Cinque Terre Boat Tours

An extraordinary way to visit the Cinque Terre and the Gulf of La Spezia!

Enjoy a relaxing boat trip and discover the hidden beauties of Cinque Terre and the Gulf of La Spezia while cruising along the terrific coastline of the National Park aboard one of our premium quality boats.

Explore Cinque Terre like a local with your knowledgeable private Tour Guide.

Lunch/appetizer/ wine tasting/ beverages are included during the boat trip.

Cinque Terre Wine & Walking Tour

Walking Tours Saison in 5 Terre is not over yet!

Starting from December book your  half-day itinerary to discover a village of the 5 Terre. At the end of the tour there will be a relaxing stop in a local wine shop, with a tasting of local wines.

AIS Sommeliers will share with you the wonder of flavors, aromas and traditions of the Cinque Terre Wines.

Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing

(E.Hemingway)

Fortifications in the Gulf of La Spezia

The Gulf of La Spezia can be considered perhaps the only one within Europe with the highest military structures, meaning by this term a series of fortifications (batteries, forts, towers) built to defend a first military arsenal.

Already Napoleon in 1808 with his decree put pen to paper which fortifications should be built in order to defend his arsenal and where: a first fort at Castellana, one at Muzzerone, some on the Palmaria island and Tino island, in Maralunga, while other fortifications, already existing in the gulf, should have been reinforced.

The Napoleonic ideas were taken up and implemented by Cavour, starting from 1857. When in 1860 La Spezia was indicated as the ideal site for the construction of the current arsenal, the bilding of the first forts and the first batteries began.

Map of the main batteries / fortifications in the Gulf of La Spezia

 

Chestnuts: tradition & culture in Vara valley

The time of the chestnut harvest, from mid-October to mid-November was a great event for the communities of the Vara valley and in some small villages it is still a very heartfelt tradition. Entire families gathered in the chestnut groves to collect not only the fruits but also the leaves, which were then placed in the huts with thatched roofs to be used as litter in the stables during the winter. The chestnut tree (Castanea Sativa) was often called “bread tree” and it can still be considered the symbol of the Vara valley. In fact, it allowed the economic, social and cultural development of the entire territory. Nowadays chestnut woods

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A yummy weekend? Levanto Walkingtour & Brunch!

Every weekend, until mid-November we spoil you!

You will have the opportunity to combine your guided tour of Levanto with a delicious brunch! After a pleasant walk along the alleys and the historic center of Levanto, a pleasant moment of relaxation and taste awaits you!

An opportunity to discover the history of the village and to taste some typical products.

Looking forward to spend a nice morning with you!

Levanto at the beginning of the XX century

A postcard from the early 1900s and a blast from the past!

At the beginning of the ‘900 the life in Levanto was quiet, with no industries, with a mainly local trade and with an agriculture not susceptible to major changes. However, the construction of the new railway section Genoa – La Spezia (1872-1873) and the consequent arrival of the first tourists, gave a new impetus to the emerging economy. Construction became more beautiful, more rational; streets and squares, new palaces and new buildings took the place of old houses to accommodate families who became wealthy or rich and the villas of the “foreign tourists” arose numerously.

The first bathing establishments equipped with sanitary equipment were born, with a vast solarium and beaches of fine sand. In the early 1900s there were the Sirio, Eden and Vallesanta Baths. The Bagni Eden in the first post-war period were rebuilt in rationalist style with a seawater pool. The Casino of Levanto was actually a gaming hall and exerted a strong appeal especially towards an “aristocratic” tourism.

The villas built along the “Passeggiata della Pietra” are the tangible example of elite tourism that visited often Levanto in those years. The monumental complex of the Agnelli Family, with an immense park, swimming pool and tennis courts, built by the founder of Fiat at the foot of the promontory of Punta Mesco is the image of this development that the town had. Summer evenings came alive at the Casino’s gaming tables and parties were never lacking in its large ballroom. During the day, however, at the edge of the pool, with trampoline and platform, the most prominent families bathed and sunbathed. Still in the 60s artists and songwriters of international fame performed there, such as Mina, Ornella Vanoni and Gino Paoli, Casino manager at the time.

 

 

 

Focaccia bread

Have you been to Liguria and have you fallen in love with Focaccia?

I know..it happens so often! If you would like to try to do it at home and if you would like to amaze family and friends here you will find my special recipe.

Focaccia Ligure
Recipe:

500 gr soft wheat flour / half cube of brewer’s yeast/ 250 ml water / olio extra vergine d’oliva / 15 gr table salt

Knead the flour with the brewer’s yeast, previously dissolved in the lukewarm water and the table salt. Put the mixture, which will be slightly sticky, in a baking tray greased with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and let it rise in a warm place for about 40 min. Spread the dough with your hands slightly oiled, without removing it from the baking tray. Whisk 1/2 teacup of extra virgin olive oil with the same quantity of water and spread 2/3 of this mixture onto the focaccia surface. Let rise 1 more hour. Take the oven temperature to 250°C and with your fingertips make the typical focaccia holes on the dough, then wet it with the remaining oil and water emulsion, sprinkle with salt and put immediately in the oven. Cook for about 15-20 min. until the focaccia is golden brown.

Buon appetito!

http://www.liguria.guide/portfolio/ligurian-recipies/

 

Happy Mothers’ Day!

A great way to celebrate your mum is taking her to a trip!

Let’s enjoy a day on the coast, have fun in the Cinque Terre or all through the Province of La Spezia.

More ideas and itineraries on www.liguria.guide

Your best Private Tour Guide for Cinque Terre, La Spezia, Portovenere, Lerici, Sarzana.

ULTIMATE WINE TASTING TOUR IN 5 TERRE

The territory of 5 Terre and the coastline from Levanto up to La Spezia offers a wide range of itineraries: full day excursions by boat or train, half day excursions discovering the Gulf of La Spezia, Lerici and Portovenere, though for my most passioned guests I’m glad to offer an “ultimate wine tasting tour”

Join me for a  visit to local cellars and have a chat with our producers and winemakers.

Sipping a glass of 5 Terre wine is like looking through the wild beauty of our land, knowing the history of wine and our coast, understanding the tough life of farmers and winemakers through the centuries, learning to preserve a fragile environment.

Tailor-made tours on request for couples and small groups available.

Anchovies Festival Monterosso 2016

Enjoy the taste of our delicious anchovies and come to Monterosso for a funny and tasty experience! The Anchovies Festival in Monterosso is unique and not to be missed while in the Cinque Terre.

Stands downtown will offer to tourists and locals anchovies prepared in different ways: fried, marinated, salted, bruschette…indulge yourself and discover Cinque Terre and our traditions with a local native tour guide.

Tours and tailor-made itineraries for foodies, groups or families are available on request.

Discover more – Enjoy your vacation

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