Combining glittering seas, small islands and picturesque villages this ten-day road-trip offers new perspectives on Italy away from the crowds.
The Ligurian coastline - Italy's riviera - the mountains of north Tuscany, the island of Elba: this is a taste of Italy’s incredible natural, cultural and culinary diversity. Six sea-kayaking journeys and four great hikes, all led by experienced guides. You’ll travel in safety on and off the water and get an insight into the unique aspects of each stop along the way.
You don’t need to be an expert paddler or an in-shape athlete but some sea-kayaking ability, an average level of fitness and general good health will all be necessary. You’ll work up quite an appetite with all this activity. Fortunately in Italy fine food is never far away. Whether it’s a simple beach-picnic or a convivial dinner-party, each meal included in the tour will highlight that particular location’s traditional cuisine.
- Days 1/2/3/4: The villages and islands of Portovenere and Cinque Terre National Park.
- Days 4/5/6: Portofino, glamorous heart of the Riviera at the edge of a rugged coastal wilderness.
- Day 6/7/8: Remote villages and quiet mountain trails in the Alpi Apuane range of north Tuscany.
- Days 8/9/10: Elba Island: ancient villages, beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
More about the accommodation:
For the first 3 nights of the tour we’ll stay right on the water’s edge in a hotel in Portovenere’s neighbouring village Le Grazie.
Nights 4 & 5 will be spent in the stylish Riviera town of Santa Margherita Ligure.
High in the Alpi Apuane coastal range sits the tiny village of Pruno (population: 75), our base for nights 6 & 7. Here we’ll stay in vacation apartments scattered throughout the village.
On Elba Island, nights 8 & 9, we’ll stay in a small hotel in the laid-back seaside town of Marciana Marina.
All three hotels (nights 1-3, 4-5 and 8-9) have 3-star ratings. Moves to either more upscale or budget accommodations nearby are available upon request.
