Italy
Cinque Terre, Carrara and Medieval Hill Towns
Program No. 14299RJ
Explore the Cinque Terre — the Italian Riviera’s colorful villages carved above the Mediterranean Sea — and learn about medieval life, Michelangelo and the history of nearby Lerici.
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At a Glance
Along this jeweled coast, the five villages of the Cinque Terre carve a charming niche where mountains plunge into the sparkling Mediterranean. By land and sea, discover the limitless inspiration of the Cinque Terre and Carrara. Learn why countless artists and authors have found muses in the seaside villages, terraced vineyards and rocky promontories of this area of the Italian Riviera.
Activity Level
Varies by date
Walking up to four miles a day; elective hiking opportunities. Extended standing during site visits with limited or no public seating. Uneven terrain, limited public handrails, unavoidable stairs, marble and terracotta flooring, cobblestones, steep inclines, loose gravel, dirt paths. Expect crowded conditions in pedestrian centers and museums. Program-related travel and transfers will be via bus and boat.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Discover how inhabitants carved vineyard terraces along the steep mountainside in the Cinque Terre.
- Walk scenic paths with breathtaking vistas of the mountains that plunge into the Mediterranean Sea.
- Consider the experiences of Romantic English poets who lived near and were inspired by the Bay of Lerici.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Jane Bacon-Fiori
Jane Bacon is an associate of the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art. She edited theater books, popular history, novels, and travel books for the London publisher Eyre Methuen for several years before moving to Italy. Jane lives in the little-known corner of Tuscany called the Lunigiana, where she continues to teach, write, and study Anglo-American writers who spent most of their lives in Tuscany.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Umberto Cattani
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Umberto Cattani is a licensed group leader in Florence, Carrara and the Cinque Terre, and has been working with the Trinity College for 15 years. After completing his studies in accounting, Umberto worked in Parma as a sales manager for a clothing manufacturer. At the start of the new millennium, he discovered his real passion for guiding, and completed the required courses in art history, archaeology and history to achieve his new goal. Umberto lives in Carrara with his wife and daughter.
Jane Bacon-Fiori
View biography
Jane Bacon is an associate of the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art. She edited theater books, popular history, novels, and travel books for the London publisher Eyre Methuen for several years before moving to Italy. Jane lives in the little-known corner of Tuscany called the Lunigiana, where she continues to teach, write, and study Anglo-American writers who spent most of their lives in Tuscany.
Giulia Marsigli
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Giulia completed her degree in foreign languages and cultures at the Università degli studi di Genova. She loves being active, traveling and meeting new people. She honed her English skills as an exchange student at a Seattle high school. She perfected her French while working as a sailing coach at a resort in Tunisia. In Tanzania, she taught English and picked up some Swahili. Giulia lives in a village near Lerici and is a licensed leader for the province, including Portovenere and the Cinque Terre.
Olivia Fiori
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Olivia Fiori has spent most of her life living in Tuscany apart from a period in England where she attended the University of London and earned a degree in French and Spanish literatures. During her childhood and since she returned to Italy, she has helped run her parents’ bed and breakfast, cooking many of the local dishes for their clients — in particular, those dishes of the so-called Cucina Povera which have now become part of the traditional Tuscan cuisine in many restaurants.
Michela Ceccarini
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Michela Ceccarini has a passion for foreign languages and cultures, but particularly enjoys sharing the wonders of Genoa, Italy, with lifelong learners from around the world. A Road Scholar group leader for nearly a decade, Michela is also the founder of Genova Insieme, an association that organizes cultural events in Genoa, educational activities for schools and excursions to art cities in Italy. In addition, she also consults in foreign public relations for companies and accompanies Italian groups to Scandinavia.
Franco Ressa
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Franco Ressa enjoys his work as an environmental guide in the Apuan Alps and Cinque Terre National Parks, introducing visitors to the history and natural beauty of Liguria and Tuscany. Born in a city and raised by the sea Franco has chosen to live in close contact with nature in the Lunigiana hills above La Spezia. He and his wife run a small farm. His hobbies include hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, gardening, and playing guitar.
