Italian Alps vs. Swiss Alps

Dorf Tirol, Ialy

The Italian Alps have everything that the Swiss, French, and Austrian Alps offer; hiking, mountain huts, and breathtaking views, but at a more affordable price.  Zurich is often the most affordable airport to fly into in central Europe.  Do not be fooled.  Once you land, Switzerland is among the most expensive countries in the world for travelers.  While not exactly "budget travel," transportation, lodging, and dining are more affordable in Italy when compared to Switzerland, Austria, and France.  If you are planning a trip to the Italian Alps, there are two regions that I would consider, the Lakes and the Dolomites.

The Lakes 
The Lakes region of Italy is a picturesque meeting of the Alps, nature, and Italian culture. Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are both located only an hour north of the Milan, making them convenient get-aways.   Flights to Milan are among the most affordable in Europe, making it the Lakes an affordable way to experience the Alps. The city of Varenna is the best base to explore Lake Como, while Stresa is an excellent base for Lake Maggiore. Regardless of where you stay, be sure to take time to explore the region by ferries that serve the area.

Dolomites 

Alpe Di Siusi, Italy

The Dolomites  are saw-toothed mountains in Northwestern Italy popular with skiers and hikers alike. They are tied with New Zealand's South Island as my favorite place in the world. Located in the Tirol/Tyrol region of Italy, the area is dominated by the Austrian culture and German language. Bolzano, known as the "gateway to the Dolomites" serves as a great base to explore the region. Those who want to stay off the beaten path should also consider the charming and beautiful mountainside village of Dorf Tirol. Be sure your itinerary includes hiking in Alpe Di Siusi to fully experience the beauty the Dolomites.  

Photo of the Week: Gioto's Campanile

Florence's Cathedral is one of Europe's best.  Completed in 1436, it is more commonly known as "the Duomo" in reference to it's enormous dome designed byFilippo Brunelleschid .  I am not sure what I think about the colorful, but odd, facade that was added in the 1800's, but it certainly makes the Duomo unique.   

Gioto's Campanile

Pictured above is Gioto's Campanile, or bell tower, that rises 85 meters above Florence. Visitors can climb the 414 steps of the bell tower for a great view of Florence.  I chose to climb to the top of the Duomo (seen in the background) for an equally impressive view.

Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday" at the Budget Travelers Sandbox.  Please visit to check out other amazing photos! 

One Day Itinerary for Florence

Do you only have one day to spend in Florence, Italy?  Are you planning a cruise excursion of Florence?  The major sites can be experienced in one well-planned day because Florence is the most compact big city in Italy.  Here my suggested itinerary for what to see in one day in Florence.  

Gallery Accademia (David)
Michaelangelo's David is does not disappoint, and is well worth all the hubbub.  There isn't much  to see beyond David and Michaelangelo's Prisoners, so it will take you less than an hour to view the gallery.

• If you have not made reservations or own the Florence Card (see below), begin your day at the Accademia.  The line to enter the Accademia forms well before it opens at 8:15am.  I would suggest being in line by 7:30am so that you are one of the first groups to enter.  If you plan it right, this should be the only significant line you encounter during the day.   

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio 
Ponte Vecchio, Florence's most famous bridge, is an easy site to tackle in just a few minutes.  The picturesque bridge's charm is mitigated by the jewelry shops, street vendors, and tourists that cover the area.  However, it is a great place to snap photos of the Arno River.

Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi is filled with works from Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and countless other Italian masters.  The gallery's most famous piece is Botticellis's Birth of Venus.  The gallery can be tackled in two hours, making it a great for a one-day blitz of Florence.

• If you do not have reservations for the Uffizi or have the Florence Card, stop by the Uffizi reserved ticket window before Ponti Vechio to buy reserved tickets to avoid standing in line for entry.  On our visit, we were able buy reserved tickets for entry an hour later, thus avoiding the line!

Climb the Duomo

View from the top of the Duomo

I enjoyed the experience of climbing Florence's famous Duomo much more than taking the traditional tour of "ground level" of the cathedral.  On your way up, you will get an up close look at the fresco painted by Andrea di Bonaiuto on the interior of the dome.  Once outside, you will have the best view in the city of Florence and Tuscany.

• Plan to climb the Duomo later in the afternoon when lines have died down, around 3:30pm or 4:00pm.  

