OCEAN – A BLUSH & A BACKPACK

I had three major places I wanted to visit during my time in Italy

1. Venice

2. Verona

3. Cinque Terre

And I can finally say that I have visited all three now! And I can also say that as I went down the list I kept saying “this is the most beautiful place I have ever been.” I am sticking to my word: Venice is beautiful and unique, Verona is a very cute town, but Cinque Terre now that is a travel spot that should move right up to the top of your list (if it isn’t already)!

My group and I took a train from Milano Centrale to La Spezia train station. Once we got to La Spezia we purchased a 12.00 ticket that would allow us to take the train to/from each village, as well as give us access to any walking paths. I would recommend buying this ticket very much!

Cinque Terre consists of five different villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. They are often referred to as “The Five Lands”, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We took the train to Vernazza and then from Vernazza you can take a hike to Monterosso-which has a very nice beach spot.

I will not lie the hike was difficult. It took us about an hour and a half and included many, many, many stairs. I was so happy when we turned the last corner and saw the beautiful beach. The hike is very worth it though because you are walking along the coast and the views are breathtaking. Just bring lots of water with you!

Once we got to Monterosso we hit the beach. For 10.00 euro we were each able to purchase a beach chair for the day. We spent the day sitting in the sun and swimming! The water felt wonderful and I even went in twice (which is rare for me!).

After Monterosso we took the train to Manarola. We ate dinner by the water and I had short pasta with pesto. It was very yummy! Manarola was where I was able to get the one picture I wanted to capture during this trip!

Enjoy the pictures from Cinque Terre! Thursday our class is visiting the World Expo, & then on Friday I am off on one last pilgrimage to Rome! A great way to end the trip in my opinion!!

(view from the Hike)