Italian Alps & Cinque Terre
ITALIAN ALPS AND CINQUE TERRE (10 days/9 nights)
September 27th to October 6th, 2010
 This wonderful walking adventure links two of the best areas of Italy: the Alps of Gran Paradiso and the Cinque Terre, in the Ligurean sea. The first part of the trip will offer us the chance to be surrounded by some of the most breathtaking peaks in the world, including the famous Gran Paradis. Walks here take us through meadows, beech and pine woods, along easy ridges and up to an 8500 foot view-filled summit plain. The Gran Paradiso is a fantastic, little known, and as yet quite unspoiled Italian National Park. The park was created as a hunting ground for King Vittorio Emanuele and has as a result, for the most part, good quality tracks at very high levels. Moving up away from the mountains into the warmer coastal hills of Cinque Terre we continue to our second centre, Monterosso. A paradise of rugged Mediterranean coastline and quiet green mountains awaits walkers in this region of Liguria. Here, the world-renowned sea villages of Cinque Terre will combine to produce a truly Italian experience. Ours is a journey of cultural discovery, too, as we encounter a range of Italy’s alpine enclaves and traditional cuisines.
EXCLUSIVE TO THIS HOLIDAY
· Opportunity to visit the colourful village of Camogli
· Possibility of spotting wild ibex and chamois, plus other wildlife rare in most of Europe
· Famous traditional Alpine cooking and in contrast the Riviera cuisine
· The oldest National Park in Italy created in 1922
· The King’s path, a hunting trail built in the 1800 for the former royal pleasure of hunting
· Cheese tasting
· Alpine environment with high rocky peaks with about 2000 species of flowering plants
· Visits to the famous Cinque Terre
· Visit the famous Ligurian Riviera
· Walks through terraced vineyards and olive groves in Liguria
PROGRAM
ITINERARY (May be changed at the discretion of the trip leader):
Pre-trip We recommend that you plan to arrive at least one day in advance. Not only will you be ready and well rested, this allows you to explore some on your own.
Day 1 - MILAN – CERESOLE After introductions, we’ll head to the small mountain village of Ceresole Reale. Located at an elevation of 5,200 feet, Ceresole Reale sits on the side of a small alpine lake and offers us a relaxing setting for our first day in Italy. We'll stop for lunch at Pont Canavese (on your own), some relaxation time and an introduction to the area. Welcome dinner and orientation.
 Day 2 - ALPS: PIAN DEL NIVOLET Today, surrounded by peaks soaring to elevations over 13,000 ft., we’ll amble along a plateau at 8,500 feet, all the while keeping our eyes peeled for chamois, wild goats, golden eagles, and marmots. Blue alpine lakes, towering waterfalls, and crystalline rivers are everywhere. This is an easy, relaxing day. Return to Ceresole for the evening. 6 miles and 1000 feet elevation gain. BLD
Day 3 - ALPS: GTA (Great Alps Trek) TO NOASCA. The pace picks up a bit today as our walk takes us along an ancient track, through magnificent meadows and woodlands. We’ll hike a broad valley full of old abandoned mountain villages and we’ll stop to sample some of area’s finest local cheeses produced at elevations over 8,000 feet. 7.4 miles and about 1,600-ft. elevation gain. BLD
Day 4 - ALPS: RIFUGIO JERVIS. Lace your boots well today. We’ll be heading gradually uphill to a mountainous area formed by the melting of a giant glacier. Lunch will be in a mountain refuge on the side of a wonderful alpine lake, looking out at the surrounding high peaks with superb views everywhere. 7.4 miles, 1,900-ft. elevation gain. Return to Ceresole for overnight. BLD
Day 5 - ALPS: LAGHETTI BELLAGARDA. THE ROYAL PATH An easy, relaxing day walking to a number of small alpine lakes along the Royal Path. Built in 1860, the trail was designed to provide an easy access for the king to hunt chamois, wild goat, lynx, and wolves. Coming back, we can assist with the old, traditional way of making mountain cheese; those that wish can also buy some of this exquisite delicacy! Return to Ceresole for overnight. 5.4 miles, 1300-ft. elevation gain. BLD
 Day 6 - CERESOLE -Transfer to CINQUE TERRE (Monterosso). Three hours driving through wonderful scenery will take us to Monterosso, situated on the edge of the Cinque Terre. There’ll be time for a short afternoon walk before a delicious dinner in the restaurant of our hotel (fresh fish their specialty!). BD
Day 7 - MONTEROSSO-RIOMAGGIORE-CORNIGLIA-VERNAZZA-MONTEROSSO. A short ride on the train will take us to Riomaggiore. From here, along the famous “Love’s path”, we will reach Corniglia and Vernazza, across terraced vineyards, fields and Mediterranean vegetation suspended between mountain and sea. A great day, with a short way back on the train. 5 miles, 1500-ft. elevation gain. BLD
 Day 8: MONTEROSSO-LEVANTO-COSTA DEL SEMAFORO-COLLE DI GRITTA-MONTEROSSO
A short ride on the train will take us to Levanto. From here, passing by the castle, we will walk along the beautiful and panoramic trail on the mountains over Levanto, along an ancient way excavated just on the edge of the cliff, above the sea. Panoramic view all along the way. 9 miles, 1900 feet total ascent. BLD
Day 9: MONTEROSSO-VERNAZZA-MONTEROSSO
From Monterosso we will walk along the “blue trail”, an ancient foothpath along terraced vineyards and olive trees that will take us to Vernazza, an ancient fishing village just on the edge of the sea. Another short ride on the train will take us back to Monterosso. If the sea conditions are good, our return will be via boat.
3 miles, 700 feet total ascent. BD
NOTE: group will walk directly from Monterosso; return by train or boat from Vernazza; lunch is on your own in Vernazza, whit a great offer of snacks, pizza, focaccia, restaurants. Afternoon free for shopping or touring.
 Day 10: MONTEROSSO/PISA - Departure day
After an early breakfast we transfer to Pisa airport – end of services. B.
DETAILS:
Dates: Sept 27-Oct 6, 2010
Trip Begins: Milan, Italy
Trip Ends: Pisa, Italy
Price: $3595 - minimum group size: 8
Single: $425 - limited availability
WHAT WE PROVIDE:
HOTELS:
- 5 nights in Mountain Hotel Ceresole Reale 2**sup
- 4 nights in Monterosso Hotel 3***;
MEALS AS LISTED
OTHER:
- Transportation in private van 9 seats (8+1);
- All entrance fees at scheduled stops and local taxes;
- Professional Official Guide.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Beginning of services: Milan Malpensa Airport, only one appointment for pick-up
- End of services: Pisa airport, only one trip to suite most of departure.
Different airport arrival/departure as well as very early departures may not be assisted and should be arranged at complete expenses of clients.
Malpensa-Ceresole 2:30h / Ceresole-Cinque Terre 3:00h / Cinque Terre-Pisa 2:30h
Walking The World PO Box 1186 Ft. Collins, CO 80522
Ph: 970-498-0500 Fax: 1-877-656-7444
Email: info@walkingtheworld.com Web: www.walkingtheworld.com
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