Okay, let’s get back to travel stories.

Cinque Terre (translation: five lands) was one of the most magical places I’ve ever been. From the time I hit the trail at Riomaggiore, I had a hard time getting control over my emotions. I’d find myself laughing, or choked up - totally overwhelmed by the beauty around me. From the color of the water to the olive groves and vineyards, the views were spectacular. Have a look!

Trains to any of the 5 towns (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso) leave from La Spezia (on the Pisa line) on a regular basis. And at any of the towns, you can buy a pass that allows you to hike the trails and/or take the trains between towns. I’m pretty sure your Eurail pass won’t work on this Cinque Terre trains, but even if it does, that would be a waste. The pass was around 8 Euro. The hike along the Ligurian coastline ranges from super easy to straight up and down. My guidebook said it would take five hours or so to complete. I did it in three, so keep that in mind.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007 | day trips