One Day In Cinque Terre

By Leora Kahn

Cinque Terre: The Most Beautiful Place In The World!

These 5 cities on Italy's coast will make you wish you were Italian.

Let’s say you only have one day to visit these five beautiful cities. Can it be done? Oh yes it can. These cities are available by a quick train ride that stops at each destination.

Or, if you are feeling adventurous, you can hike! Here is what a few of my friends and I did with our one day in Cinque Terre.

First stop: Levanto. 

Now this town is not part of Cinque Terre, but I highly recommend it! Levanto is on the outskirts of Cinque Terre, and we were able to find a quaint bed and breakfast for the duration of our trip. We explore the town a little bit before headed to our first village, Monterroso.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEORA

After Levanto, we decided to take a less than five-minute train ride to Monterosso.

We ventured into the first village of Cinque Terre; Monterosso. Determined to find a wine tasting, we searched all over and attempted our best Italian 101 basics. What we found was more than we could have imagined.

We climbed up a muddy pathway to the top of a hill to find an old woman baking and serving wine. We ordered the best white and red wine I’ve ever tasted. Next was the famous Sciacchetra, which they prided themselves on because Obama himself tasted it at their vineyard (they immediately brought us his personal framed thank you once they found out we were from around DC).

And finally, Limoncino which is crazy strong and delicious. Not to mention the never-ending supply of bruschetta and pastries. The view, the wine, the food, and the company, made this without a doubt my favorite part of Europe.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEORA

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEORA

From there, we then hiked to Vernazza!

The five of us 20 something-year-olds couldn't catch our breath after climbing mountains without a finish in sight. But the hike was well worth it once Vernazza came into view. This trail is the longest of the four walks with a distance of 3.6 kilometers.

We obviously stopped numerous times to take pictures and videos and to take in our surroundings as much as possible. There were few times I was nervous over the edges, but people of all ages were embarking on the trail.

It was really interesting to see people from all over the world walking the same path my friends and I were traveling on. Like I said, the hike is long and tiring, but once you round the corner and see your first glimpse of Vernazza...well you really must see it in person to get the full perspective, but it is truly breathtaking.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEORA

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEORA

Once in Vernazza, we were starved!

We found a cute restaurant overlooking the water where we each ordered authentic Italian meals. I can still taste the amazing gnocci and gelato!

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEORA

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEORA

After lunch, we decided we had done enough hiking for one day.

We took a train ride through the other cities, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, and then stopped in Manarola for the sunset. We enjoyed walking around the town, exploring shops and getting to know the locals. We then walked to the highest most point of the town for some Sangria and the best view of the village. This was by far, my favorite part of the day. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEORA

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEORA

“Traveling is like flirting with life. It’s like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.’ " - Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

If you ever get the chance to visit any one of these beautiful cities, I would say, you absolutely must. One day is definitely just a taste of all there is to see, and I cannot wait to go back again soon!

Have you been to Cinque Terre and have some tips to add? Let us know below!

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Leora is the Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator for Travel Italian Style and is a Marketing student at James Madison University. In the spring of 2015, she was accepted to study business in Antwerp, Belgium, which allowed her to explore Europe and open her eyes to new opportunities and experiences. Needless to say, she is now consumed with a passion to travel! Leora loves to document her travel stories through all types of social media in order to share with everyone the happiness that accompanies exploration.  Leora spent time travelling through 11 countries during her time abroad, while Italy was hands down her favorite due to the blissful culture, beautiful scenery, and tasty food. She cannot wait to visit again soon!

Local Eats in Florence, Italy

By Kelsey Gibson

Discover Some Amazing Local Eats in Florence

“I love places that have an incredible history. I love the Italian way of life. I love the food. I love the people. I love the attitudes of Italians.” – Elton John

When I think of Italy, Italian cuisine is the first thing that pops up in my head. Pizza. Pasta. Wine. Olive oil. What else do you need in life?

