Does anybody know how easy it is to get from florence to cinque terre? Also the cost and how long does it take. Which village is easier to access and where would you recommend to stay? Thanks a lot!

I'd recommend taking the train from Florence to Monterosso, which will take a little over 3 hours (let's just say 3.5 hours & cover ourselves.) You're going to have to change trains in Pisa or in both Pisa & La Spezia to get there. I think it's the northernmost of the Cinque Terre, you can work your way down, and it is plesant & right on the water. Sorry, do not have cost info. <BR>Good Luck!

HI- <BR>I actually just did this 2 weeks ago. You should get the train at the Maria Novella station right in Florence..take the train to Pisa into Monterosso or La Spezia depending on where you're staying in CT. If I remember correctly the tickets totalled approx. $20 us/40,000 Lira. It did take about 2.5-3 hours. CT was absolutely amazing-make sure you do all of the hikes if you are able! The views are unbelievable. <BR>

Just to clarify, you need to change trains in Pisa & head toward Mont. or La Spezia.

I haven't stayed in Cinque Terre, but I drove it from Florence last February. IF you are driving, I left Florence on A11 in the early morning and with a fast stop in Pisa, jumped onto the A12 and drove to Cinque Terre around 11 a.m....if not sooner. There are VERY small parking lots outside each village, and since the train was not running between the villages it was necessary to drive to each of them and park. I am certain I read a post that said the train is now running again. <BR> <BR>Buon Viaggio!

I was there 3 days ago.The easiest to access is Monterosso but it is too much crowded.To find a room is almost impossible.Then I met a girl Catherina who has a travel agency in Manarola.She solved my problem for because I'm going through Italy and she found in every place an accomodation.Her e-mail is [email protected]. <BR>Bye

Thank you! This info is very helpful as I am planning my trip from Florence to Monterroso in late September. <BR>I tried Vernazza and couldn't find lodging. <BR> <BR>Bob----? for you: You mentioned how crowded Monterroso was, would I be better off trying to find accomodation in another village and cancel the one in Monterroso? Did the over crowding make it unenjoyable? <BR>I've heard amazing things about this region and can't wait to explore!

Hi Ami, <BR>yes Monterosso is different from the other villages of the Cinque Terre.It is bigger, too much crowded, not genuine.I reccomend you Manarola or Corniglia, I was there and the girl(and his boyfriend) I mentioned before make me understand the differences in the atmosphere

We're planning the same drive - Florence to Portovenere - with a quick stop in Pisa. How safe will the luggage be in a rental car while we walk around Pisa for a couple of hours? It's a compact car & I don't know if it has a real trunk or just a cover that pulls over.