Arrive independently on the beautiful Ligurian Coast and check into your hotel in the elegant seaside town of Santa Margherita, your base for the next two nights. Take time to stroll the palm-lined promenade and enjoy your first taste of Italian Riviera cuisine.

Take a short train ride to the picturesque fishing town of Camogli, then board a boat to the secluded cove of the San Fruttuoso monastery, founded over 1,200 years ago. From here, hike the trails high above the shore of Portofino, descending through silver olive groves and small hamlets until the glamorous town comes into view. Explore Portofino's famous harbor, overlooked by the Church of San Giorgio and the historic castle, before returning to Santa Margherita by boat.

Take a train or bus to Rapallo. Choose to either climb the steep path or take the famous cable car (ticket not included) to the sanctuary of Madonna di Montallegro. From the church high above Rapallo, enjoy a spectacular panoramic coastal view before walking relatively unknown, tranquil paths toward Chiavari. This route offers sweeping views of the sea on one side and the Apennine Mountains on the other. A short train ride brings you to Moneglia, a delightful, authentic village bypassed by the tourist boom, where you will enjoy an included 3-course dinner.

Take the train to Bonassola and begin your hike back toward Moneglia. Cross the wonderful Salto della Lepre viewpoint to Framura, widely considered the most panoramic section of today's trek. Pass through the quiet hamlets of Framura to reach the little fishing town of Deiva Marina. If you are feeling energetic, continue along the coastal route directly back to Moneglia for another included 3-course dinner.

Take the train to Levanto to visit the 13th-century Church of Sant'Andrea and the ancient town walls. Surrounded by olive groves and sweeping shorelines, begin your climb over the ridge along cobbled pathways. Pass Punta Mesco, offering unparalleled views over the entire Gulf of the Cinque Terre, before descending into Monterosso, the first of the five famous villages. This afternoon, enjoy an included wine tasting experience. Sample the local Cinque Terre DOC white and traditional sweet Sciacchetrà wine, accompanied by crostini and cantucci, while learning how locals have engineered these steep rocky terraces over centuries.

Today, hike the iconic Cinque Terre trails. Walk less-traveled pilgrimage routes between Monterosso and the Soviore sanctuary. Continue to the Reggio sanctuary for spectacular views above Vernazza. Walk the main footpaths to Corniglia, then challenge yourself on the higher, steep path through ancient vineyards to Volastra and down to Manarola. Because trains connect every village, you can easily customize the length of today's walking vacation before returning to Monterosso by rail.

Take the train to the charming, vibrant village of Riomaggiore. Begin your final trek through fragrant pine and chestnut woods to the stunning village of Portovenere, built dramatically on a rocky peninsula surrounded by the sea and three small islands. Celebrate your achievement by returning to Monterosso on a beautiful coastal boat ride, allowing you to see the magnificent cliffs and villages you have hiked from a completely different perspective.