Journey Through the Cinque Terre

Overview

The Cinque Terre is a string of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. In each of the 5 towns, colorful houses and ancient vineyards cling to steep terraces, fishing boats bob in harbors and trattorias turn out seafood specialties along with the Liguria region's most famous dish, pesto.

To visit the Cinque Terre means to visit five villages suspended between sea and earth, clinging to the cliffs and surrounded by green hills. Here the sea, the hills, the vineyards, the old ancient villages, and the Genovese-style churches combine to result in the breathtaking scenery.

There are no cars and no noise, only nature. Your experience begins immediately with a panoramic drive that will include Portovenere. Portovenere is a town that dates back to at least the middle of the first century.

The ancient town is a hidden treasure for tourists and even residents of Italy to still discover. The town, or commune as referred to by the Italian government, is located on the provincial coast of La Spezia, in the region of Liguria. Rocky horizons, lush forests and vegetation, complete with bodies of water supplied by the Mediterranean Sea, surround this area. Perhaps the most profound scenery of Portovenere is the strip of homes that lay across the shoreline of the marina. It's quite the sight. From here you can continue on by ferry to Manarola and Vernazza.

Tiny Manarola is a tumble of buildings bunny-hopping down its ravine to the harbor. You can hike up to Punta Buonfiglio; for a bar on a bluff between the cemetery and the sea or enjoy tasty treats born right here: pesto on your focaccia, washed down by crisp local wine sprinkled with Mediterranean twinkles. Talk about going local!

Vernazza is the next to the northernmost town and perhaps most picturesque of the five towns of Cinque Terre in Italy. Colorful, antique homes cling to impossible cliffs. Your driver will be waiting for you in Vernazza and will take you on the most interesting route back to your starting point, through Corniglia.

You may stop here if you wish. Unlike the other localities of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia is not directly adjacent to the sea. Instead, it is on the top of a promontory about 100 meters high, surrounded on three sides by vineyards and terraces and the fourth side descends steeply to the sea, affording lovely views. This is not usually included but it allows you a view that is amazing and also lets you understand Cinque Terre. Enjoy the scenic views as we return to the pier.