sestri Levante in the north and La Spezia in the south. It is
a wild and untamed area, with a dramatic coastline and is dotted with
small pretty fishing villages.
You will stay for 11 nights in the village of Monterosso, which has
only limited access and transport connections to the outside world.
You will be using the local train service, as well as local boat services,
to travel to and from the start of the hikes.
This is a moderately graded hiking holiday based in the romantic and
unspoilt region of the Cinque Terre, nestling along the sunny shores
of the Mediterranean, to the south of the Italian Riviera.
The Hotel in Monterosso al Mare is an excellent three star establishment with all bedrooms having en suite bath or shower and toilet. Evening meals will be taken at a nearby restaurant, serving great food and situated right in the seaside.
THE HIKING PROGRAMME is based on moderate hikes mainly at Grade 3, with Grade 2 options as desired, as described below but the actual hikes will be tailored to suit the abilities of the party. Many of the hikes in the Cinque Terre will be based on the upper and lower level coastal paths which stretch along the entire coastline, linking all the 5 major villages from Monterosso al Mare to Portovenere. This is thought by many to be the finest coastal path in Europe. You will also hike to the north of Levanto around villages like Bonassola.
On Day 1 you will be picked up at the Italian arrival airport and transferred by private coach to La Spezia railway station, where you will be escorted on to the train for Monterosso al Mare. On arrival you will again be escorted to your hotel, which is close by.
During the next 10 days you will be taken on 8 escorted hikes along
the coastal footpaths and up into the mountains.
There will be two free days, when you can do your own thing, either
individually or as a group.
On Day 12 you will be escorted to the railway station where you will take the train to La Spezia. Here you will be picked up by private coach and transferred to Pisa Airport for your flight home.
FLORENCE EXTENSION.
Those who wish may extend their holiday in Italy with two or more nights
in Florence. Details on application.
FLIGHTS.
Footloose Europe does not arrange flights to Italy. We can however assist
you by putting you in touch with suitable Travel Agents.
TRAVEL IN ITALY.
The holiday starts on arrival at Pisa Airport. Travel within Italy will
be by private coach, train, local bus and boat as appropriate.
NON-HIKING EXCURSIONS.
Excursion possibilities include the delightful old cities of Pisa and
Lucca, the Italian Riviera resorts of Santa Margherita and Portofino
These will be at extra cost and subject to demand.
HIKING GRADES.
With two Footloose leaders we will be able to offer two hikes on each
of the 8 hiking days to cater for most grades of ability. Where we have
only one Leader, hikes will be a mix of the above, dependent on the
abilities of the group. The distances and ascents / descents may be
modified to suit the needs and abilities of the group members but will
generally be :-
Grade 2 : Up to 3,000 feet of ascent / descent, on way-marked paths.
Terrain may be steeply inclined and rough underfoot, with loose rock
at times. Distances 10-15 miles.
Grade 3 : Up to 1,500 feet of ascent / descent, on way-marked paths.
Terrain may be steeply inclined at times and rough underfoot, with possibly
some loose rock. Distances usually 5 - 8 miles.
PRICING
11Nights, 19th April : £1,260.00
11 Nights, 20th September : £1,260.00
THE PRICE INCLUDES
* 11 nights accommodation in twin or double rooms, all with private
bathroom & toilet, in good quality 3 star hotels.
* 11 evening meals with breakfast each morning.
* All transport costs necessary to fulfil the hiking programme.
* Airport transfers Pisa Airport to / from / between the hotels by deluxe
coach or train.
* Services of one or two Footloose Leaders
* V.A.T. and all local service charges and taxes.
