We just returned from a 10-day trip to Italy (our second to the Cinque Terre). I was worried about how the trail closures and town re-building in Vernazza and Monterosso might affect us, but we had a wonderful day. I hope this won't seem presumptuous of me, but I'd like to share my itinerary for a full-day Cinque Terre adventure since there were so many questions on this board about the area prior to our departure. Before you start the day, be sure to purchase a Cinque Terre Park Card or a Cinque Terre Treno Park Card. The Treno card will just pay for itself with this itinerary. I think you also need to have a RS guide-book to enjoy this day fully. My itinerary starts in Town # 1 (Riomaggiore) and ends in Town #5 (Monterosso); it hits all 5 towns, using a combination of trails, shuttle busses and trains. Riomaggiore to Manarola via Via de'll Amore. Manarola to Volastra via shuttle bus. Volastra to Corniglia via 3-hour down-hill trail. Corniglia to train station via shuttle bus. Corniglia to Vernazza via train.
Vernazza to Monterosso via train. If you want more details (where we ate, what we did, how long it took) PM me and I'll be happy to send you a more complete itinerary.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32402 posts
Delecia, It's great to hear that you had such a wonderful time in the Cinque Terre! I'll be back there in the fall, and quite looking forward to it. Are you planning your next trip yet?
Posted by
Oro Valley
14 posts
We will be leaving for Italy in one week and will spend two nights in Monterosso. Based on your experience, should we take the train to Riomaggiore and go in the same direction you did, or can we take the same journey in the opposite direction? I would also be interested in the additional details you offer such as what you ate, did, and length of time. I suspect this will be my favorite day of the trip. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10727 posts
I'm glad you had a great time. You should post this to the Trip Report section.
Posted by
OP
Maurice, Louisiana, US
46 posts
Laura, You could do the trip either way. However, doing it the way we did (Riomaggiore first) means that the hike from Volastra to Corniglia is downhill. It just depends on how much of a work-out you desire. Also, you can stop at the Co-Op in Manarola (right by the shuttle bus) and stock up for a great picnic to have in Volastra. I did write a longer report about our day with more details, but it would take at least 7 posts to put it here. PM me and I'll be glad to send it to youl. Have a time in the CT; we certainly did! Delecia