#la spezia shore excursions

[giovannibenvenuto]

Unlocking the Beauty of La Spezia: A Guide to Shore Excursions

Nestled along the stunning Ligurian coastline of Italy, La Spezia is a picturesque port city that serves as the gateway to some of the country's most enchanting destinations. If you find yourself with a day to spare during a cruise stop in La Spezia, you're in for a treat. This guide will take you on a journey through the best La Spezia shore excursions, including day trips from La Spezia and private shore excursions tailored to your preferences.

Exploring Cinque Terre: A Coastal Gem

No La Spezia shore excursion is complete without a visit to Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site that comprises five vibrant, cliffside villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These colorful, terraced settlements are known for their breathtaking coastal beauty, hiking trails, and fresh seafood. Whether you're an avid hiker or prefer a leisurely stroll, the hiking trails that connect these villages offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding landscape.

Charming Pisa and the Leaning Tower

A short drive from La Spezia brings you to the iconic city of Pisa. Here, you can marvel at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, a must-see attraction that has fascinated travelers for centuries. In addition to the Leaning Tower, the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) houses the stunning Pisa Cathedral and the Baptistery. Be sure to take the obligatory "holding up the tower" photo while you're there!

Lucca: A Hidden Gem in Tuscany

Just a stone's throw from Pisa lies the charming town of Lucca, a hidden gem in Tuscany. Encircled by well-preserved Renaissance walls, Lucca boasts picturesque cobblestone streets, elegant churches, and bustling piazzas. A private shore excursion to Lucca allows you to explore its historical center, rent a bike to cycle along the city walls, and savor a delightful Italian meal at a local trattoria.

Siena: A Taste of Tuscany's Rich History

For history buffs and culture enthusiasts, a day trip to Siena is a must. This medieval city is famous for its well-preserved historic center and the stunning Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). Be sure to visit the magnificent Piazza del Campo, where the thrilling Palio horse race takes place twice a year. Stroll through Siena's winding streets, enjoy local cuisine, and soak in the city's rich heritage.

Creating Your Perfect Private Shore Excursion

While these are some of the highlights of La Spezia shore excursions, a private shore excursion allows you to tailor your day to your interests. Whether you want to explore off-the-beaten-path villages, sample regional wines, or delve into local history, a private tour can be customized to fulfill your desires. Knowledgeable guides will ensure you make the most of your time in this beautiful region.

In conclusion, La Spezia shore excursions offer a wealth of experiences, from the coastal wonders of Cinque Terre to the historical treasures of Pisa, Lucca, and Siena. Whether you opt for a guided tour or create your own adventure, La Spezia's beauty and culture are sure to leave an indelible mark on your Italian journey. Unlock the beauty of La Spezia and its surroundings on your next shore excursion—it's an experience you won't soon forget. 

[cinqueterretours-blog1]

Cinque Terre - Treking Without Plastic Water Bottles | CINQUE TERRE TOURS

Cinque Terre has always been one of the most effective places on the planet to trek. Now it just got better - there is no need to lug water. On September 6, 2010, Cinque Terre released a program called "Sbottigliamoci", promoting the replacement of plastic water bottles with making use of public water fountains strategically placed for travelers.

Shore Excursions La Spezia

A lot of hikers in Cinque Terre do not recognize that in each of the five villages, there is currently at the very least one public water fountain. And also these fountains deliver several of the very best water you will ever consume - fresh, risk-free, tidy and awesome.

Cinque Terre Winery

But this new program will supply water from new public fountains, as well as there will certainly be even more of them. In the coming months, there will certainly be four at the train station piazza in Riomaggiore, one of which will be handicap accessible, complied with by water fountains in Vernazza and also Monterosso al Mare.

 At the press of a button, you can have fresh water at area temperature level, or cooled still or sparkling water. Picture, chilled carbonated water from a fountain at the end of a hike! There will certainly even be the opportunity to acquire one litre, resuable biodegrable flasks for 1 euro, for taking along much longer walks. Considering that they are stamped with the Cinque Terre logo design, they will be great keepsakes.

