Hello,
We would like to take a 2-days side trips from Monaco to the Italian Riviera (4/6/04 to 4/8, then fly out of Nice on 4/8 to Paris). We're not sure on travel distances between the city stops and which cities to overnight in. We would like to get your help in forming the itinerary since there is so much knowledge in this travel forum. Here is what we're thinking: from Monaco, the stops are : Menton or San Remo ?, then Genoa, then Santa Margarity Ligure.(perhaps overnite there ?), then Porto fino, then some walking through Cinque Terre. (we are not sure whether we can cover all 5 fishing towns, so please suggest which one not to miss). Also, wondering if best to take train to major cities and then local transport or renting a car and drive to all of our desired locations. From our limited knowledge, this is what we got, however, open to any ideas from those who are more experienced travelers in these areas. Thanks ahead for your advice. P.s: just two adults.

Hmmm ! Not much time. I would train to SML and stay there--we like Hotel Jolanda. The next day train to Monterosso and spend the day seeing the CT by ferry boat--hopping on and off at will. The train station is really in Rapallo, but that is next door and close. Portofino is 3 miles from SML but always crowded. You really need another day, but good luck.

Porto Fino is really close to Santa Margarit, and a pretty expensive place to stay. You might want to reduce your travel a bit and spend two nights in Santa Margarita and day trip to Porto Fino. There's a great trail that takes you from Santa Margarit to Porto Fino, I forget the distance but I don't think it takes more than an hour.

I'm not sure how much fun you'll have doing all this travel over two days when you need to get back to Nice for your flight. There are so many amazing places to see along the French Riviera that less travel might add to a much better vacation for you.

I agree with the others that you have too much planned. Two days isn't enough to do everything.
I can tell you that by car the distance from Monaco to Portofino/Santa Margarita is no more than an hour and a half. In two days you can see the area, take some sun, eat some foccia, and one evening eat in Portofino. The other night you can eat at my favorite resturant Oca Bianca which is right down the street from The Jolanda hotel. I wouldn't try to do much else. This is already enough to fill 2 days.
Train or rental car. You choose. I'd take the car, because it's relativly easy to drive in that area. Just remeber that sometimes there is a line of cars backed up to get into Portofino. Usually Friday and Saturday nights. At that point, take the ferry from Rapallo, or the bus from Santa. There are taxis, but they're really expensive.
Ciao,
Melissa

Thanks for the feedback thus far. Another thought: If the drive to SML is only 1 hour and 1/2, then does it make sense to make a quick stop at either San Remo or Genoa? Is the town worth the quick stop? We can leave early on Tues 4/6/04 and still make it in time to checkin at hotel at SML. We are thinking of doing CT and Portofino in one day. We know that it is a bit rush but is it even doable -rushed? On 4/8/04, we can fly to Paris from Milan Linate airport using EasyJet, if it will be easier on time. I heard that Milan is closer than going back to Nice airport, is it true? We are leaning toward renting a car. Do you know the drive time to Milan Linate airport, not Malpensa? There is a flight out at 1 PM. We have travelled throught French Riviera and Provence already. Just thougth this time, we will squeeze in the Italian Riviera. One final option is to go to Paris and spend 5 days there. We have already been to Paris multiple times. May be we have to look into side trips outside of Paris. any thoughts ? Thanks a Million.

Gosh, so many questions...Let's see...
Yes, you can stop in Genoa or San Remo. I haven't actually stopped in either of these places, though, I've driven through them a million times. Someone else will have to tell you if they're worth going to or not.
Yes, if you are in a big rush and want to see Portofino and CT in one day, it's possible. Portofino is really only a singular piazza, so it can be done in 30 minutes or less. If that's what you want, then jump back in the car and go down to CT.
As for your return, from Santa/Portofino, the drive to Linate is about 2 hours. Remember not to do this on a Sunday, because you'll find yourself in non stop traffic of those people who spent their weekend at the sea.
Any other day of the week should be fine. If you must return to Milan on a Sunday, leave yourself extra time to get there.
I think that's a nice change of plan going to the Italian riviera instead of staying in Paris again. This is all do-able. Rushed, but possible.
Is Milan closer than Nice? For me, off handedly, I'd say they're about the same distance. Maybe Nice is a bit further. Check that out on a map if you want to be sure.
Did I answer all your questions? Post again if their are more. Maybe someone can fill you in on the Genoa and San Remo. Ciao,
Melissa

go to www.viamichelin.com and you can get distance and driving directions.
we drove from monaco to san remo for a day trip, making stops along the way. it was market day in san remo and we had great fun. have you done trips around monaco.. alps maritime,menton, etc. great day closer to monaco are available.

