One of our favourite places in Italy which we would highly recommend you visit is Cinque Terre. It is on the coast of the Ligurian Sea and one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. Cinque Terre is 5 coastal villages that are connected by walking trails that are about 14 km long and raised high above the sea but right on the shoreline. The view is outstanding as you peer out into the deep blue sea while surrounded by olive groves and beautiful old villages built hundreds of years ago.

Since we were travelling with another family and there were 8 of us in total it was difficult to find accommodation in one of the 5 villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore) so we stayed in La Spezia in the Jolly Hotel. The Jolly Hotel was fantastic and actually had the best breakfast and coffee of any hotel we stayed in over our 17 days in Italy. I'd recommend 3 nights to anyone and suggest you also tour La Spezia which to has a German influence - probably because it's further north. The small city of La Spezia is extremely clean with lots of areas with no cars - only restaurants and stores. If there, also check out Porto Venere and the old castle there.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Craig Rennick