I must have led a charmed life up to this particular venture to Italy, because in all the other countries I visited, English was either one of the standard languages or, in the case of France, I spoke the ambient tongue. I suppose I expected that many, if not most, of the hoteliers and shop keepers and transport personnel in Italy would speak at least a modicum of English. I didn't invest in a phrase-book (although it turned out my companion had brought one along). What arrogance! I have only myself to blame for the multiple times when language barriers led to absurd or disappointing results. (It is hard to ask for directions when you can't articulate where you want to go -- and can't understand when someone tries to help out.)
Probably no one reading this tip would make such a foolish mistake, but just in case...either learn enough Italian to get by, or keep a phrase-book or English-Italian dictionary close at hand. I promise you'll have a more enjoyable visit.
(And as one VT'er says in a very funny motto which I will badly paraphrase, speaking English slowly and very loudly does NOT make it more comprehensible!)
Written Dec 1, 2010
Something I noticed in this part of Italy is that streets are lined with orange trees, same thing as in some areas of Portugal (my home country). La Spezia is no exception and while strolling through the city's streets you will notice the orange trees covered in oranges (July) making streets even more colourful. In my opinion, the orange trees make the city look less impersonal and seem cosier, as if walking on a small village or backyard.
Written Jul 27, 2004
Culinarily speaking Cinque Terra is known for several things. The pesto grown in this region of Italy is delicious. Just about every meal I had was covered in the delicious, green seasoning! Bring a jar of it home! The white wine from Cinque Terra is also quite good. The house white wine from any of the restaurants was great. With your dessert be sure and drink some of Cinque Terra's finest Sciacchetra (sweet wine).
Written Aug 25, 2002
Don't order cappucino after dinner. We made that mistake one night and got a talking to from the waiter -you do NOT have milk in your coffee after anything with tomato.
Written Aug 24, 2002
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1 Review and 149 Opinions good hotel, very close to city centre. This hotel has nice rooms and good service, however they...
1 Review and 61 Opinions The hotel staff were wonderful. We forgot our camera in the lobby when checking out and they mailed...
1 Review and 11 Opinions We stayed at this hotel out of convenience at first but it turned out to be quite a good find. The...
Reviews and photos of La Spezia attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for La Spezia sightseeing.

Don't order cappucino after dinner. We made that mistake one night and got a talking to from the waiter -you do NOT have milk in your coffee after anything with...
18 members live in La Spezia
Q: Is it possible to stopover in Pisa on the way to Florence? i.e. stay there and get on a later train? How much time should you...

A: This might help you, check this out... http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187817-i997-k794509-Trains_from_Florence_to_Cinque_Terre-Cinque_Terre_Italian_Riviera.html
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It took me soooooo long to go to Cinque Terre (!!!) that, when I finally got there in March 2002, I couldn't believe it... I spent a great day and enjoyed the beauty of this marvellous place...
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The Gulf of La Spezia is an almost perfect amphiteatre; the bay is also known as the Gulf of Poets and even in our day continues to attract and inspire people who come here to admire its amazing...
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The most beautiful coastline in Italy

I was in La Spezia twice: in 1994 (visiting Pontovenere and Riomaggiore by a car) and in 1999 visiting Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare by a car and a train. La Spezia itself...
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I've got some interesting experiences in La Spezia. I'd love to share with you the 4 tips I've written, the 3 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created.
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