Relaxed Trails of the Cinque Terre

Take a local train from Genoa, Pisa or Florence, (depending on where you fly into) to Camogli, a delightful and picturesque seaside town situated just north of Portofino. It's a pleasure to wander the narrow stone-paved streets and take in its laid back ambience. With houses of apricot, cinnamon and amber, its easy to see why Camogli's beauty is reminder of the village's longtime maritime power and history as a thriving seaport.

You will be picked up at your Camogli accommodation and taken to Portofino, ready for your hike after the 30-minute journey. Since the hike is fairly short you can spend time in Portofino first if you wish. Cradled by a pretty piazza, this town is a magnet to the rich and famous - it's here where Richard Burton proposed to Elizabeth Taylor in a fancy local hotel! After exploring Portofino embark on your hike to Santa Margherita Ligure. First you head around the coast where there are fantastic views of the upcoming headlands, then you work your way inland and upwards on stone steps. Follow shady cobbled pathways (which you will welcome if it is hot!) above the sea with dramatic views as you pop out of the trees and reach viewpoints. Santa Margherita Ligure then comes into view with its lovely harbour. A vibrant town, its also worth an explore upon arrival. Your App tracks take you all the way to the local train station where its easy to board a train back to Camogli (a 15-minute journey).

Elevation Gain: 239m/784ft, Elevation Loss: 237m/777ft

Today you leave lovely Camogli behind and head into the heart of the Cinque Terre. An included transfer brings you into the hamlet of Montaretto and its tiny church. This hamlet is situated north and west of Bonassola and first you descend down to the hiking trail and follow it into the town. Bring a walking stick(s) today as it will assist you with the descent. Stunning views abound. You then find yourself in the delightful town of Bonassola. Here it is well worth pausing to check out the seafront and perhaps have delicious lunch in a piazza before walking onto Levanto. Here we have chosen to take you through the old railways tunnels on an easy walk, where you pop out and see the view every now and again. Levanto is also an impressive town and worth an explore before heading to the station and boarding a train to Monterosso, your next overnight destination. At this point you can use your Cinque Terre Train Pass to get from Levanto to Monterosso.

Elevation Gain: 84m/275ft, Elevation Loss: 337m/1105ft

Take advantage of your Cinque Terre Rail Card and today discover these five ancient fishing villages which are all connected by train. Each village has their own personality, and being only a few minutes away from each other by train, it's possible to stop by as many as you like. Monterosso, you may well have already had time to explore, since this is where your overnight stays are. It's a town split in two by a tunnel and also the medieval Aurora tower. Vernazza the next village south is the perfect spot to savour some seafood specialities as its piazza and narrow streets are lined with restaurants. Take the steep steps up to Doria Castle for awe-inspiring views over the village and sea. Manarola is immersed in cliffside vineyards, Corniglia is the smallest and very quaint, and Riomaggiore, the furthest south, is situated between two hills and has a botanical garden.

Today use your Cinque Terre Train & Rail Pass to go to Vernazza and the start of today's hike. Although short in distance, this well-trodden section of the Azure Trail should not to be underestimated. You'll be walking up 500 stone steps, so take your time and soak in the diversity of landscapes and lush flora, including oaks, heathers and juniper.

Perhaps explore Vernazza today if you wish instead of yesterday when you can explore the other villages. The choice is yours!

Elevation Gain: 203m/666ft, Elevation Loss: 208m/682ft

An included transfer brings you to the town of Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (transfer time of 1 hour and 10 minutes). Store your luggage at the hotel before taking off to explore this town. A walking tour in the app takes you to the Chiesa di San Pietro on the edge of the old town, through its delightful streets. Stroll along the coastal pathway and soak in the tremendous views. Spend time in its picturesque harbour with views of Palmeria Island across the water, where you will walk tomorrow.

Tonight dine al fresco if the weather permits on freshly-caught seafood and local pasta.

Elevation Gain: 55m/180ft, Elevation Loss: 58m/190ft

After a leisurely breakfast take a delightful 5-minute ferry ride to Palmeria Island, which you can see across the small channel of water called "Le Bocche" from Portovenere. People inhabit the island so the little ferries run all year round, but they are more common in season (usually every 30 minutes, depending on the day, with two ferry companies to choose from).

Upon arrival in Terrazzo, take a loop hike around the island that has fantastic views over the nearby smaller islands of Tino and Tinetto and towards the Italian mainland. You pass points of interest along the way, such as Forte Umberto 1 (a short detour off the trail via a little footpath). It was built last century and used as a prison until the 1950s. In the spring the wildflowers will be in abundance and there are 500 different types of flora which can be seen all-year round. Spot local birds such as the peregrine falcon or a kestrel. Goats here are also prevalent and have become quite friendly due to them being fed by visitors.

Elevation Gain: 265m/870ft, Elevation Loss: 264m/866ft

Today is the day you say Ciao to Italia! You will be picked up at your accommodation in Portovenere and taken to La Spezia Train Station, where you are free to travel onto your departure city.