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Aerial view over Cinque Terre
View of Vernazza in Cinque Terre
View from the pier to the village of Vernazza in Cinque Terre
Night life in Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Traditional colorful street in the Italian village of Manarola in Cinque Terre
Light lunch of wine, vegetables and seafood
Classic side street with stairs in Cinque Terre
Two glasses of homemade lemon granitas
Panorama of Portofino's harbor from the water
Panoramic view of the Bay of Paraggi in Santa Margherita Ligure near Portofino
San Fruttuoso abbey in Liguria
Sixteenth-century castle and Capuchin church of Santa Margherita Ligure
Aerial view of Vernazza in Cinque Terre at night
Duration
9 Days
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
20

Cinque Terre

August 13 – August 17, 2024

Take advantage of additional time in Italy to explore Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera, an area teeming with meaningful traditions surrounding wine, cuisine, and family.

Charming pastel buildings and sparkling sea views combine brilliantly with sweet and savory specialties from Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, and Manarola. Discover the plentiful local seafood—fresh calamari, shrimp, and anchovies—are always at hand (even those who are not fans of anchovies should try them here). And the hills behind the villages are a mosaic of vineyards producing local white wine. Delizioso!

More than food and drink, Cinque Terre is also a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing visitors to its dramatic coastal scenery and sunset panoramas.

Itinerary

Day +1: En route from U.S.
Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Day +2: Arrive in Milan, Italy / Sestri Levante
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
After arriving in Milan Malpensa, enjoy the scenic drive to the Italian Riviera. The afternoon is at leisure to relax after the flight and stroll the fishing hamlet of Sestri Levante.   
Overnight: Suite Hotel Nettuno

Day +3: Sestri Levante / Cinque Terre / Sestri Levante
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Following breakfast, board a local train to travel the coastline, arriving at Cinque Terre—a fairy-tale-esque area of hamlets brimming with pastel-hued homes—which exude unparalleled charm.

Explore the lively towns and experience a culinary specialty at each stop. Start in Monterosso al Mare and sample freshly baked focaccia or farinata—an amazing local chickpea pie. In Manarola, enjoy the area’s popular dessert white wine, Sciacchetrà. Cap off the delightful day with the best lemon granita and a creamy gelato in Vernazza. There will be some flexibility in the towns visited and local specialties tasted depending on weather conditions and the number of guests on the program.
Overnight: Suite Hotel Nettuno (B,L) 

Day +4: Sestri Levante / Portofino / San Fruttuoso / Santa Margherita Ligure / Sestri Levante
Friday, August 16, 2024
Transfer to stunning Portofino, a picturesque fishing village along the Italian Riviera. Sail by private gozzo (a traditional wooden boat with a large sundeck) to the abbey of San Fruttuoso, and discover the sacred building dating back to the 16th century. Then stroll lively Santa Margherita Ligure with its tiny alleys and colorful shops and enjoy lunch at leisure before returning to Sestri Levante.
Overnight: Suite Hotel Nettuno (B)  

Day +5: Sestri Levante / Verona / Main Program Begins
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Indulge in a final morning at leisure in Sestri Levante and then transfer by private vehicle to Verona. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch

This pre-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide. Space on this pre-tour is limited, so it's recommended to reserve early for best availability.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level

Moderate

Activities are generally not very strenuous, however, we expect that guests can enjoy two hours or more of walking, are sure-footed on cobbled surfaces, can walk up and down hillsides and stairs, and can board/disembark a train or a water vessel without assistance. Historic city centers are usually more accessible by foot than vehicle. Due to the structure of some buildings, facilities for the disabled may be limited.

Accommodations

Suite Hotel Nettuno

August 14 - August 16

At Suite Hotel Nettuno, a boutique property located on the Bay of Fables, savor the splendor of the Art Nouveau period along with modern comfort and advanced technology. The Suite Hotel Nettuno offers the resources to spend a relaxing holiday in Sestri Levante, from a seasonal private beach to one's well-appointed room. 

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, writing desk and chair, flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, coffee and tea marker, minibar, safe, slippers, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

Hotel Nettuno exterior
Hotel Nettuno guest room
Hotel Nettuno dining
Hotel Nettuno rooftop hot tub
Hotel Nettuno beach access
Hotel Nettuno patio
Hotel Nettuno patio views
(Accommodations subject to change.)

Pre-Tour Rate**

Classic: $2,395
Single: $2,995

Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare not included.

What's Included

  • 3 nights accommodations at Suite Hotel Nettuno (or similar)
  • 3 breakfasts and 1 lunch
  • Cinque Terre card for all train transportation within the Cinque Terre
  • Guided touring (by English-speaking guides) and tastings through Cinque Terre's villages
  • Transportation (with unlimited bottled water) for included touring
  • Boat excursion to San Fruttuoso
  • Entrance fee to San Fruttuoso Abbey
  • Luggage porterage
  • Gratuities to hotel staff, local guide, drivers for included activities and excursions, porters, and wait staff for included meals
  • Airport transfers for guests arriving during the suggested times