Cinque Terre v Tuscany
 

Help! So hard to decide :-)
We are traveling to Italy for the first time. We fly into Milan, spending two days there. From there, we are going to Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre for three days before heading to Bologna for a convention for four days, then Venice for three days. We fly out from Venice.

We are trying to decide whether to take a day and go to Tuscany from Riomaggiore for a day trip or leave it for another time? Or do we skip the CT villages and go straight to Tuscany? Or just stay one night in CT and one night in Tuscany?
Any advice would be massively appreciated!

Thank you in advance for your time and knowledge.
Lori

Hi lori,

can you tell us what time of year this trip is taking place? spring and autumn are generally considered to be the best time for the CT - in the winter it's closed and in the summer it's heaving.

Yes, we are going to be there Sept 20.
Appreciate any info you can share.

I've been to both Tuscany and Cinque Terre in September and they are both wonderful. . Three days means only two nights so I would not do a day trip. If I had to chose I guess it would be Tuscany although that does not give you much time. Whatever you decide I don't think you can go wrong. You will love Italy.

If you plan to drive then choose Tuscany--if not, the CT will fit a train itinerary. Do not try both.

fitz

The iconic scenery of Tuscany that you have seen in pictures is pretty much out of reach of the Italian Riviera for a day trip or for a split of 1 + 1. The iconic scenery is south of Siena or in the Chianti region and it is just too far to go if you are on the Mediterranean and need to end up in Bologna.

If you land in Milan and want to go to scenic rural Tuscany then you need to take a fast train at least as far Florence in order to pick up a rental car and head to either the Chianti (closest) or the val d'Orcia.

Personally if I were going to Italy in September because I had a conference in Bologna I wouldn't pick either of the tourist destinations on your wish list. I would go Verona or Mantova or both. Or Ferrara and Padova. If you really hate cities and motor vehicles and history and want the Jeffersonian nature and gated community feel of European travel then -- sure: Enjoy the scenery and the photo op walled towns. But on a very short trip to Italy there can be something eye opening about seeing the utterly unique cultural achievements of Italy rather than the universal scenic coastlines or rolling hills of farm country. (And the food in Mantova or Ferrara and the wine in Verona is incredible.)

I adore the Italian Riviera and if you need a vacation it is an easy shot if you are landing in Milan and you don't need a car. If you would like to see some marvels of history then consider Mantova and Verona.

Hello All:
I can't thank you enough for your input and suggestions. I am going to research Montova and Verona today. Food mad wine are very important ;-) I will keep you posted as to our final decisions.

If food and wine are very important then do pay close attention to how very very regional the food of Italy is. You will get truly wonderful and memorable seafoods on the Italian Riviera (especially mussels and anchovies) and the glorious pesto and chickpea dishes. You will struggle to find good wine.

The area around Verona is one of the great wine producing regions of Italy with its killer amarone. I am less keen on its braised meats (in particular donkey and pony) and polenta. Mantova is just in a delightful world unto itself when it comes to food.

I honestly don't think you are within reach of the wines of southern Tuscany if you are flying into Milan and need to be in Bologna. But if you are immensely motivated you could head for the Chianti areas or just maybe Siena. You could head for Florence or Arezzo and use it as a base for accessing that area once you are over your jet lag. Consider renting a car to drive to Bologna making an overnight stop at Amerigo in Savigno for dinner.

If you really want scenery and small towns you should go for it. But the historic small cities of Northern Italy are immensely beautiful and of course totally different from anything you find in the English speaking world. If you have time while you are in Bologna try to get to the morning market in Modena.

Here is a pretty good website for food in Mantova. I particularly like risotto alla pilota but there are many unique dishes for the city

http://www.italian-food-lovers.com/2010/10/mantua-2/

It is also possible to visit Modena as a day trip from Mantova.

Sorry that the area is not a great wine producing region although Lambrusco di Sorbara is underrated I think.

Have fun wherever you go. Try not to eat too much too soon since you will need to save yourself for Bologna and its rather rich cuisine.

Sandra:
Thank you for all your input. Just thought you'd like to know, we took your advice and have decided to go to Verona from Bologna and save Tuscany for another time.

Navigator: your input as far as car v train helped make our decision.

Have a great day!

Navigator: your input as far as car v train helped make our decision.>>

lol, fitz - but what was it? train or car?

I hope that you enjoy your trip, and come back here to tell us about it.

Love CT and Liguria, which also have lovely cuisine.

Consider a side trip to Ravenna from Bologna or during your time in the region.

Verona is a very beautiful city.

http://honestcooking.com/on-the-ital...lovely-verona/

http://foodloversodyssey.typepad.com...ngs-to-do.html

http://www.matchingfoodandwine.com/n...avel/20120323/

http://www.lovingitaly.com/en/verona..._wine_bars.htm

http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...ona-wine-route

Cinque Terra is a city or rather 5 villages and Tuscany is a large area encompassing many cities . SO when you say Tuscany, that could cover quite a bit of territory. Did you have a place in mind to see in Tuscany? hard to compare the two. I agree that if you have a conference in Bologna, stick in that area of Italy, Venice, Padua, Verona, Lake Garda, etc.

Annhig: lol... We are traveling by train. Since I am a court reporter, I had to address your question. I see the true humor in how poorly I defined our mode of travel. How many times have I heard the question: How long have you known your mother?

Lol...same concept -- sort of. You get my drift :-)

Thank you, Sandra. I will toast my first sampling of a glass of amarone to you!

perhaps then fitz, as a court reporter, you can guess my occupation.

[BTW, how many times HAVE you heard that question? I'm not sure I've ever heard it. perhaps US courts are different to english ones] but yes, I get your drift, and for what it's worth, I think that your decision to travel by train is a good one, though driving in Italy has its attractions [and pitfalls!]

Since you are going to Venice, a big city I would do Cinque Terre. It was my fav part of Italy.