Comments on: The Culinary Trip of a Lifetime – Part 2 (Cinque Terre)

By: foodforthoughtblog

foodforthoughtblog — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 20:00:50 +0000

Wow, that is so crazy we had almost the same itinerary! We loved Vernazza and we ate at various places and I honestly dont remember the names. They were all so amazing! You should have pesto and seafood as it is super fresh and the local specialty. In Venice I wouldnt say we had a memorable meal, but in Como we went to a cooking class from Varena (they took you to a small village about 10 minutes away) and the chef was Moreno. It was AMAZING – most memorable meal of the trip by far. It takes a leisurely 4 hours or so, but you have an amazing meal and learn so much! You can learn more here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187837-d1091635-r115943933-Ristorante_Il_Caminetto_Cookery_Lessons-Varenna_Lake_Como_Lombardy.html

I hope this helps! Let me know how your trip is! I am sure it will be amazing! Also, Venice might seem overwhelming, but I didn’t think it was too much, especially at night. The tour buses leave and it is quiet and romantic. If you get lost, someone will always point you in the right direction and it isnt too big an area so you truly can’t go too far! I recommend having a drink in the square at night – with the wine and string quartets and lights, it is just the most romantic place in the world! I hope you have an amazing time!

By: foodforthoughtblog

foodforthoughtblog — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:56:14 +0000

Hi Brenda! Yes there is a trail between all 5 villages. When we were there, the trail from Vernazza and Monterosso was closed due to rain, but we took the train to the last village, then hiked back to our village of Vernazza. We stopped in each village and had some food, gelato, or just wandered around. I am not sure you need a full day per village, but staying in Monterosso, you can do the full hike in one day or break it up into two. The train system in between village is super easy and cheap so if you dont want to keep hiking, you can always take the train home! I hope this helps! It is such a beautiful area – you will have an amazing time! Have fun!

By: Brenda

Brenda — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 20:11:04 +0000

Your post is great! We are honeymooning in Europe in a couple weeks and spending 4 nights in Cinque Terre (Monterosso). We will definitely take your culinary recommendations into consideration! Are you able to walk between all the villages? Would you recommend we do a village per day?
Any additional info you have would be welcomed!

By: pittiefullove

pittiefullove — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 19:33:30 +0000

Just stumbled upon your blog…when I was googling food tours in como… My husband and I are basically doing the exact same trip in sept (adding in Florence)… how crazy!? If you have any specific restaurant rec’s in Venice, Como or Cinque, please let me know! (we are staying in vernazza in Cinque, and Varenna in Como–nuts I know!).
I’m most overwhelmed about Venice-since i’ve never been and it overwhelms me a bit!

By: foodforthoughtblog

foodforthoughtblog — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:40:11 +0000

Mary – of course! What kind of detail is helpful? (don’t want to overwhelm you but definitely want to give you what you need). Cities, hotels, memorable restaurants, attractions, etc. Let me know!
Best, Sarah

By: Mary Byrski

Mary Byrski — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:33:33 +0000

Holly – planning a trip this summer to Northern Italy. Would love your itinerary. Sounds like you had such a good time.

Mary

By: foodforthoughtblog

foodforthoughtblog — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 15:11:19 +0000

Hi Holly! We didn’t do anything guided, but I used TripAdvisor, Rick Steves and friends’ recommendations to plan our own trip. We used a couple private guides for day trips (Chianti wine region and Brunello wine region) which was well worth the cost. Otherwise we took trains and rented a car. I am happy to give you our itinerary if you find it helpful, just let me know you email and I will send to you! Happy to answer any specific questions you have on Italy!

By: Holly Hon

Holly Hon — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:40:17 +0000

Hi, Your trip looks amazing. Was this a guided tour or a self exploration?

If I would like to have a similar experience who have never been to that part of the country, do you think I will need a guide or can I do it myself if I would like a similar type of culinary experience?

Thank you.

Holly