Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a dream come true for me. When I arrived in Milan, I knew immediately that visiting this destination was one of my top priorities and a bucket list item I had to check off. Fortunately, I was able to book a day trip from Milan through GetYourGuide. All I had to do was meet at the pickup location and the rest was taken care of. The tour included small tours of the villages we stopped in, free time for shopping and dining, and transportation arrangements.
As soon as you board the coach bus from Milan, the atmosphere is warm and friendly, whether you're traveling alone or with loved ones. The tour guides are exceptional, and always ready to offer assistance if needed. Our journey took us through La Spezia, where we enjoyed the stunning views of the Gulf of Genoa, before arriving at our first destination, Manarola. Stepping into the heart of the village was like taking a trip back in time, feeling like we were living in a movie. Every step we took was a picture-perfect moment, with stunning views in every direction. We had plenty of time to explore the local boutiques and capture breathtaking photos. The colorful houses and buildings added to the charm and beauty of the village, creating a truly unique aesthetic. We witnessed people boating along the Gulf, sunbathing on the rocks, and much more. After our free time was over, we hopped on the train to our next destination, Monterosso al Mare.
As soon as you arrive in Monterosso, it becomes apparent that it is a charming beach town. Everywhere you look, there are vibrant umbrellas, sunbathers soaking up the sun, and crystal-clear blue water. Our group had ample free time to explore the village, and I decided to stop by a waterfront eatery called Il Casello for a leisurely lunch. I opted for a dish called seafood a la mare and complemented it with the restaurant's house white wine. The seafood was exceptionally fresh, and I savored the stunning view of the water while enjoying my meal. Following lunch, I wandered over to the shops to purchase some trinkets for my loved ones, some jewelry for myself, and other odds and ends. Finally, we rendezvoused with our tour guide near the ferry terminal, where we caught a ferry to our next destination.
After boarding the ferry, we found ourselves among a large crowd of people from various tour groups, making the ferry quite crowded. The ferry offered two main areas to sit - one inside, sheltered from the wind and sun, and the other on the top deck, providing a panoramic view of the surroundings. Despite the packed ferry, I chose to sit on the top deck to make the most of the experience. During our journey, we were able to witness three of the other villages that make up the Cinque Terre - Vernazza, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore. The ferry dropped us off at Porto Venere, and we had a 20-minute break, during which I explored and took in the sights before boarding another ferry back to La Spezia, where our coach bus awaited us.
Upon our return to La Spezia, we hopped on the bus for a peaceful ride back to Milan. This day proved to be one of the highlights of my three-week Italian excursion, and I yearn to relive it. Seeing places that were once only in books or on screens left me in awe. My keepsakes from this journey bring me back to that day, and a smile spreads across my face. I highly recommend taking the time to visit just one of the villages that comprise Cinque Terre if you have the chance. It's an extraordinary experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Keep an eye out for further posts detailing my Italian escapades!
