Cinque Terre
Woke up early and got coffee as the sun came up on the top deck and then went to the cafe for breakfast.
Got ready for the day and as soon as the ship was cleared we caught a shuttle to the town of Livorno. From there we got a taxi to the train station where we attempted to figure out the train situation. We were about 5 min late to get the fast train so we had to take the regional train to Pisa, change trains and catch a new train to LaSpezia.
The trains are an adventure themselves but one that must be taken. So worth it! You can do it yes you have to think a little and be willing to make mistakes and to ask. Everyone was helpful!
The trains were quite busy. Especially Pisa to LaSepzia and even MORE so from LaSpezia to Cinque Terre! But a great way to see true everyday culture of the Italians. Many traveling for work as commuters from the neighboring towns.
We rode to the furthest town in Cinque Terre Monterosso. We got off the train and followed the crowd. We were immediately dumped to one of the public beaches. We walked and photographed (well I did) and just took in all the beauty that is that region.
Where we could climb, we climbed. We stopped at a restaurant at the top on the mountain (Torre Aurora) to check if by chance they had any availably. (and to use the restroom) They did! UNBELIEVABLE is the only word! The food was amazing the servers were nice. We learned the story of the owner and her family. They told us about the ferry and we decided to take the ferry back to Rigomorro. I wanted to see the towns from the water. It was a magical boat ride! Before we left on the ferry. (Sit on the left side facing the front of the boat for the best views up top!)
Before we caught the ferry we had a few minutes to walk the town. Very quaint. Busy but not crazy. I think it is because we went to the furthest town. And we didn’t walk around until about 3:30 and most of the crowd had gone home or we’re headed that way. We got on the ferry that went directly to rigomorrow it did not stop at each of the towns but we could see them and how they are situated within the mountain range. It really is a must see!
We got off in rigamorre and it was crowded but I think it is because there is only one street (straight up from the harbor). It was crowded at the pinch points but not so much we didn’t enjoy it. Of course we were there at 5:00 and later. We got a gelato and waked the town a bit then headed down the long underground pedestrian tunnel. (So if you come here first know that the walk in the creepy tunnel will end up at a beautiful destination).
This was an absolutely beautiful area of Italy. While very crowded, still amazing!
If we could have had more time that would have been wonderful, but alas, we didn’t. We made the most of the time we had. I do believe it used to be a hidden gem, now still a gem but not so hidden. Breathtaking, colorful, full of culture, all words that come to my mind as I think back on trip. I tried to imagine the time when the 5 towns were just that, 5 little fishing communities, full of life. Then it was “discovered”. There are hiking trails between the communities, we did not do that, it was hot and we simply didn’t have time. I do believe you could spend entire weeks in this area and still not discover all that it has to offer. Maybe one day we can travel back and explore more..
We caught the train to LaSpezia (it was quite crowded. Standing room only). From there we caught the train back to Pisa for a train change (which we missed bc the train from LaSpezia was delayed 9 min and we had a 5 min connection) so we waited in the Pisa train station for over an hour :(. Oh and if you miss your train you can take the next train but it must be the same kind for example if you booked a regional train you must take the next regional train NOT the IC (intercity -sleeper) train unless you are willing to pay the difference and it our case that difference was going to be 26.00. More than the cost of the regular ticket so we waited.
From port of Livorno to Cinque Terre. - see the post “How do I get there from here?”