Excursion to Cinque Terre

Itinerary

The first stop is at Monterosso. It is surrounded by hills bedecked in vineyards andolive groves. Thursday is market day showcasing local arts and crafts, food, and wine. Monterosso is the largest village. Stone steps link the center of the village to the port and seaside promenade.

After a short visit of this village, you take a train or boat to the next village of Vernazza which is considered the most gourgeos village. It is the only natural port of the five villages. Since it is the wealthiest village, its architecture is most elaborate. See the Castle of the Doria, the watchtowers, and the Romanesque sanctuary of Our Lady of Reggio. You can have lunch here (not included).

Unfortunately we skip Corniglia, a farming village, that is the most remote village and has no seacoast. Then at Vernazza you will take again a ferry boat or train to
Manarola which is the local center of the wine and olive oil industry. The houses are pastel, the water is turquoise, and the rock on which the town sits is black. Don’t miss the Lovers Lane that joins Manarola with Riomaggiore. You’ll see some of the world’s most thrilling scenery. This mile long path was cut from rock overlooking the sea.

The last stop is at Riomaggiore and after a short visit of this little and less interesting village, you take a train or boat to the city of La Spezia and we return to Florence.

Please note: public ferry boats operate subject to weather conditions. When ferry boats are not operative, transfer between towns will be by train.

**There is no hiking on our tour and the visit of the villages is very low pass, but we do not suggest the tour for people with walking difficulties. This tour runs rain or shine.

***What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, swimsuit, sunscreen.