Train from Venice to Cinque Terre
 

Has anyone taken the train directly from Venice to Cinque Terre? Where would the destination stop be- La Spezia? Would there be a train change in Florence? We are planning to do this trip next October and wonder if we would be better to rent a car in Florence and drive to Cinque Terre or go directly by train. From Cinque Terre we are heading to Tuscany for a week in a villa. We will definitely have a car for that week . Thought we would do Florence one day while in that area. Would it be possible to rent a car in La Spezia? Any answers to my questions or other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Na

Train schedules, etc are at www.trenitalia.com

Only one day in Florence?

What draws you to the CT in Oct?

((I))

Ira, are you suggesting that October is not a good time to go to CT? We are trying to avoid summer heat and want to take in the magnificent views of that area while doing some hiking.As far as spending a day in Florence, I have been to Florence once before but my friend has not so we should be able to see the highlights of Florence in a day. She is not really interested in Museums/Art- more soaking in the atmosphere, people watch, etc.

The five Cinque Terre villages each has a railway station, so enter the appropriate one as your destination. If you want to go via Firenze ("Florence"), look up trains from Venezia to Firenze then Firenze to Monterosso (or whichever village you want). Schedules for next October are not available, of course, so pick a date in the next week to get an idea of schedules.

I had awesome weather for hiking in the Cinque Terre in mid-October 2007. One day was fairly hot (not unbearable but quite warm), the next was slightly cooler. At that time there were plenty of American tourists around (mid-week). I hear in the summer the place is absolutely miserable now, just wall to wall people. So I think you are wise to avoid it in the summer.

I personally think a day in Florence is plenty if you are not interested in museums...but then, for someone like that, I might choose Siena instead.