I had some problem posting this reply so you may see it twice. Sorry.
Thank You everyone for taking the time and reply to my message. It helped me a lot to make some progress. I looked at travel time required between train and car and found out that it is faster to go by car to SML from Monaco.
Now if you can help with the next step--> Since we have the car, should we drive to CT OR still use the train to Monterosso, as Bob suggested. W/ car, where do we drive to and park the car to explore CT and can easily drive back to SML. I am a bit confused with the places that have been mentioned in the forum threads.
Bob, I looked at train to Monterosso via Trenitalia.com and noticed that it takes about 1hr to go into Monterosso. should I train to the furthest CT town (Riomaggiore) and work my way back up.
JuneAnn, we will be in Monaco for 5 days for some personal business. What local side trips that you are referring to ? I am aware of Menton. What other place do you have in mind. Thanks.
Melissa. thanks for your info. FYI, We decide to go to Paris from Nice, per viamichelin.com, it is about 40 mins longer but it is simpler for us. Thanks again for the help.

We made a similar trip three years ago and loved Menton, with its flower-laden town square and reasoable accommodations directly across the street from the French Riviera! (Hotel Charles deGaule, I think, which is a Best Western)...

As for Italy, we absolutely adored Rapallo, an old-fashioned Italian classic city with great charm and substance...It was also convenient to the Cinque Terre (about 2 hours away)...Also, Rapallo was only about 30 minutes from Portofina, a must-see indeed. If you go there, take your wine and picnic, or else you will pay mightedly at the beachside cafes! Have a great trip...

I spent nearly three weeks on the French Riviera and Italian Riviera in November and December. I would take the train to Santa Margherita Ligure. Would not rent a car as it is not needed. I would base in SML and take day trips by train to Rapallo, Camogli and you can take the bus from SML to Portofino. Only takes 5 minutes or so and runs all day up till about 8 pm. You can walk between SML and Portofino. At Portofino there is much more than one piazza. You should climb the hill to the fortress Castello Brown and enjoy the great view of the coastline SML to Rapallo, visit the little chapel here that overlooks the sea and the village, cemetery etc. Bobthenavigator gave you a good hotel suggestion and you might check out the two Best Western hotels that are located at and near the marina (go to BW website) and just a few minutes walk from center city. I would not try to do the CT on such a brief visit and having been to both areas I much prefer the SML / Portofino area anyway as CT is now overcrowded, overpriced and very much overhyped. (others mileage may vary)

While in Monte Carlo take the 12 minute train ride to Beauliew Sur Mer, walk around the town and then take the fantastic walk from there to St.Jean Cap Ferrat out on the peninsula. The walk takes about 15 minutes, is beautiful and you can see the perched village of Eze and walk past David Niven's villa on the way. Have lunch at St.Jean Cap Ferrat and maybe take the walk around the peninsula while there to see the Belgium's soldier cemetery and St. Hospice chapel. You may have guessed I kinda like this area.
Have a great time.

Larry J

All good advice above.
If you do drive then you might as well stay in Monterosso--they have a big lot as you enter town. But, the train to SML is still a good idea and let the weather dictate if you go south that next day. If not, see Portofino and Camogli. And, for clarification, the hotel in Menton is Prince des Galles--not Chas. de Gaulle.

Thanks again for the replies. You guys are so helpful!! Larry, I like your suggestions, especially Monaco part.
Train vs Car: Hmmm.?x0@ If I take the train, I kill almost 5 hours to get to Monterosso or 4 hours to SML. While driving, I was told only about 2 hrs to SML. Is there a faster train that I am not aware of ? We have only 2 1/2 days to do this(SML,CT) so look for the fastest transportation. W/ car don't we have to decide ahead of time since they require payment before confirmation. we book w/ kernwel. Your thoughts?