Taking 17 yo granddaughter to Italy and Paris-need ideas
Sep 19th, 2018, 01:40 PM
#41
I have been to Cinque Terre in May, June and August over the past 5 years. It is a photograph's paradise and if you have your heart set on it, by all means, go. My advice would be to stay in one of the villages (Manarola is my favorite; second is Vernazza). Know the train schedule between the villages in advance. Get up very early and start your hike early (15 minutes after sunrise). For example train from Manarola to Monterosso (5min); get coffee/brioche in Monterosso and start hiking. There is no one on the trail. You can enjoy it and photograph it without the crowds. Rest in the afternoon; get out again at dinner time.
Sep 19th, 2018, 02:19 PM
#42
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One problem with planning on hiking is that any certain trail could be closed due to mud slides, etc. There are web sites that clue you in on these. Maybe all your group is not up for strenuous hikes and they can happily idle in the towns and perhaps take some of the easier trails - some are up and down - again lots of trail descriptions online. Good tips from toujours voyageur!
Sep 19th, 2018, 05:06 PM
#43
Perhaps a photo tour in one or more of your destinations? For example....
Imaging In Italy - Photo Tours in Rome, Florence & Venice
Imaging In Italy - Photo Tours in Rome, Florence & Venice
Sep 19th, 2018, 08:09 PM
#45
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Thank you ToujoursVoyager--I think I have to go! We will do just that--no matter how tired, get up really early and hit the trail. I was thinking of staying in Vernazza but will look at Manarola also. And avoid as much of the crowds that we can.
Sep 19th, 2018, 08:24 PM
#47
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Jean--I had been thinking about this--thank you for the link!!! I did take a half day and a day photo tour in both Siem Reap, Cambodia and a night tour in Prague and loved them both with fabulous photos. I think it would work well for my granddaughter and me and the others can tag along. Thank you!
Sep 20th, 2018, 02:22 AM
#49
You have gotten a lot of great advice on this thread so I hope I'm not repeating information that has already been given many times. I strongly agree with bvienci in choosing between a stay in Florence and Siena, and making a day trip to the other. Personally, I would probably choose Siena - my memories of Florence in July were of huge crowds, and that was in the late 90s. And Siena is magical. Of course, you know it will be crowded everywhere you go, but I understand you don't have the choice.
Instead of staying in the Cinque Terre, we stayed in Portovenere, which we fell in love with. There is a ferry that you can take to the CT, and the views from the water were wonderful. And though it was crowded in the summer, it didn't have the hordes of tourists that the CT did. Again, this was in the late 90s, so I'm sure things have changed, but the town of Portovenere is stunning visually and absolutely worth a few day stay.
One more piece of information -- as you probably know, Paris has undergone a lot of changes over the last year in requiring apartments to be licensed, which has impacted the availability of legal vacation/short term rentals. However, don't be completely put off AirBnB, as there are a percentage of apartments that are licensed. If it is licensed, the number generally appears at the bottom of the section, "Read more about the space". I find a larger percentage of the "superhost" apartment are licensed. No, not all of them are licensed -- but more than a few are.
Instead of staying in the Cinque Terre, we stayed in Portovenere, which we fell in love with. There is a ferry that you can take to the CT, and the views from the water were wonderful. And though it was crowded in the summer, it didn't have the hordes of tourists that the CT did. Again, this was in the late 90s, so I'm sure things have changed, but the town of Portovenere is stunning visually and absolutely worth a few day stay.
One more piece of information -- as you probably know, Paris has undergone a lot of changes over the last year in requiring apartments to be licensed, which has impacted the availability of legal vacation/short term rentals. However, don't be completely put off AirBnB, as there are a percentage of apartments that are licensed. If it is licensed, the number generally appears at the bottom of the section, "Read more about the space". I find a larger percentage of the "superhost" apartment are licensed. No, not all of them are licensed -- but more than a few are.
Sep 20th, 2018, 07:23 AM
#50
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The high trails in the Cinque Terre are not likely to be closed, because there isn't much land above them to slide. The trails that have been closed for years are the low trails connecting Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These are unlikely to be open any time soon. That's why I suggested saying in Monterosso, Vernazza, or Corniglia, because the two trails connecting those three towns are more likely to be open, although very crowded most of the day. If there are heavy rains, any trails might be closed.
Here is the park service trail information:
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/sentieri-outdoor.php
The website is in Italian, but the following indications should help you decipher it. If you have any questions about the page, just ask.
The black trails are closed, the blue trails are easy, the green trails are for experienced hikers, and the red trails are for experts.
I see that the trail from Monterosso to Vernazza is now red; it used to be green. If you scroll down, you'll see that two other lower trails (one of which is closed anyway) now have color-coded times, based on how crowded the trail is likely to be. Realistically, your only choice for a low trail is the trail between Corniglia and Vernazza, before 11 AM or after 3 PM. I would go as early or as late as possible.
