Friday, July 25, 2008

LE CINQUE TERRE

Ladies' weekend in the rain! We were so proud that we completed the entire hike between all five towns.

The UNESCO-protected CINQUE TERRE are a day trip for the truly ambitious. Take the 7:51 Intercity to La Spezia Centrale and then quickly hop on the 10:00 Regional to the southernmost town, Riomaggiore. Once there purchase a 5 € day pass to hike the ocean side footpaths within the Parco Nazionale that connect the five towns (about 4-5 hours without stopping). An 8.50 € pass covers access to all trails plus unlimited train rides between towns. Vernazza has a small harbor and tower, and Monterosso a large stretch of beach. Celebrate your day of mountaineering with superb seafood and service from Firenzo at Ristorante il Ciliegio, a ten-minute ride uphill from Monterosso in the restaurant’s complimentary shuttle. Consult www.cinqueterre.it and www.parconazionale5terre.it for information about the other villages and Cinque Terre Cards.

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