Would you skip Cinque Terre if you've already been to Corsica?
Dec 9th, 2011, 01:40 AM
#1
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Would you skip Cinque Terre if you've already been to Corsica?
I'm in the middle of sorting out my itinary and am trying to cull my long list of things I would like to see due to time constraints. It's not an easy task, there's so many attractive places. I hope to spend at least 4 nights in Corsica before making my way to Livorno. Cinque Terre is so close to Livorno but I'm anxious to get to Siena and then Norcia in Umbria. Would you skip Cinque Terre if you've already soaked up the sea side scenary in Corsica?
Dec 9th, 2011, 01:53 AM
#2
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No I would not cinqueterre.com prettier than Corsica
different www.torrettas.com www.metropole.it Portofino also
give up Livorno it is adirty port city maybe pick up
www.lucca.info on your way down far prettier.
different www.torrettas.com www.metropole.it Portofino also
give up Livorno it is adirty port city maybe pick up
www.lucca.info on your way down far prettier.
Dec 9th, 2011, 03:36 AM
#3
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The Cinque Terre is totally unique - not your average seaside scenery - five ancient villages linked by footpaths and train - no cars in most of the 5 Lands.
Cinque terre totally unique and that's why it is a UNESCO World Heritage site (I believe)
That said one day can be enough in the 5 Lands IMO - especially if not into hiking the about 7-mile trail between all 5 Lands.
Cinque terre totally unique and that's why it is a UNESCO World Heritage site (I believe)
That said one day can be enough in the 5 Lands IMO - especially if not into hiking the about 7-mile trail between all 5 Lands.
Dec 9th, 2011, 04:45 AM
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Your message doesn't indicate the time frame for your trip. I was in Cinque Terre in early October 2011 and it is WONDERFUL and well worth visiting. However, about two weeks after I was there the area was hit with flash floods from record breaking rains and there was major damage to a number of the villages. Before booking anything make sure you check about any damage and where the locals stand with repairing everything. If you are not aware of the damage in that area, Rick Steves has some good picture on his website www.ricksteves.com
Dec 9th, 2011, 06:05 AM
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Cinque Terre is not "totally unique". There are quite a few places along the riviera very much like it, and right now the footpaths between the towns and some of the towns themselves are totally comprised by recent flooding.
Many places that are more beautiful and interesting than le Cinque Terre are not UNESCO World Heritage sites, which are named due to the outcome of a political process.
I've never been to Corsica, so I can't compare. I live on the Italian Riviera, not far from le Cinque Terre, so for me the riviera is a very beautiful landscape. But I live in Italy as a whole so I can explore its cultural treasures, and that takes time and leisure, so don't shortchange it if that's an important part of what you want to take home from this trip.
Many places that are more beautiful and interesting than le Cinque Terre are not UNESCO World Heritage sites, which are named due to the outcome of a political process.
I've never been to Corsica, so I can't compare. I live on the Italian Riviera, not far from le Cinque Terre, so for me the riviera is a very beautiful landscape. But I live in Italy as a whole so I can explore its cultural treasures, and that takes time and leisure, so don't shortchange it if that's an important part of what you want to take home from this trip.
Dec 9th, 2011, 07:26 AM
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three towns being car-free I meant was totally unique - what other seaside towns in Italy are totally car-free for private vehicles and are only linked by a rail line or footpaths? No the towns themselves though marvelous may not be visually unique but the car-free aspect makes them - but there may be others I do not know about. Not on the Amalfi however.
Dec 9th, 2011, 03:52 PM
#8
It sounds like you're trying to cover a bit of ground. In how much time and when?
Have you determined the logistics and time needed to get from place to place? Are you going directly or will you explore along the way? Where do you pick up the car?
Have you determined the logistics and time needed to get from place to place? Are you going directly or will you explore along the way? Where do you pick up the car?
Dec 9th, 2011, 03:56 PM
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You can walk from car-free Camogli to San Fruttuoso to car-free Portofino without encountering a single car (other than parking lots, which you encounter in le Cinque Terre as well). You can do the same if you walk the hiking trails between Lerici to Tellaro.
Bob. I think ignorance is governing your ideas of Italy, which why you need to label me a "contrarian". You go to the same touristy places over and over, with the same preconceptions, and people who live in Italy sound "contrarian" to you. Since you've never been to Corsica and don't even like walking around le Cinque Terre, what are you doing in this thread anyway other than stalking me? You think that's helpful?
Bob. I think ignorance is governing your ideas of Italy, which why you need to label me a "contrarian". You go to the same touristy places over and over, with the same preconceptions, and people who live in Italy sound "contrarian" to you. Since you've never been to Corsica and don't even like walking around le Cinque Terre, what are you doing in this thread anyway other than stalking me? You think that's helpful?
