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We are privileged to have the honor to work in the National Park of the Cinque Terre, a World Heritage Site, to help clean and maintain their spectacular hiking trails. These trails are an international treasure protected by the United Nations, and they are a magnet for hikers and nature lovers from all over the world. Helping the National Park maintain this fragile network of trails and learning about the incredibly unique biodiversity and agriculture of this region is essential to preserving the traditions and beauty of this place.

Of particular interest is the ingenious and unique way in which the steep hillsides have been terraced by farmers over the millennia, allowing towns to flourish in an area that had no other way of growing food. We will be accompanied by Park officials during our five days on the trails.

Travel for Teens is very fortunate to have received permission from the Park to work on this unbelievable site. The Cinque Terre are on the World Monuments Watch List of the 100 Most Endangered Sites, a program of the UN World Monuments Fund. Nothing compares to the satisfaction of hearing passing hikers say “thank you” in numerous languages when they see and appreciate the work that we do.

We may be working outside, but our accommodations are high class, right in the center of town in a small and charming family-run hotel. It’s comfortable, clean, and authentic -- our experience involves no camping, no dorms, and no institutional food or rustic living.

The fishing villages of the Cinque Terre (Five Lands) are a photographer’s paradise. Built in impossibly beautiful sites, each village has its own unique character – one features brightly colored houses clinging to a rocky promontory high above the sea while another is nestled in a tiny valley right on the azure water. Don’t forget your camera!

But even photographs cannot fully communicate the extraordinary draw of the Cinque Terre. Young international hikers, students and families abound, lounging on the perfect beaches and taking in the scenery. While hiking the trail, farmers will offer you freshly cut slices of lemon off their trees. The pace and traditions of this area speak to people who love authenticity and seek a true Italian experience.

We’ll put in some good work on the sometimes-steep trails, but don’t forget – this trip isn’t all work and no play. Exploring our small fishing village and dancing on the beach are all on the itinerary, and more fun follows when we get to Florence.

We’ll take a boat trip to ancient Portovenere, down the coast from the Cinque Terre. We’ll also visit Pisa, where we’ll see the Leaning Tower and much more, exploring the town and university where Galileo taught mathematics and learning about Pisa’s role in Allied bombing raids in World War II.

Our trip wraps up with four days in Florence, where you have the freedom to choose what you see and do. This sophisticated city of medieval and Renaissance palaces and masterful art will leave a permanent impression on you.

Go behind the scenes at an exclusive Italian fashion institute**, learning all aspects of the fashion industry from experts, shop till you drop, and dance the night away in a disco. Explore the Uffizi and Accademia galleries, the famous Duomo, the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, and enjoy an unforgettable view of the sunset from a special spot above the city.

You can visit tiny artisan’s workshops, buy jewelry on the Ponte Vecchio, eat traditional Tuscan food, and prowl Florence with our trip director who knows the city inside out.

Our goal for the Cinque Terre Community Service trip is to instill in participants a love for and understanding of the uniqueness of the Cinque Terre region and the importance of never losing it, as well as an understanding of Renaissance history, science and art in Florence.

Preserving a World Heritage Site, immersing yourself in history and culture, and an insider's look at the fashion industry all make one fabulous experience that goes far beyond a bus blitz of Italy!

Participants receive a certificate for 30 hours of community service
* The hiking trails in the Cinque Terre are spectacularly beautiful, and they are also quite steep in places. It is important that participants be in good physical shape. And remember – every steep climb is amply rewarded with an unforgettable view.
** This is an optional excursion with a small additional fee