In spite of being on autostradas for most of the way, we had a lovely drive today along the Apuan Alps through the marble-producing areas of Massa & Carrara to the coastal city of La Spezia. From there, we progressed down a windy road to the Gulf of Poets and the beautiful town of Portovenere, at the eastern end of the Cinque Terre. Our intention was to have lunch in Portovenere, then catch the boat to one or more of the Cinque Terre towns which we had previously visited but which the Scots had not seen. Unfortunately, the fare of 20 Euros (about $AUD30) each for the boat trip made us change this decision and as it turned out, it was the right one! Portovenere offered a lot more in terms of sight-seeing, history and shopping
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