BOAT TRIP IN THE CINQUE TERRE

In a nutshell

Take a boat trip along the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see its seaside villages as they would have appeared to the Saracen pirates of old. Discover Monterosso, stop for lunch wherever you prefer and don't forget to taste the local passito. Then take to the sea again toward Vernazza and Porto Venere for the perfect end to the day.

Main stops

• Cinque Terre National Park viewed from the sea
• Monterosso: guided tour with free time for lunch
• Vernazza: guided tour with free time
• Porto Venere, church of St. Peter, guided tour and free time

The programme

• They're known as the Cinque Terre (Five Lands), but you'll reach them by sea in a boat, sailing along the whole **eastern riviera of Liguria
• The first pier you set foot on is Monterosso, the biggest of the five seaside villages that also include Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
• In the center you'll see the medieval tower, castle and Aurora tower: the ancient defenses against pirate attacks. If, however, you get an attack of hunger, you'll have many local restaurants to choose from. Just one suggestion: try some Sciacchetrà, the raisin wine made with grapes grown on terraces overlooking the sea.
• All aboard again to Vernazza, one of the 'most beautiful villages in Italy. Follow the guided tour of the citadel**, among colorful houses and across the square that locals call 'u cantu de musse', the chit chat corner.
• Sail on to Porto Venere, in the famous Bay of Poets which also inspired Byron and Shelley. In the town center, you'll see the Church of St. Peter that stands on the Bocche di Porto Venere headland.

Good to know

• This is one of the most popular excursions so book early.