Vernazza, Liguria, ItalyTRAIN all day with several transfers to get to Cinque Terre. (Innsbruck>Brenner>Verona>Bologna>LaSpezia>Vernazza)
Train tracks were being repaired from Innsbruck to Brenner, so a Bus took everyone to Brenner. Pretty ride through high mountains, lakes; great Alps drive along A-13. Rushed to get to the train that was there waiting. The First-Class car had problem and wasn't there. Checked several cars, all full. Moved from one car to another not sure whether empty seats were reserved. A lady explained if no ticket in reservation spot, it was ok to sit there. Went to a car that wasn't packed with people and collapsed into seats. Nice train ride--mountains, castles, vineyards, orchards.
At Verona station, they changed engines, which caused us to arrive in Bologna15 minutes late. Therefore, we missed our connection. Train Attendant said to go to Parma, which meant a 2 hr wait in Parma for the train to LaSpezia; not a good day! Hindsight--should have stayed in Bologna and talked to someone from Trinitale to find a better way.
Parma looked like an interesting town, but it was in the 90's, too hot to do any city sightseeing. No problems from LaSpezia to Cinque Terre.
Train tracks were being repaired from Innsbruck to Brenner, so a Bus took everyone to Brenner. Pretty ride through high mountains, lakes; great Alps drive along A-13. Rushed to get to the train that was there waiting. The First-Class car had problem and wasn't there. Checked several cars, all full. Moved from one car to another not sure whether empty seats were reserved. A lady explained if no ticket in reservation spot, it was ok to sit there. Went to a car that wasn't packed with people and collapsed into seats. Nice train ride--mountains, castles, vineyards, orchards.
At Verona station, they changed engines, which caused us to arrive in Bologna15 minutes late. Therefore, we missed our connection. Train Attendant said to go to Parma, which meant a 2 hr wait in Parma for the train to LaSpezia; not a good day! Hindsight--should have stayed in Bologna and talked to someone from Trinitale to find a better way.
Parma looked like an interesting town, but it was in the 90's, too hot to do any city sightseeing. No problems from LaSpezia to Cinque Terre.
CINQUE TERRE NATIONAL PARK
At only about 15 square miles, it's one of the smallest national parks in Italy. For centuries, the people of Cinque Terre cultivated the steep, sloping land and built stone walls to hem it in. In 1997, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Comprised of 5 brightly painted seaside fishing villages perched on the terraced cliffs and hills, which are connected by walking paths that spider web across the area. Several sections were closed because of landslides. We visited four of the villages.
At only about 15 square miles, it's one of the smallest national parks in Italy. For centuries, the people of Cinque Terre cultivated the steep, sloping land and built stone walls to hem it in. In 1997, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Comprised of 5 brightly painted seaside fishing villages perched on the terraced cliffs and hills, which are connected by walking paths that spider web across the area. Several sections were closed because of landslides. We visited four of the villages.
Staying in Vernazza because it is the smallest and in the middle of the five villages. The train station sits above the main street. Arrived at 9 pm in the dark. The tiny little main street was all lit up as we walked down the steps from the train station. Wow, picture-perfect quaint tiny village.
Michela Rooms where we are staying for three nights. Now the adventure of trying to locate the place in the dark. What a chore getting just the one suitcase and carry-on's through the main stone street, then up the side "streets" (steep stone steps twisting and turning up the mountain)--huffing & puffing--looking for the address.
This was an apartment rental we made through booking.com, which did not come with explicit directions. Thought we were in the right place, knocked, no answer. Now what, all the doors look like they are individual people's houses. Luckily, a local couple came by and knew the owner. Tried the door and it opened--Duh! The key and instruction booklet was there. Thought a person would be here; but this is just an apartment room. Nice room and bathroom; bath towels, very thin. Coffee pot nice touch. Balcony over sea, great. Very tiring day!!!
2025-05-22