Depart from Canada to begin our exciting hiking adventure.

Arrive in Milan where we transfer to Deiva Marina for a welcome reception and dinner. Our small family run hotel is in the heart of town, just steps from the beach and the rail station. Hotel Clelia (6 nights)

This morning enjoy a train ride to La Spezia, an important commercial harbour on the Ligurian Sea between Genoa and Pisa. Walk through town to the harbour where we board a cruise taking us along the coast of Cinque Terre to Monterosso. Surrounded by the deep blue of the Ligurian Sea, we have our first look at the small villages that make up the Cinque Terre. This historic region is a part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is one of the few parts of Europe still most accessible by foot and is known as a hiker’s paradise.  Later this afternoon we return to our hotel by rail. 

Today the hiking begins in earnest! Take a short rail journey to the village of Corniglia sitting on a bluff overlooking the sea and surrounded by vineyards and terraces. We then begin our walk along the coast, enjoying spectacular views of the sea and other towns and villages  in the Cinque Terre.  Our hike takes us to the village of Vernazza where we shall enjoy a typical lunch. Members can then enjoy a free afternoon or join an optional more difficult hike to Monterosso, the northern most part of the trail. This trail has a very steep climb to start and should only be considered by extremely fit experienced hikers. Take the train back to Deiva Marina with time to relax by the sea. (4 km - about  2.5+ hours hiking)

Today has been left completely free for you to enjoy the amenities of our hotel or to head out and explore the surrounding area. The hotel has a pool and is located in  the centre of the village, a few minutes walk from the beach and the train station.

This morning we travel by train to Corniglia and start our walk to the little village of Volastra. Cinque Terre literally means “five lands,” corresponding to the five towns in the region. From Volastra, we have the best panoramic view from the land overlooking the coastal line. We continue our descent to Manarola where we have free time for lunch on our own. In the afternoon, we return at our leisure by train to Deiva Marina.  (6 km  - 3+ hours) 

We travel by rail to Santa Margherita, in the Levant Riviera. The village for a long time was part of the Republic of Genoa. We begin our hike along the coast toward the historic harbour of Portofino, a very popular resort for celebrities since the 19th century. Enjoy the seaside town and historic port, with a fishing industry that still uses methods from past centuries or tour some of the historic churches. Return by ship or bus to Santa Margherita Ligure and by train to Deiva Marina. (5 km  - 2+ hours hiking) 

Today we leave behind the lovely terraces and villas of the Cinque Terre and travel to the southern coastal region along the Tyrrhenian Sea and the town of Cava de’ Tirreni.  Victoria Maiorino Hotel (5 nights)

Today we hike along the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) to the village of Positano. Along the way we shall stop at a restaurant to enjoy the cuisine of this region. We will have some free time to explore this picturesque port. Find the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, where a thirteen century Byzantine icon of the Madonna di Positano can be found. Return to the hotel by coach.  (7.8 km  -  4 + hours hiking)

Drive to Salerno, a beautiful city that overlooks the Gulf of Naples and is popular for locals and travellers alike. Enjoy incredible views as we cruise to the mountainous island of Capri. Our scenic hike around the island allows for more spectacular views of the sea, mountains and wildlife that inhabit them. From red goldfish to peregrine falcons, there is a diverse range that would satisfy any nature lover. Next we enjoy time at leisure to explore the churches, grottos and museums.  (2+ hours hiking)  

Ascend to the top of Mt. Vesuvius which erupted in 79 AD, destroying the roman city of Pompeii. Our local guide will lead those interested on a hike around the edge of the crater at the crown of the mountain. Others will follow a lower trail. Enjoy a box lunch on the slopes of the mountain and then explore Pompeii to see the excavation sites including the homes of ordinary people and the extravagant ruins of temples to the Roman gods. Gain insights into  Roman life at the time of Pompeii’s destruction. (4+ hours hiking)

This morning we drive to the exciting village of Ravello, located high above the Amalfi Coast. Hike along another section of the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) down to Amalfi, known by most as Italy's most beautiful city. With the mountains and turquoise sea as a backdrop, wander through the streets and visit restaurants, cafés, shops, and even St. Andrew’s Cathedral. This ancient sacred site was home to an earlier cathedral and an ancient temple.  Take a look at the bronze doors, which were cast in Constantinople in 1066 and bear the signature of Simeon of Syria. After time on your own, return to the hotel by bus for our last night in this hotel. (3+ hours hiking) 

Say goodbye to the Amalfi Coast as we begin the last leg of our adventure. Stop in Naples, Italy’s third largest city, for a guided city tour introducing us to this Italian metropolis, full of lively citizens, quaint piazzas and magnificent historic buildings. Afterwards, continue to Rome where our central hotel is located next to the Piazza Venezia. Hotel Pace Helvezia (2 nights)

Our day begins with a guided walking tour of ancient Rome. See the amazing sights this global capital has to offer: the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and  the many historic buildings that abound in the city. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore on your own. Use the time to visit St Peter’s basilica in the Vatican or to take a stroll through older parts of Rome, enjoying modern Roman life. Tonight we celebrate the last two weeks with a farewell dinner. (3+  hour walking tour)