Who: Sharon Smith and Julie Beekhuizen of Littleton and Keith and Marilyn Ayers of Highlands Ranch
Where: Cinque Terre National Park Hiking Trail between Riomaggiore and Corniglia
Best meal: We had lunch in Vernazza on the Piazza next to the boat dock and swimming beach. The eating area was outside, and we had fish and pasta. We ordered their specialty, fried anchovies.
Best deal: We stayed in a small apartment in Riomaggiore near the train station. The apartment included a mini-kitchen and was very roomy. We were located on the steep cobblestone main street.
Best time to go: September-October weather is ideal and has fewer tourists.
Best travel tip: The first image of the Cinque Terre is that of rugged mountain terrain with dry stone walls holding up vineyards. Buy the Cinque Terre Card, which allows the holder to take an unlimited number of train and bus trips from Levanto to La Spezia, access to all paths, nature observation centers and picnic areas at the park. This is a great area to hike from one town to another. Pack your lunch and hiking gear and have fun. The scenery is outstanding.
