This past weekend we had the opportunity to go to Cinque Terre (which means five lands) for one of our optional field trips. I am so glad that I opted to go. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. The six-hour bus ride was well worth every second we were able to spend there. Thursday night we had group dinner at an incredible local restaurant near our hostel. Friday we woke up early and began our optional hike to the first island, Monterosso al Mare. It was pretty intense but the view was a perfect distraction from our sore legs. We spent most of the afternoon hiking and ended that afternoon going for a swim in the crystal blue waters and jumping off the rocks into the ocean. We had dinner in Monterosso al Mare before we made our way back to our hostel. Saturday was another optional day of hiking, which most of us took part in. We started at the furthest town and hiked back. We stopped on each of the five lands, exploring and taking in all the incredible sights. Once we finished at the third land some of the group took the train back and some of the group continued onto the fourth, Vernazza, via hiking a trail through a national park. It was the hardest hike of the weekend but I would do it all over again. It was incredible. The weather was perfect, the view was breathtaking and the experience in general was life changing. We finally made it to the fourth town, where we cooled off in the ocean, had some seafood for dinner and made our way back to the hostel for much needed showers and relaxing! Overall, Cinque Terre was incredible and by far my favorite place I have been fortunate enough to visit so far. I would go back in a heartbeat!
 
The first night in Levanto

Hiking day one!Hiking day two!
 
Written By: Shelby Edwards