Trip Overview
Departures
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Duration
7 Days
Activities
Kayaking
Physical Rating
Moderate
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A Different Perspective
Join us as we take to the Mediterranean through the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre by the paddle power of your kayak! Warm waters and sunbaked beaches fill our days as we discover the five tiny villages that Cinque Terre’s name is derived from—all awash with pastel-colored buildings and houses neatly stacked along the harbors and hills. We can’t wait to discover the pounding heart and soul of this dramatic region on the west coast of Italy together.
Live la Dolce Vita
Olive Groves and Lemon Trees
As each village unveils itself, we exit our kayaks to explore winding alleyways of ancient cities and terraced vineyards and enjoy sumptuous, authentic regional food and drink. Each adventurous day is followed by a relaxing evening, where together we soak in the quintessential Italian atmosphere that is life at the sea’s edge.
This trip was so well planned and organized that we really got a lot out of those 5 days. Amazing kayaking, beautiful scenery, knowledgable guides, wonderful food and accommodations. Touring the Cinque Terre by sea and by van allowed us to see the beautiful hillsides, towns, and orchards from above and below. It was a great way to travel this very special region.”
Maya G.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival in Genoa
Arrival and Exploration
Welcome to Italy! Arrive in the vibrant port city of Genoa (airport code: GOA) from Rome or Florence after 2 p.m. Check into your hotel room and breathe in the bellisimmo that surrounds you. Take some time to head out to explore the network of narrow cobblestoned streets (“caruggi”) and dramatic palaces of the medieval old city.
We will gather together in the hotel lobby at 5 p.m. Dinner tonight will unfold at a traditional trattoria and wine bar. Saluti!
Included Meals
Dinner
Accommodations
Best Western Porto Antico
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Day 2
Gulf of Genoa
Along the Riviera
We start the day by driving along the famed crescent-shaped coastline and colorful beach towns of the Riviera. Our launch point will be from the seaside town of Sori or Recco, depending on conditions. Both areas are renowned for focaccia con il formaggio. The recipe is tried and true—farmers hiding in the hinterlands during the crusade relied on the simple focaccia made with only water, flour, oil and cheese for survival. Here, focaccia is an institution and a celebrated taste of local gastronomic heritage.
We begin with an introduction to sea kayaking ins and outs (and wet exits) before paddling off in the direction of the fishing village of Camogli and Punta Chiappa. This pocket of paradise is a distinct stretch of land. La punta (the point) pokes into the sea at the Portofino Promontory and is an integral part of the Portofino Natural Park, the Marine Protected Area and Camogli. This once-prized fisherman site has flourishing populations of sea bream, amberjacks, grouper and octopi.
The distance paddled each day will be dependent on the group’s skill level, pace and sea conditions. If conditions are favourable, the maximum paddling distance would be 6.2 miles (10km) from Recco or 9.3 miles (15km) from Sori.
Included Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Accommodations
oliVenere Tourismo
The Paddle
Up to 9.3 miles (15km)
Travel
From Recco or Sori to oliVenere, the drive is approximately 40 minutes
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Day 3
Paddling to Portofino
Parco Naturale Regionale Portofino
Setting off along the coast, we drive or take the train for a 50-minute trip to Rapallo and then transfer to our kayaks and paddle to Portofino. The village southeast of Genoa has been Italy’s twinkly premier coastal resort. We paddle into the harbor—loved for its sunsets, colorful facades, seafood restaurants and genuine “dolce vita”—and stop for gelato at a gelateria. (*Here’s the inside scoop on some favorite flavors: stracciatella, biscotti, limoncello!).
Depending on sea conditions, we will either paddle along the coast back to Rapallo or Santa Margherita before returning to our agriturismo for the evening.
Included Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Accommodations
oliVenere Tourismo
The Paddle
Up to 9.3 miles (15km)
Travel
From oliVenere to Rapallo, it’s approximately 50 minutes by train or vehicle.
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Day 4
Cinque Terre
Rugged Natural Beauty
We drive along the mesmerizing Riviera coast to Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five “Cinque Terre” towns and launch our kayaks into the translucent sea, experiencing our first big taste of the rugged beauty that is the coast of the Cinque Terre National Park.
The area was protected in 1999 and includes five picturesque seaside villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) that cling to the rocky Mediterranean coastline with sheltered bays and coves below—a playground for kayakers like us! We will launch our kayaks in Monterosso and loop back to this village after a few hours on the water.
Tonight we will stay in Corniglia, the most unique of the five villages, with a bird’s eye view from the promontory it’s perched on. Surrounded on three sides by vineyards and terraces, it’s like a fairytale castle set atop the cliffs.
