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Montagna e Mare
Italian Riviera
April 24 - 30, 2027

Join Laurel Attanasio and Rachel Hartenstine for an invigorating hiking trip along the Ligurian Coastline of Italy.

This adventure will take place in the Italian Riviera where the Mountains/Montagna meet the Sea/Mare in the picturesque town of Sestri Levante.

 

Hike up and enjoy breathtaking mountain and sea views. 

Come down and reward yourself with fabulous local food and wine while relaxing seaside. 

Why is this adventure like no other?

This 6 night/ 7 day adventure will take place in the stunning Italian Riviera. But, we will only explore the places where few tourists venture and where crowds are few unlike the neighboring Cinque Terre villages. Our mornings will be filled with views of the sea while we enjoy cappuccinos and then we will head out to hike stunning yet lesser known trails than the neighboring overcrowded Cinque Terre. After our daily hike, our days will be spent exploring quiet, yet lively, coastal villages. Evenings will be spent enjoying amazing food, wine and vistas. This adventure will pleasure all senses.

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The Destination

The Italian Riviera, Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is the perfect location for an Italian holiday. Located on a peninsula, with the beautiful Baia del Silenzio, The Bay of Silence, on one side and Baia delle Favole, Bay of the Fables, on the other. Views of the sea will surround you. Similar to other Italian Riviera villages, the mountains merge into the sea allowing our mornings to be filled with hiking and our afternoons to be spent relaxing seaside. Sestri is also very accessible to neighboring villages, such as Portofino, Santa Margherita and Camogli, via short train rides and ferry service. All these beautiful villages are on our agenda.
Sestri Levante

Where You'll Stay

Hotel Vis a Vis

We are staying in an elegant hotel overlooking both the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fables. Vis a Vis suspends over Sestri Levante providing breathtaking views of the Ligurian Coastline. Using the private lift, you can comfortably reach the center of the town, the sea promenade and the marina. Or, choose to walk the path down to the center of town or walk further up and discover the best look out points in Sestri Levante.

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Testimonials

Italian Riviera – Fulton, B.

The Sestri Levante trip was our second yoga trip with Laurel and she’s two-for two! The trip is a perfect combination of enjoying the beauty of the Italian Rivera, physical activity of hiking and kayaking, delicious food and wine, and yoga ! While my wife regularly does yoga, I do it rarely. Despite my novice level, Laurel and the group made me so very comfortable while they effortlessly showed me how it’s done. I would highly recommend the trip for friendly people looking for a great trip and yoga.

-B. Fulton

Italian Riviera – Anonymous

Wonderful trip – I appreciate all the effort you put into scouting things out ahead of time and not relying on outside vendors. You do a great job!

Italian Riviera – Meredith D.

This retreat rocked my world. I felt like a kid again, not having to worry about the details of an amazing vacation, and just being able to relax and enjoy the experience. I loved how athletic the activities were, and that the group reconvened frequently so that those who wanted to relax more met up with us for socializing. It was a blessing to meet and travel with every single person in our group and I can’t wait to see them again in the future!

-Meredith D.

Italian Riviera

This retreat beyond exceeded my expectations. I came in not knowing many people, but knowing the activities that Laurel had planned were things that I liked to do. By the end of the trip I had made great friends and the activities were an amazing way to experience a foreign country without having to do major research. I had been to Italy before, but not to this specific area. Laurel did a fantastic job. I will definitely be going on another retreat. It was exactly what my mental health needed.

Italian Riviera

The whole experience was magical. The location, the people, the food and most of Laurel’s approach to blending wellness and celebration together is the most exquisite way to experience Italy.

Ben Burton (Italy 2015)

Positives: I love everyone, our new friendships, and personalities. We really have a fun group! The location was amazing and personally the retreat helped to get me to Italy which was a catalyst to seeing the rest of the country. I loved the pasta and pizza lessons and of course the amazing wine. The yoga was both fun and challenging in such a good way and really helped to push my boundaries.
Negatives: I can’t really think of any.

