Giro watching and Liguria travel tips

[RatBones]

Hi All,

I'm heading to Liguira in about 2 weeks for a vacation with my wife. We're staying in Colletta and amongst other activities, we will watch some of the Giro. We haven't settled on the stages, but will want to watch a finish and a mountain pass.

My question is whether anyone has any tips or advice about watching the Giro. Things like etiquette, what to pack for a day of race viewing etc. would be very helpful.

I'd also appreciate any general travel tips for the Ligurian region. We're renting a car in Nice and will be driving to various locations (San Remo, Florence, Genoa, Allasio etc.) during our stay. Basically we just want to take in the culture, eat well, drink some wine and meet people. We're not going with the intention of seeing every landmark in the region- more a cultural experience.

Thanks for the help
Mike

[classic1]

Don't miss out on the Cinque Terre!

If you are driving I'd recommend you get some decent city maps of Florence and Genoa. You will find guidebook maps to be inadequate and generally only cover the inner city tourist traps. Italian cities are mazes. Pick them up from motorway service stops if you can't get them before you leave. Its worth the few extra Euros. Have a good trip Mike.

[pguadalupi]

Hi Mike

I agree on 5 terre and all area behind (for example, il passo di centocroci, on the top of val di vara). I live in West Virginia, but original home is in Spezia (on the tuscany side of Liguria). I have extended family and place there.

Let me know if interested to see that area. I can tell you more and give you some indications and contacts.

Ciao e buon viaggio,

Pietro