Gelato Break
A visit to the Florence is not complete without a scoop or two of Italian ice cream. Florence claims to make the world's best gelato, and I cannot disagree.  You will have no trouble finding gelato in Florence as every street is dotted with gelato shops.

Palazzo Vecchio

Piazza della Signoria
The Piazza della Signoria is the center of politics, past and present, in Florence.  It is also the best place to take a break and people watch in Florence.  Overlooking the square is Palazzo Vecchio, the impressive town hall of Florence.  The square is also surrounded by several impressive statues, including a life sized copy of the David.

Travel Advice

• Rick Steves has created podcast audio tours of Europe that can be downloaded  in iTunes.  The free podcasts can replace the audio tours that you pay for in museums and galleries.  For Florence, the Accademia/David (21 minutes) and Uffizi (49 minutes) podcasts are especially helpful.  If you have  time in the morning, I would also take his 46 minute "Florence: Renaissance Walk Audio Tour," as a way to orientate yourself to the city.  
• It is possible to reserve tickets ahead of time for the Academia and Uffizi online.  Unfortunately, the official site for both Academia and Uffizi tickets http://www.firenzemusei.it/ is unreliable and charges a 4 EURO reservation fee.  Other sites that broker tickets charge considerably more, but they might be worth it if your time is limited in Florence.  
• If you fail to make reservations online at the Uffizi or Accadamia, you can still avoid lines by purchasing the Florence Card for 50 EURO.  The card is pricey, but it grants admission to most major museums in Florence, and allows you to skip lines.  The card be bought online http://www.firenzecard.it or in person at Uffizi Gallery door #2.  

Love Walk of the Cinque Terre

"Path of Love" between Riomaggiore and Manorola

There are many words to describe Italy's Cinque Terre; beautiful, rugged, charming, and romantic all accurately describe the area.  The Cinque Terre are five villages located along the Northwestern coast of Italy.  The villages are connected by hiking trails that hug seaside cliffs and meander through vineyards.  The shortest and easiest path connect the villages of Riomaggiore and Manorola.  The walk between Riomaggiore and Manorola has been nicknamed the "Path or Love" or "Love Walk" because of it's stunning views and wide path that couples can walk hand-in-hand.

What to Expect

The "Love Walk" is the only trail in the Cinque Terre than can be accessed by people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels.  All five villages and trails are part of the Cinque Terre National Park, which  is Italy's smallest National Park.  You will have to purchase an inexpensive Cinque Terre card (available at the beginning of each trail) to hike between towns.  Unlike most trails in the Cinque Terre, the "Love Walk" is wheel-chair-friendly, flat, and can easily be walked in 20-30 minutes.  However, most people take much longer to stroll the path in order to take in the views and snap photos.

Lovers' Chair Cinque Terre

To begin the "Love Walk" from Riomaggiore to Manorola, turn left out of Riomaggiore's train station and walk up the stairs or escalator to the start of the trail.  The entire path hugs the cliffs along the sea between the two villages. Midway between the villages is a sculpture of a kissing couple known as the "lovers chair."  It is a popular spot for real-life couples to sit down and steal a few kisses.  There is also a "lovers' fence" a few hundred yard further down the trail for couples to place a padlock to seal their love.  Most shops in the Riomaggiore and Manorola sell a padlocks for a few Euros for those that forget to bring their own.  The trail ends near the Manorola train station.   The "Love Walk" can be started from either village.  I would suggest taking the walk before dinner as the sun is setting and makings are return trip on the lighted path after dinner.

While the "Lovers' Path" is great, the Cinque Terre has much more to offer! Stay a few days in the area, pack sturdy shoes, and hike the challenging trails between other villages to discover views like this.

Just the Basics

Lovers' Fence Cinque Terre 

• Location: Cinque Terre National Park, Italy
• Time to Walk: 30 minutes
• What to Bring:  Cinque Terre Card, camera, padlock, and significant othe

Photo of the Week: Vernazza, Cinque Terre

Hiking the Cinque Terre, five small villages in the Italian Riviera, should be on everyone's bucket list.   Our decision to hike the Cinque Terre was made after seeing the Travel Channel feature the region's beauty and charm.  As impressive as the Cinque Terre looks in photos and video, nothing compares to seeing it in person.

This photo of Vernazza was taken on the challenging hike between Vernazza and Monterosso.  The steep climb between the villages is well worth the payoff; beautiful views of the Cinque Terra.  

