Vernazza and Manarola

With the weather forecast to be hot, dry and sunny we decided to do the most popular two Terre villages  today. So after a good breakfast on the top floor of the hotel with views of the mountains

we set off for the station. Our hotel is virtually opposite so less than five minutes. We bought our go anywhere two day passes for 29 Euros each.

A nice old train awaited us at what is the terminus for the Cinque Terre.

This old looking double deck carriage - all the rest of the train was single deck - was on the next platform

The old carriages have plenty of lounging room!

 So we arrive nice and early at Vernazza before the crowds arrive and we walk down the narrow main street to the harbour area.

The best views of the harbour are up in the hills so off we treck on the narrow dusty and steep path. First we have to go past a toll booth as the paths are charged for. we do not have to pay as our two day ticket includes the walks.

The views are worth the effort!

We are train people but we could have done it by boat

We got a view of the fort the other side of the harbour so back through the narrow alley ways down to the harbour and back up the other side to the fort!

Alan went up the tower while Jack had a rest.

 The best view of the harbour side church were from the fort. We had already been inside when IB took this photo: not bad for hand held 1/4 second exposure!

Gelato time! Stracciatella and salted caramel for IG and cherry with fruits of the forest for IB. We eat them on a bench watching the locals washing dry.

Still not good at the selfie!

Our guide book told us the very best views were from the even higher cemetery so off we went and the views on the way up and at the top did not disappoint.

This is how Italians do cemetries!

So back down the steep steps and though tunnel alley ways.

It was now midday so off to the next Terre, here is IG waiting for the train in a tunnel!

After arriving at Manarola station we first walk along the railway line to get a view of the station and village along the coast line

Manarola is approached down a tunnel adjacent to the rail tunnel and here it is with it's obligatory busker

Then a short walk down the main street to the very busy harbour

To get a view back at the village and harbour we again have to climb up a steep path, and the views are worth the effort

and views up the coast to the next villages

We are getting hungry now so as it is Italy we settle for fish and chips. Fairly expensive but surprisingly tasty!

A little more exploring but we are hitting the wall and decide we need a siesta back at our hotel. Arrive at the station to be told our train is 15 minutes late. In the end it is 35 minutes late: pressure of passenger numbers - straight out of the book of standard Wightlink excuses. On a previous trip our slow train was put on the wrong platform at a station to allow an express through!

After our siesta we have a stroll down to the impressive seafront and harbour at La Spezzia.

Guess who's on his horse - eating a biscuit we imagine!

Then back through the main street for an excellent dinner .

IB's Raviolli home made and excellent!

The weather has been perfect today and tomorrow's forecast is not so good. The internet is mega for a hotel and that makes this rather long blog possible!