Hello there my friends La Vita est Bella of should I say the life is beautiful and I mean it. After a stormy days sun pops up and my sun in this case was Italy. So I have been in Italy few times but never on this route and you already know what that means for someone who loves to discover new cities, new streets, new buildings to admire, new people to meet, try some delicious food...
I will start now but I promise I wont be writing much... My photos will speak. :) And one more thing, as a real modern tourist I didn't bring my camera on this trip. I had a pretty rough working period and just wanted to rest my head and thoughts so LG V10 camera and VSCOcam app did really amazing job and I am pleased with final outcome, hope you will be too.
I will start now but I promise I wont be writing much... My photos will speak. :) And one more thing, as a real modern tourist I didn't bring my camera on this trip. I had a pretty rough working period and just wanted to rest my head and thoughts so LG V10 camera and VSCOcam app did really amazing job and I am pleased with final outcome, hope you will be too.
Our first stop Milano.
All the way to Italy rain was following us but when we came to Milano everything cleared up. What can I say about this city that you already don't know?! Its the Italian capital of fashion and you can see that in every citizen of this city. From Sforza Castel to Piazza Duomo wich is most beautiful square I have ever seen with that Milan Cathedral one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in Italy, or charming backstreets or iconic ATM Class 1500 tram that still runs down the streets of this city or once you enter into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II all of that just takes your breath away. One more interesting thing for me is fact that we came to early and I had opportunity to see how empty street get crowded with people all ages rushing on their job or school or just running as day starts to wake up over the city. There are so much things to visit, see or do in this city if you have time but if you don't just drink coffee, tea eat your pizza and enjoy while you are here in such a beautiful city.
All the way to Italy rain was following us but when we came to Milano everything cleared up. What can I say about this city that you already don't know?! Its the Italian capital of fashion and you can see that in every citizen of this city. From Sforza Castel to Piazza Duomo wich is most beautiful square I have ever seen with that Milan Cathedral one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in Italy, or charming backstreets or iconic ATM Class 1500 tram that still runs down the streets of this city or once you enter into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II all of that just takes your breath away. One more interesting thing for me is fact that we came to early and I had opportunity to see how empty street get crowded with people all ages rushing on their job or school or just running as day starts to wake up over the city. There are so much things to visit, see or do in this city if you have time but if you don't just drink coffee, tea eat your pizza and enjoy while you are here in such a beautiful city.
Next city Genoa.
Genoa is one of the largest Italian sea ports. This is one bustling port place and if you are asking me also the most winding and incoherent city I had chance to visit. History feels alive in Genoa. Its a birthplace of Christopher Colombus, Niccolo Paganini and Giuseppe Mazzini. For info I didn't felt that much safe here due to a plenty of street vendors puling your sleeve asking to buy something of just to give them money. But as I said this city is bustling place whit a lot of places to visit, see... And of course I fell in love whit tiny streets cause they are just like a veins that drain you to the heart of the city. Like every city in Italy one day is just not enough to explore all of its beauty so I hope for second chance to meet this amazing city again.
Genoa is one of the largest Italian sea ports. This is one bustling port place and if you are asking me also the most winding and incoherent city I had chance to visit. History feels alive in Genoa. Its a birthplace of Christopher Colombus, Niccolo Paganini and Giuseppe Mazzini. For info I didn't felt that much safe here due to a plenty of street vendors puling your sleeve asking to buy something of just to give them money. But as I said this city is bustling place whit a lot of places to visit, see... And of course I fell in love whit tiny streets cause they are just like a veins that drain you to the heart of the city. Like every city in Italy one day is just not enough to explore all of its beauty so I hope for second chance to meet this amazing city again.
New day - two new destination Monaco, Monte Carlo and San Remo, IT.
Welcome to luxury principality of Monaco, tax free heavens squeezed into 200 hectares. Monaco is glamour by the sea a magnet for high-rollers and hedonists. Its a long way from prettiest city on the French Riviera and its more like ode to concrete and glass but there are rather charming royal palace and little old town on the rocky outcrop "La Rocher" that feels like ages from Monte Carlos skyscrapers and super yachts. Monte Carlo and Monaco are also famous by its annual F1 Grand Prix held every May since 1929. There is of course all known love story between Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III that brought more attention to Monaco and made this principality famous all around the world with their wedding. So if you want to enjoy in high class hotels or casinos this principality should be your right choice.