What's Included:

  • Accommodations at the beautiful Hotel Vis a Vis perched above Sestri Levante with views of both the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fairy Tales
  • Daily Guided Hike with Laurel and Rachel – Everyday except the last day to give you one full free day to enjoy the hotel pool and spa, Sestri Levante and to rest before you travel again.
  • Welcome Dinner, including Aperitivo and Wine in the town of Sestri Levante at one of the locals’ favorites.
  • Guided Group Walk through Sestri Levante.
  • Sunset Aperitivo and Farewell Dinner with Wine at Olimpo with beautiful views of both the Bay of Fairy Tales and the Bay of Silence.
  • Daily Breakfast provided at Hotel Vis a Via. Enjoy breakfast while being mesmerized by the sea views.
  • Beach Side Sunset Aperitivo and Wine Tasting with Light Fare at one of the locals’ favorite.
  • Pesto Cooking Class with Ligurian Wine Tasting, including a Focaccia demonstration and tasting.
  • Roundtrip Train Ride to/from Camogli.
  • Guided Hike in Camogli to San Rocco and then to Punta Chiappa with stunning views of the Ligurian Coast.
  • Traditional Ligurian lunch with breathtaking views of the sea and the town of Camogli.
  • Ligurian culinary tasting at artisanal store.
  • Roundtrip Transfer to/from Santa Margherita.
  • Ferry Ride from Santa Margherita to San Fruttuoso 
  • Guided Hike from San Fruttuoso to Portofino.
  • Guided Hike or Seaside stroll from Portofino to Santa Margherita. (Option to skip the hike/walk and return via Ferry to Santa Margherita.)
  • Guided Hike from Sestri Levante to Punta Manara.
  • Roundtrip Train Ride to/from Rapallo.
  • Guided Hike from the Center of Rapallo to the Sanctuary of Montallegro. 
  • Funicular Ride (Cable Car) from the Sanctuary of Montallegro back to the Center of Rapallo. 

What's Not Included:

  • NOT MUCH!!

  • Flight to Italy.

  • Transportation to Sestri Levante; however, Laurel will provide details on how to arrange and book. See the below tab, Getting to Sestri, for more details. For those interested in traveling with others and sharing transfer costs, a google doc will be provided to facilitate communication between guests wanting to travel together. 

  • Some meals not mentioned

  • Souvenirs

  • Trip insurance and Travel Health Insurance is NOT included, but they are HIGHLY recommended. Take a look at Travel Insurance 101, a resourceful page that will help you get the coverage you need. Please also review the Booking Terms!

  • Any additional evenings in Italy before or after. However, great recommendations can be provided!

 

NOTE REGARDING HIKES: 

All hikes are optional and guests can choose to skip and meet the group after. Laurel will always provide information on other options and meeting locations.

For those participating in the hikes, please note that all hikes will range from 2-4 hours. All hikes will begin with an incline and often include stairs leading up to a higher path. All trails are considered moderate in difficulty, but do require the ability to walk on an incline for 20-40 minutes with elevation gains ranging from 650 feet to 1300 feet. Most trails are a dirt path with uneven terrain; some are paved and many include old stairways that connect the coastal villages. Trail sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes are sufficient. 

About Laurel’s Fabulous Co-Host,

Rachel Hartenstine

Rachel is a certified personal trainer with 5 years of experience, specializing in strength and conditioning. Fitness is her true passion, and she loves trying everything — lifting, running, Pilates, yoga, and HIIT. She’s known for her HIIT and Total Body Impact classes, as well as strength workshops at Reflex Functional Fitness in Baltimore, MD. She’s a marathoner and ran the Philadelphia Marathon in 3 hours and 37 minutes, which she’s very proud of. 

 

She’s a city girl at heart and loves being able to walk everywhere. She especially loves walks around the city with her rescue hound, Brody. She loves to travel to new places, get out in nature, and soak up the views around her. One of Rachel’s all-time favorite hikes is the Path of Lemons to Ravello on the Amalfi Coast. She can’t wait to hike, move, and adventure with you all in Sestri in 2027!

 

PS – Laurel and Rachel are cousins and they are super excited to host their first Hiking Adventure together!

The Finer Details

Register Now

To register for this trip, you must submit a non-refundable and non-transferrable deposit of $1000.

 

Once registered via the form below, you will receive a Square invoice to pay your deposit by credit card. Please make sure to check email  junk, spam and promo folders for your invoice. 

 

Remaining balance will be due NOVEMBER 24, 2026.  Final invoices and reminders will be emailed one month prior to due date. 

 

Please read through the Booking Terms before making your investment. 

Italy April Hiking Adventure

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Cancellation/Refund Policy $1000 non-refundable/ non-transferable deposit required at registration. Remaining balance will be due NOVEMBER 24, 2026. Final invoices and reminders will be emailed one month prior to due date. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
Booking Terms*