TRIP AND SIP

Soak up the sights, scents and flavours of the Cinque Terre on this full-day excursion from Portofino. Guests will enjoy hiking along one of Italy’s most glorious stretches of coastline and, for their efforts, earn a delicious lunch at a local winery.

The Cinque Terre, meaning five lands, is a rugged, scenic portion of coastline on the Ligurian Riviera, stretching for eighteen kilometres to the west of the city of La Spezia that comprises five enchanting seaside resorts. Tucked away on the sharply rising cliffs, these fishing and farming villages were shaped by their secluded location. Today, ferries, trains and a few paved roads connect the towns but just imagine how different life must have been here before the late 1800s when the railway was first built. For centuries the Cinque Terre were almost completely isolated and linked exclusively by coastal and hillside trails. Some of the original paths are still in use allowing visitors wonderful views of the jagged coastline and a feel for the difficulties and challenges of living in this still unspoiled, once remote pocket of land. Indeed many believe the best way to appreciate the timeless appeal and breathtaking beauty of the Cinque Terre is to hike along its network of trails.

Meet your driver at your accommodation and relax on the ride to the train station in Levanto. Here your private guide will be waiting ready to lead you on an unforgettable excursion to the realm of the fabulous five. Be prepared for a fair amount of steep uphill walking, rocky paths and uneven steps. Some sections can be challenging and physically demanding but the never-ending procession of amazing vistas rewards your perseverance and will help you make it to the finishing line.

The hike begins in Corniglia. Perched atop a 100-metre-high rocky promontory, this is the only town of the Cinque Terre without direct access to the sea. Upon arrival at the waterfront train station, you are required to ascend some 382 steps to reach the city centre and the starting point of the hiking trail. From here you will enjoy a 3-hour approx. hike that will take you to Manarola, stopping along the way in Volastra for a freshly-prepared meal at a winery. The property is located on the slopes of steep hills that are out of bounds to tractors and mechanical machinery therefore most of the wine-making process must be entrusted to the expert hands and knowledge of man alone. The splendid panoramic position in which the vines grow is a godsend for the grapes and a feast for the eyes, though a massive challenge for vine workers. Everything here, from planting to pruning, from selecting grapes to crushing, is accomplished manually. As you will have the opportunity to taste, these gargantuan efforts are repaid with exquisite wines. Native grape varieties of Bosco, Arbarola and Vermentino benefit from the favourable combination of sunlight, mild weather and salty sea breeze before being expertly turned into white wine and fine Sciacchetrà.

After lunch head downhill to Manarola for a leisurely stroll through its jumble of narrow streets flanked by brightly coloured houses.

Your private chauffeur will be waiting at the train station in Levanto ready to drive you back to your accommodation in Portofino.