Oct. 10-12, Cinque Terre, The Italian Riviera

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Friday, October 10

Monterosso Al Mare  ***** Vernazzo ***** Corniglia ***** Manarola ***** Riomaggiore 


I had thought that our drive from Genova down to Cinque Terre, the five villages of the Italian Riviera, would be along the ocean with beautiful views of the sea, and all that sort of thing. In reality, there were more tunnels than there were views, and even when there were views, there was a high wall along the side of the highway that kept you from appreciating how close you really were to the ocean. 

The highway runs probably half a mile to a mile inland from the coast and is elevated several hundred feet, so it’s a little hard to appreciate the beauty of the sea from the road .

Once you get off the highway, the road in to Monterosso is windy and steep, up and down, with all kinds of views, but is really a little on the scary side, especially with a fast driver like ours. If you are one who gets carsick, it would probably be best to take the train.

A Quick View of Portofino from the Highway

First View of Monterrosso




















Lunch




Michie


Hotel Rooftop Terrace


This afternoon we are taking the train all the way to the last village of the five, Riomaggiore, for ocean views and for the sunset. We will finally return to Monterosso, for a bit of dinner and to collapse into our beds. 

Afternoon/Evening Photos:

Monterosso Al Mare


















Riomaggiore















Tomorrow (Saturday)

We have a morning boat tour the full length of Cinque Terre, north to south, then back again. Lunch in Monterosso is included. 

Saturday Oct. 11

We boarded our private boat in Monterosso at 9 am and headed down the coast. 

Vernazzo





















Chocolate? or
Crema?
Gelato



Making my (fourth?) morning Cappuccino


Manarola from our boat




Riomaggiore Again, from the boat this time



A Crowded Ferry is the other way to get around. 
Lunch back in Monterosso
Spaghetti in a very special sauce, no protein

Now off to the Beach







Saturday Dinner out in Monterosso
Primo
Trofia al Pesto
Secondo
Caprese Salad
Dolce
Crème Brûlée

Domani (tomorrow) we are going to explore the “top side” of Cinque Terre, high above the sea, from four-wheel drive vehicles, with some time to explore Corniglia and La Spezia, a larger city just to the south. A very special farmhouse lunch is also on the agenda. 

Buona Notte!

Sunday, Oct. 12

Corniglia











Farmhouse Vegetarian Lunch

Appetizers (Oh, so good!)
Focaccia con tomate
Insalada Russo (Russian salad)
Cacio e Pepe
Croccoli pasta with cheese sauce made from
Cashew milk
Dolce
Best Tiramasu Ever

Final Night Pizza Party
(Final night of the PRE-TRIP)

Mushroom pizza, Pesto pizza
Sausage Pizza, Anchovies and other nasty things pizza

Our Cinque Terre pre-trip is ending. We have had a great time in a very special place, but I think that we’re all ready to move on to the main trip to Lombardy and then to the Dolomites. We are going to miss Michaela, our main guide, who lives right here in Corniglia. She has been a wonderful and knowledgeable hostess, and just a delight to be around.  

Domani we move on to Lecco, a small city on Lake Como, for three nights, with a side day trip to Milano on Wednesday. So for now, 

Buono Notte!






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