re: Cinque Terre -- tell me about your experiences

I think you will enjoy it! We stayed a few days in Matera (also highly recommended) and then took the local train over to Bari and then on to Polignano. From there, we did a day trip over to Alberobello and some nearby hill towns with an absolutely NOT recommended guide. But, other than that dude, we really enjoyed our time here. Verrrry laid back part of the country. I loved being with my family and all of the locals on the main piazza, having a long dinner, watching the kids try out their Italian on the local kids and the local kids trying out their English with mine. The kids and my husband also loved jumping off of the cliffs in Polignano and the food in Puglia was The. Best. we’ve had in Italy. Every meal was amazing. It was a great place to end our trip because it is so laid back, it’s like a vacation from your vacation. I loved it. If I had it to do over again, the only thing I’d change is I’d rent a car for the day trip to Alberobello instead of hiring the private guide to take us. Enjoy!