Download - Italian Cinque Terre Hiking & Discoveryginetteandannaadventurebugtrips.weebly.com/uploads/7/4/9/... · 2018-09-03 · Italian Cinque Terre ... we offer options for longer and shorter

ADVENTUREBUG WORLDWIDE Specialists in Tourism Management, Incentives & Leadership Training

CIF (VAT) B93050763 - Tourism License No. AT/MA/00022 ADDRESS: Apartado correos 1031, 29680 Estepona, Malaga, SPAIN

__________________________________________________________________________________

Italian Cinque Terre – Hiking & Discovery October 1-10, 2017

For over a thousand years people have lived in this dramatic part of Italy´s North West Mediterranean coast - traditionally cultivating the steep hillsides and fishing the sparkling blue waters. Centuries later we find breathtaking seaside villages with lush forests, vineyards and craggy hillsides between them. This is the Cinque Terre, the 5 Lands and one of Europe´s most sought after coastal hiking destinations - especially for those combing scenic day walks with a vibrant cuisine, great wines and a friendly, regional culture. Walk this magical part of Italy by day enjoying the Mediterranean flora,

and settle in for traditional Liguarian feasts washed down with a glass or two of local wine at night. We welcome you on a unique journey to the Cinque Terre, one of Italy´s premiere National Parks on the Liguria coast with visits to Florence and Pisa to round off the journey. Join us in 2017 and experience a side of Italy that is truly magnificent and exquisitely preserved.

WHAT IS THE TOUR LIKE

The trip is rated as an easy to moderate hiking tour whereby we offer options for longer and shorter guided routes

There are 4 scenic day hikes and 2 sightseeing days. We utilize the regional train and small boat ferries to return us to

our lodgings. One should expect to be on their feet throughout the day. The

routes are not long but they can be hilly as this is a coastal

region with villages built on cliff sides. Comfortable hiking shoes are necessary and a day pack to

carry your water, rain poncho and lunch items A hiking pole is strongly recommended for the hillier sections of

the trail and sections with stairs and stone steps WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR

8 nights accommodation in comfortable hotels in superb local settings (city center and village based lodgings) 5 dinners with wine or beer and 5 picnic lunches during the hiking days (meals indicated as per itinerary below) Shuttles in comfortable private coach, regional trains, local ferry boats and on local public buses Guided full and half day hiking routes in the Cinque Terre region Guided sightseeing excursions and entrances to monuments (as per itinerary) Tipping is included (meals and transport)



__________________________________________________________________________________

ITINERARY Day 1-Sunday October 1, Depart USA

Day 2 – Monday October 2, Arrival Florence

Meals included: Welcome Dinner

Accommodation: 3* B&B HOTEL FIRENZE NUOVO

PALAZZO DI GIUSTIZIA http://www.hotel-

bb.com/en/hotels/firenze-nuovo-palazzo-giustizia.htm

Activities:

Your journey starts in Florence where you´ll be met in the

hotel (late afternoon) by your trip leaders Ginette and Anna and guide Matt from Adventurebug. We have our first night here

and a welcome dinner is included. Meeting time is 6 pm in the hotel reception. Please note, if you plan to visit Florence or

surrounding regions, please do so by this evening as we will be departing the city first thing the next morning. There are easily

accessible train options into Florence right near the hotel.

Day 3 – Tuesday October 3,

Lucca & Levanto

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Nazionale 3 stars,

Levanto http://www.nazionale.it/en/Default.aspx

Activities:

Today we transfer by private coach to the

Cinque Terre region and have a stop at the

beautiful Tuscan city of Lucca along the way. Famous for its Renaissance Era city walls and rural Tuscan flavors, Lucca is a

delightful stop en route for the Cinque Terre. The journey to Lucca is approximately 1 hour followed by 1 hour 15 min to

Levanto, our hotel base in the Cinque Terre. In Lucca we will explore the historic quarter and have time to take lunch before

journeying on. Upon arrival to Levanto, we check into the hotel and one can explore this wonderful seaside town´s beach,

charming historic center and piazzas before dinner. Please note, we have a five night stay here.

