Day Trip to Cinque Terre

Dubbed "The Five Lands" Cinque Terre is a rugged portion of coast along the southern end of the Italian Riviera. It is comprised of five colorful villages:  Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.  We made our way to La Spezia which is the gateway to Cinque terre and serves as a good launching point to visiting the coastal communes.  

There are three ways to see Cinque Terre: Train, Boat, or Car.  Travel by car is doable, however roads to Cinque Terre are narrow, winding, and plus parking is limited to boot! However, if you're looking for an awesome picture portrait view of the communes, then a coastal cruise by chartered boat or ferry service is your choice.  

But by far train is the quickest and most efficient mode of travel.  Tickets can be purchased at "La Spezia Centrale" Railway Station.  Trenitalia, Italy's primary train operator, provides service to Cinque Terre. Unfortunately due to time constraints, we were only able to visit three of the five communes: Riomaggiore, Monterosso al Mare, and Vernazza; but if you plan to spend two nights in La Spezia, then Cinque Terre can easily be conquered in one day!