 The communes of Cinque Terre and also Il Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre have introduced this program to decrease the variety of plastic containers that are accumulated from the routes, sea and beaches each year - 2 million of them! So by purchasing as well as utilizing among their flasks with a logo design, you additionally have a token of your participation in keeping the park clean and also maintaining its all-natural beauty, something which ought to worry every hiker as well as undoubtedly, every vacationer.

 The program is aimed at everybody, from site visitors to merchants to citizens. This is an honest initiative to add to the health and wellness and also health of not only the environment, with the reduction of garbage but also to customers through the arrangement of fresh water, inspected at the very least daily, that has actually not been being in plastic containers, potentially as much as twelve month.

 With such stunning all-natural elegance, this job can just add to keeping that. Bravo, Cinque Terre!

[letsandiamo]

Shore Excursion to Pisa and Lucca from Livorno Or La Spezia Port. See all that Tuscany has to offer on this day trip to Livorno, La Spezia. Book now! Contact us today: +39 338 167 3705.

[beingronit]

  Tired of your hectic busy schedule, the Indian summer heat, city traffic and the unending chatter in your mind?

Go to Europe. Travel to the coastal idyllic villages of Cinque Terre, enjoy the Mediterranean landscape of Amalfi (Sorrento + Positano) or gaze at the horizon from the Mt Solaro in the island of Capri, walk on the streets of the historic ruins of Pompeii, nibble the famous Neapolitan pizza (at Naples)or indulge in luxury shopping in Milan and Bellagio (Lake Como). If you have INR 0.25-0.3 million you can experience all these in 8 days, which means you need to take leave from your office for only 5 working days.

I took my flight for Milan on a Friday night (23rd Sep) and returned on a Monday morning (3rd Oct) from Naples.

Travel itinerary:

Day 1-(24 Sep 2016): Milan

Landed in Milan. After checking in our hotel which was located near the central station (Centrale FS), we headed to the Duomo Square via a metro (yellow line). You will need to get down at Duomo station. Once you reach the square, every historic building is within 1 km radius v.i.z  Milan Cathedral (II Duomo), Palazzo Marino (City Hall), Castello Sforzesco (Sforza castle), The Galleria (Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II) and La Scale (opera house). Also do not miss out Corso di Porta Ticinese, a shopping street popular for its vintage stores, which ends at beautiful St Eustorgio Square.

Duomo II Cathedral

View of the Square from the Duomo Terrace

The Galleria – every luxury shopper’s dream

Inside peak of the Galleria

Day 2 – (25 sep 2016): Lake Como + Milan

We had pre-booked a Lake Como tour. The tour included guided boat tour on Lake Como, Milan to Lake Como and back transport by air-conditioned coach and 2 hour transit for personal roaming in Bellagio. I strongly recommend the tour.

Lake Como Tour pics

Lake Como Tour pics

Lake Como Tour pics

Lake Como Tour pics

Lake Como Tour pics

Lake Como Tour pics

In Como Town

Bellagio Port

Lake Como Tour – Bellagio

Narrow Streets in Bellagio

Narrow Streets in Bellagio

Narrow Streets in Bellagio

Narrow Streets in Bellagio

Back in Milan, we headed to the San Lorenzo square and then to Navigli district for drinks and dinner. Lots of trendy bars and restaurants are located. We observed an interesting tradition here. At our pub, we ordered 2 cocktails and was surprised with lots of FREE snacks. So, we ended up skipping dinner.

Free food with cocktails in Navigli District

Navigli District

Day 3- (26 Sep 2016): Manarola

We take train Italia to reach Manarola. There is no direct train. Our stop was at La Spezia and from there we took a train to Manarola. Our hotel Ca’ de Baran was a 2 min walk from the station and 1 minute walk from the Mediterranean sea.The shore had a rocks enclosing a part where you can take a dip.

Take a train to Manarola from La Spezia

Our Den in Manarola

Hotel Ca’ de Baran

Manarola

Manarola

In the evening we headed out to Rio Maggiore, next train stop. You can either take the train or you can hike.

Rio Maggiore

In the evening, try to be back in Manarola by 7 pm and reserve yourself a table by the cliff in Ristorante Nessun Dorma to watch the sunset and also how the colourful houses by the cliff turns into a magical string of lights.

