Fellow travelers- we visited Cinque Terre for several days in 2003 and were quite familiar but think a lot may have changed since the floods. This year, on a the Rick Steve’s Village Italy tour, we will have one full day on our own in Cinque Terre. What suggestion might you have for a one-day itinerary? The tour group is staying in Levanto. Note: hilly/difficult hikes are out for me. Thanks very much!
Posted by
the great P-NW
417 posts
When we were in CT on our own, we stayed in Vernazza and had a lovely time. The train station isn't too far from the small main drag, so that may be workable for you. There was a restaurant in town that offered a wine flight and lunch on the terrace, and the people watching was great. There was a shuttle bus that took us from town up to the hills where we were staying - may be worth looking into so you can visit the interesting graveyard on the hill above town. You could also look into taking the boat from village to village if the weather is good, and you can dine on amazing seafood in Monterrosso and other of the villages. Our visit was a few years ago, but your guide and guidebook can ensure you have the most up to date info.
Posted by
Chicagoland
944 posts
Assuming your tour is able to take the boat ride along the coast the day prior, I would sleep in, take a train to Manarola or Riomaggiore for a leisurely lunch al fresco with a sea view at the restaurant that you reserved in advance, afterwards stroll back to the station and take a train to Vernazza and wander around taking in more views stopping for a gelato or glass of wine. Train back to Levanto. After a rest, I would hop a train to one of the towns that I have not seen and enjoy another fabulous meal or just wine with some bites. Maybe ending with a stop in another town for an evening stroll before taking the train back to Levanto.
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
1999 posts
You can also walk the via dell amore trail between Manarola and Riomaggiore. The trail is scenic, flat and easy. Takes 30 minutes. You have to reserve a time slot in advance.
And be sure to spend time in Riomaggiore and manarola, two beautiful towns.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
17363 posts
So since you've been to the CT in the past - and your accommodation is in Levanto - what if you headed north to, say, Sestri Levante or Santa Margherita Ligure by a short train ride instead?
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/italian-riviera
Posted by
OP
25 posts
Thanks very much for all of your suggestions! We are looking forward to visiting CT again, even if for only one day! I believe we we4 thee for about 5 days back in 2003.
Posted by
2 posts
We really loved our boat tour from Monterosso with Fish and Chill. Great experience swimming in the Ligurian Sea. Our captain took us through a cave (swimming) and some in the small group did cliff jumping. It was an amazing afternoon.
Posted by
Marin
14 posts
I rented a bike in Levanto and rode through the tunnels !
Lovely ride along the coast and less crowded ! The bike rental gives you a lock so you can walk around the smaller towns.
Easy ride- no hills.