A Mother-Son Adventure in Cinque Terre

We flew non-stop from Los Angeles to Florence. We opted to spend a few days in Florence before our group walking tour started. We stayed at The Palace Firenze. Hotel Lungarno was also considered an excellent choice. Both hotels are located in the heart of the city and offer great service in an intimate atmosphere.

Our adventure started in Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the Cinque Terre villages. With no planned activities until the evening, we had the freedom to wander through the narrow streets, admiring the colorful houses stacked along the steep hillsides. The welcome meeting in the evening introduced us to our group and set the stage for the days ahead. We discussed the itinerary and what awaited us.

The first full day was dedicated to hiking the famed coastal trail connecting Riomaggiore to Monterosso. This journey through all five villages offered breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea and the national park. Starting with the Via Dell'Amore from Riomaggiore to Manarola, we enjoyed an easy path that set the tone for the trip. The hike from Manarola to Corniglia, though challenging with its 360 steps, rewarded us with stunning vistas from Corniglia's cliff-top perch.

The trail from Corniglia to Vernazza presented more of a challenge (more for me than my young son), with narrow paths and steep ascents, but the beauty of Vernazza's bay was worth it. The final stretch to Monterosso was the most demanding, yet the views of olive orchards and vineyards made every step worthwhile. Ending our day in Monterosso, we indulged in fresh seafood and local wine (I tried to get my son to try some wine, after all, it’s legal in Italy), toasting our accomplishments and remembering my mom.

Seeking a little more solitude, we ventured onto the higher trails of the Cinque Terre. This inland route, less frequented by tourists, wound through shady woodlands, offering glimpses of the breathtaking panorama below. The tranquility of these paths was a stark contrast to the busy coastal trail.

With a free day today, we had the opportunity to explore the Cinque Terre further and engage in a few fun activities. We chose a boat trip to Palmaria Island, admiring the Gulf of La Spezia's from the sea. The option to visit Portofino and walk to the San Fruttuoso Sanctuary was tempting, but the allure of the Cinque Terre's beaches won us over. We earned a much needed a day to relaxation.

Our group adventure came to a close on the fifth day, leaving us sad that it was ending, but filled with gratitude for the experiences shared. We met some wonderful people, including a young Canadian couple on their honeymoon and a college student from the UK. Cinque Terre offered us more than just stunning landscapes; it provided a backdrop for meaningful conversations, shared stories and lots of discovery.

We extended our trip and took a train to Genoa, the home of pesto, and took a cooking class. My son got to try Limoncello for the first time and make pesto. We stayed at the Hotel Bristol Place, which is a 4-star Preferred Hotel & Resort, located in the heart of Genoa. It’s Genoa’s grand dame. But the Splendido, a Belmond hotel, was also a great option. Note the Genoese are not big into big breakfasts or brunch so don’t plan on finding eggs, rather enjoy a light breakfast of espresso and pastries.

Parts of Genoa’s old city still look and feel like the Middle Ages. The cobblestone alleyways are so narrow that you can stretch out your arms and touch buildings on either side of the street. We spent some time getting lost, which is easy to do. Don’t miss the San Lorenzo Cathedral (Piazza San Lorenzo), which dates back to the ninth century.

This mother-son trip to the Cinque Terre was a testament to the power of travel in bringing our family closer. Walking the narrow trails, savoring the local cuisine and experiencing the beauty of the Italian Riviera together has not only created lasting memories, but has also deepened our bond in ways we could never have imagined. For those seeking a unique and meaningful travel experience, the Cinque Terre offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture and natural beauty.

We booked the G Adventures Cinque Terre Coastal Walk, which is now part of this 7-day G Adventure trip. There is also this 14-day option.