Day 11 (Monday)- Train to Cinque Terre, via Florence

A day late posting yesterday's blog...oops. Ran out of steam!

This morning, I said goodbye to my favorite city in the wold, Venice, and took a train to Florence, 4 hours.

I've been there before, and even spent a night with some distant Italian cousins, so I didn't plan an overnight on this trip. I had 2 hours to wander the beautiful historic city, and as always, the train station is right in the center of town!

 The Duomo in all its glory...wow!
I walked to the beautiful Duomo and enjoyed some sweets.



     Cannoli!!
I also walked across the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River. The only bridge in Florence spared from destruction during WW II, it is known for the shops built along it. Building shops on bridges was once a common practice. Butchers, tanners, and farmers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers.
Windows full of gold and jewelry!





From Florence, I had a 2 hour train ride to La Spezia where I caught a regional train (10 minute ride) to one of my bucket list destinations, the Cinque Terre on the Ligurian (west) coast of Italy. It consists of 5 hillside, sea view villages, connected by trains, ferries and hiking trails. I had a one night stay here, so I booked a room in the middle village, Corniglia. It is built on a cliff, is the smallest of the 5 towns and probably the most authentic with the least tourists. My lodging was on the top. I had to take a crowded shuttle from the train station up the hill with my luggage!
After checking in, I had an hour to rest and regroup, then took off at 5pm hoping to hike to both towns south of Corniglia,  Manarola and Riomaggiore. It was not to be... 
 The trail guide below suggested 2.5 hours and it took every minute of it. I also discovered that the trail to the  southern most town, Riomaggiore, is closed until July due to a landslide. It was supposed to be "easy" and only an additional 30 minute hike from Manarola. Oh well.
https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/footpaths-cinqueterre
 
I left Corniglia on the stone and dirt path and hiked up...

And up and up...for almost an hour! Rocky and steep. What a workout..

 It finally leveled off, and there were thick forests and amazing hillside vineyards for about 30 minutes. Photos are a bit out of order but... here's my first view of Manarola from up high..

This is what some of the "steps" were like...18" tall! Literally every muscle in my body hurts. Going down steps uses a whole different set of muscles!
.
Crossing a flatter section of the mountains..

Wildflowers everywhere with the blue seas below.
Looking down on Manarola as I ascended. Note the grape vines in the foreground.

Someone had a sense of humor🤣

Forest on the downhill side of the hike...

Looking back at Corniglia where I started my climb from!


Terraced vineyards...amazing

What goes up must come down and I eventually maneuvered the downhill side and made it to town..quaint village with lots of cool things to see..


Down, down, down...


Lots of old stone bridges around town...
Lots of gardens and lemon trees!


Every town has a Catholic church


I walked all the way down to the harbor...


Grabbed some gelato!

Manarola is probably the most famous village, with spectacular ocean views, multi-colored houses and seaside cafes.

Riomaggiore, that I didn't get to see, has been described as a "romantic" town, with cascading colorful houses, nightlife and a tiny harbor with a pebble beach and beautiful sunsets. Grabbed this off the internet:

It was getting dark, so I hopped the little regional train for the 3 minute ride back to Corniglia. I walked up the hill from the train station this time, a mile straight up. I then strolled the narrow stone alleyways and passed through lively squares with gelato and other shops, bars and restaurants.


A mailbox...

This looks delicious but I was worried the TSA might confiscate it...


One of many sea view restaurants...
Caught an amazing sunset!

Markets stay open late...

 Thoroughly exhausted, I got "home" at 10pm and went to bed!

Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 23, 2023 at 10:21 AM

    Wow. U did SO much in one day. And those crazy steps, that are barely steps!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. ShirleeMay 24, 2023 at 9:10 AM

    What an absolutely AMAZING trip so far through Croatia and Italy! I’m so impressed with your stamina to accomplish all the hiking and biking through the mountainous terrain!! I love all the beautiful photos — especially the scenery and the food, since I am a “foodie”, I’ve been drooling over your meals and desserts (cannolis!) Such wonderful informative commentary, too — I look forward to the rest of “my” trip spent vicariously with you, Dana!

    ReplyDelete

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