San Remo, IT.
I got back to this city of flowers in less than tree months and I don't have anything more to add on my previous story. We came there in time for dinner so I just enjoyed in my meal free of tourist rushing down the streets. Autumn is even more beautiful by the sea I tell ya cause you feel like time stopped just for you and its showing how life can be charming if you know to enjoy in simple things.
I got back to this city of flowers in less than tree months and I don't have anything more to add on my previous story. We came there in time for dinner so I just enjoyed in my meal free of tourist rushing down the streets. Autumn is even more beautiful by the sea I tell ya cause you feel like time stopped just for you and its showing how life can be charming if you know to enjoy in simple things.
These are the delicious Italian goodies you must try... Margherita Pizza, famous Italian coffee, Focaccia Bread, beer and the best Italian gelato on the world after Moritz Eis :) There is also pasta, wine ... but... you cant try all of this delicious meals at once, leave something to enjoy in on your next journey to Italy.
Day 4th. Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre is like pastel-hued perfection and only you can say once you get there is WOW just WOW cause words cant describe this beauty. Although it was heavy rain I didn't mind cause nothing can spoil feelings I had.
Cinque Terre is a National park on Italian Riviera and its under protection of UNESCO World Heritage. Cinque Terre on Italian means "Five Lands" cause its made from five fishing villages (Monterosso Al Mare, Vernazza, Cornigilia, Manarola and Riomaggiore). Over the centuries, people have carefully built terraces on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. Part of its charm is the lack of visible corporate development. You can get in any village by the modern railway line from La Spezia cause thanks to God cars were banned over a decade ago. Train goes on every 20 mins or half an hour. Distance between villages is 3 mins by the train or you can also go for a walk but that requires a special preparation and finding the right hiking trails.
Cinque Terre is a National park on Italian Riviera and its under protection of UNESCO World Heritage. Cinque Terre on Italian means "Five Lands" cause its made from five fishing villages (Monterosso Al Mare, Vernazza, Cornigilia, Manarola and Riomaggiore). Over the centuries, people have carefully built terraces on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. Part of its charm is the lack of visible corporate development. You can get in any village by the modern railway line from La Spezia cause thanks to God cars were banned over a decade ago. Train goes on every 20 mins or half an hour. Distance between villages is 3 mins by the train or you can also go for a walk but that requires a special preparation and finding the right hiking trails.
Monterosso Al Mare is the nearest to car traffic and the only CT village who has a long sandy beach accessible for swimming or sports activities. Its split in new and old part of the village. Monterosso was badly hit by the 2011 floods, but recovered remarkably quickly. Here you can feel modern civilisation influence more than in every other CT village.
Vernazza is a small harbour, a very picturesque landscape with lot of bars and restaurants, gorgeous little Piazza and small beach. This place is made for laziness while you eat your gelato sitting and absorbing Autumn sun. There is something here that keeps your hearth and soul warm.
Vernazza is a small harbour, a very picturesque landscape with lot of bars and restaurants, gorgeous little Piazza and small beach. This place is made for laziness while you eat your gelato sitting and absorbing Autumn sun. There is something here that keeps your hearth and soul warm.
Manarola is some of the locals will say the oldest one of five and its 850m away from Riomaggiore they are connected with the Via dell`Amore or the railway. Locals here speak with Manaroles dialect. Manarola is famous for its Sciacchetra wine. Mostly all of the houses are bright and colourful like in all of the other villages. This town was celebrated in paintings by Andonio Discovolo. I especially love the lower part of the main street where fishing boats are parked just like cars in average town. At the end you will get to the harbour which hides between two rocks. Rain made sea smell more intensive so I just closed my eyes and enjoyed standing there on the wind in my raincoat, what a feeling.
Riomaggiore is a postcard perfection. Its largest one of five. From the main street via Colombo many steps lead to small alleys further up the hill. The word "carruggio" refers to the tiny, narrow back alleys that you will find all around the Cinque Terre and Liguria. The houses are built close to one another, not much sun enters the back alleys.. Riomaggiore is like a labyrinth of alleys and steps, you can easily get lost here but I don't mind it, I actually enjoy discovering new ways to get around. I just cant get enough of the view of the colourful houses on top of one another its love, crush call it whatever you want but visiting this National Park is just pure love that will keep your mind and soul warm and fulfilled.
