La Spezia City Break

Arrival in La Spezia making your own way to the hotel and check-in. Time at leisure for a stroll and relaxation. Welcome dinner at the hotel or nearby local restaurant within walking distance. Overnight in La Spezia.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will have the possibility to choose one of the following excursions.

OPTION 1: CORNIGLIA, VERNAZZA AND MONTEROSSO
Journey time: 3h30
Difficulty: Medium, for people used to hiking trails
Length: 7.8 km
Difference in altitude: 269 m
Meeting with the tour guide at approximately 9:00 a.m. at the La Spezia train station and departure by train to the Fivelands. First stop will be at Corniglia, to visit the village and the walk begins on the stretch of path along the coastline, taking you to Vernazza, the trail is about 1.5 hours of walking, and this route is one of the most scenic stretches of the entire trail, passing through vineyards, olive trees, agave plants, and prickly pears, the land is hilly reaching up to 220 meters above sea level. Your expert guide will keep you entertained throughout the hike with lots of interesting tales of the plantations and wildlife which are all very characteristic to the territory. Upon arrival to the pretty little town of Vernazza, enjoy a visit down into the centre of the village and relax during some free time for lunch. In the afternoon, the trail continues with the hike from Vernazza to Monterosso. This part of the path is of medium difficulty and takes about two hours to complete. Arrival in Monterosso, the largest town of Cinque Terre and where the tour finishes. Take some time to explore the beautiful little resort with its views over the sea, enjoy a refreshment, relax, and return by train at your own pace to La Spezia.

OPTION 2: MANAROLA, VOLASTRA, POLCIANO, MULINELLO, AND CASE PIANCA
Journey time: Approximately 3 hours
Difficulty: Medium, for people used to hiking trails
Length: 6.4 km
Difference in altitude: 635 m
Meeting with the tour guide at approximately 9:00 a.m. at the La Spezia train station and departure by train to the Fivelands. First stop will be at Manarola. At the top of the town, we take the Volastra trail which runs along the coast along an old mule track. Continue the hike cutting through the terraces of vineyards reaching the small countryside village of Porciano, where discovering the pretty woodside valley and plenty of cultivated orchards in Mulinello. Enter the small forest and take the route downwards. Passing below the Case Pianca, 460 m, which joins the 7A crossing, pretty gardens, and vineyards taking you to the village of Corniglia, estimated time to complete is about 2.5 hours. This is the only of the 5 villages found perched high on the cliff at 100m above sea level, adding even more beauty to its charm. Enjoy free time to wander the little streets, take photos, and enjoy refreshments in this beautiful little corner of the world. Transfer by train back to La Spezia.

OPTION 3: LEVANTO, PUNTA MESCO, AND MONTEROSSO
Journey time: 3h30
Difficulty: Medium, for people used to hiking trails
Length: 5.8 km
Difference in altitude: 301 m
Meeting with the tour guide at approximately 9:00 a.m. at the La Spezia train station and departure by train to the Fivelands. First stop will be at Levanto. After crossing the historical centre of Levanto, take the pathway between the mountains and the sea (approximately a 3-hour walk). Pass the beautiful church dedicated to St. Andrew, then begin the climb up to Punta Mesco, to discover the ruins of the ancient monastery of St. Anthony at 321 m high, enjoy the superb view and possibly one of the most picturesque along the entire coast of the Cinque Terre. Continue the trail by taking a steep descent down to the village of Monterosso. Enjoy free time to wander the little streets, take photos, and enjoy refreshments before returning by train to La Spezia.

After breakfast, departure by boat from the dock of La Spezia to the island of Palmaria, set off on a walking tour of the island, amidst nature you can see the remains of a military artifact and the signs of the ancient mining activity and the famous marble “Portoro”. The trail climbs up to the wide plateau on which stands a huge set of traffic lights at 200m. Reach the Old fortress which is today dedicated to an Environmental Education Center. The route is circular from start to finish at the village of Terrizzo. The trail will take about 3 hours. Return to the port and take the boat to the lovely town of Portovenere, well known for its ancient military center, its church of St Peter in a prime position on a peninsular of the same name, the Doria Fortress, and the church of San Lorenzo. At the end of the day head back to La Spezia by ferry. Overnight in La Spezia.
Journey time: Approximately 3h30
Difficulty: Medium, for people used to hiking trails
Length: 7 km
Difference in altitude: 365 m

After breakfast, check out and end of services.