We love —
- Sailing past dramatic cliffs and colourful villages, discovering one of Italy’s most iconic landscapes from a unique perspective.
- Enjoying the freedom of a self-drive journey, stopping whenever a hidden cove or charming village catches your eye.
- Learning the art of making traditional pesto during a hands-on cooking class, followed by tastings of local flavours.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected for our members by our experts
Your itinerary in brief —
DURATION: 5 or 7 nights
BEST FOR: Cultural immersion
PACE: Relaxed
Explore the Cinque Terre
Set off on a scenic self-drive journey through Liguria, where colourful villages, dramatic cliffs and refined coastal towns unfold along the Italian Riviera. From the iconic Cinque Terre to the elegance of Portofino and the charm of hidden seaside gems, this itinerary blends cultural discoveries, authentic experiences and breathtaking landscapes, all at your own pace.
Choose the length of your stay:
5-night road trip:
Day 1: Arrival in La Spezia
Day 2: Cinque Terre
Day 3: La Spezia
Day 4: La Spezia → Santa Margherita Ligure
Day 5: Portofino
Day 6: Departure
7-night road trip:
Day 1: Arrival in La Spezia
Day 2: Cinque Terre
Day 3: La Spezia
Day 4: La Spezia → Santa Margherita Ligure
Day 5: Sestri Levante & Chiavari
Day 6: Rapallo & Montallegro
Day 7: Portofino
Day 6: Departure
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Please note that your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. You may park your car inside or outside the hotels (subject to availability). Additional charges may apply on-site.
Your itinerary in detail —
5-NIGHT ROAD TRIP
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LA SPEZIA
Arrive in La Spezia, gateway to the Cinque Terre yet a destination in its own right. Take time to settle in before heading out for your first Italian stroll along the Golfo dei Poeti, where pastel façades meet the shimmering sea. Wander through the old town’s narrow lanes, stop for an espresso on a lively piazza, and climb up to the Castello di San Giorgio for your first panoramic view over the gulf. As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxed dinner by the waterfront, perhaps fresh seafood and a glass of Ligurian white wine to begin your journey in true Italian style.
Included:
- Car hire (only for offer 1)
- Night at a 4* hotel in La Spezia area
DAY 2: CINQUE TERRE
Today, experience one of Italy’s most iconic landscapes from the water. Board a boat and glide along dramatic cliffs dotted with vineyards and colourful villages, stopping at Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Lose yourself in the charm of each village: stroll through narrow alleys, admire the painted houses, and take a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of Monterosso’s bay. On the return journey, watch the golden light bathe the cliffs, a moment that captures the magic of the Cinque Terre.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Cinque Terre boat tour
- Night at a 4* hotel in La Spezia area
Suggestions:
- Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Monterosso
- Wander through Vernazza’s charming harbour
- Capture the golden light over the villages in the evening
DAY 3: LA SPEZIA
This morning, dive into local traditions with a hands-on pesto-making class, learning the authentic Ligurian technique using mortar and pestle, followed by a tasting of your creation with local specialities and wine. In the afternoon, continue your exploration at your own pace. Head to Lerici, a charming seaside town with a medieval castle overlooking the bay, or cross to Porto Venere, a UNESCO-listed gem where dramatic cliffs meet the sea and the striped church of San Pietro stands proudly above the waves.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Pesto-making class with tasting
- Night at a 4* hotel in La Spezia area
Suggestions:
- Visit Lerici and its medieval castle by the sea
- Discover Porto Venere, a stunning coastal village
- Enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the water
DAY 4: LA SPEZIA → SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE
Set off along the scenic coastal road towards the Italian Riviera. As you drive north, the atmosphere shifts, from authentic port town to refined seaside elegance. Arrive in Santa Margherita Ligure, where palm-lined promenades, pastel buildings and chic cafés set the tone. In the afternoon, enjoy a stroll along the waterfront or take a short boat ride to Portofino, best visited in the late afternoon when the crowds fade, and the harbour reveals its full charm.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a 4* hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure
Suggestions:
- Take a boat to Portofino in the late afternoon
- Enjoy an aperitivo overlooking the harbour
- Stroll along the seafront promenade
DAY 5: PORTOFINO
Begin in Chiavari, a hidden gem with arcaded streets and a wonderfully authentic atmosphere. Wander through its medieval centre, browse local boutiques and enjoy a coffee under the porticoes. Continue to Rapallo, where the elegant promenade meets the sea. Visit its small castle perched just offshore, then, for breathtaking views, take the cable car up to the Sanctuary of Montallegro, overlooking the entire gulf.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a 4* hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure
Suggestions:
- Walk from Santa Margherita to Portofino
- Relax in the famous piazzetta
- Enjoy lunch overlooking the harbour
DAY 6: DEPARTURE
Before leaving, make one final stop in Sestri Levante, a stunning town set between two bays? the peaceful Baia del Silenzio and the livelier Baia delle Favole. Enjoy a last swim, a walk along the beach or a quiet moment overlooking the sea. Then, continue your journey home, carrying with you the colours, flavours and light of the Italian Riviera.
