Lose Yourself in the Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre is a rugged, barely accessible stretch of coastline along Italy’s Ligurian Riviera in the north. These five picturesque villages — Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore — are nestled between the sea and the mountains, and have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.

We’ve been exploring this enchanting area for years, yet every journey here feels like the first, thanks to the winding mountain roads, breathtaking views, and a constant mix of coastal and hillside panoramas. It’s an up-and-down adventure along the scenic “Road of the Sanctuaries,” with each bend revealing another postcard-perfect view of the villages below.

Expect narrow streets, little traffic, the occasional wild animal, heroic vineyards producing Sciacchetrà wine, and the gentle blue waters of the Ligurian Sea that soothe your efforts after a full day of pedaling.

A Memory to Share: A few years back (pre-GPS days), we got a little lost and found ourselves at a small chapel where a wedding had just taken place. The churchyard was strewn with flower petals, and as we followed the petal path, we ended up at the newlyweds’ home – and were promptly invited to join the celebration!

NEW TOUR 2025: THE BREATHTAKING “5 TERRE”

Think about it.