Hiking Adventure in Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast

Hiking Adventure in Cinque
Terre and the Amalfi Coast
September 21 - October 5, 2015 • 15 Days • 29 Meals
Escorted by Jon and Sue Gurr
Incredible view overlooking Positano
credit Janet Williams
Experience the varied landscape of the beautiful Italian
regions of Cinque Terre and Amalfi. Hike on charming
country trails, some of which are centuries old.
Cinque Terre, meaning the Five Lands, is a rugged strip
of the Italian Riviera dotted with five picturesque villages.
Connecting these villages are trails, trains, and boats, with
roads and traffic being rare. Hike this region and see these
villages in the most intimate way, on foot.
Amalfi has always been known as one of the most
beautiful coasts in the entire Mediterranean. Attracting
visitors from near and far. It’s steep cliffs hold spectacular
views, and villages that seemingly cling to the rocks. Take
the chance to hike the ancient trails that meander
throughout the Sorrentine Peninsula. Hike along Mt
Vesuvius and witness the ruins it created in Pompeii.
With our expert local hiking guide, we will travel these
beautiful regions and learn about the country, its people,
history, and its flora and fauna. This is truly the most
magical way to experience Italy’s scenic coast.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
 Guided hikes (total of 3) in Cinque Terre featuring Via
dell’ Amore, the Sanctuary of Madonna de Sivore,
Portofino and more
 Guided hikes (4) in Amalfi featuring Positano, Capri,
Pompeii (Vesuvius) and Ravello
 6 nights in Cinque Terre, 5 in Amalfi and 2 in Rome
 Cruises from La Spezia to Monterosso and from
Sorrento to Capri
 Guided city tours of Naples and Rome
INCLUSIVE FEATURES
 Return economy Air Canada flights from Canada
 13 nights in Italian comfortable hotels as indicated or
similar
 Rail and cruise excursions in Cinque Terre and Amalfi
 Baggage handling for one piece of luggage per guest at
hotels
 Sightseeing and excursions as cited in the program
 Welcome reception and dinner
 Glass of wine and mineral water provided with lunches
and dinners, coffee or tea included after dinner
 29 meals: 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 13 dinners
 Experienced tour director & hiking leader in Italy
 Services of our Canadian tour leaders
 All gratuities and taxes for included services
 Comprehensive insurance coverage
 Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value
Riomaggiore ,Cinque Terre
TOUR ESCORT
We are pleased to have award winning
photographer Jon Gurr and his wife
Susan to escort this exciting hiking
adventure. For over 30 years, Jon and
Sue have been travelling the world and
capturing photographic images of their
destinations. Some of Jon’s photographs
are displayed in the National Archives,
numerous publications and calendars as well as in
galleries in Muskoka. Over the years they have travelled
in Britain, Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, India and
China. Jon hopes to teach some photography skills and
both plan to share their love of travel on this adventure.
Hike the dramatic coastline while enjoying incredible views - credit Janet Williams
September 21, Monday
Depart Canada
Depart from Canada to begin our adventure.
September 22, Tuesday
Arrive Milan / Deiva Marina
Arrive in Milan where we transfer to Deiva Marina for a
welcome reception and dinner. Our small family rune hotel
is in the heart of town, just steps from the beach and the
rail station. Hotel Clelia (6 nights)
D
September 23, Wednesday
La Spezia / Monterosso
Today we begin with a train ride to La Spezia, an important
commercial harbor on the Ligurian Sea between Genoa
and Pisa. From there we walk through town to the harbor
where we board a cruise taking us along the Cinque Terre to
Monterosso, stopping en route for a visit to Porto Venere.
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 and is 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. This evening
we return to our hotel by rail.
BD
September 24, Thursday
Riomaggiore / Vernazza
Today the hiking begins! After a short rail journey to
Riomaggiore, the first quaint village on the Cinque Terre,
we find the Via dell’ Amore (the Way of Love), a wellknown trail along the sea that connects Riomaggiore to
Manarola. Enjoy spectacular views of the rugged coastline
and the calm blue waters. Our hike takes us to the village
of Corniglia, a bluff city overlooking the water, surrounded
on most sides by vineyards and terraces and affording
spectacular views of the sea and other cities in the Cinque
Terre. Our last stop today is Vernazza. From there, we
shall return by rail to our hotel for dinner.
(about 3 hours hiking)
BLD
September 25, Friday
Deiva Marina
Today has been left completely free for you to enjoy the
amenities of our hotel or to head out and explore the
surrounding area.