I still think the green high trails are your best option, especially since you are experienced hikers.
Here is the park service trail information:
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/sentieri-outdoor.php
The website is in Italian, but the following indications should help you decipher it. If you have any questions about the page, just ask.
The black trails are closed, the blue trails are easy, the green trails are for experienced hikers, and the red trails are for experts.
I see that the trail from Monterosso to Vernazza is now red; it used to be green. If you scroll down, you'll see that two other lower trails (one of which is closed anyway) now have color-coded times, based on how crowded the trail is likely to be. Realistically, your only choice for a low trail is the trail between Corniglia and Vernazza, before 11 AM or after 3 PM. I would go as early or as late as possible.
I still think the green high trails are your best option, especially since you are experienced hikers.
Last edited by bvlenci; Sep 20th, 2018 at 07:29 AM.
Sep 20th, 2018, 03:14 PM
#51
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progol Thanks! I am just now learning about the changes in Paris and lodging. I'll definitely consider Siena over Florence for a longer visit. I really don't want the crowds but when your granddaughter is a volleyball player year-round, that leaves only one month to go! Also I will think about Portovenere--which is sounding more attractive as I glimpse the CQ crowds in recent photos!! Thx.
Sep 20th, 2018, 03:16 PM
#52
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bvlenci---Thanks for the detailed information. I'll discuss it with the others. That means taking hiking boots for sure, so we have to think about our space (carryons only). We are happy, though, to go quite early. Better light anyway.
Sep 22nd, 2018, 01:39 PM
#54
I agree with Progol that Portovenere is a very beautiful village, especially the church on the cliffs. It is definitively worth to see. But last time I was there, the ferry was not running between Cinque Terre and Portovenere because of the rough sea. And there is no train linking the Portovenere with the other five, just a cumbersome non direct bus. Stay in the village you want to photograph the most. The Monterosso to Vernazza lower trail(following the water) has never been closed each time I visited.
Sep 23rd, 2018, 01:36 AM
#55
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The Monterosso to Vernazza trail is now open, although it has been closed for brief periods in the past. However, I see that it's been reclassified as a trail for experts. I don't know why. You might want to ask on the TripAdvisor Cinque Terre forum. There was (and probably still is) a resident of Monterosso who was a regular participant in that forum.
Last edited by bvlenci; Sep 23rd, 2018 at 01:40 AM.
Sep 24th, 2018, 04:42 PM
#56
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I almost hesitate to make this post because I know some poster’s heads will explode because of the renting legality issues, but I would suggest you check out parisperfect.com for vacation rentals. I have used them in Paris and will use them again in Florence Italy next year. The Paris apartment was absolutely beautiful. I could lay in my bed and watch the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower. My teen grandsons were also impressed. The company was great to work with.
Sep 24th, 2018, 06:48 PM
#58
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Hi
Some suggestions:
1. Rome to Siena: We took a bus. However since then they have opened a train station annex that apparently will allow you to walk to the town centre. I don't know much more about it. Here is a video to give you an idea -
. I found the bus a bit cramped and I would definitely recommend the train if it ticks the boxes. Please do stay within the walls of Siena to truly enjoy its unique charm. Avoid dining at the Piazza del Campo. Its tourist slop! Your granddaughter will love Grom gelato - https://www.yelp.com.au/biz/grom-siena. Book tickets for the magnificent Siena's Cathedral complex.
2. Siena to Florence: bus.
3. July is busy so pre book transportation and tickets to attractions (Duomo, Uffizi etc.)
Happy trails
Some suggestions:
1. Rome to Siena: We took a bus. However since then they have opened a train station annex that apparently will allow you to walk to the town centre. I don't know much more about it. Here is a video to give you an idea -
2. Siena to Florence: bus.
3. July is busy so pre book transportation and tickets to attractions (Duomo, Uffizi etc.)
Happy trails
Sep 25th, 2018, 05:51 AM
#60
I always hiked the Cinque Terre trails in running shoes, even the high trails, and never thought I needed more support. I did not want to weight my carry-on with hiking boots. I have seen people hike these trails in flip-flops which is a terrible idea. But a lightweight hiking sandal or sturdy running shoe is more than adequate in IMO. But obviously everyone has different ankles and feet requirements (old injuries etc..). So bring what you think is best for you. I just wanted to give a personal account. My mom in her mid sixties also hiked in running shoes.
I also have hiked the trails in my water shoes and it worked out perfectly. The shoes had enough traction and I could use them to swim since most beaches in Cinque Terre are rocky. Nothing like jumping in the water after a long hike!
I also have hiked the trails in my water shoes and it worked out perfectly. The shoes had enough traction and I could use them to swim since most beaches in Cinque Terre are rocky. Nothing like jumping in the water after a long hike!
