Frequently Asked Questions

+ Where is Cinque Terre, Italy?

Cinque Terre is five fishing villages located between Genoa and Pisa on the Northwestern Coast of Italy.

+ What are the best Restaurants in Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is known for it's trattorias (local restaurants) and boutique hotels (small but beautiful).

+ What is Cinque Terre known for?

Cinque Terre is known for Pesto, hiking, and scenic views.

+ How do I get to Cinque Terre, Italy?

Cinque Terre can be accessed by train from Genoa, Milan, Florence, or Rome. The closest airport is Genoa.

+ What is the distance from Milan to Cinque Terre?

From Milan to Cinque Terre the distance is roughly 4 hours.

+ What is the distance from Florence to Cinque Terre?

From Florence to Cinque Terre the distance is roughly 4 hours.

+ When is the best time to visit Cinque Terre?

The best time to visit Cinque Terre is late March-June and September-early November when the weather is good and the summer tourists have left. Winter can be quite cold (Dec-Feb) and summer is very busy with travelers (July-August).

Trip Overview
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The vibrant, cliffside houses overlooking the Italian Riveria are an enchanting sight. Rooted in antiquity, Cinque Terre's five villages date back to the medieval period, and each one has something exceptional to offer. A beautiful, aroma-filled botanical garden sits high in the cliffs of Riomaggiore. This village is also known for its otherworldly sunsets, when the reflections of the sun and the colorful houses dance on the water. Vernazza is famous for its caruggi—narrow, winding paths that travel throughout the steep village. If you’re in the mood for some of Italy’s best wine, travel to Manarola, where Sciacchetrà—a fruity wine unique to Cinque Terre—is produced. Despite no direct access to the sea, Corniglia holds its own with the only terrace on Cinque Terre from which you can see the four other towns. The fifth and final village is Monterosso al Mare—the go-to place for white, sandy beaches, fresh anchovies, and fragrant lemons that sweeten the air.

Day 1: Arrive in Cinque Terre
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Arrival Airport: Genoa International Airport

As you travel to the quiet, coastal towns of Deiva Marina and Levanto, a short distance from Cinque Terre, you’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking views in Italy. After arriving at your hotel, unwind in you room, or head down to the nearby beach. To end your first relaxing day of Italian bliss, you’ll enjoy a traditional welcome dinner at the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Carla / Hotel Clelia

Day 2: Cinque Terre Cooking Class
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In the morning, enjoy a buffet breakfast to energize you for the adventures ahead. Fuel up on fresh fruit, fluffy croissants, and flavorful jams. After breakfast head to the cozy village of Montereso. Just after a five minute train ride, you'll have a cultural cooking class with a panoramic view. You'll learn about the Ligurian ingredienets such as aromatic herbs and extra virgin olive oil. Prepare handmade pasta and eat your wonderful creations together with local wine. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening to yourself to walk about and see the towns on Cinque Terre as you would like. Accommodation: Hotel Carla / Hotel Clelia

Day 3: Cinque Terre Boat Cruise
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Hop on a boat to appreciate Cinque Terre’s beauty from a new perspective. We’ll depart from the harbor in the north and cruise south along the coast. You'll get to know the other guests and learn about the Cinque Terre region. The cruise will stop at the five villages along the way—Monterosso al Mare, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore—allowing time for a delicious Ligurian lunch overlooking the picturesque Riviera, as well as exploring all the towns have to offer.After a day full of exploration, gorgeous views, fresh ocean air, and delicious food, make the most of another free evening before a satisfying dinner at a nearby local restaurant in Levanto. Accommodation: Hotel Carla / Hotel Clelia

Day 4: Cinque Terre Wine and Pesto Tasting
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After eating breakfast at your hotel, you will reach Riomaggiore with a short train ride. Here, you will experience unique terraced vineyards that overlook the sea. You will be welcomed by a local producer who will give you a history of their wine and tour different aspects of the vineyard. For Lunch, you will be learning to make pesto with mortar and pestal, the traditional way. Pair your creation with fresh pasta and eat in the quaint restuarant with stone walls. Enjoy and free afternoon and evening at your leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Carla / Hotel Clelia

Day 5: Cinque Terre Train Tour
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After another hearty breakfast, you get to choose how to spend your day in seaside paradise. Take the train through each of the scenic Cinque Terre towns, hike the footpaths along the coast, soak in the splendor of the views, or visit the local markets in La Spezia. After a fulfilling day surrounded by sunshine, make your way back to the hotel for a nourishing 3-course dinner of seasonal dishes such as, frittata with ricotta, baked seabass, and a freshly baked fruit pie. Accommodation: Hotel Carla / Hotel Clelia

Day 6: Cinque Terre Food & Wine Trail
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Today you’ll complete your culinary journey by strolling between vinyards and gardens in the quiet village of Framura. Meet your guide, Enrico, and enjoy your time leisurely walking (downhill) in the ancient village and learning about its history and culture. Along the path you will meet a local producer of wine and tour his vineyard with a wine tasting paired with local specialities of bread and vegetable pies. Your walk will circle aroudn and end at the train station where you will take the train back to Levanto. Accommodation: Hotel Carla / Hotel Clelia

Day 7: Depart Cinque Terre
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Sadly, it’s time to say, “Arrivederci!” to Italy. If you are departing by train back to Genoa, or continuing on to another part of Italy we wish you the safest of travels until you visit Cinque Terre again!

Departure Airport: Genoa International Airport

Optional 3-Day Extension to Rome, Italy
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For those who wish to extend your time in Italy, transfer to Rome and check-in to your beautiful hotel in the city center. Spend the next 3 days exploring the ancient city, starting at Capitoline Hill before continuing on to the Palazzo dei Conservatori, Palazzo Nuovo, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, ending at the famous Colosseum. Wake up to a traditional Italian breakfast each day before setting out to explore the world-famous Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica. With your private guide, you’ll experience the unforgettable highlights of the Vatican, such as Michelangelo’s masterpiece—the frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, stop by St. Peter Basilica, the world's largest church, and gaze upon some of the world’s most beautiful Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Accommodation: The Empire Hotel

Optional 3-Day Extension to Milan
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Welcome to Milan! You will transfer to the city, check-in to your hotel, and meet your guide to begin your city and culinary tours of Milan. The first stop on the tour is the famous Duomo cathedral (Duomo Di Milano). This famous structure is dedicated to St. Mary of the nativity and is the seat of the archbishop of Milan. This incredible cathedral took nearly 6-centuries to build and is the largest church in all of Italy. You will have a guided tour inside the Duomo structure, and we will get the opportunity to see the many beautiful frescos that cover the cathedral ceiling. Upon exiting the Duomo, adventurous members of the group can purchase bird seed to feed the hundreds of pigeons that crowd the courtyard grounds! The next day embark on a guided market tour where you will get to see the where local chefs purchase fresh produce, meats, and assortment of ingredients for their restaurants. The guide will explain how the perfect ingredients are selected and how to identify suitable ingredients for one of Milan’s most famous dishes -such as saffron risotto. Following the guided market tour, the group will have free time to explore the main city center and visit a number of famous historical and culinary sights. Enjoy your final evening in Milan with a delicious Northern Italian Farewell Dinner. Accommodation: Kilma Hotel Milan Fiere