By the night, once you are out of this restaurant compulsorily sit in the dark for hours to enjoy the starry night while listening to the musical by the rocks and the sea, sipping your take away aperol spritz. You can also see Monterosso and Vernazza from this point. This is a safe place.

Must visit restaurants in Manarola are:

For seafood (dinner): Ristorante Marina Piccolo

For best view + cocktails in the evening: Nessun Dorma

Day 4- (27 Sep 2016): Corniglia – Vernazza- Monterosso Trek

10.9 kms. 5.5 hours. 135 floors climbed. (Source: iphone health app)

The track is called the ‘Blue Trail’ or Sentiero Azzurro, which follows the coast. This path starts from Corniglia, so we had to reach the place by Train to the city and then almost climbed at least 25 floors to reach the Blue path gate. You have to 7 Euro per person for one way. Do not lose the ticket because you need to show this at each check point. Though for most of us this sounds scary, but you must go for it. It is worthy. The 5.5 hours includes half an hour break in a quaint restaurant on the cliffs of Vernazza.

Please know that you  can start from either direction (Monterosso, heading south, or Corniglia, heading north).

Tip: Start from Riomaggiore, where the paths are easier and paved, and work your way up to the more challenging trails which is closer to Monterosso. So, while you are closer to the north side you are climbing down the high step and not climbing up.

From Corniglia to Vernazza,this trail climbs up to the highest point of the Cinque Terre (and back down) so expect a fair amount of climbing and descending.

Must have essentials for the trek

Wear trekking shoes/ comfortable sneaker

Carry one and a half litres of water for one person (Hydration is extremely crucial)

Carry food and candies (Sugar rush always helps)

Sunscreen

Sun glasses

Hand towel

Since the recommended months for this hike are April, May, September and October, we were lucky to have survived the tolerable heat.

Corniglia- Our starting point

Steep slope entry point

Still smiling…

As we enter the Blue Trail

While you walk keep looking west

Some shade is always welcome

Still miles to go

Interesting format for sharing information

as we cross Vernazza

Still on the Blue Trail

And we see a resting place

Do rest when ever possible to avoid fatigue

and we can see the Monte Rosso Beach

Reach – Moment of glory!

Once you reach the Monterosso chill in the first beach on your path. This is the free beach. Plus, it is quieter to doze off for 30 minutes with the warm pebbles/sand to take care of your body ache. You can also catch lunch and chilled beer for dozing off, like we did.

Stone Therapy

Stone Therapy

In the night we enjoyed a live performance at a joint, where the most of the locals come to chill after a hectic day. Click here to watch the video.

So much, and we are still discussing day 4.

Day 5- (28 Sep 2016)- Naples

We reach our BNB apartment in Naples  by 9 pm, and we head out to eat the best pizza of our life. You must remember the name of the place when you visit Naples, it is Gino Toto Sorbillo Pizzeria.

  Spiciest Pizza in the house

Naples

Naples – The City scape

Gabrinus, Naples- The President eats breakfast every New Year

Day 6- (29 Sep 2016) – Naples – Pompeii – Sorrento

You can either take a cab/train/bus to Pompeii. After our breakfast in an iconic breakfast joint Naples, Gambrinus, we took the train as it is the fastest during peak traffic hours. Pompeii can be reached by train on Circumvesuviana. On the Naples – Sorrento line, use the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri stop.

It will not be reasonable to describe the The ‘Pompeii’ experience in this post, so I will soon be dedicating a detailed post on how to cover the ruins in 4 hours. If you are interested do keep visiting my blog.

Pompeii

Pompeii

Pompeii

Pompeii

Pompeii

After reaching our BnB den, we went out for dinner and selected a beautiful garden Ristorante – Parruchiano Favorita, where we were delighted by the warm service by our attendant – Mr. G.

Day 7- (30 Sep 2016)- Island of Capri: Capri town and Anacapri town

I have already written a post our tour. Read here. It definitely was the most highlighted experience of our trip.

