Here's my questions

Venice to Cinque Terre - How long is the train ride? and approximate train fare?

Any recommendations for Hotels, Apts in Cinque Terre? budget of about 120e

What not to miss while in Cinque Terre? We are doing a day trip before heading to Parma to see the relatives.

After spending time in Parma, how long is the train ride from Florence to Rome and how much?

For train schedules and fares, see www.trenitalia.com or for schedules alone, see www.bahn.de.

Geoffhamer answered all your train questions. Type in Cinque Terre in the Search box and get all your Cinque Terre questions answered. Also, go to the "destinations" section above and frommers.com for additional information.

It's amazing how a little self work can answer most questions. Have a nice trip !!! Mike

Thank you for your replies but Trenitalia does not post the fare at this early stage and that's why I was wondering if any travelers have done this route before and approximately how much it cost. I have looked at apts. and hotels around the area but I just need any suggestions from any real travelers rather than generalizational post.

I remember the train ride being approximately 6 hours from Venice to Vernazza. I wish I could remember what we paid, but it didn't seem like much - maybe 60 euro each (but don't hold me to it!). There are plenty of accommodations in Vernazza for ~120 euro. We paid 55 for a room w/out a view, and it wasn't up a lot of stairs. I just looked at vernazzarooms.com and they have rooms above the Blue Marlin Bar on "main street" which is also near the self-service laundry, but could not view the prices. For something to do, you could hike to Monterrossa. Also, for food, check out the Sicilian brothers' place at the upper far end of town. Great desserts and FUN atmosphere!

Eurotrav - The Trenitalia website gives current fares - and they are unlikely to change in the next few months.

CT-Venice - appr. € 40.
Florence-Rome - appr. € 30.

(Add €10-15 for 1st cl.)

Steve