Hike between Vernazza and Monterosso

Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday" at Budget Travelers Sandbox. Please the site to check out other amazing photos!  Are you planning a visit to the Cinque Terre?  Check out my post on how to book a great room in the Cinque Terre.  

What to Pack for Italy

Too often I've see a red-faced tourist haul huge pieces of luggage around the uneven streets of Italy.  They ruined their vacation through a common mistake made by novice travelers; over-packing.  Packing is an art that can make or break a trip.  If you are planning a trip to Italy (or anywhere in Europe) please heed the following simple tips to make the most of your trip.

1. Pack only one carry-on sized backpack.  

Any travel guru worth their salt espouses the virtues of traveling with one small backpack.  Less is more, especially for Italy.  Most people visit Italy during the summer which makes packing light especially vital.  Italy is HOT from June to September, and everything you bring will have to be lugged around airports, train train stations, stairs, and hilly streets.

I've traveled overseas for months at a time with only one backpack and never felt under-packed.  Personally, I would pack three to four shirts, one pair of shorts, one pair of light pants, a sturdy pair of walking shoes, and flip-flops for a summer trip to Italy.  Leave any item you  might need at home; it's easy to purchase necessities as you travel.

2.  Pack a Rick Steves Italy Guidebook.  

No, I'm not being paid by Rick.  His guidebooks are simply the best.  I have used other guidebooks when traveling Europe (such as Let's Go, Lonely Planet, and Eyewitness) but they were not as helpful.  In my experience, Rick is spot-on in using simple language to describe hotels, restaurants, and attractions.  The best dining and accommodation experiences we had in Italy all came from Rick Steves suggestions.  We also found his Italian phrasebook helpful, but isn't always necessary considering most Italians in tourist areas speak English.  If you are interested in buying one, Amazon usually has the best price.

3.  Pack a small Point-and-Shoot Camera

Unless you are a professional photographer, there is no need bring a SLR camera with all the fixings (lenses, tripod, case) on your trip.  For one, you will look like a ridiculous tourist with the thing hanging around your neck.  Second, most name brand point-and-shoot digital cameras are small, easy to carry, and take quality pictures.  My wife insisted on bringing her SLR camera to Italy this past summer, but ended up leaving it behind during our day trips because it was a pain to lug around.  In fact, our best pictures (including every photo on this blog) were all taken with my $100 camera.

My Favorite Place in the World

This week's photo holds a very special place in my heart.  It is of Brunnenburg Castle in Dorf Tirol, Italy.  The castle is nestled beautifully among the Alp's in the Tirol region of Northeastern Italy.  As a college student, I stayed at Brunnenburg while studying the language and culture of the region.  It was my first experience overseas, and it left an indelible impression on me.  This summer I was able to return again to Dorf Tirol, ten years after the fact.  This time, however, I was able to share the magic of the region with my wife.

Brunnenburg Castle, Dorf Tirol, Italy

Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday," started by Nancie at the Budget Travelers Sandbox. Please visit her site to check out other amazing photos!

Brunnenburg Castle

Brunnenburg ruined travel for me. Not because my time there was awful--quite the contrary. Ten years ago, I took my first trip overseas as part of a college language and culture course.  After thirty hours aboard airplanes and trains, words can't accurately describe how I felt upon first seeing Brunnenburg, nestled among vineyards in the Italian Alps.  I am not exaggerating when I say it was love at first sight.  Since that moment I have searched for a place that could give me the same "travel high" as Brunnenburg, but it is not to be.  The bar was set too high.  There is not a place more beautiful than this medieval castle on the edge of Dorf Tirol, Italy.  I made a return visit to Brunnenburg with my wife this past summer.  Selfishly, I wanted to revisit the magic of the area, but I also wanted my wife to see what I had been ranting and raving about all these years.  

What to Expect

Brunnenburg Agricultural Museum

Part of what makes Brunnenburg special is that is off-the-beaten-path for most Americans. Most tourist guidebooks say nothing about the entire area.  The castle is built onto a mountainside on the outskirts of Dorf Tirol, a small village perched above the larger city of Merano, Italy.  The region (known as Tirol/Tyrol) is Austrian in culture and language, though locals will also speak Italian.  The staff of Brunnenburg speak fluent English, but most locals do not, so pack your German or Italian phrase book!  

