Welcome to our exciting 12-day journey that will take us from the majestic French Alps to the picturesque Italian coast and back. We began our adventure on the shores of the charming Lake Geneva, visiting Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Here we ascended the Aiguille du Midi, descended to the Mer de Glace glacier, and visited the Mont Blanc ice caves. Next, we will head to Liguria to enjoy the unique beauty of the five Cinque Terre villages. On our way back, a scenic journey awaits us from the coast to Lake Iseo, where we can relax and enjoy nature.
ITINERARY
Day 5:
Deiva Marina, LaSpezia, Italy
Day 5 of our journey began with a drive to the Italian coast. We had planned to take the shortest route, but due to a mudslide the day before that had washed away a section of the motorway, this was no longer possible. We had to choose a longer route, taking almost 5.5 hours, but it went through the magnificent Great St Bernard Tunnel, and we didn’t regret our choice.
The Great St Bernard Tunnel, stretching about 5.8 kilometers (3.6 miles) and connecting Switzerland and Italy, runs beneath the majestic peaks of the Alps. The name of this engineering marvel comes from the Great St Bernard Pass, one of the highest in the Alps, and the gorge through which it passes. This tunnel is steeped not only in technical achievements but also in a rich history linked to the monastery hospice founded by Saint Bernard of Menthon in the 11th century. This hospice and monastery became famous for the Saint Bernard dog breed, bred by the monks to rescue travelers in the mountains.
Our journey through the Great St Bernard Tunnel, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes, was an unforgettable experience. The views of the steep mountain slopes, rushing rivers, and alpine meadows made us stop and admire this beauty.
Deiva Marina is a picturesque little village on the Italian Riviera, renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming atmosphere, making it an ideal haven for a tranquil retreat. Narrow cobblestone streets and traditional Italian houses create a unique ambiance, while local restaurants delight guests with delectable dishes prepared with fresh seafood. Despite having visited Italy numerous times before, upon savoring the local focaccia, we fell irrevocably and eternally in love with this country.
Day 6-7:
Cinque Terre
We chose Deiva Marina as our base for exploring Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is a cluster of five picturesque villages in Liguria: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These villages, perched on hillsides along the coast, are renowned for their colorful houses, vineyards, and breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea. Each village possesses its unique charm and history, making a journey through Cinque Terre an enthralling adventure. Having been to this region before, we knew exactly which villages we wanted to revisit.
The villages are easily accessible from Deiva Marina by a 15-minute train ride. By purchasing a Cinque Terre Card (detailed information available on cinqueterre.eu.com/de/cinque-terre-card ), you can enjoy unlimited train travel between the villages for one, two, or three days, allowing you to freely explore the hiking trails along the coast and through the vineyards.
The Cinque Terre Card can be purchased online (card.parconazionale5terre.it) or at the Deiva Marina train station starting at 8:00 AM. It is advisable to arrive at the station 15 minutes before the ticket office opens to catch the first train or purchase the card in advance. This route is quite popular, but even the numerous tourist groups cannot diminish the enchanting ambiance of these places.
With your card in hand and an early morning train ride at 7:15 AM, you can savor the tranquility and ambiance of the still-empty streets of the renowned villages before the main tourist crowds arrive. As you stroll along the trails connecting the villages of Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza, you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and feel a sense of belonging to this remarkable natural world.
The vineyards here cultivate the Vermentino grape variety, used to produce the renowned local white wine, Sciacchetrà.
This wine is celebrated for its rich flavor and aroma, pairing beautifully with seafood dishes.
A monorail system traverses the steep slopes of the vineyards, adding to the captivating spectacle. Watching the diligent locals tend to the vines, one can appreciate the immense effort that goes into crafting each glass of wine. These moments of admiration and respect for local traditions make the journey through Cinque Terre truly unforgettable.
The idyllic Deiva Marina beach, with its crystal-clear waters, is usually quite lively. However, if you venture towards the far right end of the coastline, you can always find a secluded spot to soak in the tranquility of the sea. The promenade offers breathtaking views, making it an ideal location to witness the splendor of the sunset. With freshly baked focaccia, tomatoes, and Pesto Genovese (basil pesto) purchased from a local shop, along with a bottle of wine, you can create a delightful sunset picnic, savoring the stunning panorama.
Day 8:
Сarrara
A mere 50-minute drive from Deiva Marina lies the charming Tuscan town of Carrara. This town is renowned for its marble quarries, where the prized white marble is extracted. During the Renaissance era, this marble was employed in the creation of iconic works of art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s renowned “David” sculpture, as well as numerous cathedrals and palaces across Europe. Even today, Carrara marble remains highly sought-after.
Venturing into the historic marble quarries of Carrara is an unparalleled experience. At Via Miseglia Fantiscritti, 54033 Carrara MS, Italy, you can purchase a ticket for a tour of the caves and museum (cavamuseo.com), don a helmet and vest, and hop on a special bus to reach the quarries. During the tour, you’ll gain insights into the marble extraction process and marvel at the sheer size and pristine whiteness of the marble blocks. This magnificent site seamlessly blends history and natural grandeur, leaving an indelible mark on visitors.
We already visited the caves in 2017, and it remains one of the most vivid impressions in our collection.
