Olive grove tour with wine and oil tasting of the Cinque Terre
Description
Take one of the lesser known but most fascinating paths of the Cinque Terre. After a quick but engaging visit to the village of Vernazza we will start to climb along the fascinating mule track to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Reggio (about 1 hour) at 330 meters high. During the climb we will admire beautiful views of the Cinque Terre coast with the characteristic terraces supported by kilometers of dry stone walls, where olive trees and vines are grown to produce prestigious wines. In front of the shady Piazzale del Santuario stands a monumental cypress (the oldest in Liguria!) and a majestic holm oak. Before going down we will visit the fascinating olive grove of the Azienda Agricola la Bottega, where extra virgin olive oil is produced. It will also be an opportunity to visit two cute ponies, which are the mascots of the farm. In the shade of a pear tree you can enjoy a glass of DOC 5 Terre wine accompanied by the typical Ligurian focaccia.
Tour Options
Itinerary
At the established meeting point you will find Alessandro a local licensed hiking guide who will make you discover the secrets of Vernazza.
From Vernazza we will walk the ancient mule track that in about an hour leads us to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Reggio. Above every village of the Cinque Terre, a Marian Shrine watches. Each of them preserves the deep roots of the spirituality and culture of the Cinque Terre, to which the inhabitants are bound by a feeling of devotion. Just below the Sanctuary we will stop to visit a beautiful recently recovered olive grove belonging to our Azienda Agricola la Bottega, which gives us our Extra Virgin Olive Oil. We will also visit the home of two cute ponies that have become the mascots of our farm. Sitting under the shade of a pear tree you can rest for a moment enjoying a quick refreshment based on focaccia, tasting an extra virgin olive oil from Liguria and sipping a glass of wine from the Azienda Agricola la Bottega before embarking again on the descent towards the country.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for those with serious walking problems
Reviews(14)
A stunning and peaceful walk up behind Vernazza with epic views. The pace is quite gentle with a lot of stops and easy conversation. It’s a lovely tour with a friend or like me solo. The host is incredibly knowledgeable and it is also his families stunning generational farm with delicious olives, lemons and wine
This was an absolutely awesome experience! Alessandro did a wonderful job as a guide. He explained everything so thoroughly and with such kindness. It was a great experience to interact with a local who is so passionate about local farming.The hike was absolutely beautiful up into the mountains. It was so peaceful and we were the only ones on the trail. The samples of wine, olive oil and bread were a nice treat after the climb up to the top to the sanctuary. It was an added bonus to visit with the two little ponies. I would highly recommend this if you are interested in getting off the beaten path and want to do some relaxing and peaceful hiking. It is uphill, but it’s gradual and the guide took his time and allowed for plenty of rust breaks.
Very beautiful, scenic hike with a very engaged, knowledgeable guide. Alessandro shared a lot of information about both the natural vegetation and the produce grown on the terraces. The luncheon and wine tasting were done in an spectacular location in a shaded area outside the old church.
Easy paced, not rushed. Beautiful area. Our guide, Allesandro was very knowledgeable about area, wines and olive groves
This was my first time in Italy, as well as my first time solo travelling, and I'm so glad that I booked this experience! Alessandro guided me on the tour from Vernazza station up to the Sanctuary and it was a great way to see and learn about Cinque Terre. Alessandro was very communicative ahead of the booking, and was very knowledgeable and friendly. We had the perfect weather conditions for hiking, and the views were breathtaking. Once we got to the top, we had some focaccia, wine and locally made liqueur which was divine! Alessandro regularly checked that I was hydrated and was happy to take as many breaks as I needed in-between. I can't fault the experience and would 100% recommend to anyone going to Cinque Terre!
A truly wonderful tour, with views of the rolling hills of Vernazza, with its terraced vines. The Alessandro guide is always professional and manages to introduce us to the most characteristic aspects of the Cinque Terre. The sanctuary is beautiful and the ancient trees that surround it are truly admirable. The visit and the story of the two ponies enrich the experience and very very good and welcome tastings of limoncello and wine. A beautiful trip, simple and very very interesting, with an experienced and helpful guide.
This was an amazing tour. First we were lucky to be the inly ones. Our Tour Guide Alessandro was absolutely a joy to walk with. He is a local that works in the Bottegga Farms as well. He has the actual inside information of daily life in Vernazza for the locals. What we learned about the life in the farm was priceless. The hike was amazing with spectacular views of the farm and of Vernazza. Alessandro brought treats and wine to try while we sat enjoying the area and the Ponies!! Ponies were great. This is a true working farm so you get the perspective better. The wine was delicious, and the Limoncello…OMG. The Santuary is 800 years old, quiet, and peaceful. We recommend Alessandro and the tour highly. An amazing historical as well as culinary experience.
Nothing at top of mountain and church may not be open. Views of terrace hillside, ocean and town beneath very picturesque.
We had an unforgettable afternoon with Alessandro! The hike to the Bottega olive grove was beautiful, and learning about Vernazza’s history, wine traditions, and the rescue of the sweet ponies M&M made it even more special. The wine tasting among the olive trees was a highlight, and the walk to the sanctuary rewarded us with breathtaking sunset views over the whole town. Coming down at dusk and seeing Vernazza lit up was magical. Alessandro is so kind, knowledgeable, and passionate…highly recommend this tour!
It was a beautiful, interesting day with the discovery of new paths and corners that we did not think there were in the 5 lands. We must thank our guide Alessandro who made us appreciate everything with the kindness and professionalism that are his. Then the limoncino and the wine they offered us were delicious.
