Trip to Cinque Terre

April 1, 2023

Category: Luxury

By Todd Stella, President of Go Tour Luxe
If you feel the travel itch and are dreaming about a luxury holiday but cannot decide on a destination, consider Cinque Terre in the northwest of Italy! Meaning Five Lands, Cinque Terre comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read on about a trip to the area for an idea of what it offers!

Cinque Terre is a stunning destination that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. I recently visited this beautiful region and had an amazing time exploring the five charming coastal villages. In this blog post, I’ll share my experience of getting there from Florence, where I ate, where I stayed for the night, and how I got back to Florence.

Getting There

There are several ways to get from Florence to Cinque Terre, but I opted to take the train. The train journey from Florence to Cinque Terre takes approximately two hours, and there are several trains available throughout the day. I booked my tickets in advance using the Trenitalia website to ensure I had a seat on the train. The journey was comfortable, and the scenery was breathtaking.

Alternatively, you can also drive to Cinque Terre, but I would recommend taking the train instead. The roads can be narrow and winding, and parking can be difficult to find, especially during peak season.

Where to Stay

I stayed in the third village, Corniglia, which is perched on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the coastline. I booked a room at a small bed and breakfast called Affittacamere Le Terrazze, which had a cozy and comfortable room with a private terrace overlooking the sea. The location was ideal for exploring the village and the surrounding area.

Where to Eat

Cinque Terre is known for its delicious Ligurian cuisine, which makes the most of local ingredients. I had some of the best seafood dishes I’ve ever tasted, as well as traditional pasta dishes like pesto alla genovese.

For lunch, I recommend Trattoria dal Billy in Manarola. This restaurant offers a delicious selection of seafood dishes and a beautiful view of the sea. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly.

For dinner, I recommend Enoteca Dau Cila in Corniglia. This restaurant offers a delicious selection of local wines and traditional Ligurian dishes. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was cozy and intimate.

What to Do

Cinque Terre is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. There are plenty of hiking trails that connect the five villages, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and the surrounding hills. I took a hike from Corniglia to Vernazza, which took me through vineyards and olive groves, and offered stunning views of the sea.

Another great activity is to take a boat tour of the coastline, which provides a different perspective of the villages and the cliffs that surround them. I took a boat tour from Monterosso al Mare, which took me along the coastline to the other four villages. It was a great way to see the villages from a different angle and appreciate their beauty from the sea.

Getting Back to Florence

To get back to Florence, I took the train from Monterosso al Mare, which is the northernmost village in Cinque Terre. The journey took approximately two hours, and there were several trains available throughout the day.

In conclusion, Cinque Terre is a stunning destination that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and charming villages. Whether you’re interested in hiking, boating, or simply relaxing, this region has something to offer for everyone. I highly recommend adding Cinque Terre to your travel bucket list and experiencing its magic for yourself.

Go Tour Luxe is here to help you create the trip of a lifetime where your memories will last just as long! If you are a more independent type, you now have the opportunity to book luxury hotels yourself — with all of the amenities of a travel advisor available! Have a look here, https://www.gotourluxe.com/hotel-booking/. We are always available for assistance by calling 844-446-8687, or find us on our Facebook page here.