Cinque Terre trip/trains
May 29th, 2017, 10:01 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 851
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cinque Terre trip/trains
Hi, DD and I will be taking a train from Pisa to Cinque Terre on July 11th on an upcoming trip to Europe. We will be staying overnight and heading back to Rome the evening of July 12th as I have a 6.15am flight to catch on July 13th from FCO to Boston. We would like to take a train around 5pm so we could get most of the day in C.T. but there is only one train after that. Is this a foolish plan? Would love to hear from people who are more familiar with the reliability of the trains there than I am.
In case the train does get cancelled etc, what are our options (if any) for reaching Rome, say by bus?
I have until tomorrow to cancel my flight from Rome and book it from Florence instead but it has an awfully long layover so would rather not! Unless everyone here strongly feels otherwise so would appreciate a quick word of advise. Relying on my fellow Fodorites to help out here!
Thanks!
In case the train does get cancelled etc, what are our options (if any) for reaching Rome, say by bus?
I have until tomorrow to cancel my flight from Rome and book it from Florence instead but it has an awfully long layover so would rather not! Unless everyone here strongly feels otherwise so would appreciate a quick word of advise. Relying on my fellow Fodorites to help out here!
Thanks!
May 29th, 2017, 10:40 PM
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 851
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Another option would be to take the train to Cinque Terre from Pisa in the morning instead of around noon (after seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa per current plan) and take a train back to Pisa/Florence the next morning, spend some time there and then take the evening train to Rome. I may be assuming wrong, but I would think the trains from Florence to Rome may be more reliable?
Not sure what we would do with our luggage in that case, probably leave it at the station if there are lockers.
Do the trains from Cinque Terre to Rome need to be booked ahead of time?
Thanks!
Not sure what we would do with our luggage in that case, probably leave it at the station if there are lockers.
Do the trains from Cinque Terre to Rome need to be booked ahead of time?
Thanks!
May 29th, 2017, 10:43 PM
#3
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is extremely unlikely that the train would be cancelled. It would only be for an extraordinary reason, something like a very unforeseen accident. Not anything you can plan for. Trains run as advertised it Italy, although there can be delays.
Train strikes in Italy, by law, cannot be "wildcat" strikes. They must be announced well in advance. It is possible (though not likely) that in the next few weeks a strike could be organized that require you to rearrange your plans. But other things could also end up affecting a flight out of Florence. You can't eliminate all the risks of travel in advance.
Train strikes in Italy, by law, cannot be "wildcat" strikes. They must be announced well in advance. It is possible (though not likely) that in the next few weeks a strike could be organized that require you to rearrange your plans. But other things could also end up affecting a flight out of Florence. You can't eliminate all the risks of travel in advance.
May 29th, 2017, 10:47 PM
#4
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You were typing your second post while I was answering your first. Yes, your second plan is better, because if there is a strike, the fast trains from Florence to Rome are guaranteed to run in spite of the strike.
There is luggage storage at both the Pisa & the Florence main train stations. You need to check the opening hours. You can find that info online.
Since you absolutely must be in Rome and you are traveling in peak tourist season, you should book whichever train you plan to take in advance. Lock it in.
There is luggage storage at both the Pisa & the Florence main train stations. You need to check the opening hours. You can find that info online.
Since you absolutely must be in Rome and you are traveling in peak tourist season, you should book whichever train you plan to take in advance. Lock it in.
May 30th, 2017, 05:26 AM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,369
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Although the trains may not get canceled, long delays may occur, at least on regional trains. I found that out a few weeks ago when I spent a few days in the Italian Riviera and rode a bunch of regional trains for day trips between Genoa and the Cinque Terre. Some delays were only a few minutes; others were more than 30 minutes. Occasionally they were right on time or early. ;-)
Speaking of Italian trains: the Trenit app for Trenitalia trains was extremely useful to me: not only can you buy train tickets in the app (show the ticket on your phone on the train, no need to print anything), it also shows real-time delays of any train or trip you are following.
Another option to consider: flying from Genoa back to Rome. This might make sense if you are staying at say an airport hotel near FCO the final night; then you could fly from Genoa to FCO the final night, go right to the airport hotel, and never have to go back into Rome at the end. Alitalia flights within Italy seem to be subsidized and sometimes surprisingly cheap.
Speaking of Italian trains: the Trenit app for Trenitalia trains was extremely useful to me: not only can you buy train tickets in the app (show the ticket on your phone on the train, no need to print anything), it also shows real-time delays of any train or trip you are following.
