Discovering the Five Lands

             In medieval times, the word “terra” (land) meant “village”. This is the origin of the name of this beautiful area: Cinque Terre (Five Villages). The inhabitants of these places had agricultural origins and lived on the hills. They came down to the coast once the Saracens had finished invading, when the sea became safe; they populated the villages at the mouths of the rivers along the shore.  Cinque Terre landscape is harsh and wild and even the coast reflects its nature .The Cinque Terre, recognized by UNESCO “World Heritage”, are today a national Park and Protected Marine Area, protecting this great cultural heritage.

                           Boarding the coach you arrive at Manarola.  it is a small centre with old characteristic houses on the sea rocks. Manarola has a church in Gothic-Ligurian style of 1338 and , at Volastra is the shrine of the “ madonna della salute” ( health) , one of the most picturesque on the coast , which has worshipped since the 10^th century.  Travelling along a high road , dug into the rocky cliffs overhanging the sea known as  “ LOVE PATH “ *** you arrive at  Riomaggiore ,  which is the most eastern of the Cinque terre. The name derives from  “Rivus  Major “ which flows through it. Climbing up a flight of steps , you will arrive at the small church of madonna del Montenero 340 meters above sea level.

                             Board the boat and sail  towards Vernazza   which is a tiny resort located at the mouth of a river and is naturally protected from the threat o f the sea by a rocky promontory: Vernazza has always been the only safe landing point in the Cinque Terre Vernazza has always had also a strong political and economical importance which is witnessed by the style of its houses and streets, decorated with loggias and refined arcades. Even nowadays, in fact, it appears as a noble and elegant village, located on a steep cliff. Reboard the boat and sail towards Monterosso whose medieval center has remained perfectly preserved with its tower-houses and “carrugi” (narrow alleys).  As Monterosso was subject to continuous sea battles,

defence structures were built: the Castle, overlooking the sea.   In the afternoon  board the local train and arrive at La Spezia, from where you rejoyn the coach and drive back to Leghorn.

*** PLEASE NOTE:

THE VIA DELL’AMORE AT THE MOMENT IS CLOSED, WE WILL NEED TO RECONFIRM THE TIMING/PROGRAM