But it is so much more than just a cuisine in Italy. The ‘al dente’ cooked homemade pasta, thin and crisp pizza, and flavorful wine perfectly paired with each course is sure to make you believe you are in Heaven. Italians make it more than just a simple and quick meal; each meal becomes an event with family and friends. 

When traveling to Italy, you need to try real and authentic Italian food…these are normally not the restaurants located in the main tourist paths. Below you can find some of our favorite local Italian eats in Florence!

Touch

Starting off with my favorite restaurant in Florence. I am a bit biased since this is where I worked last summer, but it truly is a restaurant full of Italian authenticity and quality. It has traditional Italian foods with a modern 'touch' to them. Touch is co-owned by Matteo, Max and Stefano, all friends that had a similar vision and passion for sharing Italian history, culture, and food with people from around the globe. 

The restaurnt is a great place to grab a nice dinner with a few courses and a bottle of wine! While 'Selfie Carbonara' is a crowd favorite and stays on the menu, Touch updates their menu often in order to keep the freshest ingredients in all of their dishes. They are able to update often with their iPad menus! Definitely worth a visit when in Florence.

Touch

http://www.touchflorence.com

Via Fiesolana 18/r Firenze 

Tel: +390552466150

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY

Trattoria 4 Leoni

This restaurant is definitely more off the beaten path in the Oltrarno neighborhood not too far from Santo Spirito. Easily books up for dinner, but lunch is the same menu and easier to go on a whim! The menu is in Italian, but the wait staff is very open to give suggestions.

I got the fiocchetti alle pere con salsa di taleggio e asparagi, which consisted of some amazing pear filled pasta with asparagus and a really yummy sauce!

This restaurant is well-known to locals and tourists and the food won’t disappoint! You can even sit outside on a beautiful day and afterwards enjoy a taste of authentic gelato at Gelateria della Passera across the way. 

4 Leoni

http://www.4leoni.it/4Leoni/

Tel: 055218562

Via de' Vellutini 1r Firenze 

I’Brindellone

On the same side of the river as Trattoria 4 Leoni, this local restaurant is always full of locals. If you are looking for the classic Florentine bistecca, this is the place to go! This restaurant is closed on Monday nights, like many other Florentine restaurant, and is recommended that you call to make reservations before going.

You will not only get the real Tuscan feel through the food, but also simply being in the restaurant. This place will go far and beyond your expectations.

I'Brindellone 

Piazza piatellina 10-11/r

Tel: 39055217879

https://m.facebook.com/pages/I-Brindellone/202541566441800

 

Trattoria dell’Orto

Another local favorite, located once again in the Oltrarno neighborhood (are you catching the local trend on the other side of the river?), is Trattoria dell’Orto. This restaurant is simple, rustic, and fantastic.

Its ambiance will make you feel as though this is one of the most authentic in Florence…and it is! This restaurant has a wonderfully cooked Florentine bistecca and Tuscan wines to accompany it. Closed on Tuesdays and takes reservations! 

Trattoria dell' Orto

Via dell'Orto 35

39055224148

http://www.trattoriadellorto.com

Obicá Mozzarella Bar

This restaurant is an upscale mozzarella bar on Via Tornabuoni next to many designer stores. Its menu is filled with a few different kinds of mozzarella, cold plate starters, a few salads, and, my personal favorite, the pizza!

This pizza is one of the best I have had in Florence. Its fresh flavors and ingredients lets you taste the heart of Italian culture and will keep you coming back for more!

OBICA 

Via de Tornabouni 16

Tel: 390552773526

Www.obica.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY

Have you ever been to any of these? Share some of your favorite Florence eats with us! 