Included Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Accommodations
Hotel Cecio
The Paddle
Approximately 3.73 miles (6 km)
Travel
From oliVenere to Monterrosso (1 hour) & Monterrosso to Corniglia (40 min)
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Day 5
Cinque Terre National Park
Panoramic Views
Today, we continue our intimate exploration of Cinque Terre National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. As your kayak cuts through the warm cyan water, the panorama of Cinque Terre will envelop you. We take time to visit the villages, explore the twisting alleyways and climb up to the vineyards for a view that captures the distinct magic of Cinque Terre. Depending on the sea and weather gods, we should be able to visit three or four of the five villages of Cinque Terre.
We return to Corniglia, to absorb the marmalade sunset from the terrace of our hotel.
Included Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Accommodations
Hotel Cecio
The Paddle
From 8 – 12 km
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Day 6
Portovenere
Paddling Around Palmaria Island
After a sumptuous breakfast we continue our discovery of the Cinque Terre from the best seat in the house: the cockpits of our kayaks!
We will launch our kayaks from the medieval harbor of Portovenere (also known as Porto Venere), where Castello Doria, a cliff-top fortress, overlooks the Gulf of Poets.
Depending on the sea, weather and the group’s energy level, we can circumnavigate the lushness of Palmaria Island (Isola Palmaria). It’s the largest of the three islands in the Gulf of La Spezia and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Portovenere, the smaller isles of Tino and Tinetto and Cinque Terre. Palmaria’s name is assumed to originate from the word “balma“, meaning cave despite the abundance of dwarf palms that colour the island green.
After our paddle, there will be time to explore the Palazzata before we gather to share reflections and memories during our farewell dinner.
Included Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Accommodations
La Terrazze
The Paddle
6 – 7.5 miles (10-12 km)
Travel
From Corniglia to Portovenere (1 hour)
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Day 7
Portovenere and La Spezia
Arrivederci
After a relaxed breakfast on the hotel’s terrace, we transfer to La Spezia Centrale railway station for our final goodbyes. From this rail hub, it’s easy to return to Genoa Airport or continue onward to other destinations in Tuscany and beyond.
Included Meals
Breakfast
What’s Included
- All accommodations from Day 1 through Day 7 (based on double occupancy)
- Six breakfasts, six dinners
- Ground transportation and park/attraction entry fees
- Awesome English and Italian-speaking female kayak guide and interpreter
- Expedition sea kayaks and equipment including PFDs
- Group safety equipment including a medical kit
- Expedition support van and luggage transfer
Please Note:
All applicable taxes are included in the trip price.
Optional single room upgrade, subject to availability.
You will be expected to take turns in the tandem kayak and will also have the opportunity to paddle solo.
Itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather and other environmental conditions. Please review our Booking Terms.
Trip Details
Know Before You Go
Click HERE for all of the logistical details you’ll need to know prior to departure—including the packing list, arrival and departure details and suggested tipping information.
This trip starts in Genoa, Italy (airport code: GOA), and finishes in La Spezia Centrale Railway Station.
Paddling
While we will make every effort to follow the planned itinerary, kayaking routes and schedules will always be in favor of safety and depend 100% on weather and sea conditions.
The Wild Women Way
If you’re wondering how we roll, it’s together. The Wild Women Way is our modus operandi, our mantra and our rock solid foundation. You can learn more about our Wild Ways HERE.
How We Support You
Ready for a big adventure? We’re in it together. On this trip, we embark on a sea kayaking expedition intended for advanced novice paddlers and above (it’s not a trip for beginners). You should be very comfortable in a kayak and/or have paddling experience (canoeing or rowing). This is a seven-day paddling adventure on the Mediterranean, which means there might be varying sea conditions and weather to contend with. Yes, it’s a challenge, but you’re never alone. Like thousands of women before you, you’ll draw on strength you didn’t know you had and come out feeling like the goddess you are.
Like all our trips, this trip can be scaled to suit different abilities and comfort levels. If you have concerns or reservations about your ability to complete or enjoy this trip due to any physical or medical reasons, please contact us and let’s talk about it.
What the Trip Entails
This is an active adventure trip. We would like you to be comfortable with the following:
- Paddling for 4–5 hours per day (in a tandem kayak) in ocean conditions
- Being in and out of the water, as there may be unexpected swims
- Not comfortable swimming? Please let us know!
- A good level of fitness is required, and extra effort will be needed if there are breezy conditions on the water
- Physical Rating: Moderate (Good level of fitness required. Trips are moderately challenging with an average of 4 to 6 hours of activity each day.)
