Italy
Cinque Terre & Beyond: Coastal & Countryside Adventure for Women
Program No. 25682RJ
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
11 days
10 nights
What's Included
Included
21 meals (
9B, 6L, 6D
)
7 expert-led lectures
17 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Lerici
Cinque Terre & Beyond: Coastal & Countryside Adventure for Women
Sep 19 - Sep 29, 2027
Program Number
25682
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Lerici, Check-in, Neighborhood Walk, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Lerici
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Byron
Activity Note
Hotel check-in is from 3:00 p.m. Transfer from Pisa Airport to the hotel is about 45 miles (a 50-minute ride, longer in heavy traffic), or from Florence Airport to the hotel is about 80 miles (a 1.5-hour ride, longer in heavy traffic). See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers. Walking approximately 1 mile.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax.
At 5:00 p.m., we will meet in the hotel lobby then head out on a neighborhood walk led by our Group Leader. The walk into Lerici will highlight practical points of interest near the hotel, including ATMs, pharmacies, a laundromat, and markets, helping us familiarize ourselves with the area.
Next, we will join our Group Leader for a welcome cocktail or fruit juice.
At 5:00 p.m., we will meet in the hotel lobby then head out on a neighborhood walk led by our Group Leader. The walk into Lerici will highlight practical points of interest near the hotel, including ATMs, pharmacies, a laundromat, and markets, helping us familiarize ourselves with the area.
Next, we will join our Group Leader for a welcome cocktail or fruit juice.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.
Day
3
Orientation, Lerici, Pesto Experience, Welcome to Liguria
Location:
Lerici
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Byron
Activity Note
Getting on and off a public bus. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; uneven stone streets, cobblestones, and a seaside walkway, with inclines and steps up to the castle courtyard. Optional return to the hotel on foot along the sea walk, about a 45-minute stroll, or by bus. Hands-on pesto-making experience in San Terenzo, reached by 38 steps up to the cliffside setting. Unavoidable steps at sites. Largely outdoors with limited shade.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We gather for Orientation, where our Group Leader greets everyone and leads introductions. We review the program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures, and take time to answer questions.
Throughout the program, we learn from our Group Leader and from local experts who lead lectures and field trips. Transportation is provided primarily by bus and regional train. Periods marked as “Free time” and “At leisure” are chances to explore according to your own interests, and our Group Leader is always glad to offer suggestions. Please note that activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local conditions. In such cases, we alert you as quickly as possible and thank you for your understanding.
Our Group Leader then leads a walk through the town of Lerici, including the outer courtyard of its grand 13th-century castle. The castle overlooks a bay within the Golfo della Spezia, long known as the Golfo dei Poeti for the writers who fell under its spell over the centuries, among them Dante, Petrarch, Lord Byron, and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Afterward, we board a public bus to San Terenzo for a hands-on pesto-making experience. Pesto alla genovese is one of Liguria’s signature creations, and we learn to make it the traditional way, grinding fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, coarse salt, and local olive oil together with a marble mortar and wooden pestle until it forms a smooth, fragrant sauce. It is a simple recipe with a long history, and making it by hand gives us a real appreciation for the care behind it.
Throughout the program, we learn from our Group Leader and from local experts who lead lectures and field trips. Transportation is provided primarily by bus and regional train. Periods marked as “Free time” and “At leisure” are chances to explore according to your own interests, and our Group Leader is always glad to offer suggestions. Please note that activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local conditions. In such cases, we alert you as quickly as possible and thank you for your understanding.
Our Group Leader then leads a walk through the town of Lerici, including the outer courtyard of its grand 13th-century castle. The castle overlooks a bay within the Golfo della Spezia, long known as the Golfo dei Poeti for the writers who fell under its spell over the centuries, among them Dante, Petrarch, Lord Byron, and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Afterward, we board a public bus to San Terenzo for a hands-on pesto-making experience. Pesto alla genovese is one of Liguria’s signature creations, and we learn to make it the traditional way, grinding fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, coarse salt, and local olive oil together with a marble mortar and wooden pestle until it forms a smooth, fragrant sauce. It is a simple recipe with a long history, and making it by hand gives us a real appreciation for the care behind it.
