Cinque Terre & Portovenere
Review and Itinerary by Baldassarri Giuseppe from Portovenere 5 Terre, Italy.
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Exploring both Cinque Terre and Portovenere in one itinerary offers a delightful combination of charming villages, scenic landscapes, and delicious local cuisine. Here's a suggested itinerary for a comprehensive tour:
**Day 1: Arrival in Cinque Terre**
- **Morning: Arrive in Riomaggiore**
- Start your journey in Riomaggiore, one of the Cinque Terre villages. Arrive by train, which is the most convenient mode of transportation.
- **Afternoon: Explore Riomaggiore**
- Wander through the narrow streets, visit the harbor, and explore the castle. Enjoy lunch at a local trattoria.
**Day 2: Cinque Terre Hiking and Local Food**
- **Morning: Hike from Riomaggiore to Manarola (Via dell'Amore)**
- Begin the day with a scenic hike along the famous Via dell'Amore trail connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola.
- **Afternoon: Manarola and Local Food**
- Explore Manarola, indulge in local seafood, and taste local wines. Try anchovies, a regional specialty.
**Day 3: Cinque Terre Exploration**
- **Morning: Corniglia**
- Visit Corniglia, another charming village in Cinque Terre. You can take the train or hike from Manarola.
- **Afternoon: Vernazza**
- Explore Vernazza, visit the harbor, and enjoy a seafood lunch. Try the local pesto, a Ligurian specialty.
**Day 4: Cinque Terre Boat Tour and Monterosso**
- **Morning: Cinque Terre Boat Tour**
- Take a boat tour to admire the coastline and villages from the sea. Several local operators offer boat tours.
- **Afternoon: Monterosso al Mare**
- Visit Monterosso al Mare, explore the beach, and have dinner with local specialties.
**Day 5: Portovenere Exploration**
- **Morning: Travel to Portovenere**
- Take a train or boat to Portovenere, which is a short journey from Cinque Terre.
- **Afternoon: Explore Portovenere**
- Visit the iconic landmarks, including the Church of St. Peter and Doria Castle. Enjoy seafood at a waterfront restaurant.
**Day 6: Palmaria Island and Wine Tasting**
- **Morning: Palmaria Island**
- Take a boat to Palmaria Island for a nature hike and stunning views of the Gulf of Poets.
- **Afternoon: Wine Tasting in La Spezia**
- Visit La Spezia, a nearby city, for wine tasting. Try the local white wines and visit a local enoteca.
**Day 7: Departure**
- **Morning: Departure**
- Depending on your departure time, take some last-minute walks through the charming streets or relax by the sea before heading home.
**Accommodations:**
- Choose accommodations based on your budget and preferences. Each Cinque Terre village and Portovenere offer a range of options, including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals.
The suggested itinerary spans seven days, allowing for a relaxed exploration of both Cinque Terre and Portovenere. However, you can adjust the duration based on your available time and interests. Keep in mind that transportation within the region is well-connected by train and boat, making it convenient to explore these beautiful coastal destinations.
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