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Italy

Cinque Terre & Beyond: Coastal & Countryside Adventure for Women

Program No. 25682RJ
Walk Liguria’s cliffside trails, explore marble quarries and vineyards and engage with fellow women in thoughtful conversation about art, history and culture.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
11 days
Program Begins
Lerici
Program Concludes
Pisa
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
21 ( 9B, 6L, 6D )
Activity Level
For centuries, Liguria’s dramatic coast has inspired poets, artists and writers. On this women-only journey, explore the five villages of the Cinque Terre, carved into the mountainside, and uncover the stories that shaped this striking landscape. Follow coastal paths with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, wander through medieval villages and trace the influence of Romantic poets in the Gulf of Lerici. Stand amid Carrara’s marble quarries to see the material that shaped Michelangelo’s masterpieces and experience the rhythms of everyday life in Liguria’s villages. Balance exploration with conversation, reflection and hands-on experiences. Learn local culinary traditions at an agriturismo, taste wines at terraced vineyards and let each stop spark discussion, insight and connection with a supportive community of fellow women.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Trek the Cinque Terre’s cliffside paths, taking in breathtaking vistas, colorful harbors and terraced vineyards along the Mediterranean.
  • Stand in Carrara’s marble quarries and explore the same stone that shaped Michelangelo’s masterpieces, connecting history and artistry firsthand.
  • Savor Ligurian flavors at an agriturismo, taste wines in terraced vineyards and share conversation and insights with fellow women participants.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Umberto Cattani is a licensed group leader in Florence, Carrara and the Cinque Terre, and has been working with the Trinity College for 15 years. After completing his studies in accounting, Umberto worked in Parma as a sales manager for a clothing manufacturer. At the start of the new millennium, he discovered his real passion for guiding, and completed the required courses in art history, archaeology and history to achieve his new goal. Umberto lives in Carrara with his wife and daughter.
Giulia completed her degree in foreign languages and cultures at the Università degli studi di Genova. She loves being active, traveling and meeting new people. She honed her English skills as an exchange student at a Seattle high school. She perfected her French while working as a sailing coach at a resort in Tunisia. In Tanzania, she taught English and picked up some Swahili. Giulia lives in a village near Lerici and is a licensed leader for the province, including Portovenere and the Cinque Terre.
Olivia Fiori has spent most of her life living in Tuscany apart from a period in England where she attended the University of London and earned a degree in French and Spanish literatures. During her childhood and since she returned to Italy, she has helped run her parents’ bed and breakfast, cooking many of the local dishes for their clients — in particular, those dishes of the so-called Cucina Povera which have now become part of the traditional Tuscan cuisine in many restaurants.
Franco Ressa enjoys his work as an environmental guide in the Apuan Alps and Cinque Terre National Parks, introducing visitors to the history and natural beauty of Liguria and Tuscany. Born in a city and raised by the sea Franco has chosen to live in close contact with nature in the Lunigiana hills above La Spezia. He and his wife run a small farm. His hobbies include hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, gardening, and playing guitar.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Let's Go! Walking up to 4 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over uneven terrain, marble and terracotta flooring, cobblestones, steep inclines, loose gravel, and dirt paths with elective hiking opportunities. Standing up to 4 hours per day. Program will require approximately 23 miles of walking over 10 days with an additional 9 miles for elective walks/hikes. This mileage does not include free time. Must be able to use stairs without handrails in order to navigate field trip sites. Program-related travel and transfers will be via bus, boat, and regional train. Sheltered waiting areas may not be available at docks. Due to unavoidable stairs and pacing, wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated on this program. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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