Rick Steves' Europe: Cinque Terre, Italy
Italy's answer to the French Riviera offers swimming, hiking, romance and relaxation along the Mediterranean
- By Rick Steves
- Smithsonian magazine, May 2010
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(Bruno Morandi / Robert Harding World Imagery / Corbis)
The breathtaking refuge of Vernazza, the jewel of Italy's Cinque Terre villages boasts a harborfront beach, seaside cafes, friendly residents and unbroken traditions.
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More from Rick Steves and Smithsonian.com
A Guided Walking Tour of Vernazza
Introduce yourself to this village in Italy’s Cinque Terre through its characteristic town squares
October 01, 2009 |
By Rick Steves
The Love Story Behind the Via dell’Amore
A trail between two Cinque Terre towns, Riomaggiore and Manarola, brought lovers together and changed the region forever
October 01, 2009 |
By Rick Steves
Comments (19)
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While staying in Southern France (Nice ) we visited Cinque Terre by car. I would not do this again but use the train next time . Car just a nuisance in that area.
Posted by Albert Dolmans on December 2,2010 | 01:02 AM
My cousin and I are planning a two week trip to northern Italy in August or September next year. We would especially like to visit Cinque Terra. Do you have any suggestions, or small group tours coming up for this area?
Posted by Kitsy Adams on October 27,2010 | 01:35 PM
We very much enjoyed the articles in May with Rick Steves, we have always used Rick on our trips to Europe and was wondering if you are planning any other articles by Rick. We have been checking your most recent publications and have not seen anything. Magazine purchase at Chapters. Thanks John
Posted by John on September 27,2010 | 01:44 PM
What is the best and shortest route to get to Cinque Terre from Cannes? Is there an inexpensive boat or just trains?
Posted by ML on September 26,2010 | 11:12 PM
My husband & I are heading to Venice in 3 weeks. This is kind of a last minute vacation & we're scrambling for other places to visit during our 10n day vacation. We would like to stay in Northern Italy. We're thinking about staying in Genoa and using it as our base, so we could head down to the Cinque Terre and then up to Nice. We're also thinking of staying at an incredible hotel in Lerici for 2 nights. Has anyone stayed in Genoa and if so, what were your thoughts? Has anyone stayed or been through Lerici? Is it close to Vernazza so we could do a day trip? Thanks!
Posted by Ann on August 30,2010 | 03:13 PM
Hello -
We are vacationing in Italy most of the month of October. We plan to depend on train travel to get around the country, however are a bit stumped on travel as follows:
1. Is it possible to take a day trip from Rome to Pompeii to tour, then on down thru the Amalfi Coast & back to Rome, in one day? If yes - what is the best travel means and routes?
2. We will be traveling from Venice to Monterosso. What is the fastest rail route from Venice, leaving early so to arrive Monterosso early afternoon?
3. What is the best route from Monterosso to Milan, which is where we catch our departing flight.
Thanks in advance.
Posted by Sue on August 25,2010 | 04:05 PM
My fiance and I are planning a honeymoon to Rome and taking a train to Vernazza. I was wondering if you had any suggestions on hotels. Thanks!
Posted by Anna on August 22,2010 | 02:37 PM
Hi I was thinking of visiting the Cinque Terre in mid October. Is that too late to go? I am afraid that everything will be shut down for the season. Will anything be open?
Posted by Maureen O'Rear on July 23,2010 | 01:19 PM
Hello I would like some advice on agencies who can book a trip to Cinque Terre in August. I will be arriving from Washington, DC and will be alone so I'd like to arrange accomodations ahead of time. Do you recommend a travel agency. thanks!
Posted by Andrea Johnson on July 19,2010 | 11:36 PM
I WATCHED YOUR TRAVEL/SHOW ON PBS LAST WEEK ON CINQUE TERRE, I WAS AMAZED AT THE BEAUTY AND TRANQUILITY OF THOSE TOWNS, IN THAT, I WOULD LIKE TO GET AN IDEA HOW TO BOOK A VACATION TO VISIT CINQUE TERRE,AND WHICH WOULD BE THE NEAREST AIRPORT OR CITY TO ARRIVE AT FROM USA, I LIVE IN FLORIDA.
THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
REGARDS.
J.P.
Posted by JOSE POMAREDA on July 6,2010 | 11:14 AM
My wife and I want to take a trip to Tuscany Italy. Will you have anything comming up next year? Stanley HaRDWICK
Posted by Stanley Hardwick on July 4,2010 | 03:53 PM
We will be staying in Cannes for 5 days. We would like to visit Itay from there for the day. We would be happy to take a train although we do have a rental car. What is feasible to see in a day. Could we take a train to Cinque Terres and go to Portofino by train in one day. Is it easy to drive or easier by train?
Posted by linda shanley on June 1,2010 | 03:03 PM
Our family has its origins in the area and some still live in Riomaggiore. We have spent some magical days there ourselves when we have been able.
Riomaggiore is a small and beautiful town. Some groups of young people who visit there forget to behave with respect for those who live, sleep and call this home. Unfortunately we have witnessed this behavior and we encourage all young visitors to remember to respect the peace of beautiful places like this. You will still be able to enjoy yourself. Consider yourself lucky if you ever get to travel to this lovely area.
Posted by Ceretti Family on May 27,2010 | 05:55 AM
I have been twice I have stayed at the same place in Corniglia the middle city a local family inn and restaurant .
I think could get something at last minute but I like to have my rooms .These look over the coast inexpensive and nice .
Posted by Debbie Sanders on May 17,2010 | 07:05 PM
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