The Italian Riviera, Portofino & the Cinque Terre
The Italian Riviera, Portofino & the Cinque Terre
The Italian Riviera, Portofino & the Cinque Terre
8 Days Starting and ending in United Kingdom
Visiting: Lido di Camaiore, Pisa
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FIRIVP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 35
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Please make us aware of any specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Italian Riviera is a beautiful stretch of coastline in the northwest of Italy, stretching from the French border round to Tuscany. It’s home to stunning scenery and chic resorts, which you’ll explore during a series of day trips from your lovely four-star hotel.
There is so much to discover, from the region's remarkable history and wonderful landscapes to fabulous beaches and delicious food and wine. The highlights of your holiday are sure to be the exclusive resort of Portofino and the breathtaking beauty of the Cinque Terre, and we’ve also included a fascinating trip to a shimmering marble quarry.
Everyone’s idea of a perfect holiday is different, so we’ve built plenty of free time into the itinerary too. Time for you to head off and enjoy a quiet drink or a leisurely stroll in a different part of town. We have even set aside several days for relaxing by the pool or on the beach, however, if that’s not for you, our optional excursions give you a chance to explore even more.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 Uk - Pisa
Location: Lido di Camaiore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Caesar Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner, D
Your exploration of the Italian Riviera, a beautiful stretch of coastline in Italy’s northwestern corner, starts today! After flying to Pisa, we will drive you to your hotel in Lido di Camaiore, close to the small town of Marina di Pietrasanta, in neighbouring Tuscany. It is the perfect spot from which to explore, and the surrounding area is known for its sweeping sandy beaches. There is one a few steps from your hotel, so why not take a stroll before we get together for a welcome drink and dinner this evening
Day 2 Carrara & Lunae Winery
Location: Lido di Camaiore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Caesar Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, BLD
Today we include a visit to Carrara to see how the area's beautiful white and blue-grey marble is quarried. You'll visit the quarry itself, where the shimmering marble is a spectacular sight, and a marble workshop. Here you'll see how this high-quality material, which was used to create some of the most remarkable buildings in Ancient Rome, is used in sculpture today. We also include a visit to the marble museum, where you'll see statues, archaeological finds and machines used to process marble.
Later, we'll head to the Cantine Lunae Winery, owned by five generations of the same family. Here we'll learn about the centuries-old wine-making techniques which are still in place and enjoy a tasting of a few different wines. These will be paired with a lunch of local food including cheeses, salami and the traditional flatbread focaccia.
Day 3 Marina Di Pietrasanta - At Leisure
Location: Lido di Camaiore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Caesar Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
Spend today at leisure enjoying the facilities at your hotel or exploring Marina di Pietrasanta at your own pace. If you head into town, you’ll find a lovely selection of shops, cafés and restaurants, perfect if you fancy a stroll and leisurely lunch.
Alternatively, why not join our full-day optional excursion by coach. You’ll visit Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower, one of four buildings which make up the cathedral complex known as the Field of Miracles. We’ll tour the complex with a Local Guide and learn more about the famous tower that took 176 years to complete and began to lean shortly after construction began. After the tour, you’re free to enjoy lunch in Pisa if you wish and then we’ll head to Lucca. This historic, walled city boasts some of Italy’s finest examples of medieval and Renaissance architecture amidst its cobbled streets and pretty piazzas. We’ll explore together on a walking tour and discover highlights including the Roman amphitheatre and beautiful cathedral, where the Volto Santo relic – a wooden sculpture of Christ – is said to be kept. Enjoy some free time to make your own discoveries in Lucca before we make our way back to the hotel.
Day 4 Cinque Terre
Location: Lido di Camaiore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Caesar Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
Today's included full-day excursion by coach and train takes you to the enchanting area known as the Cinque Terre. This translates as Five Lands and refers to the five fishing villages perched precariously on rugged cliffs high above the Mediterranean Sea. One of the world’s most photographed regions, the views here are simply stunning – so be sure to bring your camera!
As we explore with a Local Guide, we’ll see pretty, pastel-coloured houses clinging to steep dramatic cliffs, and fishing boats bobbing around in tiny harbours. We will admire ancient churches and cobbled piazzas and take in the spectacular views out to sea. Then, you’ll have free time in the village of Vernazza to do just as you please. Maybe soak up the sun on the little beach, linger over a glass of wine or dine alfresco by the waterfront, the choice is entirely yours.
Day 5 Marina Di Pietrasanta - At Leisure
Location: Lido di Camaiore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Caesar Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
Enjoy some free time today. You could explore the area surrounding your hotel, spend a lazy day on the beach or relax by the swimming pool.
