I’m going to be on a RS tour, Italian Villages, which will have a full day plus, in Cinque Terre. Does anyone know if the tour includes trail passes or is that something that I am responsible for? Thank you.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16621 posts
I haven't taken this tour but there are no "reservations" for the CT trails. For the 2 sections of the "Blue Path" trail route that are usually open (Monterosso> Vernazza, and Vernazza > Corniglia) you do need a Cinque Terre Trekking Card. I don't see that it is included in the tour, and wouldn't expect it to be as it's a strenuous hike that not everyone can physically do. Plus, they list hiking as optional ("You may choose...") on Day 12:
See "What's included":
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy/village-italy-2023
See details about the CT Trekking card or MS Treno Card:
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/page.php?id=157
https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/cinque-terre-card
There are many other trails in the park but the 2 sections of "Blue Trail" are likely what you're thinking of doing.
I've hiked these trails a number of years ago.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Excellent information. Thank you.
Posted by
I don't know!
20 posts
Four of us in our sixties did Corniglia to Vernazza yesterday. Pretty steep with tall steps in places. The bar about halfway helped. About three hours with stops. Vernazza was a zoo, we did find a table for four at 12:30. I think the other direction would be tougher, steep early. The train back to Corniglia was busy, but we got on. The shuttle up to Corniglia was also a zoo. We got on after the third lap. Many trying to bypass the line. The crowd pushed them to the back. Everything changes at night, eat late. Morning is also good. Enjoy.
Posted by
I don't know!
20 posts
Sorry, we just bought our passes at the checkpoint in Corniglia, there is one in Vernazza also. Easy.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
I just got the RS Italy book. The two most scenic trails, according to the book, both require passes. I found where they can be purchased online. I will be there the first part of September, so maybe not as crowded as June-August. ? I have an email sent to RS tours to ask specifically if the Treno or Trekking pass is included with the tour. Unless someone reading this has been on the RS Italian Villages tour and knows, I’ll probably get my answer from the email response. RS is always great at communicating. 😎
Posted by
Southeast of Seattle
732 posts
We were there mid September last year. Crowded. Maybe not as much as summer, but nice to prepare for lots of tourists.
Our hikes were: Volastra (bus from Manarola) to Corniglia where we had lunch then on to Vernazza. Both trails are a bit more difficult than presented in most writings, but certainly doable. Now, if you’re in excellent shape, you’ll find them easy! The halfway point Corniglia/Vernazza or vice versa is Bar Il Gabbiano. Just get something-fantastic. We spent 4-4.5 hours of actual hiking on those two trails.
Our other hike was out of Vernazza to Sanctuario di Nostra Signora di Reggio and a bit beyond. Uphill all the way out of Vernazza. After the Sanctuario it get s a bit indistinguishable from the greenery as in not much of a trail, just signs kind of. It was a great hike though and very solitary. Again, about 3-4 hours R/T.
Trail passes easy to come by. Someone- Deveaus-mentioned getting one when you reach the checkpoint. We had ours, but staff wasn’t allowing anyone onto the trail to Vernazza without it. Must be able to get one there. Easy to find it’s placement on google maps.