Cinque Terre, Italy Oct. 2010

For the half term break we drove down to Italy to explore the Cinque Terre region.  I may have a new favorite place in the world.  Incredible scenery, turquoise water, warm sunshine (in October!), friendly people, delicious seafood and wine and of course that wonderful gelato!  We spent 5 days hiking the trails in Cinque Terre, between the five villages, and on the trails around Levanto, the first town outside of the National Park.  We stayed in yet another wonderful Agritourism apartment.  This was called Villanova.  It was the rectory of the little church that belonged to some Italian baron in the 1600's.  There are a total of 6 or 8 apartments on the grounds as well as a small vineyard, garden and fruit trees.  I loved hiking between the towns, the views coming into the approaching village were incredible.  Kids loved all the rock climbing and the gelato at the end of each day!

Just a few of my favorite photos.

Even I got into the rock climbing action, (ok, just once on Jon's urging for a photo's sake...)

Thomas wore the big back pack all week (in training for his India trip).

Incredible coastline.  This is between Riomaggiore and Manarola.

Riomaggiore, the furthest south of the villages.

Noah taking in some sunshine- soak it up buddy boy we return to rainy Zurich in three days!

The was the drive in to Villanova.  Our apartment was on the left, under the bell tower.

Coming into Vernazza

At the top of a tower of the castle in Vernazza

It was very windy!

Our sophisticated world traveler!

Nets drying in Corniglia.

Travels with Peabody!

Taking in a good book.

As an East coast girl it is rare to see the sun set over the water- very cool!

I love the late afternoon sunlight.  Levanto's harbor.

Thomas dancing on the rock.  The beauty of a zoom lense- he had no idea he was being photographed!

Sophie after being told it was time for gelato!