Walking in Italy – Riviera & Portofino

What sort of weather can I expect?

Meteorological records for the area, taken over a period of more than 10 years, are represented in the Weather Chart provided
with each itinerary.  Slightly less reliable weather at the beginning and end of the season is balanced by the glorious clarity of the air and views at these times of year. The resort towns will be quieter too, although they only become uncomfortably busy in July and August – when we close
the route. For bathing, the sea is obviously warmer in the autumn, becoming no cooler than pleasantly refreshing, even by the end of October – by which time some of the olive groves will already have their nets spread to catch the forthcoming harvest.

What sort of walking can I expect?

The fitness level of this trip is Grade 3-3+ . The walking mixes long traverses along the coast with climbs and descents to the seaside towns and villages. Some of these climbs and descents are quite steep (the steepest tend to be on steps). The longest climb is out of the bay of San Fruttuoso on the last day (450m), but this path is mostly quite well graded and can usually be by-passed with a boat ride.

The paths are very varied, but are generally well-maintained footpaths, some of which are paved with slate, which become very slippery when wet. There are a number of quite long flights of steps, but these are rarely very steep.

There are some sections of path that could cause problems to vertigo sufferers. Paths (generally of a good width) sometimes
run along the edge of a terrace with a drop of two or three metres to one side. On the first day there is a short stretch (near the chapel of Sant’Anna) with steep drops to the sea on one side, but the path is wide and protected by a ‘hedge’ of scrub. On the Portofino peninsula there is a section of route (1 km)
beside some steep, brush-grown drops to the sea. Although the path is broad, it is in places sloping and rocky, so may prove challenging for those with a strong fear of heights. You should discuss with your Route Manager any concerns you may have.

The 8-day intinerary includes 6 days of walking, the 6-day itinerary 4 day (5 if you arrive early enough on day 1 for an optional walk). The walk lengths vary from 2.5 hours to a maximum of 7 hours.

Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests

What if I don't want to walk?

You don’t have to! You can get a lift with the Route Manager to the next hotel when your bags are moved on, or we can arrange taxis and advise you of local transport options to facilitate shortening the walks.

How do I get to the start of the route?

Travel to Italy

The recommended destination airports for this route are Genoa, Pisa or Milan.

Travel to the First Hotel by Public Transport

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please remember to validate any train ticket you purchase in Italy before you board the train by stamping it in the green and white or yellow machine at the entrance to the platform; your ticket is not valid for travel unless you do this and you can be fined if you fail to do so.

From Genoa airport: Take a shuttle bus to Sestri Ponente airport station and a train from there to Sestri Levante.

Genoa Airport is linked to Sestri Ponente Aeroporto railway station by the Flybus shuttle service. Flybus operates every 15 minutes, from 0600 to 2200, €1.50. The bus stop is located outside the arrivals area (ground floor). You can buy your ticket (for both bus and train journeys) in the arrivals hall. Onward trains to Sestri Levante leave approximately once an hour, cost €7-13, journey time 1.5- 2 hours.

From Pisa Airport: Trains leave from outside the departures hall. After emerging into the arrivals area, turn L and head towards the far end of the airport, beyond the departures area. Exit and you will find the platform for the ‘Pisa Mover’ shuttle directly to Pisa Centrale, which is available every day from 6:00 AM to midnight at 7/12 minute intervals and costs €5.
At Pisa Centrale change onto a train to Sestri Levante. Some are direct, others change at La Spezia or at Chiavari. Journey time 2-3 hrs, cost €18-€25.

From Milan Malpensa airport: Trains to Sestri Levante take 3 hours 45 mins to 5 hours, ranging from 1 to 3 changes. Cost €30 - €40. It’s worth planning ahead for this journey.

From Milan Linate airport: Take the shuttle bus to Milano Centrale station. Hourly service, journey time 25 minutes, €5. From the central station the direct trains to Sestri Levante take 2.5 hours, €40.

By Taxi

We can book you a taxi from to the first hotel. The taxi can hold up to 4 passengers (depending on luggage).

From Genoa airport: from €130.
From Pisa airport: from €220
From Milan Linate airport: from €350 From Milan Malpensa airport: from €400

Prices may be higher at weekends, Bank Holidays or late at night.

Where can I leave my car if I drive to the route?

The Miramare in Sestri Levante has a small underground car park. With enough warning it is normally possible to reserve a space at a cost of €20 per night.

The Cenobio dei Dogi in Camogli has limited parking in the grounds (uncovered but inside a fence). If you are staying here, and give enough warning, it is normally possible to reserve a
space at no extra cost.  A formal request needs to be made as early as possible - please indicate during the booking procedure if you would like us make a reservation on your behalf.

What should I bring?

Bring whatever clothes and footwear you find most comfortable for everyday wear, and a change or two for the evenings – smart/casual.
Some trips include quite distinguished hotels and restaurants, for which you may wish to ‘dress up’ in the evening, however on Independent trips you have more flexibility in determining how casual you wish to be. For walking we recommend lightweight walking boots with firm ankle support (make sure you wear them in before the trip!), a small daypack for your lightweight waterproof clothing, camera, fleece etc. An increasing number of people bring telescopic walking poles. For a comprehensive packing list click here: what to bring

What sort of food can I expect?

