We enjoyed our final french pastries before heading to the border crossing. We were kind of disapointed that there was no ceremony whatsoever involved in entering Italy. So as it stands, neither of us have any passport stamps indicating that we have even left the UK. As soon as we crossed the border things were definately different! Busy, hilly, bumpy roads, crazy traffic, scooters a-plenty. Hello Italy.
Day 41 - Diano Marino -> Verezzi (42km)
Busy traffic all around us again today, as the roaads in this part of the country are forced into a compact area. The coast is covered in 'paying beaches' where they are all fenced off. We found a free beach and enjoyed a swim. Stopped at Verezzi - where we had our own terraced pitch under some olive trees with a wonderful view.
Day 42 - Verezzi -> Verezzi (8km)
Our little terraced spot away from it all in the hills of Verezzi was so good we decided to stay another day. Did some much needed bike maintenance and enjoyed our wonderful view (will try and post a photo soon).
Day 43 - Verezzi -> Sestri Levante (63km)
Beautiful riding this morning - hilly and along a rocky coast. First stop was at Noli - a lovely little walled town with delicious aromas wafting out of every doorway. After rounding the next cape we saw the vista of Genova, and decided to catch a train right through it as traffic was intensifying again and doing our heads in!
Day 44 - Sestri Levante -> Levanto (48km)
Rainy riding this morning. Enjoyed some market shopping in Sestri Levante before heading over our first 'pass'. 3 hours of uphill riding and we were up in the clouds and over the top. Mainly downhill to Levanto, to be our base while we explored the Cinque Terre.
Day 45 - Levanto -> Cinque Terra -> Levanto (0km)
Met Ethyl and Laurie - 2 cycle tourers who put us to shame - in Levanto, and enjoyed swapping stories for an evening. They had done over 7000kms since June, and their daily average distances were probably at least twice ours... Headed off in the morning to the Eastern end of the Cinque Terre and walked our way back. Some day off - we were exhausted by the end of it! It was very beautiful though.
Day 46 - Levanto -> Casola in Lunigiana (76km)
Hardest stretch of riding so far getting over the mountains after Levanto. Although not officially a pass we climbed 800m in 10km. Cold weather coincided with our turn inland and we chilled right off up in the mountains.
Day 47 - Casola -> Castelnuovo (43km)
More uphill today - stunning riding past little mountain towns with lots of church bells. Huge sheer faced peaks and another 800m pass. Followed 'El Serchio' river down to Castelnuovo where we made 2 more friends at the campsite. Bob and Barbara invited us to their cozy campervan, and we chatted and drank scotch for the evening. Nice and warm now! 
Day 48 - Castelnuovo -> Lucca (60km)
Past Devil's bridge and on to Lucca. Was fun and fast riding further down the Serchio valley. Pitched up in a campervan stop and went to investigate town. Charlie fell off his bike on arrival home tonight after too much wine! Drunkeness broke his fall!
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