Zurich to Roma in planes, trains and automobiles

Memorial Day weekend, no plans? Site-seeing extravaganza? Yes!

Fly to Zurich, take a train south through the Alps, rent a car in Milan, and drive the coastline from Genoa to Roma with a multi-day stop in Cinque Terre. Enjoy being a tourist among crowds for a bit, then hike up from town to find a quiet nook overlooking the sea. Absolutely be sure to dine at L’Ancora della Tortuga, Monterosso’s cave restaurant — a real treat.

Complete the jaunt with a hearty pizza/vino dinner and midnight stroll through downtown Rome. If you’re timing is just right, it’s Festa della Repubblica and 24/7 military parades are commemorating the 1946 vote to for Italy to become a Republic.

First stop: Zurich, Switzerland

Riomaggiore, the first of the Cinque Terre villages when traveling north from La Spezia

Path to L’Ancora della Tortuga, Monterosso’s cave restaurant

Evening beach side stroll in Monterosso

Roma at midnight, with a little surprise and delight! Festa della Repubblica