Dec 9th, 2011, 04:48 PM
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It would be helpful to know when you are going and how much time you have. While the Ligurian Coast, including Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful coastal regions of Italy (I like it better than the Amalfi Coast), good weather makes it a lot more enjoyable.
Dec 11th, 2011, 12:42 AM
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Thank you for all your replies and opinions which I appreciate and respect. I think the most I can spend in Cinque Terre is 2 days. I'm from Australia, I'm terrified of driving on the right side of the road, even with no kangaroos. We have some of the most beautiful beaches and coastline in the world. Even so, Cinque Terre looks so attractive.Do you mind if I get a bit long- winded here? I thought maybe then you could all help me decide which places to choose to go and see.
Originally it was my parents who wanted to go on a pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo(Italy)and Lourdes (France). My Dad was diagnosed with a very advanced form of prostate cancer early this year. He's had what treatment he can and has actually had a good result. So he wanted to go to these places while he is still well. Anyone who has family with cancer will understand this. So that is the main purpose of the trip.I thought that I might take the opportunity to go to Europe 2 weeks earlier, meet them in Rome to accompany them on their pilgrimage. All up about 4 weeks in from the middle of May to the middle of June 2012.
When I first started planning the trip I mostly wanted to go to Montmartre and Monte Cassino, these two places are special to me. But as I researched more on all the places in France and Italy I basically wanted to see EVERYTHING!!! But I did find Corsica particularly appealing.I have been to Rome about 4 times and Assisi twice and Subiaco once.
The following are the places I would like to see - its kind of in the order of how I was going to travel: Paris, Dijon, Grancey le Chateau (just north of Dijon), Paray le Monial, Lyon, Aix en Provence, Sainte Maximin la Saint Baume, Nice, Corsica, Cinque Terre,Siena, Norcia, San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Cassino, Lourdes, Pontmain (near Laval in normandy), Chartres.
As you can see a lot of places and little time. Fodorites often have said in their posts that seeing less and spending a longer time in each place is better and I agree. I think the main problem is that you go all the way there from Australia, and these places seem so close to each other compared to the proximity of towns in a huge country like Australia, that it seems such a pity not to take the opportunity to go and see them. The places that I most definitely must go to see is Montmartre, San Giovanni Rotondo, Lourdes, Norcia and Corsica. Would you cut the rest out?
Originally it was my parents who wanted to go on a pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo(Italy)and Lourdes (France). My Dad was diagnosed with a very advanced form of prostate cancer early this year. He's had what treatment he can and has actually had a good result. So he wanted to go to these places while he is still well. Anyone who has family with cancer will understand this. So that is the main purpose of the trip.I thought that I might take the opportunity to go to Europe 2 weeks earlier, meet them in Rome to accompany them on their pilgrimage. All up about 4 weeks in from the middle of May to the middle of June 2012.
When I first started planning the trip I mostly wanted to go to Montmartre and Monte Cassino, these two places are special to me. But as I researched more on all the places in France and Italy I basically wanted to see EVERYTHING!!! But I did find Corsica particularly appealing.I have been to Rome about 4 times and Assisi twice and Subiaco once.
The following are the places I would like to see - its kind of in the order of how I was going to travel: Paris, Dijon, Grancey le Chateau (just north of Dijon), Paray le Monial, Lyon, Aix en Provence, Sainte Maximin la Saint Baume, Nice, Corsica, Cinque Terre,Siena, Norcia, San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Cassino, Lourdes, Pontmain (near Laval in normandy), Chartres.
As you can see a lot of places and little time. Fodorites often have said in their posts that seeing less and spending a longer time in each place is better and I agree. I think the main problem is that you go all the way there from Australia, and these places seem so close to each other compared to the proximity of towns in a huge country like Australia, that it seems such a pity not to take the opportunity to go and see them. The places that I most definitely must go to see is Montmartre, San Giovanni Rotondo, Lourdes, Norcia and Corsica. Would you cut the rest out?
Dec 11th, 2011, 01:30 AM
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I haven't visited most of the places you mention but I did want to say that travelling is tiring at the best of times and I think your parents, especially your ather will quickly become exhausted if he doesn't get a fair number of rest days.
I'm also australian and I understand the need to see as much as possible, however it's worth remembering that less is more and you will enjoy the trip more if you aren't changing hotels every other day.
I'm also australian and I understand the need to see as much as possible, however it's worth remembering that less is more and you will enjoy the trip more if you aren't changing hotels every other day.
