Five nights Rapallo, CT, Portovenere, Portofino - enough time?
 

I have five nights in Rapallo in July and am wondering how realistic my plan is. I'll be coming from Vence, France by train so probably won't get to Rapallo till late afternoon. So that will leave me with four full days in the area. I was thinking one for Portovenere and one for the CT.

Is it realistic to think I could see Santa Margherita, Portofino and San Fruttuoso in one day? I wouldn't do the long hikes, would take the boat to San Fruttuoso and between the other towns I'd take train, bus or boat - whichever made sense in terms of time.

That would leave me one last day for which I was thinking of spending the day in Genova.

After this part of my trip I'll be heading up to Lausanne, Switzerland for six nights.

Is this time frame realistic? Any changes you would make to this? When would you do trains versus boats? Thanks

Yes, you can see Santa Margherita, Portofino, and San Fruttuoso in one day. You can take a boat or bus from SML to Portifino and I think there is a boat on to San Fruttuoso.

Probably could do it. Portofino 1 hour, tiny place,boat to San Frutosso, rest for lovely Santa Margherita

I can't answer your question, but want to suggest a good book to read while you are in that area. The novel "Beautiful Ruins" is set in a small town between the CT and Portovenere. It is a nice, light read... the perfect vacation novel for that little corner of the world.

Thanks for the replies. That's what I was thinking, they all seem small enough, and close enough that an hour or two here and there would allow me to see them all without rushing around.

I had heard of the novel Beautiful Ruins, now I will make sure to get it. Thanks.

Any other tips of things to do - or best ways to do them - in this area?

Your camera will love Camogli as well.