BD
September 26, Saturday
Monterosso / Vernazza
Cinque Terre literally means “five lands,” referring to the
five towns in the region. Today we enter the northernmost
of the five. Either a hiking or bus trip will bring us to the
sanctuary of Madonna di Soviore. This monastery was built
around the buried depiction of the Virgin, placed there
while the residents of Monterosso fled during Barbarian
invasions of the 7th century. We hike from here back to
Vernazza again for some free time to explore the historic
fishing village. Visit the Doria Castle or discover the church
of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia. In the afternoon we return
by train to our hotel. (about 4.5 hours hiking)
BD
September 27, Sunday
Santa Margherita / Portofino
After a rail journey to Santa Margherita we begin a hike
along the coast toward the harbor of Portofino. Along the
way we shall see Cervara Abbey, a project that began in
1361, that contains spectacular architecture and gardens.
Once in Portofino we may enjoy the seaside town and
historic port. Witness a fishing industry that still uses
traditional methods from past centuries or tour some of the
historic churches. Return will be by ship or bus to Santa
Margherita Ligure and then by train to the hotel in Deiva
Marina. (about 3 hours hiking)
BD
September 28, Monday
Cinque Terre / Amalfi Coast
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 village of Agerola. Our
hotel is set high on a cliff overlooking the sea.
Grand Hotel Santa’Orsola (5 nights)
BD
September 29, Tuesday
Positano
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 in Agerola by coach.
(about 4–5 hours hiking)
BLD
September 30, Wednesday
Capri
This morning we travel by coach to Sorrento. This beautiful
city overlooks the Gulf of Naples and is popular for locals
and travelers 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 such a diverse range that
would satisfy any nature lover. Next we enjoy time at
leisure to explore the churches, grottos, and museums.
(about 2 hours hiking)
BD
October 1, Thursday
Pompeii
Today our bus brings us to Mt. Vesuvius which erupted in
79 AD, destroying the roman city of Pompeii. This morning
our local guide will lead some of us 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 we shall be taken on a tour Pompeii to see
the excavation sites including the homes of ordinary people
and the extravagant ruins of temples to the Roman gods.
Exploring the city remnants will give us an idea of what
Roman life was like at the time of Pompeii’s destruction.
(about 4 hours hiking)
BLD
October 2, Friday
Ravello / Amalfi
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 our own, return to the hotel by bus
for the last night in this hotel. (about 3 hours hiking)
BD
October 3, Saturday
Napoli / Rome
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)
BD
October 4, Sunday
Rome
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
numerous basilicas that abound in the city. In the
afternoon, we will have free time to explore. Consider a
visit to the Vatican to see Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel or
stroll in the old town and experience modern Roman life.
Tonight we celebrate the last two weeks with a farewell
dinner. (about 3 hours walking tour)
BD
October 5, Monday
Arrivederci (Farewell!)
Depart from Rome airport for Canada.
B
CT RATING 4.5 - Extremely Challenging: This journey
involves some very difficult hikes through on hilly, uneven
surfaces for up to 4 –5 hours per day. Travellers must be
in excellent physical condition and be able to maintain the
group pace. Alternate activities may be available for
those unable to complete some of the hikes. Depending
on weather and location conditions, daily activities may
have to be altered or adjusted. Accommodations will be in
comfortable traditional European hotels with atmosphere
and character.
Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person)
.
Land Only (Join Milan / Leave Rome) ....................... $4,095
Toronto ...................................................................... $5,295
Ottawa / Montreal ...................................................... $5,395
Halifax ........................................................................ $5,495
Winnipeg / St. John’s ................................................. $5,625
Saskatoon / Regina ................................................... $5,675
Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver .............................. $5,625
Victoria ...................................................................... $5,675
Single Supplement ....................................................... $745
Airfares from other gateways are available on request.
Land Only begins in Milan with group transfer or at the first
hotel and ends at hotel in Rome or with group transfer to
airport. Airfares and air carriers are subject to change and
will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to inclusive
features for details.
Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at
hotels. Prices are based on a minimum of 15 members
and on rates, taxes and fees effective December 2014.
Prices are subject to change due to factors beyond our
control.
The price includes the cost of comprehensive insurance
($250 - $285pp) for passengers up to and including 74
years on departure date (rate varies by the cost of the trip).
Cost supplements will apply for members aged 75 - 85
(from $185 - $352pp). Clients 86 years and older and/or
residing outside Ontario - please contact our staff for
procedures. This insurance is effective from the date of
purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing medical
conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior
to booking. Please check our website for the most current
information. Refer to enrollment form for general
information and conditions. Final payment will be due
July 15, 2015. Deposit is $400 per person.
To reserve your spot on this tour, complete the enclosed
enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and
your home city, and forward it with your deposit to:
.
CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD
1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6
Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143
Email: tours@craigtravel.com / www.craigtravel.com
Trevi Fountain, Rome
EFF06JAN15