Lunch:
At the pesto-maker.
Afternoon:
We can choose how to return to the hotel, either by bus or on foot along the sea walk, an easy 45-minute stroll that takes in the coastal scenery.
Back at the hotel, a local expert joins us for an introduction to Liguria, offering a first look at the history and culture of this region known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
From the UNESCO inscription: “The Ligurian coast between Cinque Terre and Portovenere is a cultural landscape of great scenic and cultural value. The layout and disposition of the small towns and the shaping of the surrounding landscape, overcoming the disadvantages of a steep, uneven terrain, encapsulate the continuous history of human settlement in this region over the past millennium.”
Back at the hotel, a local expert joins us for an introduction to Liguria, offering a first look at the history and culture of this region known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
From the UNESCO inscription: “The Ligurian coast between Cinque Terre and Portovenere is a cultural landscape of great scenic and cultural value. The layout and disposition of the small towns and the shaping of the surrounding landscape, overcoming the disadvantages of a steep, uneven terrain, encapsulate the continuous history of human settlement in this region over the past millennium.”
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Train to Vernazza & Monterosso, Boat to Portovenere
Location:
Lerici
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Byron
Activity Note
Getting on and off a train, riding approximately 1.5 hours throughout the day; and getting on and off a boat, with some wave movement, riding approximately 30 minutes. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; stone pavement with inclines and unavoidable stairs, some without handrails. An optional walk along the monastery footpath above Monterosso involves a steeper climb on an uneven trail. Largely outdoors with limited shade.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We travel by bus from Lerici to the nearby town of Sarzana, where we catch a regional train to Vernazza. There, a local expert leads a walk through the town, taking in its pedestrian main street, lively square, and scenic harbor.
Next, we board the regional train to Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost village of the Cinque Terre. Those looking for a bit more activity can join our Group Leader on a walk along the monastery footpath above town. For a gentler option, we enjoy an expert-led walk through Monterosso’s old town, strolling the beachfront and wandering streets lined with colorful houses and small shops while our local expert shares the village’s history. Please note that crowded conditions are possible here and aboard the trains.
Next, we board the regional train to Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost village of the Cinque Terre. Those looking for a bit more activity can join our Group Leader on a walk along the monastery footpath above town. For a gentler option, we enjoy an expert-led walk through Monterosso’s old town, strolling the beachfront and wandering streets lined with colorful houses and small shops while our local expert shares the village’s history. Please note that crowded conditions are possible here and aboard the trains.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You can also consult your list of suggested restaurants in your program materials.
Afternoon:
At a designated time, we gather to board a boat to Portovenere, with opportunities to observe the coastal scenery en route. Upon arrival, a local expert leads an expert-led walk through the narrow streets lined with tall, colorful houses constructed closely together to resemble a fortress wall. Following our visit, we have free time to explore independently, such as visiting the 12th-century chapel on the promontory above the sea or browsing galleries and cafés in the traffic-free center.
The day concludes with boarding the boat for the return journey to Lerici.
NOTE: In the event of inclement weather or unsafe sea conditions, the Group Leader will make every effort to reschedule the boat trip to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Crowded conditions may occur during visits.
The day concludes with boarding the boat for the return journey to Lerici.
NOTE: In the event of inclement weather or unsafe sea conditions, the Group Leader will make every effort to reschedule the boat trip to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Crowded conditions may occur during visits.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Gulf of Poets, Tellaro, Ligurian Cuisine
Location:
Lerici
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Byron
Activity Note
Getting on and off a public bus; riding about 2 miles, approximately 30 minutes riding time. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day with extended periods of standing during site visits; paved paths and village lanes with inclines and unavoidable steps, some without handrails. Elective walk back to the hotel along a 2.5-mile paved road, about an hour including stops for sea views; the road has no sidewalks but light, pedestrian-friendly traffic. Largely outdoors with limited shade.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the hotel meeting room, our local expert presents an overview of the English poets and writers who found inspiration in the scenic Gulf of La Spezia, earning it the poetic name “Gulf of Poets.” We look at the lives and works of these literary figures and the rich culture that surrounds this beautiful natural harbor.