Included:
- Breakfast
7-NIGHT ROAD TRIP
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LA SPEZIA
Arrive in La Spezia, gateway to the Cinque Terre yet a destination in its own right. Take time to settle in before heading out for your first Italian stroll along the Golfo dei Poeti, where pastel façades meet the shimmering sea. Wander through the old town’s narrow lanes, stop for an espresso on a lively piazza, and climb up to the Castello di San Giorgio for your first panoramic view over the gulf. As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxed dinner by the waterfront, perhaps fresh seafood and a glass of Ligurian white wine to begin your journey in true Italian style.
Included:
- Car hire (only for offer 1)
- Night at a 4* hotel in La Spezia area
DAY 2: CINQUE TERRE
Today, experience one of Italy’s most iconic landscapes from the water. Board a boat and glide along dramatic cliffs dotted with vineyards and colourful villages, stopping at Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Lose yourself in the charm of each village: stroll through narrow alleys, admire the painted houses, and take a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of Monterosso’s bay. On the return journey, watch the golden light bathe the cliffs, a moment that captures the magic of the Cinque Terre.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Cinque Terre boat tour
- Night at a 4* hotel in La Spezia area
Suggestions:
- Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Monterosso
- Wander through Vernazza’s charming harbour
- Capture the golden light over the villages in the evening
DAY 3: LA SPEZIA
This morning, dive into local traditions with a hands-on pesto-making class, learning the authentic Ligurian technique using mortar and pestle, followed by a tasting of your creation with local specialities and wine. In the afternoon, continue your exploration at your own pace. Head to Lerici, a charming seaside town with a medieval castle overlooking the bay, or cross to Porto Venere, a UNESCO-listed gem where dramatic cliffs meet the sea and the striped church of San Pietro stands proudly above the waves.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Pesto-making class with tasting
- Night at a 4* hotel in La Spezia area
Suggestions:
- Visit Lerici and its medieval castle by the sea
- Discover Porto Venere, a stunning coastal village
- Enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the water
DAY 4: LA SPEZIA → SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE
Set off along the scenic coastal road towards the Italian Riviera. As you drive north, the atmosphere shifts, from authentic port town to refined seaside elegance. Arrive in Santa Margherita Ligure, where palm-lined promenades, pastel buildings and chic cafés set the tone. In the afternoon, enjoy a stroll along the waterfront or take a short boat ride to Portofino, best visited in the late afternoon when the crowds fade, and the harbour reveals its full charm.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a 4* hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure
Suggestions:
- Take a boat to Portofino in the late afternoon
- Enjoy an aperitivo overlooking the harbour
- Stroll along the seafront promenade
DAY 5: SESTRI LEVANTE & CHIAVARI
Head along the coast to Sestri Levante, a charming town set between two bays. Stroll through its colourful streets before reaching the peaceful Baia del Silenzio, perfect for a relaxing seaside pause. On the way back, stop in Chiavari to wander its elegant arcaded streets and enjoy its authentic Ligurian atmosphere
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a 4* hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure
Suggestions:
- Baia del Silenzio beach
- Chiavari historic centre
- Focaccia tasting
DAY 6: APALLO & MONTALLEGRO
Discover Rapallo, with its relaxed seafront promenade and charming coastal atmosphere.In the afternoon, take the cable car to Montallegro, where panoramic views open over the entire Ligurian coastline
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a 4* hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure
Suggestions:
- Rapallo promenade
- Cable car to Montallegro
- Sea-view café
DAY 7: PORTOFINO
Spend the day exploring Portofino, one of the Riviera’s most iconic destinations. Follow the scenic coastal path or arrive by boat, then enjoy the famous harbour, colourful houses and relaxed elegance of the piazzetta.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at a 4* hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure
Suggestions:
- Coastal walk
- Portofino harbour
- Lunch by the sea
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
Before leaving, make one final stop in Sestri Levante, a stunning town set between two bays? the peaceful Baia del Silenzio and the livelier Baia delle Favole. Enjoy a last swim, a walk along the beach or a quiet moment overlooking the sea. Then, continue your journey home, carrying with you the colours, flavours and light of the Italian Riviera.
Included:
- Breakfast
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotel —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
Throughout your road trip, you will be staying in Standard Rooms in carefully selected 4* hotels, offering comfort and a welcoming atmosphere after each day of exploration.
Your 4* hotels (or similar):
La Spezia: NH La Spezia 4*, Cristallo Park Hotel 4* or Firenze & Continentale 4*
Santa Margherita Ligure: BW Plus Tigullio 4*, Europa Hotel Design 1877 4*, Hotel Jolanda 4* or Hotel Continental 4*
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
The maximum capacity of the rooms is 3 adults. Single rooms are available at an extra cost.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Your optional excursions —
Local wine tasting at the Ca’ Lunae / Bosoni wine cellar
Discover the world of Ca' Lunae wines through a guided tour of the cellar, gardens and vineyards, followed by a tasting of three local wines accompanied by typical local products.
