HIKING THE 5 VILLAGES OF THE CINQUE TERRE, ITALY September 6 - 12, 2009  $1050 Gene Kaczka, Trip Leader 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. Cinque Terre consists of five miles of rocky coast in eastern Liguria with two promontories at each extremity and in between thousands of kilometers of dry walling, cultivated into vineyards. All five villages are castled up in spurs of stone nestled in clusters in very small inlets cut into the cliffs. This little chunk of the Italian Riviera was first described in medieval times as the “Five Lands”. In Feudal times, this land was watched over by castles and tiny communities grew up in their protective shadows. Named Cinque Terre (Five Lands) in 1448, within the last 10 years it has become a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Vineyards and olive trees are everywhere on the hills, so wine and olive oil are everywhere on their tables. The hills and mountains along the coast of the Cinque Terre fall steeply to the Mediterranean Sea, with vertical cliffs punctuated by small creeks and enchanting beaches among the rocks. The best 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. Cinque Terre landscape is harsh and wild. A myriad of paths link the various villages and their neighboring mountain top hamlets perched on high cliffs above the Ligurian Sea. Coastal footpaths link all five villages. There are numerous low and high paths connecting the crest villages with the sea villages. Spectacular views of cliffs, coasts, and cultivated terraces are offset against rich Mediterranean flora and varied fauna.         When my wife and I first traveled to this famous region in May 1999, we were stunned by its beauty and by the contrast of the cliff side fishing villages against the blue Mediterranean. After several hiking days along the coast and the high trails in chestnut and conifer forests, followed by relaxed dining in the seaside villages, we were entranced. Although the setting is spectacular, you can explore it in just a few days. Thus, this trip is designed to be shorter than many ADK trips so that participants can use it as an introduction to a longer visit to Tuscany. Genova, Lucca. Florence, Sienna, and all the Hill Towns of Tuscany are nearby. In fact, Cinque Terre makes a wonderful gateway to Tuscany. There will be 5 hikes on this trip. We will hike over farmland tilled for centuries where rosemary, thyme, and basil will pique our appetites for the area’s famous pesto, seafood and white wines. Daily Itinerary Included: Double room occupancy with breakfast Not included: Airfare Transfers to and from Cinque Terre Local transportation on the ferry or trains All lunches and dinners. (Note: The local hotels do not have a dinner option available in the room rate, and it is impractical to include an allowance in the trip cost for restaurant meals, which would only increase the trip cost. Therefore, lunch and dinner will be on your own. That way you only pay for what you choose to eat. We will buy food locally for trail lunches, or stop for lunch at a local inn or café. Dinners will be in local restaurants with participants making their selections off the menu.) For more information contact Gene Kaczka, PO Box 302, Hannawa Falls, NY 13647; (315) 265-4806; gckaczka@twcny.rr.com PRICING: THIS TRIP IS SUBJECT TO AN INCREASE IN COST AT ANY TIME UNTIL THE TRIP'S DEPARTURE DATE. BECAUSE THIS IS AN INTERNATIONAL TRIP AND THE PRICE FOR THIS TRIP WAS ESTABLISHED IN AUGUST OF 2008, IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR A SURCHARGE IF THE VALUE OF THE DOLLAR CONTINUES ITS STEADY 3 YEAR DECLINE AGAINST THE EURO. 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