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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

October 11 – October 15, 2023

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.
Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Day +2: Arrive in Milan, Italy / Sestri Levante
Thursday, October 12, 2023
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: Vis à Vis 

Day +3: Sestri Levante / Cinque Terre / Sestri Levante
Friday, October 13, 2023
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: Vis à Vis (B,L) 

Day +4: Sestri Levante / Portofino / San Fruttuoso / Santa Margherita Ligure / Sestri Levante
Saturday, October 14, 2023
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: Vis à Vis (B)  

Day +5: Sestri Levante / Verona / Main Program Begins
Sunday, October 15, 2023
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

Vis à Vis

October 12 - October 14

A unique hotel perched on a high promontory, the family-run Vis à Vis provides spectacular views over two bays—Baia del Silenzio and Baia delle Favole. Tastefully furnished, welcoming rooms offer comfort and relaxation. Unwind in the outdoor heated swimming pool set amid olive trees, savor a delicious cocktail and meal at the Sky Bar Zeus or other on-site dining options, and, for an additional fee, indulge in spa treatments in the Giunone Wellness area. 

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, partial sea view, balcony with seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, writing desk, LCD TV, phone, safe, mini bar, slippers, and en suite bathroom with premium sundries and hair dryer.

Vis à Vis exterior illuminated at night
Vis à Vis standard guest room
Vis à Vis restaurant
Vis à Vis outdoor pool and patio
(Accommodations subject to change.)

Pre-Tour Rate**

Classic: $2,195
Single: $2,695

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 Vis à Vis (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