A Taste of Cinque Terre

The capital of Italy is a vibrant, energetic and stylish city. While thoroughly modern in sensibility, Rome is also home to some of the world’s most important works of classic art and architecture. This city has been an epicenter for culture, politics and religion for more than 2,500 years. From the Spanish Steps to the Vatican, there are more than enough sights to keep even the most active tourists busy and even somewhere as popular as Rome you can find places just off the tourist trail and bustling with locals. But it’s also nice to slow down and enjoy Rome’s famous cafes and restaurants, which can be just as beguiling as the buildings. Lounge with an espresso on the Campo de Fiori and watch the changing light on the fountains and the facades. Visit the Vatican and explore some of the world’s most beautiful churches. Rome really comes alive at night, when restaurants and wine bars bring a renewed vitality to the city. You’ll also have opportunities for day trips to local vineyards, olive groves, and other places producing regional delicacies. No matter what your interests, or what kind of holiday you’re looking for, Rome will be an enjoyable destination.

As the northern-most of the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso-al-Mare (literally the red mountain by the sea) is the most accessible of five. Road, rail and ferry links, and a wide choice of hotels make this an excellent base for visiting all the other villages and neighboring towns as well. This choice and accessibility comes at a price – it is the least pretty of the five. Yet that will hardly seem to matter when you're looking out to sea, or hiking the steep trail to Vernazza, the next village. Monterosso has the largest and best equipped beach of all the Cinque Terre villages so if some sun worship is on your vacation agenda, this is the perfect spot. As well as the opportunity to hike in the Cinque Terre national park between some of the villages you can also take the regular trains or if seas allow, the ferry service to the other villages. Private and boat day trips provide another way to admire the villages from their most natural aspect, the sea.

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and home to the region’s greatest Renaissance art and architecture. The Renaissance actually started here, and today the city’s numerous cathedrals and art galleries show the evidence of this rich and inspiring period. You’ll want to see the Duomo Cathedral and the Galleria dell’Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s “David.” Botticelli and Da Vinci's works are here too, at some of the city’s other amazing galleries. But there’s more to do in Florence than simply admire the art. It’s a beautiful, romantic place, and even a stroll through the streets is charming. Add world-class restaurants, delectable local wine and cuisine, and a warm Tuscan welcome, and you have a destination unlike any other. Florence is also an ideal base for exploring Tuscany, with its picturesque hills and vineyards in the heart of Italy.