Cinque Terre for Three Days / Two Nights
Aug 22nd, 2011, 09:30 AM
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Cinque Terre for Three Days / Two Nights
I posted an earlier message regarding a 6 day Tuscan stay based out of Pisa at the end of September. Everyone was incredibly helpful in confirming that our original plan of day trips to Greve, Siena, and San Gimignano was probably too much time in the car, especially for such a shortened time. Thank you so much for that feedback. I guess we'll put those destinations on our list for our next visit!
After a little more research, we think that our 6 day itinerary will now consists of Pisa (2 days), Lucca (1) and Cinque Terre (3). I'm curious if some of the well traveled (such as Bob the Navigator) think this is a much more desirable itinerary. Cinque Terre appears to be about an hour from Pisa via train and appears to be an incredibly beautiful place - even more so than San G, Greve, etc.
We're open to lots of suggestions on Cinque Terre. Since we're only there for two nights, we thought we would stay in one of the villages - probably Vernazza. I've heard that it's the most touristy village, but possibly the most beautiful. Any lodging or restaurant recommendations? It's our delayed honeymoon, so we don't mind treating ourselves with accommodations and culinary delights. Do you recommend another village instead?
Our Cinque Terre itinerary seems pretty easy. Hiking the trails over three days, with lots of stops to take in the beauty, culture and surroundings. Nights will probably be pretty low-key dinner and cocktails, especially after the day's activities. We just want to enjoy the region and take it all in.
Thanks again in advance for your feedback and thoughts!
Bill
After a little more research, we think that our 6 day itinerary will now consists of Pisa (2 days), Lucca (1) and Cinque Terre (3). I'm curious if some of the well traveled (such as Bob the Navigator) think this is a much more desirable itinerary. Cinque Terre appears to be about an hour from Pisa via train and appears to be an incredibly beautiful place - even more so than San G, Greve, etc.
We're open to lots of suggestions on Cinque Terre. Since we're only there for two nights, we thought we would stay in one of the villages - probably Vernazza. I've heard that it's the most touristy village, but possibly the most beautiful. Any lodging or restaurant recommendations? It's our delayed honeymoon, so we don't mind treating ourselves with accommodations and culinary delights. Do you recommend another village instead?
Our Cinque Terre itinerary seems pretty easy. Hiking the trails over three days, with lots of stops to take in the beauty, culture and surroundings. Nights will probably be pretty low-key dinner and cocktails, especially after the day's activities. We just want to enjoy the region and take it all in.
Thanks again in advance for your feedback and thoughts!
Bill
Aug 22nd, 2011, 09:38 AM
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"It's our delayed honeymoon, so we don't mind treating ourselves with accommodations and culinary delights. Do you recommend another village instead?"
I stayed for several days in an apartment in Monterosso but I'm not suggesting that necessarily. What I would suggest is that, since you're looking for a special accommodation, why not let the hotel be your guide and choose the most romantic you can find rather than the village. They're all pretty.
I stayed for several days in an apartment in Monterosso but I'm not suggesting that necessarily. What I would suggest is that, since you're looking for a special accommodation, why not let the hotel be your guide and choose the most romantic you can find rather than the village. They're all pretty.
Aug 22nd, 2011, 12:41 PM
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I have a few days at the end of my Slovenia trip next month that I'll probably spend in Pisa and the CT before flying out of Milan. I've been to both places before. I'll look for two honeymooners on the trains and the trails! (Expect to see lots of Americans on the trails.)
Yes, the CT is a beautiful place. I have from my previous trip a large picture of Riomaggiore (the southern-most village) hanging on my wall at home; the picture is calling me back!
It is easy to get to the CT from Pisa by train, though. The trains connecting the five villages are mostly old clunky local trains that can be late - just be prepared for that and be patient.
I may wind up staying in Monterosso or Levanto (just north of Monterosso) because I can get a direct early train in the morning up to Milan. Given the choice and no other constraints, I'd probably pick Vernazza, though - it does seem like the nicest village, but they are all charming in their own way. I'm planning to "wing it" and show up early in the day (from Pisa) and just find a room, but you may not wish to try that (especially if you are there on a weekend).
Yes, the CT is a beautiful place. I have from my previous trip a large picture of Riomaggiore (the southern-most village) hanging on my wall at home; the picture is calling me back!
