Fly from the US to Pisa

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Pisa. You will have time to check-in, rest and relax before a welcome talk and dinner this evening. Overnight in Pisa.

Today you will hike and explore the marble quarries of Carrara, possibly the most famous in the word. This is where Michelangelo got the marble for his famous statues. You will then be transferred to Porto Venere. Overnight outside Porto Venere.

This morning a short boat ride will bring you to the biggest island of the region, Palmaria, just seaward of Porto Venere. Palmaria, together with the Cinque Terre and Porto Venere, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been inhabited for at least 5,000 years. You will explore the island's vast Mediterranean vegetation (more than 500 species) and enjoy breathtaking views over Porto Venere and a very impressive 19th-century military fortification. Hiking time: around 3.5 hours, with 900 feet of elevation gain. Overnight outside Porto Venere.

This morning you will leave Porto and hike to Cinque Terre the Five Lands where five beautiful villages hang over the sea: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Built in the 12th century, today they are all part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your hike begins with a steep but rewarding climb up the mountain behind Porto Venere to an expansive viewpoint over the Gulf of Poets. Later, your driver will take you to your hotel in Monterosso. You will have time for a pleasant stroll in the old town or some relaxation at the beach. Hiking time: around 3 hours, with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. Overnight in Monterosso.

Today you will enjoy an unforgettable hike out of the village of Riomaggiore.the southernmost village in the Cinque Terre. Like Monterosso, Vernazza and Manarola, it has two faces. On one side its opening to the sea made fishing essential for its survival, but most of its wealth came from the cultivation of wines and production of wine and olive oil. A system of cultivable terraces was painfully created through the centuries, working the soil and using the stones of this rocky and merciless land to build the terraces. Today the landscape is so incredible that you will think you are suspended between the sky and the sea – but in the past the fierce Ligurian inhabitants had to protect their villages against both the political enemies of the Republic of Genoa and the pirates, which infested the coastline up to the 1700's. Your hike will take us to some of the most important viewpoints of the 5 Terre – and you will get used to spot some of the former watch towers! Hiking time 3 ½ hours – with an elevation gain of 1500 feet. Overnight in Monterosso.

Today you will hike uphill to Punta Mesco, the promontory which is the natural divide between the 5 Lands and the village of Levanto. During the hike you will enjoy some of the most scenic views of the Meriterranean sea and coastline. Hiking time: around 3.5 hours total, with an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet. Overnight in Monterosso.

Today you will enjoy the Italian Riviera with visits to Portofino and Camogli, the two most famous villages on the coast. You will then stop in Recco to enjoy its famous cheesy Focaccia. In the afternoon you will enjoy a walking tour of the beautiful historical center of Genova. Overnight in Genoa.

You will start your hike in beautiful Sestri Levante today. This village is also nicknamed the village of the 2 seas – as its historical centre faces two different gulfs: Baia del Silenzio (bay of Silence) and Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fairy Tales - homage to writer Hans Christian Andersen who lived here for a while). Your hike will be in a Regional Protected area, through a trail sided by beautiful Aleppo Pines and Cork Oaks – a perfect combination with the awesome sea views. Overnight in Genoa.

Transfer to airport for your return flight to the US.