This 6-day trip from Genoa to the picturesque Cinque Terre region in Northern Italy promises an unforgettable experience filled with stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural history. Here is how to make the most of this journey, focusing on the convenience and beauty that await in the five Cinque Terre villages.
Begin your adventure in Genoa, a bustling port city known for its historical centre and vibrant atmosphere. If you’re arriving by air, you’ll land at Genoa Airport, located just a short distance from the city centre. From here, you can take a taxi, bus service or the Airlink service to reach the main train stations: Genova Porta Principe or Genova Brignole (which is the easiest way to get around Cinque Terre).
Once at the train station, find trains and purchase your train tickets for the final destination in the Cinque Terre. You have a few options: the intercity and regional trains. The train ride from Genoa to Cinque Terre typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the type of train you choose.
You'll travel along the beautiful Italian coastline by boarding a direct train from Genova Brignole station or Genova Piazza Principe. The route offers breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea, passing through charming towns like Sestri Levante and Levanto before reaching La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre, meaning "Five Lands," consists of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each village has its own unique charm and character, all nestled within the Cinque Terre National Park. To fully experience the beauty of Cinque Terre, consider purchasing the Cinque Terre Card, which allows unlimited travel on the Cinque Terre Express trains that connect the villages.
The highlight of a trip to Cinque Terre is undoubtedly the hiking trails that connect the villages. Starting your hike in Monterosso al Mare, you can follow the trail to Vernazza town, passing through terraced vineyards and olive groves. From Vernazza, the path continues to Corniglia, a village perched on a cliff with a long staircase leading to the beach. The trail then winds through lush landscapes to Manarola, where you can enjoy a glass of local wine at a seaside café. Finally, the route leads to Riomaggiore, marking the end of the Cinque Terre walking tour.
A walking tour from Genoa to Cinque Terre offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re meandering through the historical centres of the villages or hiking along scenic trails, each step reveals the unique charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site. With convenient train services, a well-marked trail system, and a wealth of local hospitality, this journey promises to be a highlight of any Italian itinerary.This 6-day trip from Genoa to the picturesque Cinque Terre region in Northern Italy promises an unforgettable experience filled with stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural history. Here is how to make the most of this journey, focusing on the convenience and beauty that await in the five Cinque Terre villages.
Begin your adventure in Genoa, a bustling port city known for its historical centre and vibrant atmosphere. If you’re arriving by air, you’ll land at Genoa Airport, located just a short distance from the city centre. From here, you can take a taxi, bus service or the Airlink service to reach the main train stations: Genova Porta Principe or Genova Brignole (which is the easiest way to get around Cinque Terre).
Once at the train station, find trains and purchase your train tickets for the final destination in the Cinque Terre. You have a few options: the intercity and regional trains. The train ride from Genoa to Cinque Terre typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the type of train you choose.
You'll travel along the beautiful Italian coastline by boarding a direct train from Genova Brignole station or Genova Piazza Principe. The route offers breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea, passing through charming towns like Sestri Levante and Levanto before reaching La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre, meaning "Five Lands," consists of five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each village has its own unique charm and character, all nestled within the Cinque Terre National Park. To fully experience the beauty of Cinque Terre, consider purchasing the Cinque Terre Card, which allows unlimited travel on the Cinque Terre Express trains that connect the villages.
The highlight of a trip to Cinque Terre is undoubtedly the hiking trails that connect the villages. Starting your hike in Monterosso al Mare, you can follow the trail to Vernazza town, passing through terraced vineyards and olive groves. From Vernazza, the path continues to Corniglia, a village perched on a cliff with a long staircase leading to the beach. The trail then winds through lush landscapes to Manarola, where you can enjoy a glass of local wine at a seaside café. Finally, the route leads to Riomaggiore, marking the end of the Cinque Terre walking tour.
A walking tour from Genoa to Cinque Terre offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re meandering through the historical centres of the villages or hiking along scenic trails, each step reveals the unique charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site. With convenient train services, a well-marked trail system, and a wealth of local hospitality, this journey promises to be a highlight of any Italian itinerary.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Free Time in Genoa
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After your arrival, you have time to explore Genoa on your own. Offering both splendour and grit, Genoa is an intriguing city that's rich in art and notable architecture. Discover this labyrinth of narrow streets and inner courtyards and the rich heritage of the city. The 13th-century church, Genoa castle, the seductive landscape of the hill and the beautiful beach are all worth visiting.
Accommodation
Hotel Brignole★3 star
Activities
Cattedrale di San LorenzoOptional Activity
Royal Palace Museum GenoaOptional Activity
Destinations
Genoa
Day 2
Begin Your Genoa and Cinque Terre Walking Tour
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Arrive by bus in Camogli on the north coast of the Ligurian coast. Camogli is a picturesque fishing village and tourist resort with pastel-coloured houses of several floors, some of which date from the 13th and 14th centuries. Continue to walk to Portofino, a seaside haven that has drawn artists, filmstars and celebrities for decades and continues to entice with its glamorous superyachts. The last leg to Santa Margherita Ligure is by bus or boat.
Accommodation
Hotel Brignole★3 star
Activities
Camogli
Walk to Portofino
Transportations
Train from Genoa to Camogli
Boat from Portofino to Santa Margherita Ligure
Train from Santa Margherita Ligure to Piazza del Principe, 55
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Genoa
Camogli
Portofino
Day 3
Train to Vernazza and walk to Corniglia
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You take a train to Vernazza and start your walk along the coast to Corniglia. Enjoy a cool drink in the village then up to the hilltop village of Volastra. Take the superb route overlooking the sea and crossing the vineyards to Manarola, the smallest village in the Cinque Terre, and wedged between the Ligurian Sea and the mountains. There is a shortstop in the village then to the hilltop village of Volastra. There is a possibility to swim and explore the alleys.
Accommodation
Da Baranin B&B Cinque Terre
Activities
Walk from Vernazza to Corniglia
Transportations
Train from Genoa Terminal to Cinque TerreOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Genoa
Manarola
Day 4
Walk from Manarola to Monte Capri
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Your Cinque Terre walking tour continues today. Starting from Manarola you will hike to Monte Capri, offering splendid panoramic views of the coast. On the way back, you can stop at Groppo for a tasting of local wines (not included).
Accommodation
Da Baranin B&B Cinque Terre
Activities
Walk from Manarola to Monte Capri and Back
Groppo Wine CoopOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast and lunch
Destinations
Manarola
Groppo
Day 5
Walk the Via Alta to Portovenere and Back
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Go for a beautiful hike on the Via Alta, on the ridge above the Cinque Terre to Portovenere, the southern tip of this peninsula, and a charming small village that is typical of this region. This is a superb route overlooking the sea and crossing the vineyards will take you back to Manarola.
Accommodation
Da Baranin B&B Cinque Terre
Activities
Walk to Portovenere on the Via Alta and Back
Portovenere
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Manarola
Portovenere
Day 6
Finish Your Genoa and Cinque Terre Walking Tour
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You take a train to Genoa. At the train station in Genoa, a driver will be waiting to accompany you to the airport.
Transportations
Train from Manarola to GenoaOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Manarola
Notes
Genoa Train station
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What’s included?
5 nights accommodation
6 activities
5 breakfasts and 1 lunch
Entrance fees
What’s not included?
Airport transfer
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
Ground transportation
International flights
Laundry
Licensed English speaking guides
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 1,801/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
Italy in 6 days
3-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