Brunnenburg Castle itself is many things; a residence, a agricultural museum and zoo, a classroom for college students, and a functioning vineyard.  It is the former residence of American poet Ezra Pound, whose family still own and operate the castle.  Brunnenburg is only open to the public (April-October) as an agricultural museum.  Even if you are not interested in the history of agriculture, Brunnenburg should still visited to experience it's beauty and charm.  If you take time to explore the nooks and crannies of the castle, you'll discover several ledges and windows with breathtaking views of the mountains and valley. The staff works hard to personalize the experience for visitors.  My wife and I chatted with staff for nearly an hour about the castle, wine, and hiking trails of the area.

View from Brunnenburg

My second visit to Brunnenburg only confirmed my belief that there is something magic about the castle and region.  Despite the language barrier, my wife and I felt strangely at home in Dorf Tirol.  The welcoming attitude of locals, laid-back culture, and beauty combine to make it impossible not to fall in love with Brunnenburg and Dorf Tirol. 

Just the Basics

• Cost:  3 EURO
• Hours of Operation: Sunday-Thursday 10am-5pm, April-October
• Resources:  http://www.dorf-tirol.it/en/tte8-Brunnenburg
• Advice: You may be able to purchase a bottle of wine made from castle's vinyard--ask the staff!

San Gimignano's Vineyards

It is hard to not like Tuscany.  The rolling hills, walled cities, and plentiful chianti all drew me to the area.  My only mistake was to go in July, when the oppressive nearly drove me mad.  However, even the heat couldn't detract from the charm of Tuscany, and I was eventually won over.  In this photo, you can see San Gimignano surrounded by Tucany's vineyards.  

San Gimignano surrounded by vineyards

Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday," started by Nancie at the Budget Travelers Sandbox. Please visit her site to check out other amazing photos!

Photo of the Week: Arno River

This week's photo comes to you from Florence, Italy.  This was my first visit to Florence, and I was surprised at easy it was to walk the city center.  Though our accommodation was across the river in Oltrarno, it only took us ten minutes to walk to the Duomo.  By the end of our stay, we ended up crossing the Arno over a dozen times, and each time I think I snapped a few photos.  This one is one of my favorites!

Catching a ride on the Arno in Florence

Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday," started by Nancie at the Budget Travelers Sandbox. Please visit her site to check out other amazing photos!

Best Grocery in Cinque Terre

Costevé Riomaggiore

The Cinque Terre, five seaside villages in Italy, is known for it's unique beauty. But it is not just the beauty of the villages that makes it special place to visit.  Despite being swarmed by tourists, the locals remain welcoming and helpful. The Costevé grocery store in Riomaggiore is a perfect example of the friendly attitude that can be found throughout the Cinque Terre.  You don't think the attitude of something as simple as a grocery store can add or detract to your vacation experience?  I beg you to visit Costevé to see what a difference can make.   

What to Expect 

Costevé is located on the main street of Riomaggiore, Via Colombo.  The store is small but you will find everything you'll need for snacks and basic meals.  There is fresh fruit and vegetables under the green and white striped awning outside.  Just inside the door are a couple of refrigerators with cold water, wine, beer, soda, and dairy products.  The rest of the store has a variety of pastas, breads, cheeses, meats, and much more.  Though their products are great, it is the the owners of Costevé that make it the best grocery store in the Cinque Terre.

Most people on a budget save money by picking up a few items from a market or grocery store instead of eating every meal out.  However, shopping in an Italian grocery store isn't like shopping in one America.  Much less food in Italy is prepackaged compared to America.  You need the assistance of a grocery clerk to get meat, cheese, bread, and many other items.  In Italy, this assistance can sometimes be downright hostile towards tourists, which I experienced first hand many times.  The owners of Costevé treat all customers with a helpful enthusiasm unlike any other place we had shopped in Italy.  My wife and I were greeted with a smile as soon as we stepped into the store.  We attempted to speak Italian, but the owners willingly spoke English and answered our questions about Italian food.  We ended up picking up a few items from Costevé every day during out time in the Cinque Terre, and each time we were treated with the same respect and enthusiasm.  

It is the little things like finding a grocery store or cafe that add or detract to a travel expererience.  The folks at Costevé certainly do their part to add to the wonder of the Cinque Terre.  

