We got up Friday ready to go explore the last 2 towns in Cinque Terre – Corniglia and Vernazza. Even taking the train to Corniglia there is a hike to get up to the town. We wanted to get there fairly early to hike up there before it got too hot.

While I was waiting for everyone to be ready to go to the train I went out and took more pictures by the sea.

The hike up to Corniglia was up a steep hill through a nice switch back path. Along the way there were people selling different items and a couple of gentlemen playing some music. I had to take several breaks on the way up. This picture is from about half way up looking back at the train tracks.

A view of some of the vineyards on the hill.

Look at all those stairs!

We made it to the top sweaty and out of breath but we made it! We took a look around and found a nice little church, little alleys and beautifully colored homes.

We found this charming little restaurant to get a drink and a snack. We had the most delicious mimosas I’ve ever had. They didn’t have them on the menu but we asked our server about them and he knew what we wanted so he made us some. They were in this huge goblet of a glass with fresh squeezed orange juice. I ordered bruschetta with avocado, tomato and egg. It was like having guac on toast – actually really good. I still can’t get over that mimosa, best I’ve ever had!

After our break we walked around the town some more. Made our way to the ocean view.

Jamar’s “influencer” photo

I think this is a beautiful photo of my friend Amy as we walk back down the path from Corniglia.

Look at all those stairs and all those people! So glad we got up there early.

This is a look back at the climb we just made. It was so worth it. Corniglia was one of our favorites!

When we got back down we went to the train and took it to Vernazza. What a charming town. This one is also a favorite. The movie Luca is based on this town. You can definitely see the resemblance.

Another stop for gelato.

Down by the water we met this cute guy! He was giving lots of love and was letting people take pictures of him. He called me bellissima (beautiful) and asked to take a picture. We decided a group photo with him was in order. He then told us he was going back home to eat bread and drink water because he had no money.

Just couldn’t get enough pictures of this place!

After exploring Vernazza we took the train back to Monterosso. We had some time before our scheduled dinner so we went down to the water. The sand was not soft but rocky. I wanted to go swimming but didn’t want to get wet and have to change so I just put my feet in again.

When Brandi booked our apartment the host asked if we’d like to have dinner at his Vineyard one the nights we were there. It sounded like fun so we all agreed. I am so glad we did. It was the most amazing experience and the highlight of the trip for me. When he met us at the apartment the day before he told us it was a 15 minute walk up hill to a monorail that would then take us up to the Vineyard for dinner. He told us he could have a taxi pick us up to take us to the drop off location. We opted to do that.

The night of the dinner the taxi picked us up right outside the apartment and drove us up the hill. He dropped us off seemingly in the middle of no where. Brandi called Philipo when we were dropped off and he said he would be right down to get us. When we saw him coming down the monorail I gotta say we were a bit freaked out, it was a steep mountain and at times it looked like he was completely vertical. We were ready for the adventure though and climbed right into the 2 wagon like seats.

It was so much fun! We were laughing and taking in the views the whole way up. About 3/4 of the way up the motor stopped. He said it was because there was something in the way but we all believe it got overheated hauling our American butts up that thing! No worries though after a cool down it started right up and we made it to the top.

When we got to the top we saw this beautiful table and realized we were the only ones that would be there! While Philipo got everything ready he poured us a bottle of wine and we wandered around talking and looking at the view of Monterosso and the sea.

Our first course was bruschetta! Right on, a favorite! Made with fresh tomatoes from his garden.

Next was bruschetta with pesto and aged parmesan. Ugh, take me back! It was sooo good.

For the pasta course he made us spaghetti. He told us it only had 3 ingredients – onions, tomatoes and wine, his grandmothers recipe. He simmered the tomatoes for hours in the wine to make the sauce. It was probably the best pasta I’ve ever had.

After the pasta we thought he was done but he told us he went to the market and got fresh fish for the meal. We couldn’t believe it! More! Turns out it was squid and he made calamari. Again, absolutely delicious.

After dinner he sat with us and we all talked, he told us about living in Texas for a few months and asked us about strange American customs. He told us how he had lived in Milan and worked for a pharmaceutical company and just decided he wanted a simpler life. His family owned the apartment we were staying in and used it as a summer home so he moved there and runs the Vineyard and maintains the apartment for 9 months and then he travels for 3. Sounds like a pretty great deal!

Once it was time to leave he told us he was going to send us down the monorail by ourselves. We thought oh no! But it was fine and we laughed and had a great time going down. We didn’t have a taxi to bring us back to the apartment so we walked down the hill, it wasn’t bad. We stopped back in the bar and had a drink before bed.

What an amazing time!