I am planning a trip to Italy in May. I have been reading many of the postings which have helped me tremendously! Thank you!
I plan to stay 2-3 days in Venise, 2 days in Florence, 4 days in Toscane, 3 days in Rome and 4 days on Amalfi cost.
I was wondering if it makes sense to take a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre (I wish I could stay longer but there is just so much to see...). I saw there is a train leaving Florence at 7:50AM arriving in La Spezia at 9h52AM and for the return, leaving at 8:06PM arriving in Florence at 10:01. It seems like a full day but still seems better than miss Cinque Terre all together. What do you think?

If you only have 2 days in Florence then stay there as there is too much to see. See CT on your next trip.

Sorry, I should have been clearer. I am already spending two days in Florence. This would be an extra day...

You should check the schedule for the whole journey from Firenze to, say, Monterosso (or another of the Cinque Terre villages) on www.bahn.de or www.trenitalia.com. Some connections require a change at Pisa rather than La Spezia. It's quite feasible as a day trip.

Hi ,

I just did it as a day trip from Lucca( somewhat closer than Firenze), using the trains and was back by 6PM. I had planned to go to Riomaggiore and take the boat from there to Monterosso but , unfortunately, due to rough seas the boats weren't operating. It was also raining on and off that day ( this was one of only 3 days with rain in my 5 weeks trip!).
But even with all that, I'm glad I went. I need to return on a day the weather is nicer!

I tried to find for you a very useful thread that discussed all the train options for a traveler that was also coming from Firenze. It also gave the website of the boat company that operates between the 5 towns. I can't find it but maybe if you search on Cinque Terre you'll be able to locate it.

Good luck and enjoy!

Thank you very much. I found an interesting tread and with your information, this is what I am planning. Any comments would be appreciated.

Day trip from Firenze to Cinque Terre:

Take the train from Firenze to Manarola for the first stop. I am not sure if I need to make a stop or not... From Manarola,take the trail for 1 hour to Corniglia. From Corniglia, take the trail for 1.5 hrs to Vernazza. Have lunch in Vernazza. From Vernazza, take the train or ferry to Monterrosso and hopefully have a swim on the beach. Then, take the ferry back south to Manarola and take the trail (approx. a 20 min walk) to Riomaggiore or stay in the Ferry to Riomaggiore for some evening snacks and drinks and a beautiful sunset. Then take the train back to Firenze.