Boat cruise to the Cinque Terre and Portovenere
Discover the Cinque Terre and Portovenere on a boat trip combining spectacular scenery, swimming, snorkelling and tasting local products, accompanied by an expert crew.
Your included services —
Assistance at destination
Enjoy an included destination assistance service provided by our local partners trained to Voyage Privé standards. A dedicated contact person, available 24 hours a day (by phone or WhatsApp), will assist you throughout your stay with advice, reservations, or help in case of unforeseen circumstances. Travel with peace of mind.
Your journey to Italy —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
La Spezia
Set along a spectacular stretch of the Ligurian Coast, Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most iconic destinations. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this breathtaking coastline is made up of five colourful villages perched dramatically between the sea and terraced vineyards. With its crystal-clear waters, scenic hiking trails and timeless Mediterranean charm, Cinque Terre offers an unforgettable escape on the Italian Riviera.
Must-sees:
- Riomaggiore: The southernmost village, known for its colourful houses and picturesque harbour.
- Manarola: Famous for its dramatic coastal scenery and renowned local wines.
- Corniglia: Perched high above the sea, offering stunning panoramic views.
- Vernazza: Often considered the most beautiful village, with its charming harbour and vibrant atmosphere.
- Monterosso al Mare: The largest village, home to sandy beaches and a relaxed seaside feel.
Culinary culture:
Cinque Terre's cuisine celebrates the flavours of Liguria, with fresh seafood, handmade pasta and world-famous pesto. Local specialities include focaccia, anchovies and the region’s prized Sciacchetrà wine, produced from grapes grown on the steep hillside terraces.
Dive deeper:
Beyond the villages themselves, Cinque Terre is a paradise for walkers and nature lovers. Follow scenic coastal trails linking the villages, admire breathtaking viewpoints or take a boat trip for a different perspective of the colourful cliffside settlements. Nearby La Spezia and Levanto also make excellent bases for exploring the region.
Good to know:
The villages of Cinque Terre are connected by a frequent regional train service, making it easy to explore the entire coastline without a car. The best time to visit is from April to June and September to October, when temperatures are pleasant and the crowds are smaller. The local currency is the euro (€).
Cinque Terre
Nestled along the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is a gorgeous region comprised of five colourful cliffside villages that are surrounded by dramatic hills and vineyards. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 15 km stretch of coastline is well known for its incredible hiking trails, picture-perfect views, and quaint village atmosphere, and makes for a memorable Italian coastal break.
Must-sees:
- Monterosso: The largest of the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso boasts beautiful beaches, vibrant coastal views, and medieval charm.
- Vernazza: Known as the most picturesque village in Cinque Terre, Vernazza features colourful buildings, a charming harbour, and the iconic Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, perched above the sea.
- Riomaggiore: The first of the Cinque Terre villages, Riomaggiore offers dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Culinary culture:
Cinque Terre’s culinary scene is heavily influenced by its coastal setting. Indulge in fresh seafood, including anchovies, mussels, and clams, or try the region’s famous trofie pasta, often served with pesto, the Ligurian specialty.
Dive deeper:
Walk the cliffside paths between the villages for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline and terraced vineyards. Explore the lesser-known village of Corniglia, perched above the sea with panoramic views and fewer crowds, or take a boat ride for a different perspective of these stunning coastal towns.
Good to know:
Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its villages are connected by train, ferry, and scenic hiking trails. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner. Be prepared for steep hills and winding paths – comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Santa Margherita Ligure
Featuring impressive mountains, rolling green hills and overlooking the Ligurian Sea, this beautiful crescent-shaped region of Italy is well worth a visit. Striking the perfect balance between nature, mountains, culture, entertainment and night life, visitors here will never be short of great things to see and do.
Must-sees:
- Castello di Santa Margherita Ligure: This charming seaside castle offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Tigullio and a glimpse into the town's history.
- The Promenade: Stroll along the scenic seafront, lined with cafes and lush gardens, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
- Church of St. Margaret of Antioch: A beautiful 17th-century church known for its striking architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
Culinary culture:
Santa Margherita Ligure is famous for its fresh seafood, with local specialties like anchovies, octopus, and Ligurian-style focaccia. Enjoy the region’s signature pesto with pasta or try the fresh catch of the day paired with a glass of local Vermentino wine.
Dive deeper:
Beyond the town, explore the nearby Portofino or hike up to Monte di Portofino for stunning views of the Ligurian coast. Take a boat tour to enjoy the coastline from the water or relax in the beautiful gardens of Villa Durazzo.
Good to know:
Santa Margherita Ligure is easily accessible by train from Genoa or Rapallo, making it a great base for exploring the Italian Riviera. Best visited in spring or summer, the town offers mild weather and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for seaside strolls and dining.