Another option to consider: flying from Genoa back to Rome. This might make sense if you are staying at say an airport hotel near FCO the final night; then you could fly from Genoa to FCO the final night, go right to the airport hotel, and never have to go back into Rome at the end. Alitalia flights within Italy seem to be subsidized and sometimes surprisingly cheap.
May 30th, 2017, 05:33 AM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Flights out the Genoa airport are more subject to cancellations due to wind and weather (and strikes) than are the trains that travel along the Italian Riviera.
Delays can be annoying but in your case they are irrelevant. If you need to be in Rome and want to leave from le Cinque Terre, you can get to Rome using the trains -- and even if the train arrives in your station late it will often make up the time later down the track, so your arrival time in Rome might not be all that much later.
The train tracks along the Italian Riviera were constructed many years ago in an extremely unfavorable terrain. Unlike other parts of Italy, where train tracks were built in river valleys, where it is possible to widen the tracks or construct completely new tracks for fast trains, the narrow strip of land between the mountains and the sea offers no possibility for widening or adding tracks. A lot more tourism into the area has meant running more trains on the same old tracks, through the same narrow train station and tunnels. Just a recipe for traffic jams on the tracks.
Delays can be annoying but in your case they are irrelevant. If you need to be in Rome and want to leave from le Cinque Terre, you can get to Rome using the trains -- and even if the train arrives in your station late it will often make up the time later down the track, so your arrival time in Rome might not be all that much later.
The train tracks along the Italian Riviera were constructed many years ago in an extremely unfavorable terrain. Unlike other parts of Italy, where train tracks were built in river valleys, where it is possible to widen the tracks or construct completely new tracks for fast trains, the narrow strip of land between the mountains and the sea offers no possibility for widening or adding tracks. A lot more tourism into the area has meant running more trains on the same old tracks, through the same narrow train station and tunnels. Just a recipe for traffic jams on the tracks.
May 30th, 2017, 05:36 AM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In case you decide to leave from le Cinque Terre for Rome what you need to worry about is whether or not you need to change from a regional train to another train and make a tight connection in someplace like La Spezia or Pisa. If the regional train you plan to take leaving le Cinque Terre is delayed, then you run the risk of missing the connection. What you want to make sure is that there are more trains leaving La Spezia or Pisa later in the day.
May 30th, 2017, 05:39 AM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,369
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
massimop: <i>In case you decide to leave from le Cinque Terre for Rome what you need to worry about is whether or not you need to change from a regional train to another train and make a tight connection in someplace like La Spezia or Pisa. If the regional train you plan to take leaving le Cinque Terre is delayed, then you run the risk of missing the connection.</i>
That's what I was getting at above.
That's what I was getting at above.
May 30th, 2017, 07:15 AM
#9
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 7,956
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Getting to the Cinque Terre early on the first day and leaving early the second day is the best solution, although I think the whole plan is a bit over the top. The idea of leaving the Cinque Terre in the late afternoon is risky, for the reasons mentioned above, and also very inconvenient. You'll have to check out of your room early in the day and leave the luggage somewhere. If you're staying at a guest house or B&B, they may not be able to hold your luggage, and there is no left luggage facility at the station. Even if you solve that problem, you'll have no place to go freshen up or rest during the day, which could be quite hot. Even to use the bathroom could be a problem. The Cinque Terre is practically sinking under the weight of tourists at that time of year, and all facilities suffer from the crowds.
If you go early on the first day, I would try to get there very early, so you can see something before the bus tours begin to arrive.
I hate to tell you this, but I think this trip to the Cinque Terre is a mistake, unless you can do it at a different time. (It's a place I myself wouldn't visit in the summer at all.) No matter how you slice it, you're trying to see Pisa and the Cinque Terre, and get back to Rome in two days. In the best of circumstances, you'll have an exhausting first day, a long train trip (as well as a possibly tiring visit to Pisa) on the second day, and a long flight the third day. You'll get home in need of a nice relaxing vacation.
If you go early on the first day, I would try to get there very early, so you can see something before the bus tours begin to arrive.
I hate to tell you this, but I think this trip to the Cinque Terre is a mistake, unless you can do it at a different time. (It's a place I myself wouldn't visit in the summer at all.) No matter how you slice it, you're trying to see Pisa and the Cinque Terre, and get back to Rome in two days. In the best of circumstances, you'll have an exhausting first day, a long train trip (as well as a possibly tiring visit to Pisa) on the second day, and a long flight the third day. You'll get home in need of a nice relaxing vacation.
