Experience the Quintessence of Italy : History, Classic Beauty and Elegance

Car: Not Necessary

Liguria, one of Italy's smallest regions, stretches along the north western coast from France. Mountains seperate it from Piedmont to the north, while Tuscany is to the south. Genoa, the home of Christopher Columbus, is the northern most city, and Lerici the southern most. The region is famous for:

Cinque Terre

Clinging to the rugged Ligurian coast in Northern Italy is the CinqueTerre (five lands). Terraced hills and vineyards on the high cliffs steeply slope to the cobalt depths of thesea and the gaily colored homes dot the cliffs like jewels. This is an idyllic retreat where you can dine on the bounty of the sea, sip the wine of the region, swim, or watch the brilliant sun set over the Mediterranean Sea.

Five minutes apart by train, the villages are far removed from the hustle and noise of the French Riviera and the cities of Italy. Hike the centruries old mule trails and the footpaths and climb the Romanesque stairs that wind 500 to 1,000 feet above the sea. Terraced vineyards alternate with strips of olive trees and a heady perfume of spice emanates from the woods as you traverse from village to village.

Each village has its own unique character and all remain unspoiled as if suspended in time. The villages are not easily accessible by road, so cars are seldom seen. The 'milk train' that runs through the tunnels from Rome to Paris makes regular and frequent stops at each village. For a spectacular view, hop on the 'tourist boat' that ferries both locals and tourist from village to village and to major ports along the Italian Rivier

Portovenere has Roman origins as can be seen in the San Pietro church. 'Portus Veneris' is found in certain historical writings as far back as 161 A.C. This amazing church is open to the public if you are up to climbing the steep and well-worn steps. There are spectacular views both inside and out. The unique and gaily painted homes along the harbor are very tall and narrow. It is said that the residents would pour olive oil on the pirates from the upper floors.

The 'Grotto Byron', where poets Byron and Shelly would go for a swim, is visible but not accessible to the public. Amazing would best describe this historical site that is carved into the rugged cliffs.

Lerici and Montemarcello

This legendary costal area was once the home of some of the world's most famous poets: Shelly, Lawrence, Byron, and Dickens. They, as did many artists, found inspiration from the colorful hamlets,the deep blue sea and colorful gardens.

Montemarcello

Take a step back in time as you enter though the 15th century walls of Montemarcello. Time seems to have stopped in this medieval burg with its burnt orange and faded rose facades. The narrow walkways lead through archways into small hidden and intriguing squares.

To the west of the town, are the amazing marble quarries of Carrara that appear as mountains sprinkled with snow. On the ocean side of town are the amazing vistas that open up to the Gulf of the Poet's and in the distance, Portovenere, the Isles of Palmaria and Tino.

The National Park of Montemarcello is another point of interest with its botanic gardens and pathways leading through flora and fauna typical of the area.

Lerici / SanTerenzo

Lerici and San Terenzo are amongst the most populated villages in the Poet's Gulf. Their pink and yellow homes, typical of the Ligurian region, climb the hillside above the deep blue sea. Some of the most famous poets such as Shelly and Lawrence chose these two towns as their summer retreat. In fact, the 16th century castle above the harbor in Lerici is said to have inspired Shelly's wife, Mary Wollstonecraft, to write Frankenstein.

Watch the boats come and go from the yacht harbor, dine at one of the many seaside cafes, and linger long enough to enjoy the brilliant sunset.

Lawrence wrote: 'The Mediterranean is quite wonderful and when the sun sets beyond the island of Porto Venere and all of the sea is like heaving white milk with street of fire across it, and amethyst islands back away, it is too beautiful.'