Just the Basics

• Location: 193 Via Colombo, Riomaggiore
• Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/costeve.riomaggiorecinqueterre

Ten Italian Train Tips

The easiest and least expensive way to travel in Italy is by rail.   Italy is more chaotic compared to the rest of Western Europe, and rail service is no exception.  Through trial and error and listening to advice from locals, my wife and I were able to navigate Italy by rail with no major mishaps.  Before you book your next trip to Italy, follow these ten tips for hassle-free and money-saving train travel in Italy.

1. For most trips, point-to-point tickets are cheaper than the Italy Rail Pass.  My wife and I traveled four days on our last trip to Italy and purchased point-to-point tickets for each destination.  In the end, we saved about 100 EURO per person over the Italy Rail Pass.

Italian Automatic Rail Ticket Machine

2. Use the red, white, and green automated ticket machines marked "Biglietto Veloce/Fast Ticket to buy tickets or look up schedules.  These machines will not work for international tickets and some local destinations. For nearby destinations, you'll want to use the smaller blue and gray machines that say "Rete Regionale" and accept only cash.

3. Write down each transfer location and train number of your itinerary.  An itinerary may not be printed with tickets from the kiosk and you'll want to write this information down.  If your trip requires a transfer at any point, you need to know where to transfer and to what train.  If you forget to write it down when you buy your tickets--don't panic.  Use the automated ticket machine to look up the schedule--just repeat the process you used to buy the tickets without actually completing the purchase. 

4. Not all itineraries can be purchased using the automated machines--some have to be purchased from a ticket window.  International tickets and some regional destinations need to be purchased from the ticket window.  If the automated machines say that no tickets are available for your destination, check at a ticket window before giving up!

Don't rely on the printed schedules like this one!

5. Never rely on printed schedules for train departures and arrivals.  They often differ from the actual schedule of trains which can be found using the automated ticket machines.  On our last trip to Italy, we wasted two hour at a train station waiting for a train that didn't exist, but was printed on a schedule hanging on the wall.


6. Write down where and when you want to go for ticket clerks.  Do not assume that the employees will understand English or your attempts to speak Italian.  Writing the information down is the best way to assure you get the right ticket.  Remember that in Europe dates are written in day/month/year format.

Look here for Italian Rail Arrival and Departures

8.  To find the track number for where to board your train, look for the train number and not your destination on the electronic departure board.  The destination displayed by each train number "Treno" is the final destination of the train, much like labels used on subways.  There is a good chance you'll be getting off before the final destination, so you must rely on the number to find your train.  When using the electronic board, make sure you are looking at departures labeled "treni in partenza" and not arrivals labeled "arrivo."

9. Validate your ticket in one of the machines located next to the tracks.  

Watch the video to see how easy it is to validate a ticket.  The ticket I'm validating is a small regional ticket in the Cinque Terre, but the process is exactly the same for the larger tickets you get for destinations farther away.

10.  When boarding the train, sit in the car and seat assigned on your ticket.  On your ticket, this will be labeled as "carrozza" car and "posti" for seat.  Don't be surprised if someone is sitting in your seat.  Either politely ask them to move or find another seat in the same car.

Photo of the Week: Room with a View

This past July my wife and I shared an apartment with another couple in the Cinque Terre.  When we booked the apartment, we were told that it had an "ocean view."  We weren't told that the apartment was right on the water in Riomaggiore.

This photo was taken from our kitchen window. Needless to say, we spent much of our time chatting, sipping on wine, and enjoying the view from our apartment.

Room with a view, Riomaggiore

If you want to book this room or a similar room from Edi's Rooms, read my post on booking a private room in the Cinque Terre.

Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday," started by Nancie at the Budget Travelers Sandbox. Please visit her site to check out other amazing photos!

Photo of the Week: Siena

I was warned about Siena.  Before arriving in Italy, many guidebooks said that Siena's magic had captured the heart of countless Americans.  Sure, I thought, I've been pitched that line about many places.  But then I visited the city and experienced it's magic.  I won't try to describe what makes it a special place.  It has to be experienced.  This photo is of just one small gem in a wonderful city.

Market Window in Siena

This photo was snapped on a side street in Siena.  Because of narrow streets and tall buildings, much of Siena spends the day in the shadows, with rays of light shining through here and there. 


Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday," started by Nancie at the Budget Travelers Sandbox. Please visit her site to check out other amazing photos!

