The series will be five parts, corresponding to the five cities in which we stayed--Pistoia (Tuscany), Santa Margherita (the Italian Riviera), Stresa (Italian lakes region), Bolzano, and Venezia. Today, we move on from Pistoia and head toward S. Margherita Ligure on the Italian Riviera
Day 4: Pistoia-Porto Venere-Santa Margherita Ligure (Sept. 22)
This morning we said arrivederci to Pistoia and Tuscany and boarded our bus for Cinque Terre, the five fishing villages that form part of the Italian Riviera. As any traveler knows, now matter how meticulous the planning one is still at the mercy of the weather. Sure enough, rain during the night and the early morning meant our tour bus was not permitted to drive to Cinque Terre; instead, he took us to an overlook so we could see the villages from above. Then, a change in the itinerary brought us to Porto Venere which, while not part of the five villages of Cinque Terre, is still part of the Italian Riviera. There were no complaints from our group because we loved this tiny town with its picturesque harbor lined with brightly colored houses, rugged coastline, ancient city gate, and narrow, Medieval streets leading to the Church of San Pietro. Nearby was Byron's Cave where, according to tradition, the poet Byron used to swim. We spent the day exploring, shopping, climbing the ruins, and trying the local seafood and pesto. And the weather cooperated. It stopped raining just long enough for us to do everything we wanted, and only started up again just as we were leaving.
On the bus later that afternoon, the church choir group from Columbia, SC (Laura K., Karla, Rose Ann, Debbie) and our classically trained opera singer, Mary Brooke, sang Dona Nobis Pacem, after which Mary Brooke sang an aria from Puccini's La Bohème. There may have been some tears shed.
We arrived to Santa Marghertia Ligure (also on the Italian Riviera) and checked into our hotel. In planning the trip I had been guaranteed that we'd all have a room with a view ... and what a view it was! The best part was that all our balconies were clustered together, so we took some fun photos of one another. That evening, dinner was on our own so everyone ventured downtown to dine like a local.
Day 5: Portofino (Sept. 23)
A morning ferry ride took us to Portofino, formerly a simple fishing village but now the playground of the rich and famous. The day was ours to explore, and many took advantage of the free time to enjoy a leisurely lunch, hike to the church and/or castle, shop, enjoy a gelato (or two!), and for a few adventurous souls, a walk along the coastline back to Santa Maria Ligure instead of taking the ferry.
That evening we walked around S. Margherita Ligure (really, one of my favorite towns) and tried some of the local cuisine. (Porcini mushrooms were in season, so I had risotto with Porcini muchrooms, pizza with prosciutto and Porcini mushrooms, and let's just say I love Porcini mushrooms.)
Since tomorrow we were moving on, some of us had to pack. And some of us were a little disorganized about it. Hence the slightly sarcastic photo my loving sister posted on our WhatsApp page ;-)
Day 4: Pistoia-Porto Venere-Santa Margherita Ligure (Sept. 22)
This morning we said arrivederci to Pistoia and Tuscany and boarded our bus for Cinque Terre, the five fishing villages that form part of the Italian Riviera. As any traveler knows, now matter how meticulous the planning one is still at the mercy of the weather. Sure enough, rain during the night and the early morning meant our tour bus was not permitted to drive to Cinque Terre; instead, he took us to an overlook so we could see the villages from above. Then, a change in the itinerary brought us to Porto Venere which, while not part of the five villages of Cinque Terre, is still part of the Italian Riviera. There were no complaints from our group because we loved this tiny town with its picturesque harbor lined with brightly colored houses, rugged coastline, ancient city gate, and narrow, Medieval streets leading to the Church of San Pietro. Nearby was Byron's Cave where, according to tradition, the poet Byron used to swim. We spent the day exploring, shopping, climbing the ruins, and trying the local seafood and pesto. And the weather cooperated. It stopped raining just long enough for us to do everything we wanted, and only started up again just as we were leaving.
On the bus later that afternoon, the church choir group from Columbia, SC (Laura K., Karla, Rose Ann, Debbie) and our classically trained opera singer, Mary Brooke, sang Dona Nobis Pacem, after which Mary Brooke sang an aria from Puccini's La Bohème. There may have been some tears shed.
We arrived to Santa Marghertia Ligure (also on the Italian Riviera) and checked into our hotel. In planning the trip I had been guaranteed that we'd all have a room with a view ... and what a view it was! The best part was that all our balconies were clustered together, so we took some fun photos of one another. That evening, dinner was on our own so everyone ventured downtown to dine like a local.
Marveling at the views in Porto Venere
Cinque Terre
Scenes from Porto Venere
Every church we entered, we lit candles for loved ones.
The views were spectacular!
Rain? No problem for our adventurous group!
When you have members of a choir and a classically
trained opera singer ... there is singing on the bus.
View from our hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure
We were like the Brady Bunch on our balconies!
Dinner in downtown S. Margherita Ligure
A morning ferry ride took us to Portofino, formerly a simple fishing village but now the playground of the rich and famous. The day was ours to explore, and many took advantage of the free time to enjoy a leisurely lunch, hike to the church and/or castle, shop, enjoy a gelato (or two!), and for a few adventurous souls, a walk along the coastline back to Santa Maria Ligure instead of taking the ferry.
That evening we walked around S. Margherita Ligure (really, one of my favorite towns) and tried some of the local cuisine. (Porcini mushrooms were in season, so I had risotto with Porcini muchrooms, pizza with prosciutto and Porcini mushrooms, and let's just say I love Porcini mushrooms.)
Since tomorrow we were moving on, some of us had to pack. And some of us were a little disorganized about it. Hence the slightly sarcastic photo my loving sister posted on our WhatsApp page ;-)
A peek of Portofino
Dining, exploring, shopping, and loving Portofino!
That little raft in the upper right photo?
The only one I could afford.
Taking in the views with a sister and a sister-in-law.
Dining in S. Margherita Ligure
Note: I did get packed ... eventually.
Love those evening walks in Italy.
Tomorrow: Days 6, 7, and 8 take us to one of my favorite regions in Italy ... the Italian northern lakes. Glacial lakes and majestic mountains ... and just like that I'm in my happy place.
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