Cinque Terre: Italy's Hidden Riviera
In these five idyllic port towns, we sample village life: fishing for anchovies at midnight, savoring the best pesto, picking grapes, and cheering cliff divers as we hike the "walkway of love." Each pastel town is a delight, but my favorite is Vernazza - where Giovanni makes pasta and Granelli sells porcini mushrooms at the tiny street market. We side-trip to Carrara's historic quarries where Michelangelo selected his marble, then return to Vernazza to stroll its only street (with the entire village) as the sun sets.
- Read the script from the show.
Travel Details
- Vernazza: From Pirates to Pesto in the Italian Riviera
- Cinque Terre: Italy's Fiat-Free Riviera
- Cinque Terre Cuisine 101
- A Traveler's History of the Cinque Terre
Sara Paolini
For a guided visit, Sara Paolini is excellent (mobile 347-888-3833, sarapaolini@hotmail.com). She is accustomed to meeting drivers at the Carrara freeway exit, or she can pick you up at the train station.
Where Rick Stayed
While filming, Rick stayed at a private apartment in Vernazza. The apartment requires a minimum 7-night stay and can be booked through Albergo Barbara, tel. & fax 0187-812-398, mobile 338-793-3261, info@albergobarbara.it.
For up-to-date specifics, see the latest edition of the Rick Steves' Snapshot: Italy's Cinque Terre travel guide or the Rick Steves' Italy travel guide — or join us on one of our free-spirited Italy tours.