Does it make sense to drive from Siena to La Spezia (2.5 hr drive, right???) then take a train to Vernazza (lunch), then take a ferry from Vernazza to Manarola? Walk the love road from Manarola to Riomaggiore before we take train from Riomaggiore to La Spezia to leave. What do you think? Is it a doable day-trip? Is the view from ferry to see the coastline is good? Is the view from the ferry good (Vernazza to Manarola)? Which ferry route is the best?
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2196 posts
Apparently the "love road" between Manarola and Riomaggiore is closed. See the Via Dell' Amore Trail posting on this helpline for more details.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
" Is it a doable day-trip? Is the view from ferry to see the coastline is good? " Yes ( but I wouldn't do it- the travel will take 6 hours of your day- try to arrange 1 overnight ) & yes ( spectacular vistas around every bend ! )
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32404 posts
Margaret, As previously mentioned, the Via dell'Amore ("the love road") will be closed for all of 2013, at least according to current information. Therefore you will not be able to hike it. There is only one "route" on the boats / ferries. They travel between each of the towns (except Corniglia), weather permitting. The views of the towns are great from the water, and that certainly provides a different perspective of the scenery in that area. Cheers!