May 30th, 2017, 09:17 AM
#12
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
(Just as an example, in April I want to from the le Cinque Terre to Rome and back again in a single day. Left the Riviera at 10am, took the train back from Rome at 7pm. I had business, so it's not a vacation recommendation, but I wasn't horribly exhausted, starving, stressed out, blah blah blah. If you and your daughter are having second thoughts, or hadn't realized you might face heat or crowded places in Italy, don't let me talk you into it. But if you're tending to think you're up for it, you likely won't have a melt down or regret it).
May 30th, 2017, 09:28 AM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,369
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think the quick schedule is doable, too. I travel like this sometimes. I don't find myself exhausted, either. But this style of travel isn't for everyone. I've done it, so I know what I'm getting myself into.
I will say that the Cinque Terre trails in July are probably pretty overrun with American tourists. I was there a few weeks ago - didn't hike (have hiked it before). It was busy enough in May. A gal I met on the plane home hiked in the CT about the same time I was there this trip and said it was indeed quite busy on the trails, almost uncomfortably so - in May. In July, it might be even more crowded. By contrast, on the difficult hike I did from San Rocco over to San Fruttuoso that same week, the trails were almost empty; there were long periods when I was completely alone (kind of dumb in retrospect to be hiking alone out there).
I will say that the Cinque Terre trails in July are probably pretty overrun with American tourists. I was there a few weeks ago - didn't hike (have hiked it before). It was busy enough in May. A gal I met on the plane home hiked in the CT about the same time I was there this trip and said it was indeed quite busy on the trails, almost uncomfortably so - in May. In July, it might be even more crowded. By contrast, on the difficult hike I did from San Rocco over to San Fruttuoso that same week, the trails were almost empty; there were long periods when I was completely alone (kind of dumb in retrospect to be hiking alone out there).
May 30th, 2017, 09:52 AM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 851
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks so much everyone for all the timely responses, was very helpful. At least I am not rushing to cancel my flight from Rome based on the feedback. Yes, I have considered the heat and the fact that time is short, hadn't really thought of the crowds but not sure if that is enough to deter me. I realize that just spending a couple of days in Pisa/Florence would be a much more relaxing option but I feel I want to see Cinque Terre and I don't see myself making a special trip to Italy for it so this seems like a good opportunity. Temperatures show in the 80's which doesn't seem that bad but maybe it seems hotter with the sun?
I read that people make day trips from Florence so I figured if we have one overnight it shouldn't be too too bad! We are actually flying in from Edinburgh to Pisa on the 10th late evening so had thought of doing 2 nights in Dublin instead which would be much easier too and then I could just fly out of Dublin but Dublin isn't really on my list of must-see places, even though I know it's supposed to be really nice. I feel like at this point in my life I need to spend my vacation days and dollars on places I REALLY want to see!
I will book the regional trains separately from the one from La Spezia to Florence so I have more time in between, is 30-35 minutes enough for the connection? What is the best website to book the trains? And is assigned seating an option?
Frencharmoire, thanks for letting me know that Italian train strikes are announced well in advance, that's comforting to know! I have no problem spending our time in Pisa and Florence if that happens, just didn't want to be stuck in Cinque Terre because of a strike!
Any recommendations on staying in Vernazza or Monterosso? I assume we would have to get off at the place we are stying first, leave our luggage and then backtrack or forward track as the case may be. Are we OK just going to these 2 towns or is it important to see all 5?
See links below for rooms I have found, I would have preferred Vernazza but that's a room on the 3rd floor whereas Monterosso is on the 1st. My knees aren't what they used to be though one day should not be a huge problem.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6841538
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14384638
Sorry for the looong message and thanks again for the help. All input is appreciated!
I read that people make day trips from Florence so I figured if we have one overnight it shouldn't be too too bad! We are actually flying in from Edinburgh to Pisa on the 10th late evening so had thought of doing 2 nights in Dublin instead which would be much easier too and then I could just fly out of Dublin but Dublin isn't really on my list of must-see places, even though I know it's supposed to be really nice. I feel like at this point in my life I need to spend my vacation days and dollars on places I REALLY want to see!
I will book the regional trains separately from the one from La Spezia to Florence so I have more time in between, is 30-35 minutes enough for the connection? What is the best website to book the trains? And is assigned seating an option?
Frencharmoire, thanks for letting me know that Italian train strikes are announced well in advance, that's comforting to know! I have no problem spending our time in Pisa and Florence if that happens, just didn't want to be stuck in Cinque Terre because of a strike!
Any recommendations on staying in Vernazza or Monterosso? I assume we would have to get off at the place we are stying first, leave our luggage and then backtrack or forward track as the case may be. Are we OK just going to these 2 towns or is it important to see all 5?
