2 or 3 nights in Cinque Terre

I'd suggest three nights in the Cinque Terrre if possible, as that provides two days of full touring. Two nights will only provide one day of touring.

It's not surprising that the hotels are booked at this late date, as tourist season "officially" gets underway there in a few days. There are lots of choices in Monterosso, but if you can't find anything there you could try Levanto (to the north) as that's only a four minute train ride from Monterosso. Which hotels in Monterosso have you tried?

I wouldn't bother with Portofino, especially with such a short trip. It's expensive and there's not really a lot to see there.

Thanks. We booked a 2 night for now but will keep looking for a 3rd if it works.

I would also suggest 3, but you could easily do CT in 2 nights. The train or ferry to get to and from the villages is very easy and will allow you to see a lot in 2 nights. You could do the two villages one day and then three villages the next or vice versa.

I would describe Portofino as looking a lot like a Cinque Terre village, but with designer boutique such as Hermes and Pucci. Instead, for a sixth town to visit, the Cinque Terre boat could take you to the more down-to-earth destination of Porto Venere - a little bigger and flatter than Cinque Terre towns, since it's located on a point of land instead of a hillside valley.

"I would also suggest 3, but you could easily do CT in 2 nights."

Keep in mind that 2 nights will only provide one full day plus an evening of actual touring time. While you might be able to "do" the CT in that time, it won't provide much time to explore the five towns or take day trips to places like Porto Venere.

I also suggest 3, I personally stay 5, but I like small towns. You get to know the locals and get extra "benefits"!

Ken, makes a good point.

If you choose to stay for only 2 nights, you will only have one full day to explore.

We stayed 3 nights in Monterosso, & we enjoyed visiting the other 4 villages as well.

We've visited Portofino, & as Laura points out, it's very similar to CT, (even the color of the buildings!), except for all the posh shops in Portofino.

All your recommendations as to the planning of our trip are great. We are now trying for 3 nights. Does anyone have any suggestions? I may have checked the places already but maybe there are hotels, B&B's, etc.. I hadn't even looked at.

It would help to have some idea which Monterosso hotels you've already checked. Send me a PM with the list if you'd prefer. I may be able to offer some suggestions. Also, what price level and "comfort level" do you prefer? At this late date, you may have to take what you can find.