Best of Dorf Tirol

View from Dorf Tirol, Italy

For most people, a visit to Italy means experiencing Tuscan vineyards, Renaissance artwork, Roman ruins, or seaside villages. But Italy has another side that is often overlooked and under-appreciated.  The region of Tirol (Tyrol) in Northwestern Italy is an Alpine wonderland that has more in common with The Sound of Music than Roman Holiday.  With breathtaking views of the Dolomites, a distinctive Austrian-Italian culture, and friendly locals, the region of Tirol is my favorite destination in Italy.  When compared to the expensive Austrian and Swiss Alps, Tirol is also a value destination for those on a budget.


My favorite place within the region is a small village called Dorf Tirol, often referred to as "Tirolo."  Dorf Tirol is popular with German and Austrian tourists but few Americans visit, which is part of its' charm and challenge. I invite you to step outside of your comfort zone to experience this wonderful corner of Italy...you won't be disappointed.

What to Expect

"Main Street" of Dorf Tirol

Language and Culture:  Up until WWI, Tirol used to be part of the Austrian empire, and the effects are apparent today.  Both German and Italian are spoken in Tirol, but German is the preferred language.  Within Dorf Tirol, most people will know a few words of basic English, but not many people speak it fluently.  Despite the language barrier, the locals were extremely friendly and helpful.  If you need some advice in English, stop by the Tourist Information Center in Dorf Tirol.   

What to Do: The region of Tirol is popular with hikers.  Around Dorf Tirol there are hikes for all abilities and interests, ranging from an hour long walk through vineyards to week-long hikes high in the Dolomites.  One of the most popular hikes from Dorf Tirol is a day-long hike to the Spronser Lakes that combines a gondola ride, mountain hiking, and ten lakes 7500 feet up in the mountains.


The region of Tirol has Europe's highest concentration of medieval castles.  Dorf Tirol has two castles located on the outskirts of town.  Schloss Tirol is a castle that gave the region it's name and is today an art museum.  My favorite castle is Brunneberg, the former home of the poet Ezra Pound.  Today, it is both a agriculture museum and center for literature---if you meet any Americans in Dorf Tirol, they are most likely college students studying at the castle.  You might also be able to get some friendly advice in English from one of the castle's staff.  

Where to Stay:  The best way to experience Dorf Tirol is by staying in one of the countless guesthouses in and around Dorf Tirol.  Most guesthouses are small, family-run, affordable, and provide breakfast as part of their rate.  Our our last visit, my wife and I stayed at guesthouse called Garni Pircher, which was situated halfway between Merano and Dorf Tirol.  For 52 EURO per night, we had a room with a balcony and in-suite bathroom.  We were also served a light breakfast each morning on the front patio overlooking the valley.  For advice on other accommodation options, contact the tourist center.  

What to Eat:  Most restaurants in Dorf Tirol serve a menu with a mix of traditional Austrian and Italian dishes.  As with the rest of Italy, dinner in Dorf Tirol is served later than in America, and dining is an event that should take an entire evening.  Be sure to taste both the red and white wines that are produced in the region.  I can't recommend any specific dish to try in Dorf Tirol.  My advice would be to ask your server what they recommend.  Two of my favorite restaurants in Dorf Tirol are Sonnblick and Sonne.  

Just the Basics

Hike above Dorf Tirol

• How to Get There: Visitors to Dorf Tirol will have to first arrive by train to Meran/Merano.  From the train station, hop on the 221 bus for the fifteen minute ride to the center of Dorf Tirol.
• Website: The Dorf Tirol tourism center website is extremely helpful, especially if you don't speak German  or Italian.  I emailed them several times in English with questions about and always received a prompt reply.
• When to Go: The best months to visit would be late spring or early fall.  The mid-summer months can be brutally hot creating a haze over the entire valley, which obscures much of the best views.
• What to Bring: A camera, appetite, and a relaxed attitude.
• Good to Know: Most businesses in Dorf Tirol take the traditional siesta from noon to 3pm, meant as a time to eat lunch and relax during the heat of the day.  I would suggest you use the time to do the same! 

Photo of the Week: Alpe Di Siusi

This week's photo was taken in the Alpe Di Siusi, which is Europe's highest alpine meadow.  Located 6,500ft high in the Italian Dolomites, the Alpe Di Siusi maintains a distinctive Austrian flavor.  The region used to be part of Austria and German is still the dominate language.

