Monterosso - Vernazza - Manarola - Riomaggiore

Route: Florence - Monterosso - Vernazza - Manarola - Riomaggiore - Florence
Duration: 11 h
All of our tour will be at  the Italian Riviera - Cinque Terre, amed for the five towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over centuries, people have carefully built terraces to cultivate grapes and olives on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. The breathtaking views of harbours far below the wild but hospitable coastline along with the medieval fortresses and plentiful vines and vibrant colours make this a memorable holiday. Cars aren't allowed, so take local trains to go from town to town—or walk one of the spectacular trails that connect them. Our first stop will be at Levanto where we will sit to the local train by it we will visit to the cities.  Firstly we will visit to Monterosso is the largest of the five coastal villages known as the Cinque Terre. The village is located on hills cultivated with lemons, vines and olives. Its amazing beaches, its beautiful reefs and the sea’s crystal clear waters make this small village one of the most hospitable of the Ligurian Riviera. The old town of Monterosso is dominated by the ruins of the castle and characterized by typical narrow medieval streets, carruggi, with multi-coloured terraced houses. Also it has a beach is the only extensive sand beach in the Cinque Terre. During the visit you will see The Church of San Giovanni Battista, located in the main square of the old town. This church was constructed in the 1200s, in the Gothic-Genovese style. Inside, there is a fresco depicting the baptism of Christ, the San Francesco Church where major art works are kept such as the Crucifixion by Van Dick, the concrete statue of the Giant, representing Neptune, the god of the sea and the Soviore Sanctuary which dates back to the XVII Century. Next we will visit to village Vernazza which is the small fishing  village and probably the most characteristic of the Cinque Terre and is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Vernazza was founded about 1000 A.D. and was ruled by the Republic of Genoa starting in 1276. The medieval castle, Belforte, was built in the mid-1500's, primarily to protect the village from pirates. The tiny port is surrounded by subtle colourful pastels and the charming piazza is lined with good restaurants and bars. During the visit you will see the Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, built on the rocks overlooking the seam, the Tower of the Doria Castle, built in the 15th century to protect the village from pirates, is located above the bay and the small port  and very steeply-terraced olive groves which are said to produce among the finest olive oil in the country. Next we will visit to Manarola, which built on a high rock 70 metres above sea level, is one of the most charming and romantic of the Cinque Terre villages.The tiny harbor features a boat ramp, picturesque multicoloured houses facing the sea, a tiny piazza with seafood restaurants. Although there is no real beach here, it has some of the best deep-water swimming around. The village is all ups and downs, with steep narrow alleys carrugi, leading to the sea. If you decide to venture up to the top of Manarola, make sure you check out the church. Today it serves as a religious and community meeting place, but in more ancient times, the bell tower was used as a post to watch for potential pirate raids. The village Manarola is connected to Riomaggiore by the famous Via dell’Amore (Lovers’ Lane)which is a footpath carved into the rocks above the sea ,also you can see the Church of San Lorenzo built in 1338 in Gothic Ligurian style and the defence tower. Finally we will reach the Riomaggiore which is the most southern village of the Cinque Terre, situated just a few minutes by train from La Spezia ( our last stop). It is quite sure that the origins of Riomaggiore date back to the 8th Century, when the inhabitants of the Vara valley, searching a milder climate to raise grapevines and olive-trees without the fear of pirate raids, moved towards the coast. The town climbs up along the ridges overlooking the sea and it is characterized from the typical stone houses with coloured façades and slate-roofs. During the visit you will see the Church of San Giovanni Battista, built in 1340 (gothic style),  the Church of San Lorenzo (1338) with its beautiful rose window dating back to the 14th century,  the Castle of Riomaggiore (built in 1260): where you can enjoy a wonderful sight over the sea and about 350 metres from the sea, along the coast road connecting the Cinque Terre with La Spezia, you can find the Sanctuary of Madonna di Montenero and ofcourse enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the whole coastal line of the Cinque Terre. After we will reach the La Spezia we change the transport andreturn to Florence.
Price: per person