Day 4 – Wednesday October 4, Cinque

Terre Hiking Levanto to Monterosso

Meals included: Breakfast & Picnic lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Nazionale, Levanto

Activities:

Straight after breakfast we head south east on foot to the first of

the villages of the Cinque Terre coast, Monterosso. This is the

largest and oldest of the Cinque Terre villages and is a splendid

introduction to the region. The first part of the hike leads through

the old centre of Levanto, passing the stunning cathedral and then up to its castle.

From here we walk up to Punta Mesco, the most notable promontory in the region. Here we take a small detour to the ruins of

an 11th century hermitage and the nearby ruins of the lighthouse, from where you will enjoy marvellous views of the rugged

coastline and find a nice spot to stop for a short break. The hiking today varies between approximately 2 hours for a 1 way

journey up to 4-5 hours for those wishing to make a guided circuit back to Levanto or an extension on to another village with a

train shuttle back. Those hiking one way will return on the train and both groups will have sufficient time to explore the village

http://www.hotel-bb.com/en/hotels/firenze-nuovo-palazzo-giustizia.htmhttp://www.hotel-bb.com/en/hotels/firenze-nuovo-palazzo-giustizia.htmhttp://www.nazionale.it/en/Default.aspx



__________________________________________________________________________________

and perhaps a drink on a terrace after eating our picnic lunch. The walking today is on footpaths, steps and forested trails that

are hilly in nature. Tonight dinner is not provided, offering you the flexibility to experiment in a local eatery!

Day 5 – Thursday October 5, Cinque Terre –

The Riomaggiore Five Village Hike

Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic lunch & Dinner


Activities:

This morning a short train ride will take us to Riomaggiore, the most

southerly of the five villages, where we start the most famous of all

hikes in the area - the classical coastal walk which links the five

villages. We begin by walking through vineyards to Manarola, an

attractive village with steep multi-coloured houses overlooking a

rocky port. From Manarola we make our way up through a terraced

landscape to the charming village of Volastra and continue our walk

along one of the prettiest trails in the area. Through terraced

vineyards and the occasional bit of forest we approach Corniglia, perched on a ridge overlooking the sea. Next is the little

hamlet of Prevo, walking through more vineyards and the occasional citrus grove. We will enjoy some of the best views in the

region as we approach Vernazza, dominated by its old fortress. After, we follow the contours of the hillside on a narrow track

leading into the village itself. Having a drink in Vernazza, on the wonderful town square at the harbour, resplendent with its

brightly painted boats, is a good way to recover from the hike! In the late afternoon we take the train back to Levanto and this

evening we will dine together locally near our hotel. (Approx walking time: 4 hours, 6 miles).

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent landslides in the area we may not be able to walk the full extent of the Via dell'Amore and the

coastal section between Manarola and Corniglia. The alternative inland routes described above will be of a higher physical

rating. If you prefer to opt out it is possible to take the train instead for these sections.

Day 6 – Friday October 6, Cinque Terre – Portofino Sightseeing & Walk

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch


Activities:

Today we travel north and visit Portofino, one of the

most alluring destinations on the Italian Riviera.

Portofino, located in the Genoa region is compact in

size and population (500 people approx), yet it

attracts both the jet set and those seeking natural

history, charming eateries and stunning coastal

stretches – all set in a magical landscape. To reach

Portofino we travel by train to Santa Margherita (1 hr

20 min approx) followed by a short local bus journey 15 min to reach the Port town itself. We´ll have time to explore Portofino,

taking an easy hike into the surrounding hillsides such as the 2 hour trail to the 10th century Abbey of San Fruttuoso (access by

foot and boat only) and return by ferry (*subject to seasonal ferry schedule), and having our picnic lunch en route. There´s also

time of course for an afternoon beverage and time for browse the local shops.



__________________________________________________________________________________

Late afternoon we return the same way to Levanto and tonight you are free to dine on your own or even stay on in Portofino for

an early dinner and return to Levanto later this evening by train – the choice is yours tonight.

