The Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera

On Monday, October 13th, 2014 we traveled from Florence by train via La Spezia and arrived at our "home" base of Vernazza for a 3 day adventure. The Cinque Terre (pronounced CHINK-weh TAY-reh) "The Five Lands" comprises the five villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Our plan was to walk the Cinque Terre park trails connecting the villages, but due to rains prior to our arrival the trails were deemed unsafe and closed. Nevertheless, we explored Vernazza from hilltops to harbor, as well as walking and exploring Monterosso al Mare, and the larger town of Portovenere to the south. A water taxi on the Ligurian Sea provided wonderful vistas traveling past all of the Cinque Terre villages and each and every village excursion included friendly greetings, Old World vistas and exceptionally fresh and expertly prepared cuisine. Come along.