Italian Adventure ~ Cinque Terre

This was my favorite part of our Italian adventure! Cinque Terre is not a city, it is actually a region. Cinque Terre translates to "Five Cities". There are five unbelievably unique and beautiful towns along the coast of the Italian Riviera that are connected with one long hiking path. The shortest walking time from one town to the next is 20 minutes and the longest is 90 minutes. Some towns are larger than others but all have their own perks. We chose to stay in the southern most spot, Riomaggiore. Loved it!

Our dear friends Joel and Kristin Gackle joined us for our 3 days in this Paradise. Joel was a groomsman in our wedding. They live in California and it was so wonderful to spend time with good friends and enjoy that place together!

Ah, Cinque Terre. Not much to write about the pics. You just have to take in the stunning views everywhere you turn. I invite you to double-click the pictures to get a better look : )

View from our apartment balcony

Look left

Look right

Sam and I went for a walk around Riomaggiore before Joel and Kristin arrived

After an amazing sunset, we picked Joel and Kristin up at the train station. The four of us had a lovely night with homemade pasta, fresh pesto and wine. We caught up on life and then hit the sack so we could get up early to start our day of hiking.

This is where the hike up the coast to the other towns began

Signature symbol of the romantic road in Riomaggiore

Everyone was doing it...

Thanks for the candid shot, Kristin!

Joel and Kristin just watching the waves on the rocks

The only real beach in Cinque Terre. Not sand though, stones- not so nice on the feet but it did the trick.

Back in Riomaggiore for the night

We spent the next day at the beach. Unfortunately, there was a storm passing through.

After a short sprinkle we were back in busniess

For our last night we went out to a nice dinner for some good pasta and wine, the obvious alternative to pizza (which we ate the night before).

We truly enjoyed the quality time with Joel and Kristin and absolutely soaked up the sweetness of the Italian Riviera!


We leave tomorrow about 5am for Paris! Should be a packed weekend, can't wait!