See links below for rooms I have found, I would have preferred Vernazza but that's a room on the 3rd floor whereas Monterosso is on the 1st. My knees aren't what they used to be though one day should not be a huge problem.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6841538
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14384638
Sorry for the looong message and thanks again for the help. All input is appreciated!
May 30th, 2017, 10:39 AM
#15
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not quite following where you are coming from, and don't how much luggage you are carrying or whether your daughter plans to leave with you for Rome or stay north, but if you want to minimize your exposure to crowds in le Cinque Terre, would this work for you?
Arrive in Pisa, put all your luggage in the train station EXCEPT for a toothbrush & your electronics. Go see the tower (have lunch as needed?) but then go to le Cinque Terre. By that time crowds will be thinning. Check into your B&B, poke around, have dinner, sleep, get up next morning to enjoy the village before the crowds begin to trickle in. Buy some food in the village to eat on the train back to Pisa for lunch, collect your luggage in Pisa, take a train to Rome (don't bother going to Florence) and you will be in Rome in time for dinner.
A big part of the enjoyment of the Italian Riviera is sunsets & enjoying dinner outdoors, and the freshness of the morning. Of course some people like to hike, but it not mandatory. If you are up fairly early in the morning and the sea is calm, you can take a boat and sea the 5 villages from the sea. It is definitely hotter in the sun on the shadeless cliffs, so try to time your visit for late afternoon/overnight/early morning.
If your knees are an issue, stay in Monterosso al Mare, especially if you end up taking your luggage there. But all the villages are nice in their own way. (Corniglia the most difficult for stairs).
My suggestion to leave your luggage in Pisa only works if your valuables -- like cameras or electronics -- are not too heavy to tote around with you.
Hope you enjoy the adventure.
Arrive in Pisa, put all your luggage in the train station EXCEPT for a toothbrush & your electronics. Go see the tower (have lunch as needed?) but then go to le Cinque Terre. By that time crowds will be thinning. Check into your B&B, poke around, have dinner, sleep, get up next morning to enjoy the village before the crowds begin to trickle in. Buy some food in the village to eat on the train back to Pisa for lunch, collect your luggage in Pisa, take a train to Rome (don't bother going to Florence) and you will be in Rome in time for dinner.
A big part of the enjoyment of the Italian Riviera is sunsets & enjoying dinner outdoors, and the freshness of the morning. Of course some people like to hike, but it not mandatory. If you are up fairly early in the morning and the sea is calm, you can take a boat and sea the 5 villages from the sea. It is definitely hotter in the sun on the shadeless cliffs, so try to time your visit for late afternoon/overnight/early morning.
If your knees are an issue, stay in Monterosso al Mare, especially if you end up taking your luggage there. But all the villages are nice in their own way. (Corniglia the most difficult for stairs).
My suggestion to leave your luggage in Pisa only works if your valuables -- like cameras or electronics -- are not too heavy to tote around with you.
Hope you enjoy the adventure.
May 30th, 2017, 11:41 AM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,369
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You can buy train tickets on the Trenitalia website directly. Or, use their app, Trenit, on your phone, to buy them - then no need to print them out.
Vernazza is smaller than Monterrosso (which is big enough to have an "old town" and a "new town"). I'd choose Vernazza in a heartbeat myself, all else being equal. But Vernazza is also Rick Steves's favorite town...so it tends to get crowded and booked up quickly.
By this late date, finding somewhere to stay that doesn't cost a fortune may be a challenge. Basing in Levanto isn't a bad option, and there are more conventional hotels there (so maybe easier to store luggage), though the train station in Levanto is a good 10 minute walk from the center of town.
Vernazza is smaller than Monterrosso (which is big enough to have an "old town" and a "new town"). I'd choose Vernazza in a heartbeat myself, all else being equal. But Vernazza is also Rick Steves's favorite town...so it tends to get crowded and booked up quickly.
By this late date, finding somewhere to stay that doesn't cost a fortune may be a challenge. Basing in Levanto isn't a bad option, and there are more conventional hotels there (so maybe easier to store luggage), though the train station in Levanto is a good 10 minute walk from the center of town.
May 30th, 2017, 12:46 PM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You can buy train tickets on the Trenitalia website directly. Or, use their app, Trenit, on your phone, to buy them - then no need to print them out.>
Yes for long-distance fast trains but NOT for regional trains like Pisa to CT - many say not to buy those in advance - no benefit and some drawbacks
but yes Andrew gives good advaice to use www.trenitalia.com for the train to Rome, either via Florence or the more scenic coastal line - fares be be as low as 9 euros a ticket.
For more about trains check www.seat61.com (invaluable advice on booking your own discount tickets); www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.
