Cinque Terre

Many regard Cinque Terre as the most enchanting area Italy has to offer. Rome, Florence and Milan will bring you sights, history, and traffic; Cinque Terre will bring you sun, sea and relaxation. In English Cinque Terre mean five lands and literally, that is what it is...five little lands nestled in a ravine beside the Mediteranean Sea. Starting from the most southern city, Cinque Terre is made up of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. The land's picturesque beauty draws delight to the eye, but the most unique part of Cinque Terre are its isolated towns and the journey you'll take to get there.

It can be conquered in one day. You will take a train into Monterosso, the furthest northern town. From Monterosso there are only three ways of getting to each city: by boat, train or foot. We recommend taking each city on foot. The hike is no walk in the park, but the sight of the sparkling Mediteranean takes your mind off the rigorous climb.

Starting from Monterosso, stopping in each city for a glance, and ending in Riomaggiore will take you a good 5 - 6 hours. Be sure to have a glass of white wine and enjoy the pesto sauce as Cinque Terre is known for these items. Try pizza with pesto sauce instead of red sauce, have it with a glass of white wine, overlook the ocean, and you might never leave.

It's a treat to stay in Cinque Terre but if you can't, a day trip can definately be accomplished. Be aware... if doing it for only a day, it is real easy to fall into a relaxed spell and lose total track of time... only to find yourself stuck in the La Spezia train station at four in the morning (as we know from experience).

Pictures and words don't do the area justice...You must see this enchanting city for yourself.