Reading the messages the CT begins to seem frenetic and combined w/ no bookings yet in Monterosso, I am beginning to think of using that day for another destination. We have a day and night open leaving Florence on May 15th and checking in in Rome on the night of the 16th. Any ideas oh wise travelers? Is Positano reasonable?

Hi Sue,

>Is Positano reasonable?

Not really.

I suggest a visit to Orvieto.

It is on the rail line between Florence and Rome and, among other attractions, is home to a great restaurant: I Sette Consoli
Pzza Sant’Angelo 1A
phone/fax 011 39 0763 343911

There is a link to my photos of Orvieto at http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34552733

Can you tell us more about your itinerary and interests? If an overnight in the CT seems too rushed, I can't imagine that going all the way down to Positano would be any better.

Positano is way too far away.

You did not say whether you are driving or taking a train.

Since you are going from a big city to another big city, I suggest that you throw in a small city so you can experience life in a small town. If you are driving, I'de recommend Pienza, Montalcino,or Montepulciano. If you are taking a train, then Orvieto (I actually like Siena more, but it's similar to Florence in look & feel).

Stu Dudley

You might also want to consider a day and a night stop at Lucca enroute Florence to Rome. Nice and reasonably priced hotel there is Hotel Diana.

Larry J

I agree with the other replies, Positano is too far. Depends if your driving or train. I agree with Pienza, Montalcino or San Gimignamo. Although that said I would try to stay 2 nights in the CT. We stayed in Moneglia at the Castello di Monleone. A small B+B in a castle associated with the hotel villa Edera.It is close to the train station and great access to the CT hikes. Would also recommend Monterossa as a good place to stay on the CT.

weasel, that place sounds/looks GREAT. I notice they don't have AC. Since we would be there at end of June, I'm wondering if that would be miserable, or if water/breezes make it comfortable without AC. Do you (ore anyone else) know?

the cinque terre (like rue cler) is a rick steves invention. it's lovely but boring and has been since the early 70's when it was truly pristine.

As always great ideas everyone (thanks again Stu!), I'll check out Orvieto and also the Castello di Monleone. We are training about so a little limited by that until we get to France where we'll have a car. I think the small town suggestion as an antidote to big cities is very sound. I'' undoubtedly be asking for more info soon. Thanks again!

Sue,

Another vote for Orvieto. A super easy place to visit via train and a wonderful change from the cities.

We stayed 3 nights in Orvieto and did day trips from there. You will love it!

Buon viaggio!

Hi Sue -- I don't understand the problem with the CT. Are you unable to find a hotel in May? I just booked what looks like 3 lovely double rooms (there are 6 in my party) in Monterosso for two nights in May.

Hi Allison K.just curious..where are you staying in Monterosso? We are looking to return and always interested in suggestions for rooms. Thanks

suehoff: To begin with, I love Orvieto. No argument about going there. But, it is unfortunate that you are being chased away from Cinque Terre. Is it like it was in the early 70s? Of course not. Little in Europe is. But to call it boring? Please! Some people need to be bashed in the face at every moment with something spectacular in order to call a place worthwhile to visit. If one can wander the back streets of these five ancient fishing villages, view the villages from the waters edge or batter yet, the sea, dine after dark at the water's edge in any of the villages, hike the trails from village to village or sit at a water's edge or a hilltop cafe taking in the absolute charm of the area and not find enthusiastic romance of the soul, ... then, they are dead. A great man once said, "there are no boring places, there are only boring people".

I'm spending 4 days in CT in September. Give me a chair, a glass of wine, and a view of the water and I'll be content for hours. I think it will be wonderful!

Stayed in Levanto in late april/ early May and all the wild flowers were blooming along the trails. Enjoyed the hike from Levanto to the uppermost CT town. It wasn`t very crowded. I wouldn`t have missed it! Do go!

Allison -- We have made reservations at Affittacamere Unico in Monterosso. There is information and pictures at http://www.monterossonet.com/eng/str.../da_unico.htm#. I've never stayed there myself (never even been to CT) but I've read positive reviews and from the pictures it looks exactly like what I'm looking for. We will be paying 80 euro a night per double room.

Hi,
I agee that Levanto is a wonderful place to stay if there are no rooms in Monterosso. Levanto is charming. There is a trail that allows you to walk to Monterosso or the train is a five minute ride away. Go for it. The CT is fabulous.

Dear fellow travelers-the problem I'm having is that I only want to book one night. I've tried 8 places now and they are either booked or have the multi-night requirement. We could try our luck and just go and hope to find something (being compulsive as I am sounds risky) or go elsewhere where we can book ahead and only for one night.

I also agree that Positano is not possible, it takes more than half a day just to get there from the Florence area. I do think that Southern Tuscany would make a great stop. I loved Montalcino, but there are many great places in that area - Pienza, Montepulicano. This way you can enjoy the day and half, rather than losing it in travel. If you are set on the CT area, you can stay just outside, there are many great places near portofino, like Camogli. I stayed there and loved it. We trained in from Florence, was easy to get to. Just remember that you will have to go north from florence, and then head back south, less than two days later.

We loved the CT. We based a few days out of Vernazza and just loved the place. I wouldn't spend as much time there now that I've seen it though. Our favorite time there was the hike from vernazza to corniglia and the BEST lunch at Da mananan (sp?) in corniglia. We also liked Riomaggoire (go down to the beach area and take a left around to pebble beach area) They also have a small cafe/bar overlooking the bay area great for a glass of wine and a snack. The ct is mesmorizing. If you skip CT all together I agree with checking out lucca too (best restaurant Baralla) and rent bikes to bike around the wall of the city.