Cinque Terre’s cliff-clinging villages and vine-laced terraces are famous—for good reason.
Our crowd-smart getaway keeps the magic while sidestepping the rush: vineyard paths above Riomaggiore and Manarola, a private-access monastery in Monterosso, Chiavari’s master chair-makers, the seaside charm of Camogli, and the classic walk from Santa Margherita to Portofino.
Gentle walks, long lunches, and time to breathe.
Private departures on any date
from € 3050 / person
4 nights at carefully selected hotels (ensuite; best available rooms on request)
All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners — local wine included
Private transportation throughout & luggage transfers
Dedicated local guide
Visit Chiavari artisans (historic “Chiavari chair” workshop)
All taxes
Meet at 4:00 pm in Levanto, a quiet base just north of Cinque Terre. Stroll the old lanes and sample local bites, then hop a short train to Vernazza—arguably the most photogenic village.
Dinner in a cozy trattoria; train back to Levanto.
Panoramic paths above Riomaggiore and Manarola lead to the Sanctuary of Montenero, with views across all five villages.
Descend to Riomaggiore for a seafood lunch; evening tasting-dinner in Manarola featuring local wines.
Walk the scenic converted rail tunnels to Bonassola, then a quick train to Monterosso. Explore the borgo, visit the Cappuccini friars (private invitation), and follow a mule path to Agriturismo Buranco for a vineyard lunch.
Afternoon transfer to Rapallo. Dinner on your own along the waterfront.
In Chiavari, step inside a traditional workshop crafting the famed Chiavari chairs; browse historic food and craft shops (think farinata, rose syrup, hazelnut sweets).
Transfer to Camogli and walk the headland trail to Punta Chiappa; return by boat for a feet-in-the-sand fish dinner.
Easy departure from Rapallo train station (well served by fast trains).
Note: This is a typical itinerary; walks/sites may shift with season, events, or weather to improve your experience.
Family-run hospitality in the center of town; recently refurbished, spacious rooms.
Perfect base for exploring the Cinque Terre with calmer evenings.
Elegant seafront address on the promenade; panoramic rooms, abundant breakfast, steps to boats for Santa Margherita & Portofino.
Liguria means olive oil, basil, seafood, lemons, and terraces of vines—clean flavors that sing.
Dietary needs (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free) are happily accommodated with advance notice.
Stone-mortar basil, DOP Parmigiano & Pecorino, pine nuts, EVOO; with trofie or trenette and patate e fagiolini.
Chickpea-flour pancake baked in copper pans; crisp edges, creamy center—street-food heaven.
Scampi, mussels, calamari—simply dressed with lemon and oil.
Marinated, stuffed, or lightly fried; the local pride
Classic or focaccia di Recco (cheese-filled)—addictive with a glass of white.
Hazelnut torta, lemon tarts, and gelato stops (Camogli & Rapallo).
Cinque Terre DOC / Sciacchetrà
Heroic terraced viticulture; Sciacchetrà is the luscious passito
Vermentino & Pigato
Zesty, saline whites that love pesto and seafood
Lumassina & Bianchetta Genovese
Lighter local whites, fresh and aromatic
Levanto — Hotel Oasi, Via Terraro, 19015 Levanto
4.00 PM
Sestri Levante train station
9:30 AM
Walk/jog 60 min, 3×/week for 5 weeks; add stairs if you live on flat terrain.
Walking shoes with grip, hat, swimsuit, sunscreen, refillable bottle.
Mild Riviera climate; warm, dry summers; lovely spring & autumn
Entirely discretionary.
~3 hr morning walk, long lunch, optional afternoon stroll; hotel rest before dinner.
9:00–17:00 daily
Daily coffees/gelato; 1 dinner on your own (per itinerary).
My husband and I spent 7 days in September walking the Tuscan Hills with Gianni and Rudy. As I read my journal from our trip almost 3 months ago it brings a smile to my face as I relive those treasured moments of hiking beautiful vineyard hillsides, making pasta at a local restaurant, listening to arias from well known Italian operas, drinking glorious wines with local wine makers, eating fabulous foods, learning about making cheese, doing yoga in a beautiful vineyard and listening to Gianni play his flute.Gianni’s organizational skills and ability to relate to all his guests was a large part in making this trip so memorable and enjoyable.
The Best Way to See Italy Forget Rick Steves and sign on with Gianni for a wonderful exploration of some of the best Italy has to offer–countryside, history, food, and people. Gianni’s deep knowledge of all these adds so much richness to the experience of walking through picturesque medieval towns and gorgeous rolling hillsides of vineyards, fields and orchards. The accommodations were comfortable and centralized, often with wonderful views.Although this was a tour through the areas surrounding Siena, Montalcino and Pienza, Gianni offers tours in other areas and I would expect the same high level of engagement and effort to provide unique experiences. Truly exceeded my expectations!
Walk about Tuscany Loved this tour and would highly encourage others to go. Our guides Gianni and Sara were great, everything ran smoothly from day one. Excellent choices of hotels, restaurants and walking trails. The perfect size group, lots of laughs and good memories. Looking forward to the next one. Grazie, Monica
Under the Tuscan Sun…and a big black cloud but only once I have just returned from 8 fabulous days with Walk About Tuscany hosted by Gianni and Rudy and helped by their hard working transportation crew who ensured we were picked up on time, we traveled safely and no luggage was lost. We had many moments of fun and laughter and even a couple of flute recitals just for a change of pace!! In the end, I have Gianni to thank for this experience. His thoughtful organization and attention to detail were key in delivering a superb product, a memorable adventure and a trip of a lifetime. Walk About Tuscany is highly recommended! Grazie, Gianni
The unforgetable Tuscany I am so amazed with Gianni who operated our tour with his in-depth knowledge of every single steps and buildings around Tuscany. Not to mention his creativeness in every moments of our walks. You will have great lunches and dinners with lots of special-2-thumbs-up wines. We also visit Olive Oil producer and given sampler at which is the best (and fresh) olive oil that I had ever tasted ! The scenery view is very awesome, just like the post card. Highly recommended and wouldn’t mind to do this tour again.
Group Tour of Tuscany Hill Towns with Walk About Tuscany Tours I had a marvelous time on this trip. Our guide, Gianni, provided gorgeous walks and unique experiences with local organic producers of wine, produce, cheese, and olive oil. Definitely experiences I couldn’t have had without his guidance and that helped me to appreciate what makes this region unique. Gianni is knowledgeable and expended every effort to ensure that our trip was memorable and unique. We walked, ate very well, drank wonderful wines and learned a great deal about this region of Tuscany and why it is among the most delightful of all Italy.