* If the Abbey hike is unavailable due to lack of ferry, an alternative 2 hour hike will be offered at Portofino.

Day 7 – Saturday October 7,

Cinque Terre - FREE DAY or

hiking option to Framura

Meals included: Breakfast & Picnic lunch


Activities:

Today is a free day or you can choose a guided

hike led by Matt that has a shorter and longer

option – or you can take yourself on a self-guided

adventure as the Cinque Terre is very easy to

reach. From Levanto we walk in a westerly

direction, along the coast and through several

charming villages. From most of the villages along the way, there is the possibility of catching the train, in case you wish to

shorten the walk and just relax on the beach in one of the locations. The first part of the hike follows the beach, before we take

a path leading into the foothills and then down to the charming seaside village of Bonassola, a good place for a morning coffee

stop. We then stroll through the coastal hills towards the small village of Framura, a collection of ancient hamlets on a hillside,

distinctive due to its red rocks. After a picnic lunch in Framura, we return by train to Levanto.

Tonight we leave the dining experience up to you.

(Distances today are: short walk option 2 miles / longer walk 6 miles – 3 hours).

Day 8 – Sunday October 8, Cinque

Terre – Porto Venere Sightseeing

& Hike

Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner


Activities:

Today we visit the beautiful Port of the south Cinque

Terre, Porto Venere. There is an easy option for today

and a longer hike as well. We start with a short train

ride back to the village of Riomaggiore, the most

southerly of the five villages. Today’s trail is the most

challenging of the Ligurian walks but equally, and

arguably, the most rewarding! We first walk up a rather steep flight of stairs and then along an undulating track to reach the

sanctuary of the Madonna di Montenero (those not keen to do this can catch a bus instead). After stopping for a short break at

the sanctuary and enjoying the spectacular views, we continue uphill and follow the ridge-top traverse that goes from one end

of the Cinque Terre to the other. Passing the abandoned village of Lemmen and walking through vineyards and pine forests.

We descend to the little village of Campiglia, where we stop for lunch and refreshments and continue towards Porto Venere -

enjoying even more spectacular coastal views. Arriving at the 16th-Century castle above the village we may catch a glimpse of

the distant peaks of the Apuan Alps before descending a long staircase that takes us to St. Peter’s Point and into the heart of

the village. After some time to relax and explore in Porto Venere, we return by boat to Levanto, a lovely way to see the coast



__________________________________________________________________________________

from the water. . (Approx walking time: 5-6 hours, 8-9 miles with shorter option available) NOTE – for those not doing today´s

long hike (or no hiking at all), there are train / bus connections direct to Porto Venere. Tonight we´ll dine once more together in

the Levanto region as dinner is included.

Day 9 – Monday October 9, Cinque Terre - Carrara Marble Quarry and Pisa

Meals included: Breakfast and Farewell Group Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Pisa Tower 3 stars, Pisa central

http://www.hotelpisatower.com/gallery/

Activities:

Today we say goodbye to the Cinque Terre and travel south

towards Pisa. Leaving early in a private coach, we stop at the

famous Carrara Quarry where Michelangelo among others hand

chose the exquisite white marble slabs for his work. Here we

take an informative 1 hour guided driving tour in Land Rovers

before taking lunch and travelling on to Pisa – a historic, Tuscan port city most famous for the Field of Miracles and of course

the Leaning Tower. Our hotel is centrally located only a few hundred meters from the tower and major transport hubs. This

afternoon, we´ll visit the main square, Cathedral and Tower and explore the historic city center on foot – leaving you some free

time to explore other famous monuments of this historic city. This evening is our farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Day10 – Tuesday October 10, Pisa - Departure

Meals included: Breakfast only

Accommodation: None provided / Departure day

Activities:

Today after breakfast the tour is finished. Onward connections are not

included and the Pisa San Rossore train station in Pisa is very close to

the hotel (a few hundred meters), which connects you to central station.