Here are the villages photos sorted in a way I visited them. From Riomaggiore to Monterosso.
Riomaggiore is a postcard perfection. Its largest one of five. From the main street via Colombo many steps lead to small alleys further up the hill. The word "carruggio" refers to the tiny, narrow back alleys that you will find all around the Cinque Terre and Liguria. The houses are built close to one another, not much sun enters the back alleys.. Riomaggiore is like a labyrinth of alleys and steps, you can easily get lost here but I don't mind it, I actually enjoy discovering new ways to get around. I just cant get enough of the view of the colourful houses on top of one another its love, crush call it whatever you want but visiting this National Park is just pure love that will keep your mind and soul warm and fulfilled.
Here are the villages photos sorted in a way I visited them. From Riomaggiore to Monterosso.
Riomaggiore.
Manarola.
Cornigilia.
Venrnazza.
Monterosso al Mare.
Day 5th.
From St. Margherita Ligure to Portofino and a long way back home.
Sunday. Heavy rain. Wind. Empty streets. Sound of the waves. Some locals fishing on the dock hiding from the rain with umbrellas. And me, waiting for boat to take me to Portofino. One thing you really need to know, no matter what if you are living by the sea you just cant be sad or depressed, you just cant! Sea is the cure for everything. While I was waiting for my boat I met one woman and you will never guess from where... Australia dude and thats soooo dope. She is an expert working in Italy for almost 4 months now and enjoys to explore this beautiful country cause her job is to help olive farms get on the right track and produce olive oil with even more quality.
So the best way to get to Portofino is by boat form St. Margherita Ligure. Once you get to Portofino, you will realise that it is quite small and easy to discover. Life is mainly around the little bay with the fishing boats and the million-dollar yachts surrounded by the world famous row of colourful houses. There are several fancy shops (Dior, Gucci...) and restaurants around if you are on a budget, its better to avoid them. But you can still have a gelato on the piazza. Portofino really is stunning but it is also very crowded so to avoid the herds of tourists, climb up to the San Giorgio church you will enjoy a wonderful view from the little piazza. If you want even less people and even better views, walk all the way up to the Brown Castle (Castello Brown). The castle is surrounded by a lush Italian garden and when you look at the panorama from its terrace, you will understand why Portofino has become so popular and famous.
And than... time rushed by me, home and commitments are screaming my name so loud I hear them all the way back home. So long bella Italia I will sure come back to you very soon...
From St. Margherita Ligure to Portofino and a long way back home.
Sunday. Heavy rain. Wind. Empty streets. Sound of the waves. Some locals fishing on the dock hiding from the rain with umbrellas. And me, waiting for boat to take me to Portofino. One thing you really need to know, no matter what if you are living by the sea you just cant be sad or depressed, you just cant! Sea is the cure for everything. While I was waiting for my boat I met one woman and you will never guess from where... Australia dude and thats soooo dope. She is an expert working in Italy for almost 4 months now and enjoys to explore this beautiful country cause her job is to help olive farms get on the right track and produce olive oil with even more quality.
So the best way to get to Portofino is by boat form St. Margherita Ligure. Once you get to Portofino, you will realise that it is quite small and easy to discover. Life is mainly around the little bay with the fishing boats and the million-dollar yachts surrounded by the world famous row of colourful houses. There are several fancy shops (Dior, Gucci...) and restaurants around if you are on a budget, its better to avoid them. But you can still have a gelato on the piazza. Portofino really is stunning but it is also very crowded so to avoid the herds of tourists, climb up to the San Giorgio church you will enjoy a wonderful view from the little piazza. If you want even less people and even better views, walk all the way up to the Brown Castle (Castello Brown). The castle is surrounded by a lush Italian garden and when you look at the panorama from its terrace, you will understand why Portofino has become so popular and famous.
And than... time rushed by me, home and commitments are screaming my name so loud I hear them all the way back home. So long bella Italia I will sure come back to you very soon...
