We are traveling in mid September on a cruise and have one day in Portofino. Since Portofino is so small, does anyone have thoughts on renting a scooter and driving over to Santa Margarita and/or Rapallo? Trying to eliminate the uphill walk and have some fun! We have scooters at home and are very comfortable on them but I am not sure of the traffic to these areas on a Wednesday and/or parking to stop and site see.

Any thoughts on whether we should do Portoferraio or Sete, Spain on our own or take the ship shore excursion?

Sète isn't in Spain; it's in France. I can't imagine that a shore excursion there would hold much interest. Apart from a couple of minor historical sites, it's just a big fishing port with a ton of construction as it's expanding at the moment.

Can't speak to Portoferraio. Portofino is lovely, but I wouldn't personally be renting a scooter anywhere in Italy. If you're comfortable with it, go for it.

You will need the International Driving Permit and a motorcycle endorsement if you rent over 125cc (I think that is the limit). If you are comfortable with them, do it. You can park them anywhere you find room.

There is a bus from Portofino to Santa Margherita. Just walk straight up the pedestrian road and it's on the right, very short walk.

Sorry meant to say France. Maybe the shore excursion for Sete will get out of the city. We are also going to Rosas Spain. Anyone have suggestions on whether to wing it or take a shore excursion here?

I would personally recommend Sète in France. It is a lively authentic town and according to the Daily Telegraph UK "Sète is the most fascinating small town on the Mediterranean coast". It is bordered by beautiful sandy Mediterranean beaches on one side and canals on the other. Plenty of seafood, especially fresh oyters from the nearby oyster beds. There are 5 museums, 22 art galleries and a morning market that abounds with local produce. Check out the tourist information site for tours of the town.

Portoferraio is difficult.

It, in itself, is a lovely little town with good shopping and no feel at all of being a "ferry town" like say Piombino which is simply awful.

Elba has stunning scenery but is small. There is a trip to Napoleon's house which is around 5 miles out of town. we stayed for a week in Il Forno which is around 10 miles from the port, is a beautiful little place to spend a day relaxing on the beach.

http://www.elbalink.it/spiagge/forno_en.htm

The hill town of Capoliveri is a longer taxi ride but has stunning views and good art shops.