If you’ve ever read Rick Steves’ travel books, you’ll know he is a big fan of Italy’s Cinque-Terre. Translated as “Five Lands”, the Cinque-Terre region consists of five fishing villages along the Ligurian coast in northwest Italy. Located about halfway between Genoa and Florence, it’s an easy day trip by car or train. Trains also depart from Milan, located 130 miles north of the region.

The problem may be in deciding which of the five villages to visit: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterossa al Mare. Connected by 11 kilometers of hiking trails, each of these has its own distinctive personality and vibe. Fortunately we were able to visit all five villages in a 24-hour period. (more…)