TRIP SUMMARY (B – BREAKFAST / L – LUNCH / D – DINNER) DAY 2 – Florence (D) DAY 6 – Levanto (B,L)

DAY 3 – Levanto (B, D) DAY 7 – Levanto (B, L)

DAY 4 – Levanto (B, L) DAY 8 – Levanto (B, L, D)

DAY 5 – Levanto (B, L, D) DAY 9 – Pisa (B, D) DEPARTURE DAY 10 (B)

WHAT TO EXPECT This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone

with a reasonable level of fitness and with

consecutive day hiking experience. The longest

hike is approximately 8 miles while most

average 3 - 7 miles and we will accommodate to

2 groups of hiking abilities each day (short and

long hike options). Trail conditions are varied

and consist of old tracks through hillsides and

vineyards, narrow, stony trails in National Parks and even some road connecting sections. Expect steps in and out of the

Cinque Terre villages, sometimes over 200 steps in places! Solid hiking shoes or light boots and walking poles are

http://www.hotelpisatower.com/gallery/



__________________________________________________________________________________

recommended, this is hilly, coastal countryside and we´ll take it easy – observing local plants and birds on route! Weather

wise, due to proximity to both the Mediterranean and Italy´s coastal mountains, some rain showers and strong winds may occur

but are generally short lived. Expect mild temperatures of up to 75-80 in the day and nightly lows in the mid 50´s.

Modes of Transport On foot

Regional trains of the Cinque Terre

Chartered bus for some transfers

Local bus where applicable

Local ferry shuttle boats

4x4 Landrover Tour of Quarry

Dining in Italy & Non-included Meals Some meals are not included on our tour (please refer to itinerary). We

feel you'll benefit from getting out and discovering the local cuisine. So

when a meal is not included, it's a great opportunity to try something

new. Your guiding team will offer tips on where to get the best meal, or

you might decide to dine out as a group and experience the fun

together. We provide picnic lunches during the hiking days (as per

itinerary), and this usually consists of the group carrying items of fresh

food or a personal lunch pack during the day. Wine or beer is included

with our group dinners.

Non Inclusions of this tour International flights (to/from France)

Visas (if applicable)

Travel insurance (compulsory to have personal travel and medical insurance)

Meals (where not listed as included in the itinerary)

Transfers to/from hotel at beginning & end of tour.

Optional additional tours or activities during free time

Tips for LOCAL guides not included (however tips for bus services and all meals from itinerary ARE INCLUDED)

Insurance You are required to have travel insurance before taking part on this tour. We strongly recommend cancelation insurance as well

as normal coverage for emergency health and medical issues.

Personal travel insurance should cover medical costs (medical, repatriation and cancellation fees in the event of illness,

accident or death) if one falls ill or has an accident. It´s strongly recommended that in a travel insurance product, a person

takes the CANCELLATION policy as well - which is key in getting money back if there´s a problem at the last minute especially.

Responsible Travel Adventurebug´s Responsible Travel Ethos is at the heart of

everything we do, from getting the basics right like respecting local

cultures and the environment, to initiating projects in the Developing



__________________________________________________________________________________

World that make positive contributions to communities, to volunteer efforts on a wide range of projects. At some point during

our journey, Matt may share some of the projects associated with his work in tourism and social entrepreneurial stewardship.

Customs and Culture Italy is a modern European country that is suffering from a long period

of recession. From our perspective (tourists), we still see the better side

of the nation and the trappings of success. Behind the scenes is a

different story. On the otherhand, Italy remains a safe, welcoming

country and very hospitable to travellers from abroad. Remember,

travelling is about new experiences and do not expect the same level of

personal service nor speed of delivery that you may be accustomed to

at home. Be patient and respect the fact that life in the Mediterranean region moves at a different pace. You will appreciate

your journey more so and feel accomplished by adapting better.

Special Dietary Needs and Medicines Vegetarian diets can generally be accommodated to with ease, but don´t be surprised if fish is offered to you! Italy remains an

old world mentality in many places. Special diets such as gluten free (celiac) and lactose intolerance can be a challenge to

source out in some places so we recommend you bring supplements from home just in case. Medicines and glasses / contacts

subscriptions we strongly recommend you bring from home as resources can be very scarce in the small coastal villages.

