The coast of Italy has long been known as the epitome of romance and charm, but this is perhaps nowhere more apparent than among the pastel-hued villages, rugged cliffs and charming yacht-lined harbours of world-famous Cinque Terre. Explore it all on this tailor-made, luxury trip, enjoying everything from wine tasting in world-class vineyards to sampling local bruschetta in cosy trattorias. You'll start among the historic bays of Portovenere before ultra-scenic included train and ferry journeys bring you to the romantic cobbles and fishing harbours of Cinque Terre’s most famous villages, culminating your evenings in five-star hotels that boast superb spas and gourmet restaurants.
Begin your trip in true style with included VIP airport lounge access before your flight from the UK to Pisa. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to the opulent five star-star Grand Hotel Portovenere. hidden among the sparkling bays of the eponymous village. Clifftop trails, hidden beaches and deep caves, dominated by the fortress of Castelo Doria, are just moments away. The hotel itself is just as spectacular as its surrounds, particularly the veranda restaurant that looks over the charming hotchpotch of the town.
The likes of mussel spaghetti, burrata with aubergine and grilled scallops are best enjoyed before an aperitivo at the onsite Venus bar and its seaside terrace.
Stay: Grand Hotel Portovenere (Deluxe)
Portovenere, Italy
Grand Hotel Portovenere Room
The next three days will see you explore the myriad charms of this region – perhaps head on an included ferry ride to reach the charming harbour of Monorola clinking with yachts, hike the hugging cliffside trails, or while away the hours on pebbly azure-framed beaches. We've also included a Cinque Terre pass for unlimited access to the walking trail that winds between villages – don't miss a visit to Vernazzo's ancient seaside houses and winding cobbles, and Corniglia, the region's highest village.
A hike to the top (it's unreachable via boat) is rewarded with, unsurprisingly, spectacular ocean vistas. On day four head to Monterosso, where quaint beaches and trattorias offering fresh seafood make for a wonderfully languid few hours. In addition, we've included wine & food tasting at rustic wine bar Enoteca Internazionale, for a range of local bruschetta washed down with local Cinque Terre white wines.
Stay: Grand Hotel Portovenere (Deluxe)
Breakfast included
Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to to your Pisa and your hotel a majestic spa residence originally built in 1743 for the Grand Duke of Tuscany, today a renowned hotel and spa, take time to enjoy the frescoed ceilings, floral gardens and treatments set in the hills to the north of Pisa.
Next day you will be met and taken for a walk through the city of Pisa to discover why it's so much more than its famed tower; there’s everything from fading merchants’ houses and Gothic churches to Romanesque piazzas and baptisteries resplendent in bright-white marble before heading back to your hotel hotel, the Hotel Bagni di Pisa, for your final evening in this historic city.
Stay: Hotel Bagni di Pisa (Deluxe)
Breakfast included
Pisa Cathedral and the Leaning Tower
After breakfast, take your private transfer from Pisa to the airport to catch your flight back to the UK.
Breakfast included
"The five villages are no longer the isolated hamlets they once were, but there’s still a feeling of remote authenticity, with few roads, perfectly preserved architecture and a network of stunning coastal and mountain trails. I have designed this itinerary to provide the best opportunity to maximise the experience of visiting the Cinque Terre, firstly by being based in Portovenere and arriving by sea to the villages is a unique experience, and to combine this with the coastal trains and walking trails available through the included Cinque Terre Card, and having the ability to return to the peace of your hotel each night provides the perfect balance"
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist
Apr / Oct from: £1,810 pp
May - Sep from: £2,245 pp