Slow-Food: the Hotel Villa Argentina, a lovingly family run hotel in Moneglia, has a restaurant belonging to the Slow food movement which is committed to preserving local food and using locally and ethically produced raw materials. That’s why one evening you will enjoy a superfine meal with the specialties of Slow Food, prepared by the chef of the house, who naturally also belongs to the family.
Benvenuti in Liguria!
1st day: arrival to Moneglia by your own. In the early evening your guide and the family of hotel owners welcome you at the hotel. A delicious aperitif with Prosecco and small typical local appetizers will introduce you to an enjoyable hiking week in Liguria. Dinner.
A herbal path, a village and a story
2nd day: to start your experience in Liguria, take the train for a few stops and get off at the small town Bonassola. From there, you walk on a wonderfully panoramic path to Framura. In addition to its magnificent views, the path offers another peculiarity: here grows, depending on the season, a variety of wild herbs and vegetables that we love and need in the local cuisine: wild asparagus, thyme, savory, mint, myrtle and more. If you are a collector, you should have enough bags with you and be able to use the herbs afterwards dry as a scented reminder of the coast of Liguria. Arrived in Framura meet a young winegrower, who first shows you his beautiful located vineyards and gardens – of course, with sea views. Afterwards awaits you a tasting of his wines, accompanied by various treats of the season. Later you descend through the characteristic hamlets of Framura to the train station.
Walking time: approx. 3 hours, altitude difference +/- 450 m.ia. Dinner.
The wine of the Cinque Terre
3rd day: Train to Corniglia, the smallest village of the Cinque Terre. It is elevated above the sea and has preserved its original character best of all Cinque Terre places. A narrow lane runs through the village to Punta Santa Maria, from where you enjoy a breath-taking view over the cliffs and the sea. The hike starts from Corniglia with a steep ascent through a forest. Then you get to an area which is still most intensively cultivated by the winegrowers. Here in the middle of the vineyards we will give you an insight to the origins of the Cinque Terre, UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park. The impressive cultural landscape steep above the sea, intersected by terraced fields and dry-stone walls with a total length of 7000 km, has been created in centuries of manual labour. The view from here over the coastline and the pastel- coloured houses down by the sea the is overwhelming. After the descent to Manarola you will visit a Sommelier and get a little introduction to the wines of the Cinque Terre. Afterwards, there is still time for a walk through the picturesque village.
Walking time: approx. 3 hours, altitude difference +/- 400 m
Vineyards with sea view
4th day: In the morning you will take the train to Monterosso and do a short visit of the village before setting off on your next hike in the National Park. The path leads through fragrant Mediterranean macchia, orange groves and olive groves and offers breath-taking views over the sea. On the way you pass two beautiful Marian pilgrimage churches of the Cinque Terre, whose shady forecourts are perfect for a picnic. In the afternoon you reach Vernazza, probably the most picturesque village of the Cinque Terre. Here you will meet a wine producer, visit his cellar and of course, taste the wines.
Walking time: approx. 4 hours, altitude difference +/- 550 m
Dolce far niente!
5th day: Today is at leisure. You can use it for a beach day or a trip to the capital of Liguria – Genoa, which has a lot to offer culturally. Of course, we also help you with tips and advice if you want to hike on your own. We did not plan dinner this evening.
Panorama, sea & great wine
6th day: train to Riomaggiore. Hike on an ancient pilgrim path up to the Marian church of Montenero. Here you enjoy a unique view over the entire landscape of the Cinque Terre. Continue through pine forests and vineyards, past abandoned hamlets. Around noon you will reach the small town of Campiglia, where one of the highlights of this trip awaits you. Walter de Batté, one of the most respected winegrowers in Liguria and perhaps Italy, invites you into his wine cellar to share his knowledge and enthusiasm. He is a pioneer in experimenting with new (or even ancient) grape varieties and new working methods both in the vineyard and in the cellar, and he is euphorically celebrated by sommeliers and wine connoisseurs of Italy and around the world. He will explain his wine in a very particular way, and you will be able to join a completely new tasting experience. Everything is accompanied by homemade Ligurian snacks. Afterwards we continue the hike to Portovenere, which is majestic with its huge fortress located at the entrance of the Gulf of La Spezia. Return by ferry boat to Riomaggiore and then by train to Moneglia.
Walking time: approx. 5.5 – 6 hours, altitude difference +/- 550 m
Farewell in Portofino
7th day: Take the train to Camogli, a beautiful harbour and fishing village with historic “skyscrapers” just before Genoa. From here, a panoramic hiking trail through fragrant vegetation and beautiful views to Portofino, probably Italy’s most beautiful fishing village with its picturesque harbour full of white yachts and the pastel-coloured house facades, which nestle against each other.
On the way you will have a lunch break in the “Valley of the Mills” where you will stop in a restored ancient olive mill and try traditional Ligurian specialties while enjoying the homemade wine. Following descent to Portofino and stroll through the elegant village. Ride by ferry boat to Santa Margherita, where there is still some time left for last purchases. From here, take the train back to Moneglia.
Walking time: approx. 3.5 hours, altitude difference +/- 460 m
Arrivederci e alla prossima!
8th day: departure or extension individually.
Prices
Services
- 7 nights in a double room at a 3 star Hotel in Moneglia with half board (7 x breakfast and 6 x dinner). Prosecco aperitif in the hotel.
- Hiking guide for all hikes according to the program
- All transfers by train or boat according to the program.
- 4 Wine tasting with snacks. 1 light lunch in Portofino.
- Cinque Terre National Park entrance fees.
