CINQUE TERRE
RIOMAGGIORE, MANAROLA, CORNIGLIA, VERNAZZA, MONTEROSSO
From Vernazza by ferry boat (see the time schedule) or from La Spezia by train (car parking at La Spezia station – trains every 30’ – in 10’ train takes from La Spezia to Riomaggiore, in 5’ in between the other villages). To go by car is not recommended because of the narrow roads and because of the high rates for parking in Riomaggiore or the lack of parking in the other villages. Trains are back to La Spezia since late in the evening.
PORTO VENERE
Facing Lerici, in 20’ by ferry boat. The Genoa Republic castle over stands the Medieval church of Saint Peters, below which the sea is deeply blue and the island of Palmaria is just in front. The natural “passage” to 5 Terre villages, by ferry boat trip.
TELLARO
At 4 km an ancient and authentic fishermen village right on the sea, romantic! and very well preserved.
MONTEMARCELLO
At 4 km, from this ancient village on the hills, in the middle of a Mediterranean natural park, at the very last Southern border of Liguria, an incredible view takes your eyes from the white marble Apuan Alps down to the Tuscany coast, facing the blue sea, the Elba and Corse islands in the clearest days.
SARZANA
At 8 km is the second largest city of the area after La Spezia, but also a very nice Medieval center with its authentic fortresses, narrow roads and important churches. Very vivant in the evening with nice restaurants and café.
CARRARA
Carrarara and its marble quarries: at 30 Km from where Michelangelo took the white stone of his masterpieces and where contemporary sculptors still choice the best “statuario”.
FORTE DEI MARMI
At 40 Km from La Spezia, in the so called Versilia, Forte dei Marmi and its sandy shore, famous for its nigth life and luxury shops (Armani, Prada, Gucci, Dolce e Gabbana, Cavalli….) and its street market on Wednesday morning.
PIETRASANTA
Not far from Forte dei Marmi, only inland, Pietrasanta well known worldwide for the marble masters since the Romans’, and very nice shops, café and restaurants.
PONTREMOLI & LUNIGIANA
Pontremoli and the Lunigiana the inland between Tuscany and Liguria, with ancient villages, great food and superb view on the Apuane Alps.
PISA
At 60 Km – the Pending Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli ! Unique, even more in the full moon light.
LUCCA
At 60 Km – the perfect Tuscan ancient fortified town, well preserved inside its defense walls, ideal for an afternoon walk around and shopping in Piazza delle Erbe and a nice evening dinner (and maybe a concert!).
PARMA
Parma, Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy, is the heart of the Italian Food Valley and one of the destination with the highest number of typical products protected with quality brands in Italy: PDO Parma Ham, PDO Parmigiano Reggiano, PDO Culatello di Zibello, PGI Porcini Mushroom di Borgotaro, PGI Coppa di Parma, CDO wines of the Parma hills and many others.
“PARMA City of Gastronomy” is a product club that protects the quality of the typical products of the Parma territory and guarantees authenticity and uniqueness to your travel experience in our city.
PORTOFINO
At 60 Km – the most exclusive and famous world wide of the typical Ligurian villages.
GENOVA
At 100 Km – in 1200s with Venice the strongest Marine Republic, the so called “The Superb” where Cristoforo Colombo was born, maintains the largest Medieval historical center of Europe: great the Aquarium by the Architect Renzo Piano at the Old Merchant Port (Porto Antico).
