"Second Europe" began with a flight from SFO to Milan. The trip was aptly named for being the second time I traveled in Europe in 2015. In fact, Second Europe began only months after the first Europe trip ended. I'd like to take a moment now to appreciate how truly #blessed I am without sounding utterly sarcastic. In all seriousness, I am very fortunate and thankful for the awesome things I have been able to do.
The plan for this trip was to travel for two weeks with my family and boyfriend, Nico, and then spend an additional three weeks backpacking with just Nico. I flew with my mom, brother (Ryan), and Nico. After landing in Milan, we met up with Carol (Mom's cousin), George (Carol's husband), and Kyli, Darcie, and Brady (their adult kids).
After landing, we struggled to find our rental cars - one regular sized Kia sedan and one very large Fiat van. This was the first time I saw a Fiat that wasn't tiny. We then proceeded to teach ourselves how to maneuver the Italian streets. Mom drove the Fiat since it was a stick shift but eventually Nico took over as the chief van driver (Brady drove the Kia).
Hotel
We eventually arrived in the small town of Levanto, Italy. This is where our hotel, Villa Valentina was settled on the edge of town. The small Inn is run by Paula, an American transplant who married an Italian man and started a business in one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Paula is assisted by her daughters in running the hotel, which happens to be named after the youngest, Valentina.
Upon arriving at Villa Valentina I almost didn't notice the beautiful scenery or the thoughtful touches that Paula had created for her guests because I was overcome with a type happiness that only exists in an air conditioned room in the July heat of Italy. I'm pretty sure Nico and I spent a good amount of time lying sprawled out on the bed, careful to not have an inch of skin contact before we were lured out of the room by word of an amazing snack put together by Paula.
The food that Paula prepared was fantastic. In the garden she set up tables with bread, pesto, tomatoes, cheese and other very "Italian" bites to eat. Throughout our stay, we'd have a delicious breakfast prepared by Paula each morning. Scrambled eggs (from the chickens on site) were her specialties.
Coupled with Paula's daughters helping out around the boutique hotel, Teddy, Paula's adorable dog helped to steal our hearts.
Photo stolen from Villa Valentina's website
Breakfast at Villa Valentina
Kyli and her new best friend, Teddy
Activities
Our days in the Cinque Terre were mostly spent exploring the five beautiful coastal cities and trying not to melt.
For our first full day, we took a train from Levanto to Monterosso. From there, we hiked to the next town over, Vernazza. The cliffs on which each town is perched are quite vertical, making this hike in the Summer Italian heat practically unbearable. Somewhere on the side of the mountainous trail, a man sold chilled limoncello through his fence. I couldn't imagine sipping alcohol in that heat but I was happy to spend the money on a cold and refreshing lemonade, which helped me continue the journey up the steps.
Monterosso
Monterosso
Monterosso
Monterosso
Ryan in Monterosso
On the hike to Vernazza
Hiking, Vernazza seen just around the corner
View from above Vernazza
Flowers along the hike
After finally arriving in Vernazza and taking in the scene of the colorful buildings against the turquoise water, we decided to take the train to the remaining cities. We first rode to the last town on the stretch, Riomaggiore. The train was amazing because it had AC. When we got to Riomaggiore, it wasn't long before we needed to find shelter to get some food and cold drinks.
Vernazza
Vernazza
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore
From there, we took the train to Manarola. Nico, being more sensible than the rest of us, was the only one to bring a bathing suit that day. So while I suffered in the heat (but captured some beautiful photos), he made his way to the water where he found a large rock to jump off of with the other vacationers. It looked fun and refreshing and made me look forward to the next day in which I would, hopefully, be spending more time in the water.
Manarola
Rock jumping in Manarola
Me in Manarola
Finally, we took the train to Corniglia, which is perched high up on the cliffside rather than down at the water like the other four towns. The train, however, stops by the waterside and a daunting hike awaits you to get to the top. I will add, though, that the winding path looked more discouraging than it actually was. Once we made it to the top, we were glad we didn't turn around and get back on the train. Although it was hot, it was very nice to explore the colorful little town.
On our second day in the Cinque Terre, we went for a boat tour of the coast run by Angelo's Boat Tours. Angelo, our captain, is Paula's husband. We spent the day relaxing on the boat, taking in the beautiful views, and swimming in the salty Mediterranean. The tour provided us with lunch and wine to drink as well.
Angelo's Boat Tours
Manarola
Brady, Kyli, and Darcie
Vernazza
Nico floating in the warm seawater
Corniglia
Me, Mom, and Ryan
Riomaggiore
A good place to swim
Nico
Food
The food in Italy is always good. It's in this country that I always almost convince myself I could like tomatoes, but then I have a taste of one of our much more watery ones in the States, and I change my mind right back.
I've already touched on the delicious breakfasts and snacks provided by Paula at Villa Valentina. But there is yet another amazing benefit to staying there: Paula hooked us up with a private four course meal cooked at her friend, Daniella's, house.
The meal was served on Daniella and her husband, Piero's deck overlooking the Cinque Terre. They had an outdoor kitchen and an Amazing view of the sun setting over the coast. To get to their home, we had to climb many flights of stairs but it was worth it because when we got to the top, we could see the lights of each town in the Cinque Terre sparkling in the distance. Like Paula, Daniella was an American who met her Italian husband and moved to one of the most beautiful places in the world. Sitting on their picturesque patio made me long to just pack up all my stuff and move to Italy for good (sorry, Nico).
Not only was the scenery spectacular, but the food was delicious, the wine kept flowing, and we had great company. If there's only one thing you take away from this, have it be to stay at Villa Valentina because every other detail of your trip will fall into place.
Yes I do have one glass of red and one of white, thanks for asking
I guess those glasses of wine didn't make it through course number two
Chicken thigh that was cooked all day long
No dessert is complete without a shot of limoncello
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