Your Cinq Terre tour will begin in the most accessible of the five towns, Monterosso. Enjoy a walk around this local village with an expert local guide who will talk to you about the history of the area. Once we have carefully set the scene, your Italian food adventure can begin! Our first stop will be at a delicatessen to taste pesto, a famous Italian sauce made from basil. Why pesto? Because this is the birthplace of pesto! Locals say that the basil grown here is the best in the world because the growing conditions are so perfect. 

We will take a look at some of the other foodie delights on offer too, including 100% Ligurian pasta (it has a special shape unique to this area, known as a ‘trofie’ which goes very well with Genovese pesto, trust us!). We shall also try a delicate extra virgin olive oil called ‘Taggiasca’ named after the typical olive of the area. This olive oil’s delicate flavour is perfect with fish. Finally we’ll try some craft beer made by locals using top quality products, grown locally – hops, malt and yeast.  

Our next tasting will be at the the mouth-wateringly monikered ‘Foccaceria’ Where we will try foccacia, a typical Ligurian bread made with melted cheese. See a selection of other typical breads too, featuring delicate olives of the region, anchovy and tomato. Locals say that the focaccia baked here is the best in the entire north west!

Our ferry awaits at the port in Monterosso. Our destination is the beautiful village of Riomaggiore, however this is definitely one of those times where the journey is pretty much as good as the destination itself! Prepare to be wowed by the colourful clifftop villages as they tumble down into the glittery blue sea below. This may very well be one of the most picturesque boat rides of your life! We will pass by the towns of Vernazza, Corniglia and Monarola, with your guide by your side to give you a bit of background on each one. 

Upon arrival in Riomaggiore, we’ll head over to our favourite spot for streetfood and try lightly fried local fish (including calamari, shrimp and white bait) alongside seasonal vegetable-like zucchini flowers.

Next up, we’ll take a stroll through the Via del Amore to arrive at a pretty terrace that overlooks the village. Here we will stop to feast on an assortment of tasty Ligurian treats such as olives, anchovies, mozzarella, salumi and local wine.The options may vary from time to time, depending  on what is available fresh that day, but no matter what’s served, it’s sure to be delicious!

After you’ve filled up on Italian hospitality, your Cinque Terre tour continues with a short walk uphill towards the pretty church of Riomaggiore, which overlooks the rugged coastline. We will stay here for awhile, savouring the views and allowing time to capture that perfect, dreamy instagram shot!

After that, we will head back to the Riomaggiore train station, where your tour will end. If you wish to stay in the area for a bit longer to continue your exploration, your guide would be happy to make some recommendations. He or she can also advise you on the best way to get back to your accommodation too. Before you go though, don’t forget to ask for more tips on what else to see and do in this beguiling Italian region.

This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.