Greetings, I'm beginning to think about our 1st international trip since the pandemic. I really would like to see the South of France and on to the Cinque Terra. Flying home out of Milan, or vice versa. I'm thinking we would have 10 days on the ground. Is this practical? Also, I'm looking for Itinerary ideas. It has been suggested to me in the past, to stay in Santa Margherita as a base for Cinque Terre. I'm thinking April '23. I still need to research Rick's France book. In saying that, I am just at the very beginning of my process. Thanks .
Posted by
Sunriver
1321 posts
In my opinion that itinerary makes no sense. I love both those areas but with 10 days pick one and explore it.
Posted by
11208 posts
The South of France OR Santa Margherita/ Cinque Terre and other wonderful areas such as Piedmont or Italian Lakes in Northern Italy.
Posted by
California
1625 posts
For me both those places are Sunny weather destinations to really get the experience and April may still be cold and rainy. I am planning a trip for Mid May for possibly both those places so we can avoid spring rain and the Summer heat. September/October is my ideal time for both places.
For Cinque Terre, stay in one of the 5 villages, we chose Monterosso due to being the flattest. You really only need 2 days there,
I would start in Nice, do your thing there for 3-4 days, train or fly to Cinque Terre 2 days (use the website Rome to Rio to figure out the logistics) , train to Milan...not sure if you want to visit Milan or just flying out of there. Just know a travel day from place to place is a throw away day, between checking out of the hotel, the travel, checking into a new hotel there is not a lot of time for anything really productive that day other than settling in, exploring your new neighborhood and getting a bite to eat.
Once you start your research you may determine that there is much more to see/do in France that your plan changes.
Posted by
Nice, France & San Francisco
687 posts
I would fly into Nice and use it as a base for 5 days. 2-3 days for Cinque Terre or more if you want to hit other destinations near by. Then train to Milan. You should take the train between Nice and Santa Margherita or one of the Cinque Terre towns. There will be transfer(s) but it will be smooth (unless there is a strike or weather issues).