It is easy to get to the CT from Pisa by train, though. The trains connecting the five villages are mostly old clunky local trains that can be late - just be prepared for that and be patient.
I may wind up staying in Monterosso or Levanto (just north of Monterosso) because I can get a direct early train in the morning up to Milan. Given the choice and no other constraints, I'd probably pick Vernazza, though - it does seem like the nicest village, but they are all charming in their own way. I'm planning to "wing it" and show up early in the day (from Pisa) and just find a room, but you may not wish to try that (especially if you are there on a weekend).
Aug 22nd, 2011, 12:50 PM
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Go a lot my fav there
www.metropole.it
1 block down hill from SML/Portofino train station
Paid 120 euro for an awesome sea view suite and breakfast
at the red lodge there right at the ferry dock
to all the cities do not even get a taxi just roll my bag
downhill to the hotel... VERY romantic and a great price point
Happy Travels!
www.metropole.it
1 block down hill from SML/Portofino train station
Paid 120 euro for an awesome sea view suite and breakfast
at the red lodge there right at the ferry dock
to all the cities do not even get a taxi just roll my bag
downhill to the hotel... VERY romantic and a great price point
Happy Travels!
Aug 22nd, 2011, 12:52 PM
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www.torrettas.com Manarola most romantic of the villages for me
but you would miss the SML/Portofino area which is also awesome
but you would miss the SML/Portofino area which is also awesome
Aug 22nd, 2011, 05:57 PM
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My favorite village is also Manarola. It didn't feel as "hectic" as Vernazza and was wonderfully quiet and peaceful in the evenings after the tourist crowds left for the day. We stayed at Nicoletta 1 - a private apartment with kitchen, living room and bathroom which was quite nice. Not luxurious, but very nicely appointed and we loved it. The owners were lovely people.
Aug 23rd, 2011, 07:43 AM
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Also, I just read some of the other posts in this thread.
It is not easy to get to and from the le Cinque Terre hiking trails if you stay in Portovenere. You need to take a combination of bus and train -- or rely on a longish ferry ride, and the ferries don't run if the water is choppy. If hiking is something you are sure you want to do, stay in one of the five villages.
Staying at the Metropole in Santa Margherita Ligure is quite a different proposition from staying in the le CInque Terre villages. You should carefully read TripAdvisor and look at pictures.
If you are in le CInque Terre for 3 days and want to see Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, it is not hard to do. It's only an hour's train ride, and then you take a bus, or a boat or walk. But I think you have the right idea about the Riviera, which is to lay back and enjoy it, and relax in one lovely town. Most of the towns along the Riviera do not differ all that much in character, mainly in size and tourist impact. Portofino is actually much more touristy than Vernazza.
(I live on the RIviera, which is why I added all these details.)
It is not easy to get to and from the le Cinque Terre hiking trails if you stay in Portovenere. You need to take a combination of bus and train -- or rely on a longish ferry ride, and the ferries don't run if the water is choppy. If hiking is something you are sure you want to do, stay in one of the five villages.
Staying at the Metropole in Santa Margherita Ligure is quite a different proposition from staying in the le CInque Terre villages. You should carefully read TripAdvisor and look at pictures.
If you are in le CInque Terre for 3 days and want to see Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, it is not hard to do. It's only an hour's train ride, and then you take a bus, or a boat or walk. But I think you have the right idea about the Riviera, which is to lay back and enjoy it, and relax in one lovely town. Most of the towns along the Riviera do not differ all that much in character, mainly in size and tourist impact. Portofino is actually much more touristy than Vernazza.
(I live on the RIviera, which is why I added all these details.)
Aug 23rd, 2011, 11:16 AM
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I too will be in Cinque Terre the end of September. We are staying in a B&B outside of Cinque Terre which was highly recommended by a friend.
Friends of mine on their honeymoon a few years ago stayed in Riomaggiore in an apartment overlooking the ocean. They said they loved Cinque Terre and wished they'd stayed for more than 3 nights/2 days. I had also read that Vernazza was the nicest of the villages but my friends loved Riomaggiore for their honeymoon destination. They said they could see the ocean from their bed!
Friends of mine on their honeymoon a few years ago stayed in Riomaggiore in an apartment overlooking the ocean. They said they loved Cinque Terre and wished they'd stayed for more than 3 nights/2 days. I had also read that Vernazza was the nicest of the villages but my friends loved Riomaggiore for their honeymoon destination. They said they could see the ocean from their bed!
