My husband and our two teenage daughters are spending a week in mid June in a house north of Lucca. Despite the appearance that we are close to the Cinque Terre, www.viamichelin.com indicates it is a 2 hour car trip from our house to Monterosso. We intend to take a day trip to Cinque terre and had hoped to do some hiking and possibly some swimming. Any suggestions as to a reasonable intinerary for a day trip? I understand driving to Monterosso is pretty much the only option for parking.

Only a day???????<BR><BR>You're really gonna want to stay more. I would definalty recommend checking out as many of the villages as you can, there are trains that run from village to village, each stop is approx. 5 minutes away from the other. You can also do the boat thing, which takes a little longer, but is a beautiful way to check the Cinque out. Riomaggiore was my favorite of the five, then Vernezza. Monterosso was my least favorite....more touristy than the others. You will love anywhere you got there, but definatly check Riomaggiore out. I went last year, and had only planned to spend a day or two there, but ended up staying a week, and I wish I never left!!!!<BR><BR>Have fun, I'm very very jealous

I've only been to CT via train, but believe I've seen mention that it's possible to park in Riomaggiore. Hiking from one end to other (Monterosso--Riomaggiore or vice versa) will take about 5 1/2 hours; so rather than hike between all the towns you may want walk between a couple (Corniglia-Manarola trek is an easy & scenic walk, stretch between Manarola-Riomaggiore is 20-minute stroll & only portion of trail that's paved) -- then may jump on local train between another two (Monterosso-Vernazza trek is the more difficult hike) or also use the boat to experience beautiful views from the water. Do be aware that only 4 of the 5 CT towns are accessible via boat (town of Corniglia sits high above water & does not have a dock). I'm a walker, rather than a hiker. I was easily able to manage Manarola-Corniglia trail in my tennis shoes. Saw several groups of German tourists all decked out in hiking gear with walking sticks tackling the entire length of trail. In the grand scheme of hikes, I'm under impression that even the more challenging Vernazza-Monterosso isn't hard for a regular hiker.<BR><BR>As for swimming, I've read about a couple smaller secluded beaches in some of the towns. The "beachiest" is Monterosso. Everybody says Monterosso is the most touristy and the least charming --- yes, but you need to keep it in perspective. Those descriptions are true in comparing it to all the others, however it ain't Fort Lauderdale !

Marsha<BR>Your family will love the cinque terre. There is also a parking lot in Riomaggiore. Get there early and plan to have a great day. It's an easy walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola and a nice hike from Manarola to Corniglia. The trail gets more difficult from there so you may want to train it. Don't forget your bathing suits! You'll be happy you brought them. Have a great trip and maybe I'll see you there. I'll also be there in June for 3 days. Can't wait.

We took the train from Nervi and walked through Cinque Terre in a day. It was great; views/flora/scents reminded me of where I grew up (near Pt. Lobos on the Monterey Peninsula). <BR><BR>You'll have a great time. Just bring water and pace yourselves! There were lots of families when we went, and a few folks carrying babies.<BR><BR>If you feel you don't want togo any further, there are train stations along the way where you can turn back. Have fun.