Yes for long-distance fast trains but NOT for regional trains like Pisa to CT - many say not to buy those in advance - no benefit and some drawbacks
but yes Andrew gives good advaice to use www.trenitalia.com for the train to Rome, either via Florence or the more scenic coastal line - fares be be as low as 9 euros a ticket.
For more about trains check www.seat61.com (invaluable advice on booking your own discount tickets); www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.
May 30th, 2017, 12:57 PM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,369
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
PalenQ: <i>"You can buy train tickets on the Trenitalia website directly. Or, use their app, Trenit, on your phone, to buy them - then no need to print them out.>
Yes for long-distance fast trains but NOT for regional trains like Pisa to CT - many say not to buy those in advance - no benefit and some drawbacks.</i>
Why not? I bought numerous regional train tickets with the app. I missed a train, and a Trenitalia agent said I could use the ticket (which was for a specific regional train) on any regional train that day going to the same destination. The benefit was that I didn't have to wait in line at a ticket machine or for an agent, didn't need a chip and PIN credit card (though I did have one - many do not) to use at a ticket machine, etc.
Yes for long-distance fast trains but NOT for regional trains like Pisa to CT - many say not to buy those in advance - no benefit and some drawbacks.</i>
Why not? I bought numerous regional train tickets with the app. I missed a train, and a Trenitalia agent said I could use the ticket (which was for a specific regional train) on any regional train that day going to the same destination. The benefit was that I didn't have to wait in line at a ticket machine or for an agent, didn't need a chip and PIN credit card (though I did have one - many do not) to use at a ticket machine, etc.
Jun 1st, 2017, 12:46 AM
#19
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 7,956
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Regional train tickets bought online cannot be exchanged or refunded for any reason. They're normally good for only four hours, not all day. (The regional tickets you buy in a ticket machine or from the ticket agent are good for an entire day.) The agent you spoke to maybe was not well informed about the difference, or maybe he didn't realize you had bought the ticket online. In any case, if you miss a train, on many lines you'll have no trouble getting another train within the four-hour limit.
Here is an experience of mine, which made me stop buying regional tickets online. I used to get regional tickets online if they were part of a single trip that involved a reserved train. Once I bought tickets online for a trip to Milan, departing from Senigallia. The trip included a regional train to Bologna and the transfer to a high speed train from there to Milan. This was an advertised connection on the Trenitalia website. When I got to Senigallia, I saw that the regional train was greatly delayed and that I'd miss the connection in Bologna. However, there was a later Intercity (reserved) train to Bologna that would get me there in time to make my connection.
I went to the ticket window to ask if I could exchange the regional ticket for a ticket on the Intercity, paying the difference. The answer was no, it was impossible. The ticket agent was sympathetic, but told me there was no mechanism on the computer for exchanging a regional ticket bought online, not even for a fault of the railway. Since we were planning to meet friends in Milan, I just bought the Intercity tickets. The loss wasn't great, but I've never bought a regional ticket online since, not even as part of a multi-leg trip. Now when we go to Milan I try to buy tickets on reserved trains all the way, or else I buy the regional ticket at the station.
Here is an experience of mine, which made me stop buying regional tickets online. I used to get regional tickets online if they were part of a single trip that involved a reserved train. Once I bought tickets online for a trip to Milan, departing from Senigallia. The trip included a regional train to Bologna and the transfer to a high speed train from there to Milan. This was an advertised connection on the Trenitalia website. When I got to Senigallia, I saw that the regional train was greatly delayed and that I'd miss the connection in Bologna. However, there was a later Intercity (reserved) train to Bologna that would get me there in time to make my connection.
I went to the ticket window to ask if I could exchange the regional ticket for a ticket on the Intercity, paying the difference. The answer was no, it was impossible. The ticket agent was sympathetic, but told me there was no mechanism on the computer for exchanging a regional ticket bought online, not even for a fault of the railway. Since we were planning to meet friends in Milan, I just bought the Intercity tickets. The loss wasn't great, but I've never bought a regional ticket online since, not even as part of a multi-leg trip. Now when we go to Milan I try to buy tickets on reserved trains all the way, or else I buy the regional ticket at the station.
Jun 1st, 2017, 01:01 AM
#20
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 7,956
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I meant to include the text from the Trenitalia web site that explains the duration of regional tickets bought online. It's in Italian, but you can plug it into translate.google.com to get a decent English version.
"I biglietti acquistati online hanno la validità di 4 ore dalla partenza del treno prescelto e non necessitano di convalida."
"I biglietti acquistati online hanno la validità di 4 ore dalla partenza del treno prescelto e non necessitano di convalida."
