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Italy

Hiking the Cinque Terre

Program No. 21050RJ
Immerse yourself in a commingling of earth and sea as you explore the coastal walkways and beautiful landscapes of five villages nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
9 days
Program Begins
Le Grazie
Program Concludes
Le Grazie
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
17 ( 7B, 4L, 6D )
Activity Level
There are few places on Earth where the marriage of land and sea is more poetic than the Cinque Terre — the “Five Towns” along the Italian Riviera. Here, fishing villages cling to the hillsides above hidden coves, medieval fortresses still stand guard, vineyards and olive trees thrive in the Mediterranean sun and dramatic cliffs plunge to the sea below. Connecting each of the five towns are centuries-old foot paths that offer intimate views of the sea-swept landscape. Join us on glorious walks amid the beautiful ruins and rugged hillsides of the Cinque Terre. For people who love to hike and experience local culture up close, there is no place better.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Enjoy expert-led walks on stunningly beautiful footpaths connecting the villages of the Cinque Terre.
  • Join the president of the Lunigiana Wine Route on his beautiful property and learn about the local wine, cheeses and focaccia bread.
  • Hike through a chestnut forest to the abandoned and beautifully maintained village of Vergheto.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Arianna Meschia was born and raised in Genoa, Italy. She moved to London to study and work in film production, which greatly developed her organizational and logistical skills. In 2018, she moved to Malawi and volunteered for a year, an experience that improved her communication skills. She travelled across East Africa, covering 5,000 miles from Malawi to Egypt. She also collaborated with several publications, writing articles and reviews of places she visited. Arianna has been leading Road Scholar participants since 2019.
Matteo Mangili was born in Genova, Italy. In 2017, he started working as a travel guide author. Then, in 2022, he traveled solo around South America for six months, and he is currently writing a book about this journey. Matteo is also a certified group leader who has been working on the ground for several years. He enjoys sharing his passion and love for Italy with all his travel companions.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
This program is for experienced hikers. Participants should be confident in their ability to navigate uneven terrain, at times in wet or very warm weather. Hiking up to six hours a day; steep steps, challenging rugged mountain paths & narrow cliff-side trails. Terrain includes tree roots, rocks, loose gravel, slippery sections, and some steep ascents and descents. Due to the nature of the terrain, a good head for heights is necessary. Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are required. Collapsible hiking poles are recommended. Please refer to the activity notes in the day-by-day itinerary for specifics.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.