Hi!

We have been to Italy a couple of times and have never seen the Cinque Terre.

Where should I fly into Genoa (if I can get seats?) or is there an airport more convenient than this city?

Where would be a good place to stay we are mid 30's traveling with a 5 year old and will be heading down to the port of Cit. (near Rome.) We have 3 nights, should we split it up or have a home base?

Thanks so much!!

Both Genoa and Pisa are close if you can get connections. Where to stay depends on if you have a car and your budget.

We had not planned on getting a car - do you think it is necessary to see the CT?

Would like to spend less than $300 a night on a room.

Thanks

We just returned the end of June from 5 weeks in Italy and one of our favorite places was staying at La Torretta in Manarola. We did not have a car, arriving by train. The bed and breakfast is truly a delight with a "to-die-for" view of the little town tumbling down into the sea. The breakfast is on the terrace with the same magnificent view. We paid around 115 Euros a night. Our room was #8 which was very tiny, but the view made it all worthwhile. Check out the reviews on tripadvisor.

You do not need a car to see Cinque Terra. We had a lot of fun taking a boat to the other towns. You can get a boat pass. Also, although it is a little south of Cinque Terre, we found Portovenere to be gorgeous. We went by bus and came back by boat. After 3 days in Manarola, we stayed 3 days in Rapallo and saw the area north of Genoa. I think the area south of Genoa is so much more beautiful than north. Hope this helps.

Taking the train is fine. The best hotel on the CT is the Porta Roca close to Monterosso---the best 4 star. Also in Monterosso is the Villa Steno and Hotel Pasquale as good 3 stars. The smaller villages have good B&Bs like above for less. It depends on your style.

I think you might be wise to read the reviews of hotels in the area found on TripAdvisor in addition to any advice given here.