~ CINQUE TERRE, ITALY ~

The Cinque Terre is made up of five traditional Italian Villages on the Riviera that are exquisitely preserved. They have been designated as national parks and are now protected from development. No cars are allowed and people must take shuttles into the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corneglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. A train runs every few minutes between the villages.

There are wonderful hiking trails throughout the area connecting the villages. Each village has its own unique charm and persona. Very little English is spoken, fortunately Ezra spoke Italian which was most helpful. Every home seems to have a wine cellar with some of Mamma's homemade wine to offer guests in the village.

My favorite dining experience was my first evening at Claudio's for an impromptu cooking class, followed by a wonderful evening of Italian dining. Lovely artist friends of Claudio's dropped in to join us in celebrating and enjoying life!
 

CLAUDIO'S COOKING CLASS (FOCACCIA) - MANAROLA, CINQUE TERRE
 

CLAUDIO'S HERB GARDEN - BY THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
 

MANAROLA SUNSET - CINQUE TERRE

Eliza, Susan, Claudio, Francesco
 

COASTAL HIKE - CINQUE TERRE, ITALY
 

MONTEROSSO - CINQUE TERRE, ITALY
 

ALONG TRAIL MONTEROSSO TO VERNAZZA - CINQUE TERRE
 

CINQUE TERRE HIKE
 

VERNAZZA - CINQUE TERRE, ITALY
 

MANAROLA - CINQUE TERRE
 

WALKWAY MANAROLA TO RIOMAGGIORE - CINQUE TERRE
 

NIGHT HUG KG & EZRA - MANAROLA, CINQUE TERRE