Have just caught up with this thread again.
Thank you so much everyone!

Since starting this have changed my mind on a few things (thanks to Fodorites suggestions)

Flying EasyJet Paris-Pisa
Overnight Pisa- sightsee for a day
Train to Florence- booked apartment 7 days Florence ( decided Florence was the best hub for train travel to places we wanted to visit)
Train to Manarola- Cinque Terre- apartment 3 nights
Train to Camogli- overnight hotel
Train to Milan- staying Novotel Malpensa for easy airport access next day to fly out ( no time to sightsee Milan, preferred to have extra time in Cinque Terre)


Ratiphan thank you so much for those brilliant suggestions-that sort of itinerary sounds great- just what we'd love to do- but hadn't thought of!!

bookmarking: we'll be in Lucca in 10 days' time!

Hi lavender,

What apartments are you staying in in Manarola?

Maudie we're staying at Casa Capellini- emailed directly with owner [email protected]. Reviews are at tripadvisor.com

Quite basic accom but comes with a seaview terrace! at a reasonable rate of 80 Euro per night for two

Hi again,

Thanks for the info, I haven't come across that one. We have been looking at Aria de Mare http://ariadimare.info/sitoeng.html which is a similar price and also has a terrace with that lovely view. It is pretty basic as well so they seem very similar but we don't need fancy, just want the view! I will look forward to your trip report - we won't be going until May 2011. From one Aussie to another - I thank you and wish you all the best for a great holiday.

Looks like a nice itinerary.

Hey xtreme, what's with the formule 1 blog? I just saw it on another post.

As Lucca and Pisa are only 20 minutes apart (by bus or train), then they can be almost be considered as one for "daytrip" points of view. I quite like Pisa and feel it gets a bit of a bad rap (particularly from people who only go there to spend 20 minutes lookiung at the tower).

I would have to agree with markrosy about Lucca - it has a very laid back atmosphere and I have very much enjoyed both my stays there.