THE FABULOUS 5: THE COLORFUL 5 TERRE: 5 DAYS/ LA SPEZIA- CINQUE TERRE-CARRARA- PORTOFINO

Where land and sea melt to create unique suggestions – this is Liguria. A "difficult" region for the peoples who have always settled there due to the peculiar territory conformation: high hills and steep slopes overlooking the sea. A conformation which makes it difficult to move around from one village to another, but which at the same time makes of 5 terre one of the most unique and enchanting territories in Italy. The Ligurian territory extends in length: kilometers of rocky coast full of inlets, bays and deep seabed dominated by a chain of mountains that run along the coast in parallel. A mountain range that has not inhibited the development of a rich tradition of farmers and breeders who, given the austerity of the territory, have had to find stratagems to settle while maintaining respect for the territory. This is how dry stone walls were born, stones set in a low wall to contain and regulate the cultivation of olive trees and vines- one of the richness of the Region. In this context, we can find Le Cinque Terre– 5 small villages located on 5 small promontories facing the coast: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore. Among the most beautiful villages in Italy for their magical atmosphere: pastel-colored houses that overlook the rocky cliffs and overlook the small coves and gulfs; they are unique locations declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site SINCE 1997. This itinerary is designed to let you explore this territory from the coast of La Spezia to the coast of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure on your own and with a pinch of desire for adventure and exploration, while still providing you with the right insights and the best of the naturalistic, cultural and food and wine experiences of the area. During your spare time, take a moment to visit the Church of San Pietro in Portovenere. One of the most beautiful churches in Italy, a location for romantic ceremonies overlooking the cliff and separated from the sea only by a soft staircase that slopes down to the water.

5 days/ 4 nights- 2 pax minimum

Day 1: Arrival to La Spezia

Arrival to La Spezia. Check-i at the assigned hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Cinque Terre

The day is dedicated to the discovery of the 5 terre accompanied by a local guide who will tell you the history and curiosities of the 5 most beautiful villages of the Riviera Ligure. The tour will start from the center of La Spezia where you will meet to catch the train. The train is undoubtedly the ideal transport to explore the area, as it will easily take you to your destination in just 15 minutes crossing the cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. You will first reach Vernazza, one of the most colorful villages in the area where you can enjoy some free time. The second stop is Monterosso, the largest village in the Cinque Terre. The small city also has a spectacular beach with fine white sand and a clear and transparent sea. Here you will have a delicious limoncino tasting in a traditional shop. This exquisite liqueur is perfect for toasting your amazing day in this fascinating land. After the free time in Monterosso, you will continue to Riomaggiore, the last stop before returning to La Spezia. This small village, like the other 4, offers a breathtaking view of the coast and a journey into the daily life of fishermen with their traditional boats. At the end of the tour you can choose whether to stay in one of the villages or return to La Spezia with the guide. The 5 Terre card, included in the tour, gives you freedom of movement around the villages by train for the whole day. Free evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Carrara 4 x 4- Pesto Cooking class

The morning is dedicated to an unusual tour. Crossing the borders into the Tuscan territory, just an hour from La Spezia, the famous Carrara marble quarries, the most famous in the world, are hidden.  You will meet directly at Carrara station where the tour leader will pick you up by 4x4. On board the off-road vehicle you can reach the highest quarries, located 1000 meters above sea level, and, once you reach your destination, the guide will explain the uses of Carrara marble, since Romans and will reveal the techniques used to extract this material, both in the past and nowadays. During the tour, you will visit the quarry where Michelangelo Buonarroti personally chose various blocks of marble, being one of the artist's favorite materials to make his sculptures. After thoroughly scouring the quarries, on the return journey, you will make a stop at a lard factory, where you can taste the prized variant of the Colonnata variety. Free return to La Spezia. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, indulge in a memorable culinary adventure in a local's home in Riomaggiore, with stunning sea views. You will participate in a shared cooking class where you will learn how to create homemade gnocchi and Genoese pesto, iconic dishes of the local cuisine. At the end of the class you can enjoy your artisanal meal, accompanied by local wines, and delight yourself with fresh fruit or a dessert prepared by your host. Free evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Trekking Portofino

The day will take you to discover the Portofino Regional Natural Park. The meeting with the tour leader will be in front of the Camogli train station. From here, you will embark on a walk along the park's paths. The trekking itinerary, of 8 kilometers in total, will lead you to San Rocco di Camogli, a small Genoese town that offers a breathtaking view of the Ligurian Sea and the coastal municipalities of the area. Little by little, you will enter the Portofino Region Natural Park, considered one of the most beautiful reserves in our country. Your guide will help you identify the local flora and fauna (the park is home to more than 900 species of plants!). The paths will lead you to the bay of Paraggi, from where you will reach the center of Portofino. Here, you can recharge your batteries with a picnic lunch that includes a sandwich and a drink. After six hours of activity, the tour will conclude in the center of Portofino. You can return to the starting point on your own at a time that suits you, either on foot, by bus or by boat. Evening and dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

 Day 5: Cinque Terre Boat tour (optional April to September)- Departure

Only for departures from April to October, the last day is dedicated to An OPTIONAL  boat tour, to admire the La Spezia Riviera and the 5 Terre from a different perspective. You set sail from La Spezia or Porto Venere and along the way you will admire the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. You will be able to discover Lord Byron's cave and swim and snorkel in the bay of Monesteroli. Afterwards, get back on the boat and admire Riomaggiore, a beautiful and ancient fishing village famous for its tower houses. Next, you will pass by Manarola and Corniglia and make a stop in Vernazza, a fishing village surrounded by olive groves. Here you can spend about 45 minutes exploring the streets and taking pictures of the colorful houses. Back on board you can enjoy another stop off the coast of Monterosso for a swim or some snorkeling. At the end of the tour lunch on your own. For departures in the winter period (October-March) free morning and lunch on your own.  Departure.

HOTEL ACCOMODATION: NH La Spezia o similari