6 Days • 5 Nights
Cinque Terre & the Italian Riviera
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll ride the coastal train between the Cinque Terre's cliff-clinging villages, walk their vineyard paths, sail to chic Portofino and Santa Margherita, and explore the medieval lanes of Genoa, birthplace of pesto and focaccia. Seafood, white wine and sea views fill every day.
With comfortable seaside hotels and guided excursions, it is the Italian coast at its most charming and colourful.
Trip Highlights
- The five cliff-side villages of the Cinque Terre
- A coastal train and boat along the Ligurian shore
- Chic Portofino and its pastel harbour
- Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli
- The medieval old town of Genoa
- Ligurian food — pesto, focaccia and fresh seafood
- Five nights on the Italian Riviera
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a seafood lunch
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Arrive in the great maritime city of Genoa and settle in. A welcome dinner of Ligurian specialities — trofie al pesto and fresh fish.
A guided walk through Genoa's medieval lanes and grand palaces, then travel down the coast to your base near the Cinque Terre.
A full day exploring the five famous villages — Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore — by the little coastal train and on foot, with sweeping sea views.
A free day to walk a vineyard trail, swim in a cove, or revisit a favourite village at your own relaxed pace.
Travel along the coast for a boat trip to chic Portofino and elegant Santa Margherita Ligure, with time in their pastel harbours.
A final Riviera breakfast before your transfer to Genoa or Milan for your onward flight.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- 5 nights across Genoa, the Cinque Terre coast and Santa Margherita
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Ligurian seafood lunch
- A guided Genoa old-town tour
- A Cinque Terre day with the coastal train and villages
- A boat trip to Portofino and Santa Margherita
- Local guides and a comfortable touring vehicle
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Italy
- Schengen visa or ETIAS fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- City tourist tax (tassa di soggiorno), payable at your hotels
- Optional excursions, experiences and upgrades
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Non-EU visitors generally need a Schengen visa, and many visa-exempt nationalities will need the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation. Your passport should be valid at least three months beyond your stay — we can advise
- Language: The language is Italian, and a warm buongiorno and grazie are always appreciated. English is widely understood in hotels and tourist areas
- Currency: The currency is the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for small cafes, markets and tips
- Tipping: A cover charge (coperto) often applies at restaurants, so tipping is not expected — rounding up for good service is plenty
- Best seasons: Italy is wonderful year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal for touring, summer is hot and busy in the cities, and the Amalfi Coast and Sicily shine from May to October
- Dress code: Churches such as St Peter's and the Duomo require covered shoulders and knees, so carry a light scarf. Smart-casual is ideal for dinner
- Getting around: Italy's Frecciarossa high-speed trains link the cities beautifully, and some legs of your tour may travel by comfortable, scenic rail
- Opening times: Many sites close one day a week and some shops pause midday; the Vatican Museums close on Sundays (except the last of the month). Your itinerary is arranged around this
- Driving zones: Historic city centres have restricted traffic zones (ZTL). We use trains and licensed drivers so you never risk a fine
- Safety: Italy is very safe, but as at any major attraction keep an eye on your belongings on busy transport and in crowded squares
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific lunches and dinners named in the itinerary, such as a Tuscan wine lunch or an Amalfi seafood dinner. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Italy's wonderful trattorias and gelaterias.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your sightseeing, transfers and day tours are arranged with local guides, so there is nothing to organise on the ground.
Do I need a visa for Italy?
Most non-EU visitors need a Schengen visa or the ETIAS authorisation. We can guide you to the right one for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal, with pleasant weather and thinner crowds. The Amalfi Coast and Sicily are loveliest from May to October.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can extend your stay or combine regions. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between cities?
Depending on the route, you travel by comfortable private vehicle or by Italy's superb Frecciarossa high-speed trains, all arranged for you.
How do we get around the Cinque Terre?
The five villages are linked by a frequent little coastal train and by boat, both included, and cars are not needed — it is a wonderfully car-free stretch of coast.
Is there good walking?
Yes — the famous cliff and vineyard trails between the villages are superb, and can be walked in full or in gentle sections depending on your energy and the trail conditions.
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