Italy - The Impossible Coast
A seductive mix of Italian culture and nature - notoriously difficult to access - we take the path less trodden to bring you the previously unattainable "Cinque Terre" and "Gulf of Poets"
A seductive mix of Italian culture and nature - notoriously difficult to access - we take the path less trodden to bring you the previously unattainable "Cinque Terre" and "Gulf of Poets"
The extreme eastern end of The Italian Riviera includes the iconic “Gulf of Poets” and internationally recognised “Cinque Terre” – both of which are notoriously difficult to arrange group visits to and impossible to access by coach. Busting convention and taking the path less trodden, we have worked with our sources in Italy to bring you this ground-breaking tour to those sights so desired yet unattainable - until now! Tucked away on a particularly mountainous kink of the Riviera the villages of the Cinque Terre are shaped by their profound isolation. Set amidst the most dramatic coastal scenery on the planet, these beautiful, colourful towns can bolster the most jaded travel spirit. A 19th century railway line cuts through cliff tunnels and moves people from village to village where cars have been banned for a decade. Perfectly preserved architecture, boats bobbing in tiny harbours, houses cascading down the cliffs – a seductive and unique mix of Italian culture and nature.
ITINERARY
Saturday - Very early morning departure from Dorset via channel crossing to Calais and southwards through France for overnight 3 star hotel in Dijon area. Set dinner and breakfast.
Sunday - Crossing the France/Italy border and heading south - the scent of the Mediterranean building as we approach the coast. Arrive in Lavagne early evening to be welcomed with a 4 course set dinner menu (choices on all other nights).
Monday - The Gulf of Poets: A local guide will escort us as we start in the pretty fishing village of Camogli set next to San Fruttuoso Abbey and Tower of Doria. Next we board a ferry and make the short sea cruise across the Bay of Capodimonte to world famous Portofino (30 mins) surrounded by luxury yachts and fishing boats. Landing here we shall enjoy a walk around this elegant town. Then back on the boat to our final seductive destination of Santa Margherita (15 mins) with its palm trees and grand buildings. One of the most beautiful corners of Italy opens before your eyes.
Return to hotel by coach.
Tuesday - The Cinque Terre: Our guide will show us one of the most picturesque natural parks in Italy. Joining a train at Levanto we alight first in Manarola (15 mins) bequeathed with vineyards and priceless medival relics. Rejoin the train and continue to Riomaggiore (5 mins) whose peeling pastel houses march down a steep ravine to the tiny harbour - the regions favourite postcard view. Now we board a 40 minute ferry ride to cruise the length of this spectacular coast taking in views of vineyard terraces, breathtaking sea-cliffs and charming villages that tumble to the sea. Arrive at Monterosso, largest of the Cinque Terre villages and the only one with a beautiful sandy beach. Train to Levanto (10 mins) and rejoin coach to return to hotel.
Wednesday - This morning we shall take a guided stroll around the beautiful centre of Sestri Levante, a charming fishing village of narrow streets and winding alleyways that lead to a perfect bay. Here you will join a cooking class and be instructed how to make authentic Ligurian Pesto using local basil, olive oil, pine nuts and pecorino. At the end of the lesson you can sample the local pesto which will flavour a light lunch of pasta accompanied with local wine. Your own creation will be bottled up for a souvenir of your day. This afternoon we make a short drive to the Basilica dei Fieschi which sits in glorious isolation among the vineyards above Lavagna. Built in 1244 - one of the most important and best preserved Romanesque building in Liguria - you will be transported back to the Middle Ages.
Thursday - A guided walking tour of Genoa: Italy's largest sea port is indefatigably contradictory, full at once of grandeur, former glory, sparkling light and deep shade. A weighty architectural heritage speaks of its past which ruled over the Mediterranean waves during the 12th to 13th centuries - and history feels alive in Genoa. No more is this true than in its extensive old city with its twisting maze of caruggi (narrow streets), largely intact. Emerge blinking from this thrillingly dark heart to the splendid enlightenment-era of a monumental grand plaza - a true culture shock. To conclude the tour we visit a shop to sample some tasty local delights for lunch. Afternoon at leisure in Lavagne - stroll the prom or pick a spot on the beach and relax.
Friday - We bid a fond farewell to our Italian hosts and head homewards for overnight hotel in Dijon area, France with set dinner and breakfast.
Saturday - Drive through northern France to Calais for channel crossing to the UK and return to Dorset late that evening.
NB: This is a busy itinerary with some long days of travel and involves a significant amount of walking on steps/slopes and uneven surfaces in order to access these mainly pedestrianised cliff-side towns. There will be ferries and trains to board. You must be of reasonable physical ability and mobility to undertake these visits.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Hotel Tigullio, Lavagne
A modern and highly specified three star family run hotel situated just 100 metres from the beach with views over the Ligurian sea. Bedrooms are bright and spacious with private bathroom, free toiletries, hairdryer, television, phone, safe, air-conditioning and free wifi. There is a lift to all floors, a small gym, lounge/bar for socialising and outdoor terrace facing the sea. The stylish restaurant serves an Italian breakfast buffet each morning and a 4 course dinner each evening featuring Ligurian specialities and handmade pastas. The hotel owners offer a warm welcome and extend a high level of personal attention to their valued guests.
Tour Prrice: £1149.00 Per Person
Single room supplement: £175.00
Includes: All coach travel, Return channel crossing fares, 5 nights hotel in Lavagne, 2 x overnight hotel in Dijon area, Half board meals, Porterage in Italy, 4 x Local guide services in Italy, Headsets for guide commentary, Ferry fares for Gulf of Poets, Train fares for Cinque Terre, Ferry fares for Cinque Terre, Pesto class with Lunch, Lunch in Genoa, All city tourist taxes.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Other Points in Dorset | Phone us to discuss a convenient pick up. |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