In my Capri post I have captured the beauty of nature during our fun boat ride to the isle of Capri. Please keep in mind that most of the island’s sights are located near Anacapri: The Blue Grotto, Villa San Michele and the chairlift for Mount Solaro. Due to paucity of time, we did not visit the Villa as we got lost in the enchanting view of the blue horizon from Mt. Solaro. It felt like heaven. If I recall correctly, I had been magically stunned at similar level in my trip to Cappadocia, Turkey.

Day 8- (1st Oct): Amalfi and Positano

Well, we have come to the last day of our itinerary. Honestly after Cinque Terre and Capri island, these coastal villages did not manage to impress me. Amalfi is very commercialized. The Positano beach was over crowded during our visit. Unfortunately, the day wasn’t a sunny one. Posting a few pics so that you can judge by yourself.

Amalfi Beach

A church in Amalfi town

Positano

Positano

Positano

Next day, we took cab to airport for 80 Euros.

Taxi service contact: Antonio Criscuolo Transfers and Excursions,

+39 333 2656737, melania88@hotmail.it

  Euro Trip in 5 working days – Milan-Cinque Terre- Naples-Sorrento-Capri-Amalfi-Positano Tired of your hectic busy schedule, the Indian summer heat, city traffic and the unending chatter in your mind?

[giovannibenvenuto]

La Spezia's Hidden Gems: Shore Excursions You Can't Miss

When your cruise ship docks at the picturesque port of La Spezia, you're in for a treat. Nestled along Italy's stunning Ligurian coast, this charming town serves as a gateway to some of the country's most enchanting destinations. From day trips to private shore excursions, La Spezia has it all. Join us on a journey to discover La Spezia's hidden gems and the shore excursions you absolutely can't miss.

La Spezia Shore Excursions: An Overview

La Spezia, with its convenient location near the famous Cinque Terre, offers a plethora of exciting shore excursion options. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or food lover, there's something for everyone. Here are some top picks:

Cinque Terre Adventure: Just a short train ride away, the colorful villages of Cinque Terre await. Explore the scenic beauty, hike the cliffside trails, and savor fresh seafood at local trattorias.

Pisa and the Leaning Tower: A visit to Pisa and its iconic Leaning Tower is a must-do. Pose for the classic tourist photo while enjoying the rich history and stunning architecture of the Piazza dei Miracoli.

Lucca's Charming Streets: Discover the charming town of Lucca, famous for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, cobblestone streets, and delightful cafes. It's a delightful escape into Tuscany's past.

Carrara Marble Quarry: Delve into the world of marble at the Carrara Marble Quarry. Witness the massive quarries where Michelangelo's masterpiece materials were sourced.

Private Shore Excursions: Tailored Experiences

For those seeking a more personalized experience, private shore excursions from La Spezia are the way to go. Here's why they're worth considering:

Flexibility: Private excursions allow you to customize your itinerary. Whether you want to linger longer in a particular spot, skip certain attractions, or add unique experiences, it's all possible.

Local Insights: Knowledgeable local guides provide in-depth insights into the history, culture, and hidden gems of the region, making your journey more enriching.

Comfort and Convenience: Private excursions typically include comfortable transportation, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

La Spezia's Hidden Gems

Now, let's unveil some hidden gems you can explore during your La Spezia shore excursions:

Portovenere: Often overshadowed by Cinque Terre, Portovenere is a gem in its own right. Visit the stunning Church of St. Peter, explore the ancient town, and soak in breathtaking sea views.

Tellaro: A picturesque fishing village, Tellaro is a tranquil escape. Wander through its narrow streets, admire colorful houses, and bask in the serenity of this coastal hideaway.

The Gulf of Poets: Discover the beauty that inspired poets like Byron and Shelley. Take a boat trip across the Gulf of Poets, where charming villages and scenic landscapes await.

Local Cuisine: Don't miss out on Ligurian cuisine. Try dishes like pesto pasta, seafood risotto, and focaccia at local trattorias and eateries.

Conclusion

La Spezia's shore excursions offer a gateway to Italy's enchanting treasures, from the Cinque Terre to charming villages and historic towns. Whether you opt for organized day trips or private excursions, you're in for an unforgettable experience. So, when your cruise ship docks at this hidden gem of a port, be ready to embark on an adventure that will leave you with cherished memories of La Spezia's hidden gems.