The clouds and haze from the summer heat obscured many of the mountain peaks on the day my wife and I visited, but that didn't make it a wasted trip.  We had the added bonus of hiking among the wildflowers that are only in bloom for a couple of weeks each year.  In fact, we had an alpine picnic among the wildflowers very near this abandoned cabin.  I called it our "Sound of Music" moment.

Wildflowers in the Alpe Di Siusi

   Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday," started by Nancie at the Budget Travelers Sandbox. Please visit her site to check out other amazing photos!

How to Book a Room in the Cinque Terre

Riomaggiore

The Cinque Terre, five seaside villages in Italy linked by hiking trails, is a place that is beautiful and magical beyond description.  The amazing ocean views, colorful houses, narrow streets, and friendly locals will make you feel like you are living in a dream world.  Unfortunately, many people only see the Cinque Terre in photos or as part of a one-day tour because they think it is too difficult to find overnight accommodation.  While it is true that there are very few affordable hotels or hostels in the region, that doesn't mean you won't be able to find a great place to stay.  By booking a private room in the Cinque Terre, you will get to live the life of a local without having to break your budget.   

On a recent trip to the Cinque Terre, my wife and I booked a two bedroom waterfront apartment through Edi's Rooms (details below) that also had a kitchen and bathroom for $180 Euro per night.  Because we split the apartment with two of our friends, it only cost us $90 Euro per night.  

How do you book a private room in the Cinque Terre?  It's easy and only takes a few emails.  Follow these four steps to secure a great room in the Cinque Terre.  

1. Choose one of the five villages to stay.  

I would would recommend staying in Riomaggiorre, Manorola, Vernazza, or possibly Corniglia.  Monterosso has the nicest beach of the Cinque Terre, but it feels like an overdeveloped resort town.   Corniglia is charming but difficult to reach because it is built on a cliff high above the train station.

Each of the five villages has it's own distinct character.  The best way to research the Cinque Terre is to read a travel guide like Rick Steve's Italy, but a Google search will tell you the basics of each village.

2.  Send an email to a company/individual that rents rooms in that village.  

Office to Edi's Rooms in Riomaggiore

There are several small companies that specialize in renting rooms in the Cinque Terre. The companies and people listed below speak basic English. In your email, specify the number of people in your party AND the dates in European format of day/month/year.  

•  Riomaggiore: I would highly recommend Edi's Rooms.  They have several apartments with great ocean views and are quick to respond to email requests.  We were amazed by both their service and the quality of the room we booked.  
• Email: edi-vesigna@iol.it 
• Website: http://www.appartamenticinqueterre.net/en/

• Riomaggiore: If all of Edi's rooms are booked, contact Anna Michielini. Though her rooms were full when I requested a reservation, she was nice enough to suggest several other people that might have rooms available. 
• Website:  http://www.riomaggiore.info/
• Email:  michielinis@yahoo.it

• Vernazza: Contact Elizabetta Carro, who has several rooms for rent in Vernazza.
• Email: carroelisabetta@hotmail.com
• Website  http://www.elisabettacarro.it/  

• Corniglia: Stefano at Il Girasole 5terre rents a small room in Corniglia that is an excellent value.
• Email:   stefraso@hotmail.com

Again, I would recommend using a travel guidebook to find other reputable companies if the ones above have no available rooms.  Note of Caution: be sure that you are renting a room in one of the five villages and NOT in a nearby town like La Spezia.  

3.  Secure room reservation by credit card. 

Photo snapped from our room in Riomaggiore!

While I understand that this may seem risky, the only way to secure a reservation for most places in the Cinque Terre is by giving a credit card number.  If you have any doubt about the person or company that is asking for your credit card, don't send them your number and look elsewhere!  

You could also take a chance and try and find a room on the day you arrive if you don't have a credit card or don't want to email your number.  Despite visiting the Cinque Terre during peak summer months, we did see numerous signs thoughout each town advertising available rooms for rent.  Most signs left a number to call.  I can't guarantee that there will be rooms available when you visit, so I  wouldn't recommend this strategy if you don't have a backup!

4. Pay cash upon arrival to the Cinque Terre.  

Most people renting rooms will only accept cash, even if they asked for a credit card number to secure a reservation. There are ATM (cash machines) located in each of the five villages.

Have fun and enjoy the beauty of the Cinque Terre!