Terraced vineyards, hidden mule tracks and the vibrant scents of the Italian Riviera. Experience the wilder side of Liguria - savour authentic flavours, hidden trails from Camogli to Portovenere and soak up la dolce vita on foot.
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of the Ligurian coast; where the mountains plunge directly into the turquoise Mediterranean. This is more than a walking holiday; it’s a sensory and physical journey through one of the most spectacular corners of Italy.
From the pastel-hued harbour of Camogli to the lemon groves of the Cinque Terre, we step off the beaten track to explore a landscape shaped by the elements, and the culture, agriculture and cuisine that has adapted and flourished around it.
Our daily walks on the wild side of this well-loved region give us opportunities to wonder at the ancient stone wall farms, sniff the wild Mediterranean macchia and experience "heroic agriculture", the traditional farming methods, practiced to this day.
Hop on coastal trains and hop off scenic ferries - each day brings a brand-new section of the Ligurian coast to explore, returning every evening to our comfortable base.
This week is a must for anyone who loves mountain and coastal walking and experiencing the local culture through its landscape and cuisine and in the company of a small group of like-minded international women.
Medium: This tour is designed for hikers with a good fitness level, who are steady on their feet. Liguria is famous for its steep terrain, so be prepared for uphill sections!
Meet your guide, Ceri and fellow travellers in the colourful harbour of Camogli at 15:00. After settling into our charming, family-run guesthouse, we’ll enjoy a sunset aperitivo by the sea.
Accommodation: La Camogliese (or similar)
Dinner: Traditional seafood welcome dinner (Included)
Distance: 12km, Ascent: 900m, Descent: 900m
We climb the ancient stone steps from Camogli to San Rocco, heading deep into the Portofino Regional Park. Our path takes us through chestnut forest and olive groves before descending to the hidden San Fruttuoso Abbey, accessible only by foot or boat. From there we continue either on foot along the rugged coastal trail to the swish resort of Portofino or arrive in style by boat.
Distance: 7km, Ascent 350m, Descent: 350m
We take the local train to Sestri Levante, the famous "City of Two Seas" that once inspired Hans Christian Andersen. After picking up fresh focaccia and pastries from a local pasticceria for a picnic, we climb through shady olive groves and pine forests. Along the trail, we’ll pass historic Genoan watchtowers with panoramic coast views before descending back to town for a refreshing dip in the sea and a well-earned gelato.
Distance: 14km, Ascent 750m, Descent: 750m
We bid farewell to our charming spot in Camogli and hop on the train in the direction of the Cinque Terre. Whilst our luggage is moved to our next accommodation, we take the scenic route, walking on foot along the coastline, for that oh-là-là moment when the coastline of the Cinque Terre stretches out before us. Our trail continues through pine forest and on to one of the oldest hill sanctuaries of the region. After a visit to the sanctuary and refreshment, we descend to Monterosso, where our next accommodation and a dip in the sea awaits.
Accommodation: Hotel Marina, Monterosso (or similar)
Distance: 7km, 450m Ascent, 340 Descent
Today we head out early to hike the classic “Sentiero Azzuro”. This now iconic trail is a must for any trip to the Cinque Terre. Clinging to the cliff-side we tackle the most spectacular stretches between three of the five villages. Walking between the lemon groves and hillside farms, each village draws us in, through its unique location and charm. We finish early afternoon and return to Monterosso so enjoy some for rest and relaxation on the beach or to explore the historic centre of Monterosso.
Distance: 13km, 450 Ascent, 850m Descent
Starting further down the coastline today, we head up and out into the hills above the coastal villages of Corniglia and Manarola. Here we find wilder routes, paths lined with fern, as we explore the landscape both sides of the ridgeline. Our afternoon descent back into the Cinque Terre takes us via a traditional cantina, in its seventh generation, where we are introduced to the art of wine-making on steep terraces and get to taste their wines.
Distance: 13km, 650 Ascent, 550m Descent
Our final hike is the climax of the week, as we take the high route along the hills above the Cinque Terre towards the southern most village, Porto Venere. The route is as diverse as it is spectacular- cork and pine forest, trails between small terraced farms and small agricultura along the way. As we drop into Porto Venere, views open to the stunnningly situated Castello dei Genovesi and San Pietro church, indicating the historic legacy of the area. Our journey back to Monterosso by boat connects all the dots, as we relive our week of adventure from the vantage of the sea.
A final breakfast before departures from Monterosso.
