Displaying items by tag: touring

Everyone says the blue trail from Corniglia to Vernazza is the easiest of all the hiking trails in Cinque Terre. Being believers we took the train from Manarola to Corniglia. ( 3 minute ride ). The town of Corniglia is high on the cliff above the train station. You can reach it by walking up many many steps or taking the public bus included in our train pass. Silly us, we chose the steps. We finally reached Corniglia after many stops to catch our breath and then started off to the blue trail.

The blue trail is about 1.9 km of mostly ups until you finally reach a second bar/ restaurant where we decided to eat and drink and gather our remaining energy before beginning the climb down to Vernazza. We were two very exhausted, weary people who were incredibly happy to finally walk around this charming town that has an easy access back to the train station.

How can you drive to Siena and not stop in Pisa? Although this was not our first trip to this historic landmark, we knew we had to see it one more time. It’s easy to park nearby and walk to the tower. Afterward, we had a delightful lunch at Pisa Cafe and had an unobstructed view of the tower as we ate. On to Siena!

The five towns that comprise Cinque Terre have their own unique personalities. The train ride makes it easy to see all 5 in 2-3 days as it’s only a 3-4 minute trip between each town. One can stroll through each town in about an hour. Besides the breathtaking views, there are hiking trails and wonderful trattorias and gelatarias. Cinque Terre definitely should be on your Italian itinerary

Vernazza is a really pretty town dotted with shops and cafes and restaurants. As with all the Cinque Terre towns there are gelatarias every few feet. It’s basically a one street town bordering on the Mediterranean that one can easily traverse in an hour or so. The train station is at the top of the street and is an easy walk from the center of the shopping area. And as with everywhere in Italy, the food is wonderful.

A 3 hour drive on the autostrada via winding mountain roads finally brought us to Manarola in Cinque Terre. Parking is limited to residents and there is a gate that is permit activated. There is some free street side parking and also a parking lot for 20 euros per day. Due to the long walk into town, we checked into our hotel (thanks to directions from a local citizen ) and reception contacted a luggage transport service for 20 euros including tip to bring our luggage to our room.

Manarola is basically a town on a cliff so be prepared to walk up and down steep grades. We decided to enjoy the coming sunset at Nessun Dorma -definitely a challenging climb but well worth it…Best Mojito ever!!!

And dinner at da Aristide, Lasagna and Spaghetti di Mare were just what we needed to complete our day.

Best of all, there was an ATM right across the way.

Manarola is a small town and is very busy once the first trains of tourists and day trippers arrive.

You can see all the town has to offer in a few hours but it’s a great place to use as a base.

It’s really difficult to say goodbye to this city. The sightseeing, the fabulous food, great shopping and the energy of the university students all combine for an unparalleled adventure. The city is safe, many people are wearing masks outside ( they are required inside ) and communicating is easy as English is spoken almost everywhere. But one sad side note is all the graffiti displayed on these ancient buildings plus there are homeless that have carved out their own niche. These 2 factors diminish the environment but unfortunately are all too commonplace elsewhere in the world.

So with regret, we once again are on the autostrada bound for Cinque Terre. Our eataly continues!

Verona is a little over an hour and a half from Bologna but well worth the drive. This lovely walking city with its historical city center is a must see. From 2 Gentlemen From Verona to Romeo and Juliet, this city is a living reminder of Shakespeare’s contribution to our civilization. Although we haven’t needed to show our Italy Green Pass at any restaurants, it is necessary in order to view Juliet’s balcony.

The Piazza Delle Erbe was lively with tourists and residents alike on a sunny, clear Saturday afternoon. There are lots of eateries and stores all around the piazza plus an open air market selling all types of goods.

Don’t miss the Arena on Piazza Bra..think Rome’s Colosseum!

Every major retailer is represented here but the real fun is just meandering up and down the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town.

Verona has a great deal of sightseeing and one afternoon can’t possibly encompass it all but an overnight would certainly allow a visitor to take in all the sights this city had to offer.

Modena is about an hours drive from Bologna. Parking near the city center is only for 20 or 30 minutes so it’s best to find a parking garage. The rates are reasonable and you can walk the short distance into the old city.

The Piazza Roma has many eateries around and is home to the Palazzo Ducale. Don’t forget to purchase Balsamic vinegar and Parmesan reggiano cheese..Modena’s claim to fame.

If you’re a car buff, a stop at the Ferrari Museum is a must. Modena’s other famous native son was Luciano Pavarotti and his home can be toured if you’re interested.

You can spend a busy day here enjoying all that Modena had to offer.

Parma

About a half hour past Modena, the city of Parmesan cheese and Parma ham beckons. It’s best to park your car and walk. There’s tons of shopping and restaurants are everywhere. This is a university town and lots of students crowd the streets and eateries.

The Piazza Garibaldi is a good place to explore a number of historical buildings and to absorb the local atmosphere while indulging in Parma’s culinary delights.

Ravenna is certainly worth the little over an hour drive from Bologna via the autostrada. It’s an old city center that reflects Byzantine architecture and many buildings with incredible interior mosaic designs. The Neonian Bapistry and the Basilica di San Vitale are two must sees. Shopping abounds and we found many stores open on a Sunday afternoon.

Interestingly, there is even a Piazza John F. Kennedy here.Many of the piazzas are dotted with shops and cafes. Ravenna is best known for its most famous native son, Dante Alighieri ( Divine Comedy) who is buried here.

If you’re from New Jersey and used to driving circles, Italy is a cake walk. Now, if only the Italians knew how to drive them!? There are roundabouts everywhere.

But most importantly, your phone is your best friend. Use maps or google maps to guide you and have a usb cable to plug into your rental car and keep your phone charged. Additionally, always carry a charged power bank with you.

There’s no speed limit on the autostrada . We were doing 150 km ph(approximately 93 mph) and were being passed.

But rental cars are regulated not to surpass 150 km ph.

The roads are in great condition and the drivers are courteous.

Oh, be sure to get a telepass(ez pass)..definitely a time saver and all charges are sent directly to your bill at the car rental company.

Highly recommend you take collision and damage insurance from the rental company. Most U.S. insurance companies do not cover damages and collision but be sure to check with your insurance company prior to your departure.

Also, obtain an international drivers license . AAA will issue it but you must do so in person as a picture is necessary.