Local Restaurant Recommendations Florence - Enoteca Boccadoma, 25-26 Paizza Santa Croce

Levanto - Osteria Tumelin, Grillo 32 (Seafood. Wonderful seafood zuppa)

Monterosso (Cinque) - Ristorante Miky, Via Fegina 104 (Excellent daily caught seafood. Top calamari dishes)

FLORENCE and PISA arrival and departure Information When arriving to Florence, there is only one public bust that runs between Florence Airport and the City and it stops (only 1

stop), in the vicinity of the Santa Maria Novella Train Station. In April 2015, the cost was 6 Euros each way. If you are arriving

to Florence by airport bus or train, the hotel is located very close to the station. When departing Pisa, you can hop on a train

only 150 meters from the hotel (Pisa San Rossore Station), and travel 1 stop to the Pisa Central Train Station, where most of

your ongoing connections are made from. Please remember, these travel arrangements are not included in your tour price.

FURTHER READING / CINEMATOGRAPHY Beautiful Ruins – Jess Walter

Under the Tuscan Sun – Frances Mayes

Italy – A Traveler´s Literary Companion – Lawrence Venuti

Snapshot Italy´s Cinque Terre – Rick Steves

Cinque Terre, Italy – Lonely Planet Travel Guides

The Italian Riviera – A Complete Guide – The Touring Club of Italy

*There have been Hollywood Blockbusters and Italian films made in the region of Tuscany and the coast of Cinque Terre. If

interested, look here: http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a-trip/10-italian-movie-locations-you-can-visit.html

http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a-trip/10-italian-movie-locations-you-can-visit.html



__________________________________________________________________________________

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, your local operator, Adventurebug Worldwide can be reached as follows:

ADVENTUREBUG OFFICE + 34 952 894 308 Matt Butler (Guide) + 34 635 817 819

Meet Your Local GUIDE

Matt Butler was born and raised in Canada. He was a former competitive cross country skier, competing at the National and

International level and a as non-competitive forerunner for the Canadian Olympic Team in Calgary 1988. During his University

years and beyond, he worked 9 seasons with Canada´s Provincial & National Park service’s – the last 5 postings were at the

Columbia Icefield Center in Jasper National Park where he designed and led interpretive guide programs. He also worked in

Public Safety Operations for Parks Canada and contributed to Educational programs and Park conservation efforts in relation to

glaciology. He later lived and worked as a teacher in Malawi, China, Great Britain and Spain before retiring from the profession

and returning to his roots - guiding and outoor pursuits leadership training. Matt is the co-founder of Adventurebug Worldwide –

an active holiday and training company as well as co-founder for Rifcom, a non-profit charity that works with disadvantaged

youths in rural Morocco. He has published a hiking guide book for the region and when not on projects, shares his home in

Andalucia, Spain with his English wife Jules, their 3 children, a sandwich loving dog named Ruby and 2 cats.

SAFETY, RISKS AND HAZARDS

As participant safety is a high priority for all outdoor, active holidays. Adventurebug Ltd. Incorporates procedures and policies

developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected to work with the leaders to reduce risks and make the

experience successful for all. Participants should be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities,

including but not limited to adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips, and transportation in

vehicles, on foot, or by boat.

Aside from any personal medical problems, participants should be aware of the possibilities of hypothermia, hyperthermia,

insect bites, altitude sickness, dehydration, sun burn and other hot and cold related problems. You should regularly use sun

screen and insect repellant, wear long sleeves and pants, take care to be adequately hydrated and bring water on all day trips

as well as wind/rain gear, warm hat and gloves. Please carefully read and sign the ADVENTUREBUG Participant

Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement and contact us if you have any questions.

Participants’ understanding of these risks and adherence to our policies and procedures can contribute to making this

experience rewarding.

