From the decadence of Italy to the majesty of the Alps - every day will be pure hedonism.
A Busabout pass for the Southern Loop will enchant you with the romance, the gastronomic delights and the historic marvels of Italy and the awe inspiring beauty of Switzerland. Start from any city on the loop and travel at your own pace - stay as long as you like at each stop .... then when you've finished exploring, jump on the next bus and move on to the next destination. Click on the destinations in the map to find out more...
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La Spezia for Cinque Terre |
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Don’t miss the Cinque Terre – Riomaggiore, Manorola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso, five tiny villages clustered along some eye-popping Unesco-protected coastline, among the most beautiful regions in Italy. Linked by a 12km path, the Via dell’Amore (Lovers’ Lane; toll €3) makes perfect (occasionally challenging) walking. In summer, swimming is allowed in some bays and coves (check first) – bring snorkelling gear for an all-too often-overlooked treat (that’s free).
Getting around
All towns are accessible by train from Genoa. Buses leave from Santa Margherita’s Piazza Martiri della Libertà for Portofino. Servizio Marittimo del Tigullio ((0185 28 46 70; www.traghettiportofino.it; hsummer) runs ferries from Santa Margherita to Portofino, San Fruttuoso and the Cinque Terre. Ferry routes service the coast from La Spezia. The biglietto giornaliero Cinque Terre (24-hour Cinque Terre rail pass; €5.80) allows unlimited travel between Monterosso and La Spezia.
Eating
A Pie De Ma ((338 222 00 88; Via dell’Amore; snack/light meals €5-8; hbreakfast, lunch & dinner) Perched on a cliff-side above the perfect teal of a tiny Riomaggiore bay, this offers one of Italy’s most stunning backdrops for a snack, coffee or wine – or just whiling away the hours.
Bar Centrale ((0187 92 02 08; barcentr@tin.it; Via Colombo 144; Internet per hr €6; hrarely closed) This is the hub of Riomaggiore hijinks and the most raucous carousing option in the Cinque Terre. Owner/barman Ivo serves the drinks (and jokes) with practised ease.
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