Dec 11th, 2011, 02:04 AM
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You're right Cathies. Dad and Mum are only going to San Giovanni Rotondo and Lourdes and perhaps Monte Cassino on the way, the rest of the time I will travel solo. Its good having a fellow Aussie commenting on this as well.Thankyou
Dec 11th, 2011, 02:58 AM
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A mixed trip of inland Tuscany and an island or the coast is a great mix, it is how we normally spend a week. I would agree with your idea of one coastal location and Corsica is beautiful. Try to get to Bonifacio it is an amazing sight.
http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Eur...photo56050.htm
As for "the contrarian view", after 27 trips to Italy I have tried to self gratify and prove that there are hidden wonders of the world that remain undiscovered. There are some lovely little untouristy corners like Alba, Elba out of season, the East coast of Sardinia, Vicenza, Bologna, Modica, Siracusa and all. In the end, as my first trip to Venice proved to me in October, the greatest sites in the world are swamped because they are the greatest sights in the world.
http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Eur...photo56050.htm
As for "the contrarian view", after 27 trips to Italy I have tried to self gratify and prove that there are hidden wonders of the world that remain undiscovered. There are some lovely little untouristy corners like Alba, Elba out of season, the East coast of Sardinia, Vicenza, Bologna, Modica, Siracusa and all. In the end, as my first trip to Venice proved to me in October, the greatest sites in the world are swamped because they are the greatest sights in the world.
Dec 11th, 2011, 03:24 AM
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Pelligrina,
At what point do you plan to meet your parents in Rome? Would it be after seeing Siena and Norcia? Because you really face a whole lot of logistical problems getting to the destinations you say you want to see in Italy. There is no zippy way to get from Corsical to le Cinque Terre, or from there to Siena, likewise from Siena to Norcia, or Norcia to Rome.
Overall, it might be easier if you could split your two weeks so that you spend one week in Italy before meeting your parents and one week in France after they depart. Even then, issues of "slow travel" vs. "zoom travel" aside, transportation between the destinations you've chosen is problematic and time consuming. This particular combination of destinations may simply not be feasible in a 2 week time frame.
bob, hello?
If you read this thread, you will see that you are the only person who jumped in to attack another poster and stink up the thread. I only wanted to correct a misleading picture about the uniqueness of le Cinque Terre for a person trying to decide whether it was worth the extra effort to get here during a short trip. What were your motives for posting here?
At what point do you plan to meet your parents in Rome? Would it be after seeing Siena and Norcia? Because you really face a whole lot of logistical problems getting to the destinations you say you want to see in Italy. There is no zippy way to get from Corsical to le Cinque Terre, or from there to Siena, likewise from Siena to Norcia, or Norcia to Rome.
Overall, it might be easier if you could split your two weeks so that you spend one week in Italy before meeting your parents and one week in France after they depart. Even then, issues of "slow travel" vs. "zoom travel" aside, transportation between the destinations you've chosen is problematic and time consuming. This particular combination of destinations may simply not be feasible in a 2 week time frame.
bob, hello?
If you read this thread, you will see that you are the only person who jumped in to attack another poster and stink up the thread. I only wanted to correct a misleading picture about the uniqueness of le Cinque Terre for a person trying to decide whether it was worth the extra effort to get here during a short trip. What were your motives for posting here?
Dec 11th, 2011, 03:38 AM
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Pelligrina,
DickieG and I were posting at the same time. He knows more about getting from Corsica to Tuscany than I do, and I think his suggestion of combining Corsica with Tuscany -- since you want to see Siena -- is an idea worth pursuing. From there you could go to Rome and if your parents are up to it, consider taking them by car to Norcia after San Giovanni Rotondo, and then making your way to Lourdes (via flights from Rome?)
That would mean skipping le Cinque Terre if favor of Siena. Up to you.
I hope DickieG won't mind my adding that while I completely agree that the out of the way places he mentioned, that are unswamped by tourists are worth experiencing, none of them would be easy for you to add to this trip (and I'm pretty sure he wasn't suggesting you do). However, you will find far few tourists in Norcia. (I'll also observe that there a plenty of sights in Italy that are swamped with tourists mainly because of hype and marketing, and I sometimes think le Cinque Terre is one of them, but not Venice or Siena, which remain a marvel despite being swamped.)
DickieG and I were posting at the same time. He knows more about getting from Corsica to Tuscany than I do, and I think his suggestion of combining Corsica with Tuscany -- since you want to see Siena -- is an idea worth pursuing. From there you could go to Rome and if your parents are up to it, consider taking them by car to Norcia after San Giovanni Rotondo, and then making your way to Lourdes (via flights from Rome?)
That would mean skipping le Cinque Terre if favor of Siena. Up to you.
I hope DickieG won't mind my adding that while I completely agree that the out of the way places he mentioned, that are unswamped by tourists are worth experiencing, none of them would be easy for you to add to this trip (and I'm pretty sure he wasn't suggesting you do). However, you will find far few tourists in Norcia. (I'll also observe that there a plenty of sights in Italy that are swamped with tourists mainly because of hype and marketing, and I sometimes think le Cinque Terre is one of them, but not Venice or Siena, which remain a marvel despite being swamped.)
