Destination visited: Italy

Activities included: Birdwatching

Hiking through five small villages situated on the Mediterranian. Trail follows edge of cliffs, is well marked, goes through vineyards, is moderately difficult. Cross waterfalls. Talk to locals, see them play bocce ball. Fishing villages, great restaurants, wine tasting opportunities.

Take train or bus to any of the five cinque terra villages and walk between them in either direction. We walked between 3 villages starting in Montrose and walking east. Walking stick is helpful as terrain is rough in sports, but spectacular views of the sea are well worth the effort. We met hikers from other countries going in the opposite direction, then later ran into them in Germany in a Youth Hostel! Surprise, surprise! A great experience!!

View of the Mediterranian from cliffs high above. Eating twice in local restaurants with excellent wines. Talking to local vineyard workers although we did not speak Italian, gestures say a lot.

We had Eurail pass for three and this was the highlight of a 3-week backpacking trip through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and France. We stayed in pensiones and youth hostels. Weather was terrific in early March. Took train from Genoa to Pisa, then on to Cinque Terra.

Birdwatching, Eco/Nature