HIKING THE 5 VILLAGES OF THE CINQUE TERRE, THE LIGURIA COAST, ITALY April 27 - May 3, 2008   $975 Dick Ernenwein, Ken Kaufman, Trip Leaders TRIP NOW FULL - CONTACT LEADERS FOR WAIT LIST The original trip offered by Dick Ernenwein is full however if there is enough interest a second section will be added using the same dates and itinerary and led as a separate trip by Ken Kaufman. The first image that comes to mind when one thinks of the Cinque Terre is that of rugged mountain terrain, with dry stone walls holding up vineyards all looking down at the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. It is comprised of five miles of rocky coast in eastern Liguria, two promontories lie at each extremity; thousands of kilometers of dry walling, cultivated into vineyards; five villages castled up in spurs of stone nestled in clusters in very small inlets. This little chunk of the Italian Riviera was first described in medieval times as the “5 lands”. In feudal times, this land was watched over by castles and tiny communities grew up in their protective shadows. Vineyards and olive trees are everywhere on the mountain slopes, so wine and olive oil are everywhere on their tables. The mountain slopes along the coast of the Cinque Terre all fall sheer to the Mediterranean Sea, with vertical cliffs alternating with small creeks and enchanting small beaches among the rocks. The only true way to enjoy the Cinque Terre is by foot. You soon come under the magic of this landscape and its panoramas suspended between sky and sea. A myriad of paths link the various villages and their neighboring mountain top hamlets. Coastal paths link all five villages. When Dick first traveled by car to this famous region in October 2006, he drove along the extremely narrow mountain roads 2000 ft. to 3000 ft. above Cinque Terre. He was stunned by its beauty and by the contrast of the cliff side villages against the blue Mediterranean. After hiking it for a couple days, he knew he would lead an ADK trip here soon. Although spectacular, you can explore it thoroughly in just a few days. Thus, he designed this trip to be shorter than our usual trips so that our ADK participants could use it as an introduction to a longer visit to Tuscany, Genova, Lucca, Florence, Sienna and all the Hill Towns nearby. In fact, Cinque Terre makes a wonderful gateway to Tuscany.     There will be 5 hikes on this trip. The level of daily hiking will be moderate. Each day we will hike 5 to 7 hours with elevation gains from 500 ft. to 2500 ft. We will be based in Monterosso in a 2- 3 star hotel; lodging in a double room (or single room -extra) with bathroom ensuite. Daily Itinerary Included: Double room occupancy with breakfast Not included: airfare transfer to and from Monterosso local transportation on trains or ferry lunches and dinners For more information contact Ken Kaufman, 123 Jordan St, Skaneateles, NY 13152; (315) 685-5990; KaufmanPE@verizon.net Please note:  Prices and trip arrangements are subject to change due to circumstances beyond ADK's control. All registration fees are non-refundable. Details including cancellation policy will be supplied to all those requesting trip information. MEMBERSHIP IN THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN CLUB IS REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION  MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION