Exploring Cinque Terre in Liguria Italy The “five lands,” Italy’s Cinque Terre includes the towns of Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso. Though still in recovery mode after a 2011 flood, this gorgeous stretch of coastline just a few hours northwest of Florence remains a masterpiece. Originally founded as a hideout from pirates, the string of cliff-side clusters remains secluded from the energy of Italy’s northern cities and their soft hues glow invitingly against the Mediterranean. Though the villages are accessible by train and ferry, the best way to explore the national park is via the walking trails. With its mix of vineyards, seaside idylls, winding paths, churches, ruined castles and hidden beaches, Cinque Terre is a hiker’s paradise. Each village offers its own charming idiosyncrasies, and together they form one of Italy’s best natural attractions 5 Things to do and see in Cinque Terre? If you plan to stay

Exploring area of Portofino in the Liguria Region of Italy Portofino sits on a peninsula in the Tigullio Golf east of Genoa in the northern Italian region of Liguria. Portofino is part of the Italian Riviera. Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli, seaside towns also worth visiting, are the nearest towns. Camogli is a lovely fishing village with pastel houses and a pebbly beach while Santa Margherita is a larger resort town. Portofino is known as the resort get away of the rich and famous, but there is much more to see here than just people. Portofino is a picturesque, half-moon shaped seaside village with pastel houses lining the shore of the harbor. Portofino has shops, restaurants, cafes, and luxury hotels. Portofino's crystalline green waters reveal a myriad display of aquatic life. A castle sits atop the hill overlooking the village. There are also opportunities for hiking, biking, diving, and boating.

Foods to Try When You are in Venice Next time you are bike touring in the Venice and the Veneto there are a few foods you should try. Venice's seafood: delicious! If you’re heading to Italy’s Veneto region anytime soon (say, for the Mid Mountains Bike Tour or the Giro Venice and Veneto), there’s something very important you need to know: what to eat. In and around Venice, here are the foods you just can’t miss! A twist on Venice's sardee in saor Sardee in saor. One of our favorite Venetian dishes, this delicious antipasto features sweet-and-sour sardines with onions, pine nuts and raisins. Sounds odd, tastes amazing. Risi e bisi. A Venetian dish of rice and peas, somewhere between a risotto and a soup. So traditional, it used to be offered to the Doge every St. Mark’s Feast Day. Pasta e fasioi. In Italian, this would be “pasta e