The seafood is of course delicious, and the Riviera’s popularity with Italian holiday-makers means that there are many excellent and sophisticated restaurants. Traditional local cuisine is
relatively simple however; it marries such sea-grown staples as fresh anchovies with the intense flavours generations of master-cultivators have coaxed from their narrow vegetable plots, squeezed between the mountains and the water. The non-fish options are equally tasty, led by Genoa’s famous pesto anointing
various local pastas, and sauces featuring walnuts and mountain cheeses. Liguria is the original home of focaccia.

Breakfast

Most of the hotels we use offer a buffet-style breakfast with a wide range of both hot and cold choices. 4- and 5-star hotels almost always offer ‘cooked’ breakfast. Occasionally, in more remote areas, or in some 2 or 3-star hotels, breakfast can be a decidedly more ‘Continental’ affair – i.e. bread, croissant, juice, coffee.

Lunch

The ATG Route Booklets and our ‘Sustainable Shopping Guides’ are filled with information about markets and shops in which to buy your lunch. From seasonal fruits, local cheeses, cured hams and freshly baked breads, you are limited only by what you can carry in your pack!

Dinner

On some routes, usually where there is no other restaurant within walking distance, half-board accommodation is included (see ‘what is included’ for this trip). In other areas where there is a selection of restaurants, ATG includes a list of recommendations in your ATG Route Booklet. Some restaurants are recommended because they have provided meals that have been regularly enjoyed by ATG clients; other restaurants are renowned internationally (e.g., within the Guide Michelin).

Restaurant bookings

Your Route Manager will be delighted to book restaurants for you if required, ensuring the places you eat at are...

•Your first choice

•The highest standard

• The best value

...and you are not disappointed by finding the restaurant full.

Wine

Ligurian wines are not amongst Italy’s most famous, and this stretch of the Riviera has a limited history of commercial wine-making, although the Golfo del Tigullio did receive DOC
accreditation in 1997. The crisp whites of Genoa and the Cinque Terre are also perfect complements for fish and seafood however, and the Rossese of Dolceacqua is a full-flavoured red.

Several of our independent routes pass through well-known wine-producing regions, with opportunities for wine tasting along the route. If you are particularly interested in wine you may like to consider...

• Classic Alsace

• Provence: Vaucluse & the Lubéron

• Siena to Florence

• Southern Tuscany

• Ancient Volcanic Landscapes

• Tuscany & Siena

• Tuscan Hills

• Roman Roads to Orvieto

• Etruscan Lanes to Orvieto

• Umbria & Assisi

• Sintra & the Portuguese Coast

What if I have a dietary restriction or food allergy?

When you book, let us know about any restrictions. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our routes due to the wide variety of shops and restaurants available. Your Route Manager will provide you with advice and recommendations at your briefing.

What should I bring to wear in the evenings?

Most eateries along the route range from casual to smart/casual. There is no need to dress up for most restaurants, but if you decide to treat yourself to a smart, expensive one (particularly in Portofino) , men may want to wear a jacket and  ladies, a skirt, dress or smart trousers

We recommend you bring a comfortable, practical pair of shoes, as there may well be a short distance to walk to dinner.

Do the hotels have WIFI, hair dryers, laundry service?

All have WIFI and hair dryers. All except Tigullio Royal and Villa Argentina provide a laundry service.

How much should I budget for items not included?

You can get an idea of transport costs in the ‘getting there’ section of
the trip page. For lunches, costs will depend on whether you choose to buy picnic items or eat in bars/restaurants. Dinners: some are included (see ‘what’s included’). For evening meals not included, the route book provides restaurant recommendations to suit a wide range of budgets. Entrance fees to museums, churches, galleries and other sightseeing costs will vary considerably depending on how much you want to see and how old you are (!). Over 60s enjoy significantly reduced prices at many attractions, so it is worth carrying (safely) some form of identification showing your age. Other costs are items of a personal nature, shopping expenditure and transport if you choose to limit your walking with public transport or taxis.

City Tax (Italy only)

In March 2011, the Italian legislature passed a decree that created a new tourism tax to be paid by visitors to Italy and collected by the accommodation where they are staying. The purpose is to raise revenue that municipalities can use to maintain local facilities and infrastructure and to help in the preservation of cultural and historical treasures, all of which benefits tourists. The roll-out of the tax has been gradual, with each council determining the way in which it should be implemented. First introduced in the big cities, since 2012
the tax has been introduced by many other town councils. The tax is charged by guest per night, with an upper limit to the number of nights that can be charged. The rate (usually €1-2 Euros per person per night) is determined by the rating of the accommodation. This tax is not included in the price of independent holidays but where applicable will be payable direct to your hotel in cash.

What if I want to extend my trip?

We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.

Where can I find general FAQs?

For FAQs relating to the Company and general trip questions, click here