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Kelsey is the Part Time Assistant Travel Consultant for Travel Italian Style and is a student at the University of Mississippi studying Hospitality Management with a minor in Spanish and Business Administration. Kelsey took part in an exchange program in Argentina in high school which created a flourishing passion for travel and learning about other cultures. From then on she took every advantage to study abroad and backpack through Europe. This past summer, Kelsey interned for a local restaurant, Touch, in Florence, Italy and fell in love with the Italian culture. She was able to have a real local experience by making friends with coworkers and locals. She wants to make it possible for everyone who travels to be completely immersed into the culture in order to gain another perspective and to be able to enjoy life even more. 

How To Spend A Day In Florence

By Kelsey Gibson

One Day in Florence

Florence: so many sights to see, foods to devour and places to be; but, can you conquer it all in one day? YES!

 

Even though I would never recommend trying to take in the beautiful Firenze in one day, here is a guide to be able to make the most of one day in Florence.

1. One of the most popular attractions in Florence is the Duomo in the center of the city. Tourists flow from all over the world to climb up the 463 steps to get a picture of the picturesque and unforgettable view.

But instead of waiting for the long line, try climbing up the Bell Tower! It always has a shorter line, less steps, different perspective at the top where you can actually get a view of the Duomo, and it something a little more unique to do!

       PHOTO BY KELSEY, THE BELL TOWER

2. Next you can head over to the Central Market to shop through the fresh market full of local produce downstairs. You can also grab a light lunch on the the second floor after working up an appetite from climbing up the Bell Tower.

PHOTO BY KELSEY, CENTRAL MARKET

3. Right outside the Central Market, you will find yourself in the midst of anything and everything leather in the San Lorenzo Leather Market. Get ready to play the bargain game here, if you play your cards right, you can come home with some real leather treasures!  

PHOTO BY KELSEY, CENTRAL MARKET

4. After searching through the leather market, go see the real statue of David. Hint: buy your tickets ahead of line for a certain time in order to skip the lines that wrap around the corner.

5. Ready for a mid day snack? Head a little out of the way to Ponte Santa Trinita for some authentic and refreshing gelato. Here you can enjoy your gelato with a beautiful view of the Ponte Vecchio!

6. While you are already across the river in the “Oltrarno” neighborhood simply get lost in it for a couple hours! You will find many artisan shops, the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens, and the local bars and restaurants of Santo Spirito.

PHOTO BY KELSEY, BOBOLI GARDENS

7. From Santo Spirito head towards San Niccolo and climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo justs in time for sunset! Here you will come upon people sharing wine and enjoying the impeccable view.

8. After taking in this breath taking view of the whole city center, head back down the hill and stop by the Santa Croce church and grab a mojito from … during their apertivo, which is arguably the best one in town!

PHOTO BY KELSEY, SANTA CROCE

9. After trying this Italian drink, the fun isn’t over yet. Head back over to Santo Spirito to eat dinner at Osteria Santo Spirito! The gnocchi dish is so creamy that you won’t be able to stop no matter how full you feel! The steps of the church in the square is a wonderful place to enjoy some friendship, local music and dancing, and maybe even a drink from one of the many local bars.

Florence is the perfect walkable city full of intriguing wall art, famous sites, and amazing food. You could spend weeks but still never get bored in this small city. However, you can still make the most of only one day in Florence.

 

Did we miss anything? Share you comments below!

 

Here at TIS we are specialists in custom travel planning, so if you are looking for more info on visiting Bella Firenze simply contact us here.

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Kelsey is the Part Time Assistant Travel Consultant for Travel Italian Style and is a student at the University of Mississippi studying Hospitality Management with a minor in Spanish and Business Administration. Kelsey took part in an exchange program in Argentina in high school which created a flourishing passion for travel and learning about other cultures. From then on she took every advantage to study abroad and backpack through Europe. This past summer, Kelsey interned for a local restaurant, Touch, in Florence, Italy and fell in love with the Italian culture. She was able to have a real local experience by making friends with coworkers and locals. She wants to make it possible for everyone who travels to be completely immersed into the culture in order to gain another perspective and to be able to enjoy life even more.