After a short break, we board the public bus to the village of Tellaro, set at the eastern end of the Gulf of La Spezia. Tellaro holds the distinction of being named one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia,” the most beautiful villages in Italy. With our local expert, we stroll along the narrow paved path that opens onto the picturesque marina and the small church of San Giorgio. As we wander, stories and legends come to life, including the tale of a giant octopus that, according to local lore, saved the town from Saracen pirates in 1660 by ringing the church bell to warn the villagers.
After a short break, we board the public bus to the village of Tellaro, set at the eastern end of the Gulf of La Spezia. Tellaro holds the distinction of being named one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia,” the most beautiful villages in Italy. With our local expert, we stroll along the narrow paved path that opens onto the picturesque marina and the small church of San Giorgio. As we wander, stories and legends come to life, including the tale of a giant octopus that, according to local lore, saved the town from Saracen pirates in 1660 by ringing the church bell to warn the villagers.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Together with our Group Leader, we take a leisurely walk back to the hotel along the scenic 2.5-mile paved road connecting Tellaro and Lerici. There are no sidewalks, but the traffic is light and pedestrian-friendly, making for a pleasant and safe journey. For those who prefer, the option to return by public bus with our local expert is also available.
Later in the afternoon, we gather again in the hotel meeting room for a presentation on the culinary traditions of the Lunigiana and Liguria by a local expert. We deepen our understanding of the region’s food heritage, including the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of the local cuisine.
Later in the afternoon, we gather again in the hotel meeting room for a presentation on the culinary traditions of the Lunigiana and Liguria by a local expert. We deepen our understanding of the region’s food heritage, including the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of the local cuisine.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Agriturismo, Pilgrims, Cooking Demonstration, Italy Today
Location:
Lerici
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Byron
Activity Note
Getting on and off a bus; driving about 60 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours total riding time on winding, hilly country roads. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day with periods of standing during site visits; uneven cobbled streets and paths with inclines and unavoidable stairs. Gravel and farmyard surfaces at the agriturismo. Largely outdoors with limited shade.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We board a bus for a scenic ride to an agriturismo in the Lunigiana hills, within the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park. An agriturismo is a family-owned farm that offers meals and lodging alongside its farming work. Our destination is Montagna Verde, an organic farm spread across 1,500 acres of protected land at the foot of the Apennines.
On arrival, a local expert shares a presentation on the booksellers and pilgrim routes that have crossed Lunigiana since the Middle Ages, and how these traditions still live on today. Our hosts then welcome us to a cooking demonstration, where we watch traditional dishes being prepared and learn about the region’s culinary heritage.
Next, we set out on a walk through the medieval hamlet of Apella, wandering its cobbled streets. We visit a traditional chestnut-drying room, built on two levels, with chestnuts drying slowly above as chestnut wood burns below. The dried chestnuts are later ground into flour, a key ingredient in many of the region’s traditional dishes.
On arrival, a local expert shares a presentation on the booksellers and pilgrim routes that have crossed Lunigiana since the Middle Ages, and how these traditions still live on today. Our hosts then welcome us to a cooking demonstration, where we watch traditional dishes being prepared and learn about the region’s culinary heritage.
Next, we set out on a walk through the medieval hamlet of Apella, wandering its cobbled streets. We visit a traditional chestnut-drying room, built on two levels, with chestnuts drying slowly above as chestnut wood burns below. The dried chestnuts are later ground into flour, a key ingredient in many of the region’s traditional dishes.
