Ciao !
Buon Giorno everyone. We have been in Italy for the past week. We took the train from france across the border and along the coast from Nice to La Spezia via Genoa Fantastico !
Stayed 2 nights in Santa Margherita and used the hotel bikes to cycle to Portofino and visit the sites inc Giorgio Armanis villa. Watched pasta ( tortalini ) being made in the local past shop. Took train from Santa Margherita to La Spezia and stayed in Villa delle Palma which we found by chance on a local Italian tourist website. Owned by Signon and Signorita Tono who have lived in the villa since it was built in 1924.
Built on a hilll overlooking La Spezia towrads the sea and the surrounding bay.
Villa has approx 20 rooms and the owners (above) are 82 and 80 years old respectively.
Signorita only started the B&B 2 years ago when she was 78 !!!! because she was getting bored and wanted something to do !
The villa was full of antique Italian furniture and paintings and each room had a very dusty chandalier. Walls in our Bathroom were solid sheets of marble.
Breakfast was taken in the owners dining room with huge windows that gave magnificent views over the bay of La Spezia.
We spent 2 days visiting the Cinque Terre which are 5 small villages perched on the edge of cliffs along the coast, each only accessable by train or coastal paths, the Italian government 4 years ago made the area a national park and all building and development is now restricted.
The houses are all coloured in typical pastel shades of mustard, peach, apricot , burnt umber etc a painting in itself.
The villages are Monterosso, Vernazza, Coniglia, Manarola and Riomaggione, if anyone gets the opportunity to visit its worth every moment to savour the atmosphere and scenery.
Sunday 9th October we went to Porto Venere in glorious sunshine and walked the medieval parts of the town inc the fort and church of St Peter built on a rock overlooking the sea.
Monday 10th October came back to France for our last week before leaving for EYGPT.
WATCH this space, its Chestnut season and we have been invited to the local Chestnut festival in Berre Les Alpes. Will let you know details on next posting.
posted by MartineandMike @ 11:02 AM
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