CINQUE TERRE TOURS & ESCURSIONS
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RIVIERA DELLE PALME
Portofino - Genova - Savona - Cinque Terre
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As you look at a map of Italy, the Riviera is the narrow strip of land
at the top of the boot to the west that borders the sea, the mountains,
and France. Italians divide the region into two areas: Riviera di Levante
(east) and Riviera di Pomente (west). Genoa is the city where the two areas divide.
Tour books spend few pages on this region with most attention focused
on well-known seaside villages such as Portofino and the Cinque Terre.
Look at a map and the numerous ferry routes are all generated between Genoa
and the Eastern Riviera. The Western Riviera seems not to matter, except to
Italians who flock here for vacations. This is the area that I explored in May.
The nearest airports are Genoa is about an hour's
drive away, and Milan a bit longer. You will need the freedom and flexibility of driving a car rather
than using public transportation. Also, this is an area only for those who are
in good physical shape. The joy of the area is to explore on foot - thoroughly
exploring the villages and wandering off to hike in the mountains. Trails are
clearly marked and offer a variety of distances, but can be challenging.
For travelers who have done the "Grand Tour" and returned to explore Rome,
Florence, Venice & Pompeii, I encourage you to consider the Riviera di Pomente.
Give me a call or send an
e-mail to learn more about this area and how to arrange
travel. At the present time, I do not have a group tour planned but am available
to help the independent traveler make arrangements. In the future, I may offer
a trip that combines a visit to the Western Riviera and the Piedmont region, as
they are in close proximity.
Italy Driving Distances
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The largest port cities in the area are Savona, an industrial center that
lost its battle with Genoa in 1528, and San Remo, which gained prominence
in history as a luxury resort for the wealthy. Other cities usually noted
are Alassio, Albenga, and Imperia. My trip, however, bypassed these spots for
the lesser known: Noli, Finalborgo, Villanova d'Albenga, Colletta di Castelbianco.
Noli, a quaint fishing village with its medieval layout still intact, was an
independent republic for 600 years the fifth Maritime Republic in competition
with Pisa, Venice, Amalfi, and Genoa. It is located on a quiet, beautiful small
bay with the Maritime Alps as a backdrop. Our group enjoyed a lovely dinner in
the Bishop Palace, now an exquisite hotel restaurant with 12 rooms and a unique
view of the bay.
Finalborgo, another small village with its original urban layout intact, is
amazing because so many original buildings remain. We arrived in late afternoon
and enjoyed a short stroll to appreciate the architectural beauty of the village.
Then we sat in the main piazza among the locals and blended into the everyday life
of an authentic Italian village: old and young mingling, talking, laughing with
kids playing soccer. It was delightful.
Colletta di Castelbianco was a complete surprise. It is a small village of 300-400
people that has totally reinvented itself from a rundown medieval "borgo" to a
modern 21st century internet village. The ancient architecture was respected
during a renovation of not just some of the buildings, but all the buildings - the
entire village Ð with the contemporary conveniences of high-speed broadband internet
and digital TV discreetly added throughout the village. Its website tells the story
well with photographs and details of many other sites in the Western Riviera:
www.colletta.it. Business people from Europe, especially Great Britain, are finding
Colletta a perfect spot to reside or vacation while retaining their connections to
the world through cyber space.
The food and wine of Liguria are distinctive. The flavors are light and delicate,
yet very satisfying. The pesto is flavorful, yet also very delicate. It is used
creatively on pasta, fish, and meat; its high quality has to be connected to the
composition of the soil in Albenga, where the basil grows. Similarly, the olive
oil from Luguria is light and delicate, made 100 percent of local native Taggiasca
olives Ð very different from the olive oils of Tuscany and Umbria. On fish, it was
exceptional.
I was aware of the quality and characteristics of the wines of Riviera di Pomente
from my sommelier training in Italy. This trip I discovered some white wines that
are truly impressive. If you make the decision to travel to the Riviera, look for
Pigato Riserva - a truly handcrafted wine. Drink as much as you can while you
are there because you won't find this wine leaving the region anytime soon.
Excellent accommodations throughout the region. Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, the Cinque Terre, Genova the region capital all offer excellent lodging facilities. I love the Residenza Palazzo Vescovile in Noli, great view over a small bay, first class restaurant. Please, do not hesitate if you need help in selecting a place to stay.
FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: 1-888/287-8733
or email:
info@travelingtoitaly.com
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