Lunch:
At the agriturismo.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we return to our hotel in Lerici by bus. Later in the afternoon, our Group Leader leads a classroom session at the hotel, a lecture on Italy today that explores the country’s society and the national institutions that continue to shape daily life.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Elective Cinque Terre Hike, Free Time
Location:
Lerici
Meals:
B
Stay:
Hotel Byron
Activity Note
Elective: challenging hike of under 3 miles, approximately 4 hours total, involving uneven dirt and stone paths with steep inclines, no handrails, and unavoidable steps. Hiking shoes are required for the walk; walking poles or sticks are strongly encouraged. The extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time is according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We offer an elective hike for those up for an intrepid physical challenge! Accompanied by a local expert, interested participants can take a scenic journey along the park trail that connects Telegrafo and Riomaggiore, reaching Telegrafo by taxi before starting the hike.
Hiking the Cinque Terre Park trails requires focus and agility, as the terrain is uneven and the trail narrow, requiring attention when passing other hikers. To ensure your comfort and safety, it is critical to come prepared with good hiking shoes, water bottles, backpacks, hats, and walking poles or sticks. Please review your Program Notes for additional information on required hiking gear.
Free time. Take this opportunity for independent personal exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your suggested Free Time activities list in your program materials. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Hiking the Cinque Terre Park trails requires focus and agility, as the terrain is uneven and the trail narrow, requiring attention when passing other hikers. To ensure your comfort and safety, it is critical to come prepared with good hiking shoes, water bottles, backpacks, hats, and walking poles or sticks. Please review your Program Notes for additional information on required hiking gear.
Free time. Take this opportunity for independent personal exploration to see and do what interests you most. You can also consult your suggested Free Time activities list in your program materials. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Lunch:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Filetto, Via Francigena, Ancient Monoliths, Pontremoli
Location:
Lerici
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Byron
Activity Note
Getting on and off a bus; driving about 50 miles throughout the day, approximately 1 hour total riding time on winding country roads. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day with periods of standing during site visits; traffic-free center with uneven terrain, cobbled inclines, and unavoidable steps, some without handrails. Elective walk along the Via Francigena, about 2 miles and roughly 1 hour, on an uneven dirt path with a steep incline. Largely outdoors with limited shade.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We board our bus for the hamlet of Filetto, near Villafranca. With a local expert, we explore this walled village and uncover its history and hidden corners.
Those looking for a more active experience and the stamina for a trek can join our local expert along a section of the Via Francigena, the ancient Pilgrim’s Path connecting Canterbury to Rome. This optional walk crosses uneven terrain, including a steep hill, as we approach Virgoletta and Bagnone. Those who prefer a gentler pace ride the bus to Bagnone with our Group Leader. Once the group reunites, we continue to Pontremoli, a medieval town in the heart of Lunigiana.
Those looking for a more active experience and the stamina for a trek can join our local expert along a section of the Via Francigena, the ancient Pilgrim’s Path connecting Canterbury to Rome. This optional walk crosses uneven terrain, including a steep hill, as we approach Virgoletta and Bagnone. Those who prefer a gentler pace ride the bus to Bagnone with our Group Leader. Once the group reunites, we continue to Pontremoli, a medieval town in the heart of Lunigiana.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
In Pontremoli, we visit the 11th-century Castle of Piagnaro, home to the recently renovated Museum of the Stele Statues. With our local expert, we view these prehistoric monoliths carved with human figures, a window into the area’s ancient past. We then set out on a walk through the pedestrian-friendly town, taking in its medieval bridges and Baroque homes. With origins in the Roman era, Pontremoli grew over the centuries into an important trading and strategic center along the Via Francigena, and its architecture still reflects that long history. Our walk ends at the edge of town, where a sweeping view of the surrounding countryside opens up before us.
In the late afternoon, we reboard the bus for the ride back to Lerici.
In the late afternoon, we reboard the bus for the ride back to Lerici.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vineyard & Tasting, Marble Lecture
Location:
Lerici
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Byron
Activity Note
Getting on and off a bus; driving about 40 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours total riding time on winding, hilly roads. Getting on and off a regional train. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day with periods of standing during site visits; steep inclines, uneven pavement, and steps without handrails. Walking among the vineyards at the wine estate on uneven ground, with gravel, grass, and farmyard surfaces. Largely outdoors with limited shade.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We board our bus with our local expert and set out to discover more of the Cinque Terre, heading up into the hills above the Gulf of La Spezia to the village of Riomaggiore. Part of the Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore dates back centuries, founded in the 8th century as a small fishing village by settlers from Genoa and later thriving as a maritime hub along the Ligurian coast.
