This past weekend (Thursday – Sunday) all twenty of us decided to take part in an optional fieldtrip to Cinque Terre. Since we had already been on an overnight fieldtrip this week, some of us were dreading the six-hour bus ride there, but it was definitely worth it. We arrived in Porto Venere at dark thirty, so it was hard to see the beauty this port city had to offer until the next day. After checking into our hostel, we were treated to a delicious group dinner consisting of lots of pesto (it’s famous around the area). On Friday morning we boarded a ferry to the island of Palmaria where we would have a guided hiking tour. Although the hike was challenging at times, the views were well worth the trek.

Our journey to the five cities of Cinque Terre began bright and early Saturday morning as we loaded up on a public bus in La Spezia. After a short bus ride, we then took a train to our final destination of Riomaggiore where the hiking would begin. Throughout the day, we visited Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. The overcast weather made for a perfect day of hiking and exploring each of the five towns. We experienced breathtaking views that will remain in our memories for years to come. 

Ciao,
Lauren McDavid