RESERVING A PLACE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The land cost of the trip is $2300, plus estimated airfare of $1200-1600. To reserve your place, please contact the trip leader or

co leader for an application, the Confidential Medical Form and the Acknowledgment & Assumption of Risks & Release and

Indemnity Agreement. Along with this paperwork you will be required to send to the Leader your deposit of $1,000.00 made out

to: Ginette Beaudoin. $100.00 of this initial $1,000.00 deposit is a non-refundable administration fee. Once we receive your

application and other forms and have approved you for the trip, we’ll send you additional information on the trip, including

planned hikes, equipment lists, and travel tips. The maximum number of participants is 18, so apply early to reserve your place.

PAYMENT 2 DUE:

$ 1300 due by June 1, 2017

CANCELLATION POLICY:

If you cancel after being accepted for the trip, $100 is non-refundable, but if you cancel after minimally $200 is nonrefundable, if

(and only if) another person takes your place. We will establish a waiting list. Should another person replace you, you will be

charged only the $200 cancellation fee. However, your cancellation shall not raise the cost of the trip to any of the participants

or the leaders. Thus, if you cancel and are not replaced, you will forfeit the $200 plus the per capita expenses already incurred

and any other unpaid expenses for which the trip cannot obtain a refund. You may forfeit the entire trip fee. Flight tickets once

purchased become your property and are generally non-refundable. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel

insurance.

PLEASE NOTE: The price of the Adventurebug trip is given in good faith based on current tariffs and rates and is subject to

change. Any tariff, exchange rate increases will be passed on to participants.

Conversely if the minimum number of participants does not sign up, Adventurebug reserves the right to cancel the trip and

refund the amounts paid. If the trip is full, we can put your name on a waiting list, or return your deposit.



__________________________________________________________________________________

AIR COSTS (ESTIMATED $1200-1600):

You should not make any booking on your own without consulting the leaders. We will notify you with a list of acceptable flights

once we know that we have a confirmed trip. Once you purchase tickets, they are wholly owned by you.

FLIGHTS:

Flights should leave the USA on October 1st, 2017 for arrival in Florence, Italy on October 2

nd, 2017 no later than 11AM. The

return flights should leave Pisa on October 10th

Trip insurance is recommended, since an illness, accident or death in the family can interfere with your plans. Trip insurance

can be obtained through your travel agent or the leaders will provide you with choices of approved trip insurance companies.

TRIP LEADERS:

LEADER: GINETTE BEAUDOIN

Ginette has been a member of the AMC since 1988 and has led several day and weekend trips in the White Mountains of NH,

as well as various parts of Maine. She has led adventure trip in July 2014, July of 2011, August 2012 and July/August to

Austrian Alps. She has also lead Adventure travel trips to Yosemite National Park, Azores Archipelago, Tuscany and Superior

Hiking Trail in Minnesota for the AMC. She has participated in numerous AMC Major Excursions to Switzerland and Austria,

involving hiking and cross country skiing. She has hiked in the Stubai valley as part of a 2006 Major Excursion and hiked to 26

of the high Alpine Huts throughout Austria, Germany and Switzerland. She has hiked all of the NH 4000 footers. Her interests

include hiking, photography, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, travel, information volunteer for AMC and introducing others to

outdoor activities.

ADDRESS: 66 Graham Street, Biddeford, Maine 04005

PHONE: (207) 294-6302, (207) 590-4431

EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]

CO-LEADER: ANNA PANSZCZYK

Anna is a Boston Chapter INTRO (AMC) Leader. Anna has co lead AMC Adventure Travel trips to Austria, Azores, Yosemite

National Park, Minnesota and Morocco. Anna leads trips in the White Mountains and most recently led an excursion to Ghost

Ranch in New Mexico and to Mt Rainier and Olympic National Parks in Washington. Anna spends part of each summer

backpacking as a Sierra Club participant. This is in addition to trips that she takes to all corners of the world! Anna has

completed SOLO Advanced Wilderness First Aid course as well as CPR training.

ADDRESS: 22 Alfred Rd, Arlington, MA 02474

PHONE: (781)-648-2492; (617)-429-2175

EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]