Suggested Reading List
(9 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Cinque Terre, Carrara and Medieval Hill Towns
Program Number: 14299
Art in Renaissance Italy
A comprehensive and insightful exploration of the art and culture that defined the Italian Renaissance. The book provides a rich and detailed overview of the period from the 13th to the 16th century, during which Italy witnessed a flourishing artistic achievement. Readers are guided through the major artistic centers of the Renaissance, including Florence, Rome, Venice, and Siena, as they delve into the works of renowned artists such as da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael. The authors offer a deep analysis of the various artistic forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts, while delving into the social, political, and religious contexts that shaped this remarkable period.
The Enchanted April
"The Enchanted April" by Elizabeth von Arnim is a classic novel that transports readers to the idyllic Italian Riviera during the early 20th century. The story revolves around four very different women who, feeling trapped in their mundane lives in England, decide to rent a charming Italian villa for a month in April. Lotty Wilkins, Rose Arbuthnot, Lady Caroline Dester, and Mrs. Fisher embark on this journey seeking renewal and escape from their respective troubles.
The Recollections of the Last Days of Shelley and Byron
Edward Trelawney offers a firsthand, contemporary account of the final days of two literary giants, Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron, during their time in Italy. Edward Trelawney, a close friend of both poets, provides intimate and vivid recollections of their lives, personalities, and creative processes. Set against the backdrop of the early 19th century, the book delves into the poets' intellectual pursuits, their relationships with fellow Romantics, and the literary and social circles they moved in. Trelawney offers readers a glimpse into the idyllic yet tumultuous lives of Shelley and Byron as they navigated love affairs, artistic endeavors, and their time's political and social climate.
Beautiful Ruins
Beautiful Ruins primarily unfolds on the picturesque Italian coastline, where a young innkeeper encounters a beautiful and mysterious actress named Dee Moray. Their chance meeting sets off a series of events that reverberate through time, connecting the lives of various characters, including a jaded Hollywood producer and an aspiring novelist.
Blue Guide Liguria
This guidebook offers in-depth historical and cultural context, detailed information on art, architecture, and historical sites, and practical tips for exploring Liguria's cities, towns, and natural landscapes.
Food Wine The Italian Riviera & Genoa
"Food Wine The Italian Riviera & Genoa" by David Downie is a delightful culinary exploration of Italy's picturesque Italian Riviera and the vibrant city of Genoa. This book offers a delectable journey through the region's diverse and delectable cuisine, highlighting its seafood delicacies, fresh produce, and flavorful wines. Alongside the culinary adventures, the book also delves into the cultural and historical aspects of the Italian Riviera and Genoa.
Saving Italy: The Race to Rescue a Nation's Treasures from the Nazis
Focused on the period from 1943 to 1945, "Saving Italy" sheds light on the extensive looting and destruction perpetrated by the Nazis and their allies as they occupied Italy. Centered around the work of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program, a group of art experts and military personnel, the book tells the story of their race against time to locate, recover, and safeguard Italy's artistic treasures. The book highlights the determination of individuals who risked their lives to rescue masterpieces, including iconic works by artists like Michelangelo and da Vinci, from the clutches of the Nazis.
Blue Guide Tuscany
This guidebook is a treasure trove of historical and cultural information, providing travelers with a deep understanding of Tuscany's rich heritage, art, architecture, and traditions. It covers renowned cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa, charming towns, rolling countryside, and idyllic vineyards along with detailed maps, practical advice, and recommendations for accommodations and dining.
Extra Virgin: A Young Woman Discovers the Italian Riviera, Where Every Month Is Enchanted
Annie Hawes pens a delightful memoir that takes readers on a journey to the enchanting Italian Riviera. The book chronicles the author's decision to move to a remote village in Liguria, Italy, where she and her sister, Lucy, purchase a run-down farmhouse. As they immerse themselves in the local culture, they encounter a cast of colorful characters and embrace the beauty of the Italian countryside. Through the changing seasons, Annie and Lucy discover the joys and challenges of rural life, from tending to olive groves and making wine to participating in traditional festivals.