I am wanting to travel to Cinque Terre and get the full experience.?

Question

I know that it is obviously known for fishing, footpaths and cuisine, but I was wondering if there are any sort of fishing excursions I could take while I am there. One in which it is with a local business and not so commercial. Also, I would like to know if there are any guided group excursions that would take you through the footpaths. I have already seen tours that charge for the hotel, food and guide, and the price was too much. I am just looking for a guided hike. I hope you can answer my questions. Thank you.

Answer 1

if you can read a map you don't need a guide.  trails are clearly indicated in cinque terre region...villages & towns are less than a day's walk away so you can book reservations ahead & walk from town to town no problem.

i do it on horseback thruout italy & other countries...

here's the link for info & map

Cinque Terre Hiking Trail Map   http://wanderingitaly.com/a/cinque_terre...

The Cinque Terre consists of five fishing villages perched over the sea in the region of Liguria, Italy. This page assumes you haven't walked the easy Blue trail between villages (If not, see Go Europe's visual guide to walking the trails of the Cinque Terre)

(The Cinque Terre map below will print to the size of your printer paper; just click the print button. Printing in landscape mode will print the largest map.)

[e-mail]    is the email address for tourist info re: fishing etc...

Answer 2

There's no need to purchase any guided tours.  It's very easy to get around on your own.  And, there seemed to be plenty of English speakers there in case you need any assistance.

My family and I went for 3 days last summer and we had a great time!  We stayed at the Il Borgo Di Campi (you can book at www.venere.com), which is a small villa complex right on the cliffs of the beautiful coast just outside of Riomaggiore.  We had the largest room in the place (a 2 room suite with kitchen for 4 people) for about €115 per night - however, you can book smaller rooms for much less (starts at €60 per night).

Right by the hotel, there's a store where you can purchase the "Cinque Terre Card" which allows you to use the various footpaths and access the public transportation (shuttle buses between parking lots and towns).  It used to also give you unlimited access to the trains between the towns, but it seems like that is now extra.  The card costs about €5 per day per person.  At this rate, it's the best deal for the money in all of Italy :-)

You can really walk to all 5 towns and take the train back in one day.  Or you could spend more time and explore the other towns in the area with more time.

Check out www.parconazionale5terre.it for more info on the card, maps, and prices.

Enjoy!