Join us for an incredible 3-day adventure along the beautiful Italian Riviera, with special access to Cinque Terre’s National Park. Led by our experienced Italy on a Budget Tour Leaders, you’ll have the chance to explore the local culture through activities like a hands-on Pesto Class, scenic hikes, and personalized recommendations.
Experience stunning landscapes, delicious food, and unforgettable moments overlooking the sparkling Ligurian Sea, all while making new connections and friendships.
Any questions about this tour of Italy? Please get in touch. If you want a shorter tour experience in Italy, please browse our Day Tours in Italy.
Kick off your adventure in La Spezia, a lively coastal city that’s your gateway to the stunning Italian Riviera. Known for its colorful streets, buzzing atmosphere, and authentic Ligurian eateries, La Spezia is the perfect place to start your journey.
In the morning, meet your tour leader and hop on a scenic train ride to Santa Margherita Ligure, a charming seaside town with pastel-colored buildings, a bustling marina, and that unmistakable Italian Riviera vibe.
Next, we’ll set sail to Portofino, the glamorous coastal gem favored by celebrities and travelers alike. Wander through the iconic “Piazzetta,” snap some photos of the vibrant harbor, and indulge in a gelato while taking in the luxury and charm of this picture-perfect town.
Later, we’ll continue to Monterosso, the largest village in Cinque Terre, where you can kick back on the sandy beach, sip on local limoncino, and watch the sun dip below the Ligurian Sea.
As the day winds down, we’ll return to La Spezia with the option to join a relaxed group dinner—sharing stories, laughter, and the first memories of an unforgettable Italian adventure.
Rise and shine for an action-packed day in Cinque Terre! We’ll hop on the train to Corniglia, perched atop a mountain with breathtaking views of the sea. We’ll warm up with a stretch by climbing the 382 stairs to reach the village center. After a short briefing, we’ll begin our easy and panoramic 1h and a half of trekking along the Azul Trail toward Vernazza.
After a lunch break in Vernazza to refuel our engines and power up with the famous fried seafood cone & focaccia, we’ll have some time to relax at the beach before heading to a traditional winery for a hands-on pesto-making experience to learn the secrets of the Italian cuisine to bring back home. Get ready to indulge in a tasting of Cinque Terre wines and Ligurian oils, accompanied by the renowned Ligurian focaccia. It’s a truly local experience you won’t forget!
Our adventure continues to the little town of Manarola for breathtaking panoramic vistas known for its picturesque harbor and colorful buildings cascading down the rugged cliffsides. The village is also a part of the famous Via dell’Amore, or “Lover’s Lane,” a scenic coastal path that connects Manarola to Riomaggiore.
We’ll wrap up the day in Riomaggiore. Here, you can opt for an exhilarating kayak excursion or simply relax with a sunset aperitivo by the coast. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
On the third day of our tour, we head to Porto Venere, the final stop of our adventure. Upon arrival, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore and indulge in whatever activities your heart desires. Whether it’s soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches, wandering through the charming streets lined with colorful houses, or savoring delicious local cuisine at waterfront restaurants, the choice is yours. Enjoy this leisurely afternoon in Porto Venere before we bid farewell to the enchanting Italian Riviera.
You can arrive in La Spezia whenever it is best for you. We meet in the morning in La Spezia at 11:00 am. All final details will be sent by email.
Hostel & B&B:
2 Nights in La Spezia (Hostel or B&B)
Popular and vibrant budget-friendly hostels. It’s a great choice for backpackers, solo travelers, and young people looking to meet others while exploring the city.
Room Type:
Mixed Shared Room: 4 /8 bed Mixed Dorm — perfect for solo and budget travelers. We endeavor to accommodate by gender whenever possible, though this may not always be feasible.
Private Room for 2: Twin or Double Room for 2 people — perfect for friends or couples seeking comfort on a budget.
Tour Type: Fully Guided
Fully guided tours offer a seamless, worry-free travel experience with expert tour leaders accompanying you throughout the journey. All major sightseeing, activities, and logistics are carefully organized and guided, allowing you to relax and focus on enjoying Italy’s highlights without the need to plan or navigate on your own.
The tour is ideal for: Young adults (typically 18–35 years old) looking for a social, exciting way to see Italy. Solo travelers, couples, and friends eager to meet like-minded people& share experiences. Flexible, easy-going, and Laid-back adventurers who want to taste authentic Ligurian cuisine, try hands-on pesto-making, and explore charming coastal villages. Scenic Walkers & Explorers who love strolling through charming villages, along cliffside paths, and taking in breathtaking coastal views.
Additional Information: This tour requires a minimum of 6 participants to run. But don’t worry. If the minimum is not met, we’ll still make it happen for you as a partially guided experience.
The primary means of transportation for this trip is by train. Trains are the fastest way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right in the city center.
Be prepared to walk a lot, as we believe that there is no better way to explore a new city than on foot.
Please note that while the Pesto class can accommodate vegetarian requests, it may not be suitable for vegan participants.
Some useful information about the hike:
Time for walking: 1 hour 30 minutes | Distance: 3,2 km (2 miles) | Max height: 220 metres (720 ft.). | Difficulty level: simple.
