5 August - Lerici (At Steph and Stefano's villa).

Michael and I left to catch the ferry to Monterosso which took 2 hours after calling into 3 of the 4 other towns on the way: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza and onto Monterosso. The middle town, Corniglia was closed due to landslides therefore two paths were closed. We walked the 1st and most difficult leg of the Cinque Terre up 700 steps (which nearly killed me) then down to Vernazza a beautiful little town. 

These 5 hamlets are located on the west coast of the Riviera some cling to the cliff face or concealed in miniature inlets such as Manarola. The area has been turned into a National Park and proclaimed heritage of mankind by UNESCO. 

We were away till 1830 and came "home" to Steph's for a yummy meal. 

Our 1st port of call is Porto Venere which is just before the start of the Cinque Terre. 

Leaving Manarola. 

The start of our trek to Vernazza from Monterosso. 

Along narrow paths before the steps started. 

I'm buggered!

 

Then the downhill. 

Arriving at Vernazza. 

A well deserved beer in Vernazza which took us 1.40 hrs to complete. 

About to catch the ferry from Vernazza. 

On our way back on the ferry leaving Riomaggiore clinging to the cliff face on a rocky outcrop. 

Back to Porto Venere on way home to Lerici.

Back to Steph & Stefano's absolutely nackered!

A welcome swim in the Stefanini's pool. Michael is actually in!

A great casual evening at "home". 

From their balcony.