I was in Rome once before just for the day and only had a chance to tour the Vatican/St. Peters and the Coluseum. We are going back this summer and will stop in Rome again. How many days would I need to spend this time in order to really appreciate the city and the other sites?

Also does anyone know if its easy to get from Rome to Cinque Terre by train?

You're going to have better luck posting in the Europe forum.

It is easy to get to the Cinque Terre by train from Rome. I did the opposite (CT to Naples via Rome) a few years ago. Only one connection in La Spezia. From there you can take any number of regional trains into the CT.

Thanks for the reply Andrew. I realized I posted this message in the wrong forum. I posted in the Europe forum as well.

We spent five days in Rome and barely scratched the surface. It was our first trip. We hope to go back again and spend a week to get absorbed.

Read through the forum and other materials and make a list of what you'd like to do when you go back.
You know your sight seeing style best. Do you rush through a site, or do you like a guide, read and see everything etc. Then decide what you have to do and how many days you can afford!

We then took a train to CT. It was easy and it was our first train trip in Europe.

We used Pantheon Travel to make our train reservations while we were in Rome. It's been recommended on this site. They are close to the Pantheon and Albergo Del Senato hotel.

We had to change trains in La Spezia.

Enjoy!

Changing trains in La Spezia is very easy--it's a really small train station.

CT is very worth it especially after being in the big cities. You can finally just slow down, take in the beauty and relax. I just remember having this total ahhhhh moment and finally letting my breath out.

Connie,

I agree with you. CT is a great place to rejuvenate between cities.
The Ligurian food is my favorite.

GM