I am fortunate to be going with my husband to Milan on a business trip the first part of October. We have a long weekend before he starts business in Milan. I was thinking we should go to Venice but after reading all the glowing reports on Cinque Terre, I am contemplating that location. I haven't been to either place so which would you pick?

I'd take Venice. There is nothing like Venice in all the world. 5 Terre is very pretty, but there are many, many pretty coastal areas in the world.

I second venice. It is a place unlike anywhere else in the world

Venice!!! (no contest - IMO)

A dilemma that has no wrong choice. My wife and I will be in Cinque Terre in early October, so you'll probably want to go to Venice to escape out of control hikers like ourselves.

Hi Ronda,

Tom has given you good advice. I suggest you follow it.

Venice!!!! Liked Cinque Terra but nothing compares to Venice. Can't wait to go back one day.

Venice,definitely...and before you go, rent the movie Summertime (in Venice) with Katherine Hepburn.

Have a great trip. Linda

Venice, Venice, Venice! And someday when you return to Italy for a longer visit, you'll have a chance to go to Cinque Terre.

Just returned last month. Spent 3 days in Venice. Wish I would have spent a week! Venezia gets my vote.

I've not been to CT so can't be objective but I'd imagine Oct. is an ideal time for Venice. Not too crowded. You might want to have a look at what special events are going on then here.
http://www.initaly.com/travel/info/events.htm

It depends on what you like to do. Do you want to spend time hiking, visiting the different villages, and going to the beach? or do you want to spend time going to churches, museums, and strolling the quaint streets of Venice? I wish I knew about Cinque Terre, cause it looks really nice.

Maitaitom: We will also be in the CT at the beginning of October (arriving on the 2nd, leaving on the 7th.) Pin a yellow rose to your shirt so I'll know you when we pass on the trails! (I'll wear a red one behind my ear.)

Here's another vote for Venice.

Cinque Terre deserves all the glowing reports it gets...but then so does Venice. As Rufus and jamikins said, there's no place like Venice anywhere in the world.

So, to paraphrase Horace Greely: go East, young woman.

Thanks for the input! Looks like Venice it is for a long weekend. Now I have to start researching hotels. Since this portion of the trip won't be on business but on us, I must find someplace reasonable and, of course, quaint with the feel of the area.

Tom will be the one with a a maitai in his hand!

"Pin a yellow rose to your shirt..."
"Tom will be the one with a a maitai in his hand!"

TravelerGina, I don't usually hike with a rose attached to my shirt, but you might look for a black cap that does have the phrase "Mai Tai" included. To mess up the fashion police, I will be wearing it backward because you probably have a good chance of passing me on the trail. We're staying at Villa Margherita in Levanto.

Wren, I'm afraid I stick to wine and limoncello in Italy, however if a mai tai is available, i would never pass up the opportunity.

Maitaitom: Well, if we're hiking behind you, I may recognize you by your hat. We're staying in Manarola and will also be enjoying the local wine and limoncella. Have a great time; I know we will!

If you are looking for Venice hotel recommendations, we like the Ala which is reasonable and on a charming square. It is very convenient to the Grand Canal and a vaporetto stop. Some rooms are on a small canal and it is fun to hear and see the gondolas passing.