After visiting Riomaggiore, we board a regional train to Manarola, the second village of the Cinque Terre. With medieval origins as a fortified lookout against pirate raids, Manarola welcomes us for a walk down to the marina, with views of its colorful houses and terraced vineyards. We then climb to the top of the hill town to take in panoramic views of the village and coast.
From there, we rejoin our bus and travel to a local wine estate set among the hills. With our local expert, we walk through the vineyards to learn about the region's wine production and the care behind each stage, from vine to bottle.
After visiting Riomaggiore, we board a regional train to Manarola, the second village of the Cinque Terre. With medieval origins as a fortified lookout against pirate raids, Manarola welcomes us for a walk down to the marina, with views of its colorful houses and terraced vineyards. We then climb to the top of the hill town to take in panoramic views of the village and coast.
From there, we rejoin our bus and travel to a local wine estate set among the hills. With our local expert, we walk through the vineyards to learn about the region's wine production and the care behind each stage, from vine to bottle.
Lunch:
At a local winery.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we board our bus for the ride back to our hotel in Lerici.
We then gather at the hotel for a lecture on Carrara marble and Michelangelo, a preview of our upcoming field trip to Carrara and its quarries. We explore the history of this prized stone, which inspired artists such as Michelangelo and Antonio Canova, and its lasting importance in the world of art and sculpture.
We then gather at the hotel for a lecture on Carrara marble and Michelangelo, a preview of our upcoming field trip to Carrara and its quarries. We explore the history of this prized stone, which inspired artists such as Michelangelo and Antonio Canova, and its lasting importance in the world of art and sculpture.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
10
Carrara Marble Quarries, Transfer to Pisa, Free Time
Location:
Pisa
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Bologna
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 40 miles throughout the day on steep, narrow, winding roads, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; extended standing during field trips, dirt, and loose stone path at the quarry. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We travel by bus with a local expert on a field trip to a workshop in Carrara and the quarries above it. We explore the history of marble, tracing its roots to ancient times, and learn how generations of artisans have transformed raw blocks of stone into works of enduring beauty found in some of the world’s most celebrated buildings. As the bus climbs toward the quarries, a breathtaking panorama unfolds. From the viewing area, we take in the dramatic scale of the quarries and see how mechanized equipment has reshaped the excavation process, a striking blend of old tradition and modern technology. We remain at the observation level throughout, taking in the site from above rather than entering the working quarry.
With our local expert, we then set out on a walk through Carrara’s main square, where historic and modern marble monuments stand side by side.
With our local expert, we then set out on a walk through Carrara’s main square, where historic and modern marble monuments stand side by side.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we regroup and reboard the bus, continuing on to Pisa to check in at our hotel and enjoy some free time.
There is plenty of time to explore Pisa independently before our Farewell Dinner, and doing so is easy. From the hotel, you can stroll into the historic center or make your way to the Piazza dei Miracoli, an easy and well-signposted 20-minute walk, where the Cathedral, Baptistery, Camposanto, and Bell Tower are located.
There is plenty of time to explore Pisa independently before our Farewell Dinner, and doing so is easy. From the hotel, you can stroll into the historic center or make your way to the Piazza dei Miracoli, an easy and well-signposted 20-minute walk, where the Cathedral, Baptistery, Camposanto, and Bell Tower are located.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
11
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. Transfer from the hotel to Pisa Airport is about 2 miles (a 10-minute ride, longer in heavy traffic), or from the hotel to Florence Airport is about 60 miles (a 1.15-hour ride, longer in heavy traffic). See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel restaurant. For those with early departures, the hotel will prepare a bag breakfast to take away. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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