Cinque Terre & Portofino: Italy Small Group Tour

01 Jun - 05 Jun 2022 (5 Days / 4 Nights)
AUD $2,790

BOOK TOUR

What can you expect?

The Cinque Terre has always captivated the traveller with its extraordinary beauty and rugged coastline. The five villages which make up Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are all steeped with fascinating history and vibrant culture. They have been home to generations of simple fishermen and farmers who carefully built terraces on the steep mountainsides overlooking the sea to produce a stunningly beautiful garden landscape.

We will explore all the five towns including the beautiful Portovenere, Portofino as well as a special visit to Pisa and its iconic leaning tower.

2023 Tour Departure: 31 May 2023 – 04 June 2023 (Available)

What’s included?

All land travel in air-conditioned mini buses.
All train/ferry travel in Cinque Terre.
Accommodation for 4 nights in 3&4 Star hotels in Florence/Monterosso al Mare.
4 Breakfasts / 4 Dinners (Meals include dinners in traditional local restaurants as detailed in the itinerary).
Regional wines and mineral water served with meals.
Admission to all galleries, museums and historical sites included in the itinerary.
Personally guided tours to all towns and services of the tour leaders throughout the tour.

Detailed itinerary

Meals Included: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 1 Florence (D): Your tour leaders will meet you at the hotel in the centre of Florence at 7.00pm. There will be introductions and a small talk on the tour. The group will then enjoy dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Day 2 Florence/Portofino/Monterosso al Mare (BD): After breakfast we journey north west from Florence and Tuscany heading towards the Ligurian Riviera. Before reaching Monterosso and the Cinque Terre, we take in views of the rugged Ligurian coastline and make a stop at the picturesque seaside townof Portofino. There will be some time for travellers to explore the shops and sights of this small but beautiful harbour and have a coffee or a bite to eat at one of the many water side restaurants or bars. Finally, our day ends in the spectacular town of Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost of the five villages of the Cinque Terre, which will be our stay for the next 3 nights. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 Cinque Terre (BD): Today we explore the entire coast of the Cinque Terre by catching the local train from Monterosso to the first of the five towns Riomaggiore. From there we will walk leisurely along the famous Sentiero dell’ Amore (Lover’s Walk) to the village of Manarola where there will be time for you to stop and grab some lunch or coffee. We will also visit the quaint villages of Corniglia and Vernazza before returning to Monterosso for dinner.
Day 4 Monterosso/Portovenere (BD): After breakfast we will catch a ferry from Monterosso to the beautiful seaside town of Portovenere and its tranquil waters of the Golfo dei Poeti. Upon our return in the afternoon the group will have the opportunity to independently explore further any of the towns along the coast. Otherwise, there will be free time to wander through the many local specialty boutiques in Monterosso before our final dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 5 Monterosso/Pisa/Florence (B): We leave the Cinque Terre for Florence. On the way we make a special stop to one of Italy’s most famous landmarks: The Leaning Tower of Pisa which is one of several architecturally important structures in the Piazza dei Miracoli. The LeaningTower is the campanile, or bell tower, of the Cathedral. It is famous for its noticeable lean which has recently had a lot of work done to stop it from falling to the ground. We make our way back to Florence and should arrive in the city by mid-afternoon. The tour ends in Florence.

Pricing

AUD $2,790 pp twin share

The cost of the tour, land content only, is AUD $2,790 per person in twin share accommodation. A deposit of AUD $500 is required to reserve a place on the tour which is non-refundable unless the tour is cancelled. The full balance is due 90 days before departure. Single supplements are available at an additional cost of AUD $650. The tour is costed on a minimum of 6 people travelling on the tour with the maximum number of 14.

Download the full itinerary here. The program appears to be full; however, it is mixed with long restful lunches and leisure time for your enjoyment and comfort. If you need to, you can always take time off from the organised program.

We recommend that you carefully read the terms & conditions applying to Vita Italian Tours.

BOOK TOUR DOWNLOAD ITINERARY

Our guests say it all

Dear Mario and Gianni. I love Italy! I love the countryside and Cinque Terre. Our special lunches – what can I say – unbelievable. It has gone so quickly. Thank you both for your kindness, patience and help. For my first experience in Europe you have made it memorable. Mario the churches – I have not imagined anything like these and your knowledge is like a story and makes them real. Grazie. Arrivederci!

— V Moyes (VIC)
Cinque Terre & Portofino

Thank you for looking after me so well. The tour was everything I wanted it to be and more! You are wonderful company… Accommodation and meals first class and the whole experience enchanting!

— D Worsnop (VIC)
Cinque Terre & Portofino

What a wonderful way to see Cinque Terre - your personal style together with a passionate love for Italy provided the value-added experience for the group. Loved the combination of train and ferry ride to see the 5 towns and plenty of opportunity to walk through at our pace. Excellent accommodation and a highlight was the cooking demonstration. Thanks again. Keep doing what you’re doing.

— J Bellofiore & J Turrisi (VIC)
Cinque Terre & Portofino

Exceptional service. Personal and very enjoyable tour. Looking forward to the next one. Thank you very much for a wonderful few days and the memories.

— R & R Jeffery (NSW)
Cinque Terre & Portofino

Additional information

The weather: it is the start of summer. It can get warm during the day however the evenings are mild. We recommend light, comfortable clothing, a light jacket with your favourite walking shoes. We do not place age limitations on the tour and welcome anyone with a moderate level of physical fitness. It is important to note that the countryside is undulating and hilly. Many hill-towns have their historical centres closed to traffic and therefore lots of walking is required. Be expected to spend a few hours a day at a time on your feet with breaks for sightseeing, coffee and a taste of the local produce.

Items not included:

Airfares.
Travel insurance (it is compulsory for every traveller to have taken out a travel insurance policy in order to partake on a Vita Italian Tours). If you require, we can assist in organising a policy for you.
Admission fees to places other than those specifically itemised in the itinerary.
Meals on tour except when specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Drinks outside normal meal times or additional wine and other drinks in restaurants, including tea and coffee.
Personal transport costs, phone calls and other personal needs.
Accommodation Tax.

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