This is a medium difficulty tour- perfect for walkers and hikers with a good fitness level. Most of the routes are along good paths with only a few narrow, steeper, and exposed sections. You should be prepared to walk between 4-7 hrs per day – with the longest days’ ascent being 900m overall. The walking pace will be around 3km/hr.
A mix of trails – from easy, wider trails to some narrower, uneven paths - with a few exposed sections.
We will have two different bases for this trip.
Located in the heart of Camogli, this warm, family-run hotel offers the perfect welcome to the Italian Riviera. With the beach, colourful harbour and local trattorias within a stone’s throw, it provides comfortable, bright rooms and a relaxed atmosphere – making it an ideal base for our coastal explorations and to unwind after a day on the trails.
Nestled in the historic heart of Monterosso del Mare, Hotel Marina is just a short stroll from the beach and vibrant village piazza. This cosy hotel offers comfortable rooms, and a lovely rooftop garden setting- the perfect spot to relax with a glass of local wine at the end of the day.
Liguria is a crescent of land squeezed between the sea and the Apennines. As such, its landscapes, flora and flora are diverse. The culture around it fascinating – an example of how just like nature, the people have adapted to survive and thrive in its unique location. Its soul is found in its agriculture, food and wine: the silver-green of olive leaves, the bright yellow of lemons and the deep green of basil.
This is a tour, where the produce accompanies us nearly every step of the way and where the terms farm-to-table and sea-to-table meet. Think Mediterranean meals, fresh fish and seafood, accompanied by local olive oil, lemons and herbs, and homegrown vegetables.
The local wineries provide delicious accompaniments, and of course, we are in the land of endless espresso and gelato.
Breakfast is included everyday. Two evening meals are also included. Lunches may be packed lunches or in a local restaurant. The rest of the dinners are not included to allow flexibility in our plans.
As always, please let us know any dietary requirements well in advance, so that we can accommodate for your needs.
One luggage transfer is included between our two hotel bases on day 4. For walking you will need a normal day pack (approx 25l). A full equipment list will be sent to you on booking.
This journey is crafted for women who love to explore and experience a region a through journeying on foot, connecting with nature, culture and history, through its flora, fauna, food and wine. If you prefer a local trattoria over a tourist trap, a wild ridge-line over a crowded promenade, and the company of a small, supportive crew of international women, you will find your people here.
As an International Mountain Leader, Wilderness Instructor, and outdoor expert, Ceri brings deep experience and genuine passion to every adventure she leads. Her mission is to help others reconnect- with nature, with themselves, and with each other- through mindful exploration in wild and beautiful places.
With 10 years of hiking guiding experience from coastal walks to high alpine treks, Ceri manages all logistics, risk management and safety, so that you can relax, knowing that you are in the best hands.
Nearest airport: Genoa
Public transport to Genoa
From Genoa to Camogli: Airport Shuttle to Genoa Genova Ponente Aeroporto (5mins) & Train to Camogli-S. Fruttoso (1h06mins).
Return to Genoa from Monterosso: Approx 2 hrs, changing in Sestri Levante.
Train travel via Florence:
SPECIAL OFFER: Explore Florence and take the night train back to Munich!
Join me for an extra night at the finish, exploring the beautiful city of Florence and take the night train back to Munich.
Once this option is available to book, I will share the details!
When booking a tour with 4elements it is vital that you have adequate valid travel insurance covering the activities included. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate insurances and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the trip, including all optional activities. We also recommend Travel Cancellation Insurance (Reiserücktrittversicherung) in the case that you have to cancel a trip for any reason.
Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your country of residence. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter repatriation in the event of illness or injury –and covers the entire duration of your holiday. For this tour it is vital that you are covered for mountain search and rescue. One of the best offers for this is included in annual membership of the German Alpine Club Deutscher Alpenverein
If you are looking for insurance to cover a single hiking/ mountain tours (Wander- und Bergsportversicherung) or further insurances such as Travel Cancellation Insurance (Reiserücktrittversicherung), then we recommend the following provider for residents in Germany: Travel Secure
*valid on bookings until 01.01.2027
8 Days
6 - 8 women
Italy
Fitness:
Technical ability:
Info: Tour / Fitness Grading
Culture:
Cuisine:
Landscape:
Flora & fauna:
Info: Experience Grading
Looking for a tour for a private group?
We also offer this as a private 3-8 day tour option and can fully customise it to your group.



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