Morning: Arrive at La Spezia and take the train to Monterosso al Mare. Stroll along the sandy beach, enjoy a cappuccino at a seaside café, and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Afternoon: Explore the historic centre of Monterosso, visiting the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the ancient Castello di Monterosso. Sample local focaccia and a glass of Ligurian white wine for lunch.
Evening: Dine at a waterfront restaurant with fresh seafood, then watch the sunset from the Belvedere di Monterosso before settling into your accommodation.
Find HotelsMorning: Begin the famous Sentiero Azzurro trail from Monterosso to Vernazza. Enjoy panoramic sea views and the fragrant pine forest along the 2‑hour walk.
Afternoon: Wander the colourful streets of Vernazza, visit the tiny harbour and the historic Golfo della Vernazza. Continue the hike to Corniglia, where you can enjoy a light lunch of trofie pasta with pesto.
Evening: Take the train to Manarola for a relaxed dinner on the cliffside terraces, then return to your base in Monterosso for a restful night.
Find HotelsMorning: Board a local boat for a scenic cruise along the coastline, stopping at Riomaggiore and Manarola. Swim in the crystal‑clear waters and snap photos of the iconic pastel houses.
Afternoon: Return to Monterosso and join a guided Liguria wine tasting session, sampling Sciacchetrà and Vermentino while learning about the region’s vineyards.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring local specialties, then catch the evening train back to La Spezia for your onward journey.
Find HotelsTotal Estimated Cost: €360
If you have extra time, add a half‑day to explore the lesser‑known village of Riva Cerrina or take a day trip to the nearby town of Portovenere. To shorten the trip, skip the boat tour and replace the wine tasting with a quick gelato stop; the core highlights—hiking the Sentiero Azzurro and strolling the five villages—can comfortably fit into two full days.