Ancient paths and mule tracks wind through terraces used for the cultivation of vines, a stunning coastline with bays and beaches leading to medieval villages and shrines: all this is within the National Park of the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The uniqueness and architectural beauty of the Abbey of San Fruttuoso (set in the heart of the Natural Park of Monte di Portofino) is one of the highlights of this trip. The green, flowers and scents of the endemic Mediterranean vegetation and the blue of the sea will lead us to discover the perched villages known as "le Cinque Terre". Toward the Gulf of La Spezia through the fishing villages of Portovenere and Palmaria Island, we discover Ligurian wines, fresh fish, local cuisine and traditional crafts. The visit to Pisa will allow us to witness the world famous leaning tower, an incredible example of the Italian architecture.

Day 1: Arrival in Levanto
Individual arrival at Levanto. Levanto is a little sea village with a strong medieval heritage as well as S. Andrea church (XIII century) and the castle. The long and rather sandy beach is bordered by lush pine forests and vineyards. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel**in Levanto. (Meals: D)

Day 2: Punta Mesco Cape and Monterosso (3hrs 30min walking, +400m -400m)
Passing the ancient medieval defensive walls of Levanto, the mule track will lead us into the pine forest with a beautiful vantage point over the sea. At the top of the Cape, after visiting the ruin of the S. Antonio Hermitage, we will attempt to spot some dolphins and whales. You have amazing views over all the "Cinque Terre" to the south and towards Genoa and the "Alpi Marittime" in the north. Overnight stay in Levanto (Meals: B, L)

Day 3: Portofino Natural Park and S. Fruttuoso Abbey (5hrs 30min walking +650m – 650m)
Train to Camogli, the land of the Thousand White Sailing Ships, a town which still retains its old and strong maritime tradition linked to the nearby town of Genoa during the Maritime Republics. Thanks to a trail amongst the Mediterranean trees and flowers, we reach the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. Dated from the XI century, the abbey offers us the most incredible examples of the Romanic style. After a refreshing swim, we walk to the village of Portofino, where small pastel coloured houses and the tiny harbour are waiting for us. Boat back to S. Margherita and train to Levanto. Overnight stay in Levanto. (Meals: B, L)

Day 4: From Vernazza to Manarola: walking between sea and vineyards (4h30min walking + 350m – 350m)
Vernazza is a tiny coastal village from where the mule track starts in the direction of the terraced vineyards, cultivated with tremendous effort by the local farmers over the centuries. Passing first among the olives trees and lush oak forest, we come to the perched village of "Corniglia". We enjoy a spectacular path between the vineyards and among the agave and lemon trees with views over the majority of the Levante Ligure, even as far as the charming seaside town of Manarola, the fourth of the Cinque Terre. Overnight stay in Levanto. (Meals: B, L)

Day 5: From Manarola to Portovenere: discovering the "Poets Gulf" (5hrs 30min walking + 650m – 650m)
Starting a seaside walk from the elegant village of Manarola to Riomaggiore, the route follows the famous "Via dell' Amore". Between the colours and perfume of rosemary, myrtle and arbutus, seagulls will accompany us as far as Campiglia, a mountain village from where we will admire the gleaming "Apuan Alps" range and their marble quarry. The descent to Portovenere (UNESCO World Heritage) and the "Gulf of Poets" is idyllic and takes us to one of the most fascinating villages in the world. Poets including Byron and Petrarca remained astonished by the bay, the defensive church of San Pietro and the castle. Boat back to Levanto. Overnight stay in Levanto. (Meals: B, L)

Day 6: Pisa the jewel of Tuscany (4hrs city walking)
Train to Pisa. In the lovely old town we will walk along the banks of the local river "Arno", the "Lungarno", to the architectural jewel of the "Spina Church" built in the thirteenth century, named as such when it became home to the reliquary of a thorn from Christ's crown in 1333. We then follow "Via Santa Maria" to the "Square of Miracles" to visit the "Duomo", the "Baptistery" and the incredible "Leaning Tower". Free time in the afternoon to visit the town on your own. Train back to Levanto. Overnight stay in Levanto. Meals (B)

Day 7: The "Green Blue Trail": the hidden corners of Liguria (5hrs 30min walking +600m – 600m)
The amazing hike today crosses the "Green Blue Trail", a long coastal route of 130 kilometres linking the port of Genoa to Portovenere. From Levanto we will cross the tiny bay of the village of Bonassola, passing the stone village of Framura, perched on the mountain, until we reach the lovely and elegant town of Moneglia, protected by a bay controlled by old watchtowers. The walk is spectacular, always above the sea, between the green of the Mediterranean vegetation and the blue of the sea. It is possible to take a dip and swim in the sea during the hike. Train back to Levanto. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Levanto. Meals (B, L, D).

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, individual departure from Levanto. (Meals: B)