We will be in Italy in April/May next year. We would like to spend 4 nights on the Cinque Terre. Is it possible to get to Lake Maggiore on a day trip or would we be better off going to Florence?Cheers Pawsha

No, and I'm afraid Florence is also too far for a day trip from le Cinque Terre.

Hi Pawsha - Florence takes approx 3 hrs each way by train. So it's possible ... with an early start.

For timtables see:
http://trenitalia.com/homepage_en.html

Hope this helps ...

Steve

pawsha,

I live not far from le Cinque Terre and you need to know that the trains that run between there and Florence and back again are frequently delayed for long periods, adding hours to a trip.

Okay - that doesnt sound like a good idea. How about if we go back to Milan and then to Maggiore or Florence

Cheers Pawsha

Is there any other way to do the Florence to CT leg other than train? We will also be wanting to travel in May next year so this news about delays is a worry.

Thank you

TTT

You can find out the answers to many what if questions on your own.

For trains, use www.trenitalia.com and use dates within next few weeks. You will not find next year's schedule. But it gives you the feasibility of what you are trying to do. Another train schedule site is reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

If driving, use www.viamichelin.com

Thanks for help. We will probably stay in Milan and train it up to Lake Maggiore for the day.
My next question is :- We will be spending 4 nights inthe Cinque Terre. One of these walks is supposed to be more difficult than the others - which one?. My husband and I are in our seventies and although very fit, dont want to trudge up and down ancient uneven steps and mountain ranges. We will be staying in Monterossa and would like to start walking from Riomaggiore and then back to hotel. We will use rail if too difficult.

Cheers
Pawsha

The section between Monterossa and Vernazza is by far the most difficult. Also from day to day, a particular section of the route may close because of storm damage. Probably walking from Riomaggore to Vernazza would be best.

Thankyou. That's what I needed to know.
Cheers
Pawsha

I agree with sebinah. We stayed in Riomaggiore and walked the entire length in a day, which was an achievement. Parts are extremely challenging and we are in our 50's and fit. Beautiful part of Italy and worth seeing.