Alternatively, why not join our optional excursion, which begins in the beautiful village of Portovenere, sat atop a rocky peninsula in the 'Gulf of Poets', an area once very popular with writers such as Byron, Shelley and DH Lawrence. Highlights are a picturesque harbour lined with brightly coloured houses, the stunning church of San Pietro and an impressive stone-built castle. Next, you'll head to the beautiful seaside town of Lerici, home to an imposing castle, a small historic centre and a crescent-shaped piazza.
Day 6 Portofino & Santa Margherita
Location: Lido di Camaiore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Caesar Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
After breakfast, join us on today's included tour. We'll start by exploring the hidden hamlet of San Fruttuoso. Nested in a small bay, surrounded by a lush forest, there are no roads to this off-the-beaten-track destination. Instead, we’ll arrive by boat and then step inside the charming 10th-century abbey, located right beside the crystal-clear sea.
Next, we’ll venture to Portofino, which we’ll also reach by local boat service along a pretty coastal stretch. What used to be a tiny fishing port is today the Italian Riviera's most exclusive resort, offering designer boutiques and a fine selection of cafés and bars. You’ll have free time here to make your own discoveries and could perhaps take a stroll among the snaking streets to the Church of St Giorgio. From here, the views across the bay are quite spectacular. Another option is to explore the area surrounding the Piazzetta, Portofino’s main square overlooking the harbour.
You'll also visit the picturesque seaside resort of Santa Margherita, which is home to a lovely palm-fringed harbour that's a magnet for small yachts.
Day 7 Marina Di Pietrasanta - At Leisure
Location: Lido di Camaiore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Caesar Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD
Spend today at leisure exploring or enjoying the facilities at your hotel. You could take a dip in the swimming pool or perhaps book a relaxing treatment at the spa.
Alternatively, if you want to discover even more, why not join an optional excursion to Genoa. This large port city, with its twisting maze of narrow streets, is famous as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and its maritime history spans centuries. Your guided tour will take you past a diverse mix of contemporary, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, grand palaces and a host of museums and galleries. Now you have your bearings, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please in Genoa.
Day 8 Pisa - Uk
Location: Pisa
Meals Included: B
Your holiday comes to an end today and after breakfast, we'll drive you to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star hotel -
Return flights from London
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15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners and welcome drink
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7 nights half board in a 4-star hotel
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Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage
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Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide
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7 nights half-board in a 4-star hotel
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15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners and welcome drink
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Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide
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15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners and welcome drink
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Travelsphere Holiday Director and Specialist Local Guide
What's Not Included
Accommodation
- Grand Hotel Forte dei Marmi
- Located close to the sea and the town centre, the grand hotel benefits from the flair of Forte dei Marmi, a famous touristic attraction known all over the world.
Comfort, functionality and a refined style characterize one of the best-known hotels in the Versilia, that has been recently renovated and offers a pleasant and relaxing holiday in an amazing scenery.
The outdoor swimming pool is equipped with deckchairs and sun-umbrellas and offers a valid alternative to the beach to those who just want to relax.
A comfortable bar area near the swimming pool and a large and elegant dining room complete the offer of the structure.
Wi-Fi connection is at guests’ disposal for free.
The rooms are all equipped with telephone, TV, Â hairdryer, safe, air conditioning, minibar and free Wi-Fi connection.
Optional Excursions
- Explore Pisa and the walled town of Lucca
- Visit charming Lerici and beautiful Portovenere
- Explore historic Genoa
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Pre-bookable excursions: Pisa & Lucca and Lerici & Portovenere can be pre-booked as a package from just £132 per person.
Excursions Included
- Carrara marble quarry and museum
- Travel by coach and train to the Cinque Terre
- Scenic cruise from Rapallo to Portofino
- Visit Santa Margherita
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No. Min age is 18 years.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Requirements do change, and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure so that you have the correct documentation and are adequately vaccinated. Information on health is available from your GP surgery and from the National Travel Health Network and Centre www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Travelsphere’s Flexibility Promise has been created to give you complete peace of mind and make you feel confident when booking your holiday with us. We have also been awarded the WTTC safe travels stamp which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Travelsphere has been operating escorted touring holidays for 60 years
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travelsphere, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You will receive Holiday conformation upon booking, and then several documents detailing any adddiotnal information and the optional excursions that you can book before you travel. The final information covering your flights, hotels and itinerary will be sent to you around 14 days before your departure date.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, we do not offer single share options
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, Im afraid not
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If we can accomadate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - and make sure you have your booking number to hand.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Our Travelsphere Cares programmes, in partnership with the Planeterra Foundation, support local projects and social enterprises by helping them earn an income from tourism. We simply donate a portion of the funds from our tours, so it’s great to know that when you travel with us you are helping to change lives and turn travel into real impact.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like minded travellers
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Travelsphere allows you to make 4 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Travelsphere allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform travelsphere, 75 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Travelsphere requires a minimum deposit of 21% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travelsphere charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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