Trying to decide how many days to day in this area. Probably will stay in Monterosso. 2, 3 or 4 days? Thanks

<BR><BR>My recommendation would partly depend on where else, and for how long, you're considering staying, but you can easily spend four days in Cinque Terre. It's a very beautiful area.

Jerri, My wife and I are staying in Monterosso al Mare in September 2003.<BR><BR>You might consider staying at a beautiful monastery there called the Santuario Nostra Signora di Soviore. Non-religious travelers can stay. The cost is about 60 euros for a double room with breakfast included. <BR><BR>The person to write (who also speaks and writes English) is &quot;Paolo&quot;. Email is: [email protected] Paolo has been MOST helpful in our planning. Hope this helps. Ken L

Thanks. I have been trying for weeks to reach the monastary and my email keeps getting kicked back. We are a family of 4. Do they have small apartments or family rooms as well?

jerri,<BR>I don't know anything about the monastery, but in doing some research for a similar trip, I found a website that provides another email address and the phone and fax numbers for the monastery. They are:<BR><BR>Tel. 0187 817385 <BR>Fax 0187 817097 <BR>[email protected]<BR><BR>Perhaps that will help?

if you like, have a look at www.baranin.com/webcam ...the first webcam in the Cinque Terre<BR>happy 2003

It depends on how you travel. We traveled to northern Italy a couple of years ago--Milan, Bellagio, Venice, Florence and the Cinque Terre--on a 10-day trip. We stayed 2 days in Monteresso (sp) and found that to be enough time. It was a beautiful area and we're so glad we went there but it's very low-key but I would suggest 2 nights and 3 days AT THE MOST. The five port towns along the coast are connected via stone steps over the mountains. We hiked one day from Monteresso to the next town Vernassa (sp). What gorgeous vistas. Don't be fooled thinking it's a simple jaunt--be sure to be prepared and take water. It's not a difficult hike just not as simple as we imagined.I highly recommend doing the hike if you are in shape. We had a wonderful meal or two in this area also--obviously, tons of fresh seafood. It's a place that time seems to have forgotten. A must-see but not for too long--there are way too many other gorgeous places that you must see in Italty! Have fun!<BR>