Options to getting to Cinque Terra
May 1st, 2007 | 03:46 PM
#1
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Joined: May 2007
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Options to getting to Cinque Terra
Hi All,
I have been given total controlof planning our honeymoon. I am planning a Cinque-Terra->Tuscany->Malta trip. My question involves the trains options getting to Cinque Terra. I could either Fly in to Rome or Milan. we plan on staying there a night and then heading to CT the next day. My question is between the two train trips, does anyone have any preference as to which one is more scenic, enjoyable, etc. It looks like Milan to CT is about 45 shorter on average. Thanks for the help!
I have been given total controlof planning our honeymoon. I am planning a Cinque-Terra->Tuscany->Malta trip. My question involves the trains options getting to Cinque Terra. I could either Fly in to Rome or Milan. we plan on staying there a night and then heading to CT the next day. My question is between the two train trips, does anyone have any preference as to which one is more scenic, enjoyable, etc. It looks like Milan to CT is about 45 shorter on average. Thanks for the help!
May 1st, 2007 | 04:02 PM
#3
Joined: Apr 2004
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Hi c,
Congrats on your upcoming honeymoon. DH and I honeymooned in Italy as well in 2004.
I have not trained from Milan to the CT, but have made the Rome-CT train trip 4 times.
You'll fly into FCO airport and take the Leonardo Express (around 11€ per person and departing about twice per hour) to Roma Termini (the central train station in Rome). Then you'll train to La Spezia, where you will switch trains and catch your connection to the 5 CT towns. The train trip from Rome to La Spezia does have a few scenic portions as you'll pass through the mountain where Michelangelo quarried his famed white Carrera marble. Overall I wouldn't call it particularly scenic though.
Congrats on your upcoming honeymoon. DH and I honeymooned in Italy as well in 2004.
I have not trained from Milan to the CT, but have made the Rome-CT train trip 4 times.
You'll fly into FCO airport and take the Leonardo Express (around 11€ per person and departing about twice per hour) to Roma Termini (the central train station in Rome). Then you'll train to La Spezia, where you will switch trains and catch your connection to the 5 CT towns. The train trip from Rome to La Spezia does have a few scenic portions as you'll pass through the mountain where Michelangelo quarried his famed white Carrera marble. Overall I wouldn't call it particularly scenic though.
May 1st, 2007 | 04:04 PM
#4
Joined: Apr 2004
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oops - that should have read that you'll pass near the mountain where Michelangelo quarried his marble, not through it.
The short train trip from La Spezia to the CT towns is largely comprised on tunnels... you just get brief glimpses of the glittering Med Sea as the train goes from tunnel to tunnel.
The short train trip from La Spezia to the CT towns is largely comprised on tunnels... you just get brief glimpses of the glittering Med Sea as the train goes from tunnel to tunnel.
May 1st, 2007 | 04:12 PM
#5
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Joined: May 2007
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Tex' (sorry),
Thanks for the info! As a question that I am sure I will be asked "What is the Leonardo Express seating like." Is it similar to a TGV? I have been to Milan a few times but only once to Rome so I think spending at least a "Decompress" day there might be nice. Thanks again for the precise help!
Thanks for the info! As a question that I am sure I will be asked "What is the Leonardo Express seating like." Is it similar to a TGV? I have been to Milan a few times but only once to Rome so I think spending at least a "Decompress" day there might be nice. Thanks again for the precise help!
May 1st, 2007 | 04:23 PM
#6
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The Leonardo Express is free-for-all seating. There are not coaches and reserved seats like there are on the trains that run between cities. We've always just bought our ticket from the self-service machines (they accept credit cards), boarded, and picked the first seats we've come across. There are signs throughout the airport directing you to the train platforms.
In late May 2005, I recall the seats were orange plastic and we kept our luggage on our laps because the train was so crowded. You can also put in on a luggage rack overhead if there is room, or in the luggage racks at the end of the car. The ride takes about 40 minutes. I've been on it once when there was standing room only but we've found seats all of the other times.
Once the train reaches Roma Termini, you'll need to walk to the main terminal where all of the other trains depart. I'd leave yourself at least 20 minutes time (10 minutes for the walk, and another 10 minutes to find your track or in case you get lost). There is a lot of detailed information about the Leonardo Express on Fodors so you might want to type it into the search box and see if you can find specific directions.
A decompress day in Rome might be very nice. My husband and I spent a few nights in Rome on our honeymoon, returned for another couple of nights for our first year anniversary, and will be there again this June for our 3rd wedding anniversary. It's an easy city to fall in love with. If you can stay awake, you might want to take an evening walk and pass by the Colosseum all lit up, then throw your coins into the Trevi Fountain (also beautifully lit).
In late May 2005, I recall the seats were orange plastic and we kept our luggage on our laps because the train was so crowded. You can also put in on a luggage rack overhead if there is room, or in the luggage racks at the end of the car. The ride takes about 40 minutes. I've been on it once when there was standing room only but we've found seats all of the other times.
Once the train reaches Roma Termini, you'll need to walk to the main terminal where all of the other trains depart. I'd leave yourself at least 20 minutes time (10 minutes for the walk, and another 10 minutes to find your track or in case you get lost). There is a lot of detailed information about the Leonardo Express on Fodors so you might want to type it into the search box and see if you can find specific directions.
A decompress day in Rome might be very nice. My husband and I spent a few nights in Rome on our honeymoon, returned for another couple of nights for our first year anniversary, and will be there again this June for our 3rd wedding anniversary. It's an easy city to fall in love with. If you can stay awake, you might want to take an evening walk and pass by the Colosseum all lit up, then throw your coins into the Trevi Fountain (also beautifully lit).
May 1st, 2007 | 04:27 PM
#7
Joined: Apr 2004
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P.S. Have you booked your hotel in the CT yet? The area has become increasingly popular and is pretty busy June - early September these days.
If you enjoy hiking, try out the hiking trail between the 5 villages. We always start in Monterosso in the morning when it's cool because the more difficult parts of the hike are Monterosso to Vernazza, and Vernazza to Corniglia. The views are spectacular!! Easier hikes (but less scenic) are Corniglia to Manarola and Manarola to Riomaggiore. The walk from Manarola to Riomaggiore is called the Via del Amore and does have some beautiful views, but it is always jam-packed with people and lately, with grafitti
If you enjoy hiking, try out the hiking trail between the 5 villages. We always start in Monterosso in the morning when it's cool because the more difficult parts of the hike are Monterosso to Vernazza, and Vernazza to Corniglia. The views are spectacular!! Easier hikes (but less scenic) are Corniglia to Manarola and Manarola to Riomaggiore. The walk from Manarola to Riomaggiore is called the Via del Amore and does have some beautiful views, but it is always jam-packed with people and lately, with grafitti
