2010 It was time for North Italy. Started my jorney from Innsbruck and then over Brenner pass to Bolzano. Quite tough cycling. To Trento easy on a perfect cycle path and very sunny. Lunch in Trento before new climbing up to Terlago, both tough and scary, lots of traffic. Rest of the way to Riva del Garda was almost downwards. In Malcesine a hotelnight and a late evening bath in Lago di Garda.
The hotels, bars, restaurants and all fancy houses edged all the way down to Torri del Benaco. Few hours of exploring, a beer before I continue upwards, 3 km switchback up to Albasino. Toughest cycling so far and the heat was awful. Down to Pescantina reversed cycling but still a warmth that felt inhuman.
Fancy B&B in a luxery part of Pescantina, two nights. I fell asleep in bed naked after the shower totally exhaused
Morning after a guest gave me lift to Romeo and Julias Verona. Spending hole day walking around amongs all tourist and Veronas dripping history, Ponte Pietra before I jump onto a bus back.
More heat, sun and very flat road 130 km to Malcontenta. New hotel and then a bus to Venedig day after. Strolling around amongs all tourist, canals and shops. This day Charles Aznavour had a performance at Marcu’s place, continue for another hour before bus back.
From Pescantina southwest and over the Apennines, Ferrara, Pavarotti’s Modena and this journeys toughest challange up to Abetone, 1400 m.a.s.l
Pasta, Canals and Cinque Terre
Two days later I headed Pisa and of course, a visit and to view Pisa from the tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa was in my schedule The tower has 296 steps like a spiral. Well up the crowd and the crowding was enormous. Pisa visit was also a disappointment for me, overhyped!
Stayed only one night and then I follow the coastline up to La Spezia. Expensive boats, hotels and restaurants lined almost all the way up to La Spezia.The beaches was private, the swedish freedom to roam, or ”everyman’s right was not applicable after this coastline.
In La Spezia lunch and a cold beer then 14 km climbing upwards… but then, all my struggle had paid off and gave me views like world class….Ligurian cost in front of me and the beginning of Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore , Corniglia, Manarola , Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare. This part was absolutly best part of this journey. WOW…One of the most beautiful cycling routes I’ve ever done.
Cinque Terre meaning ”Five Lands.
I do recommend a visit, really.
I tent camping two night before Genua and two hotel nights in Genua before I steered my bicycle Milano. I hosted a cheap hostel, made some excursions and looked at and visited famous buildings, including the Cathedral (Duomo), Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, or San Siro before I flew home.
