Cinque Terre

Mark, To begin with, could you clarify one point. You indicated that you wanted to do a "day hike" in the C.T., but also asked about lodgings. Are you looking for lodgings in the C.T. or in a "classic hill town in northern Tuscany"??? As you'll have a rental car, I assume you're aware of the usual "caveats" regarding driving in Italy? A rental car will be of little use in the Cinque Terre. I'd suggest parking it at the lot near the train station in La Spezia and use the local trains. Could you also provide a bit of further information on what you're looking for with "the best approach to the C.T."? Cheers!

Thanks so much. Agree, no car in Cinque Terre; but how is the best way to hike and explore and photograph; go it alone or sign up for a tour? Yes, I am looking for lodging ideas in northern Tuscany;gorgeous , quiet hill towns and or near Portofino.

Check out Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and Bargo, both in the hills east of Carrara ( and north of Lucca).

Mark, "but how is the best way to hike and explore and photograph; go it alone or sign up for a tour" In the Cinque Terre, you could (for example) buy a Cinque Terre Treno card which provides "admission" to the Sentiero Azzuro trails as well as train fare for the day and a few other benefits (details in the Guidebook). With that you'll be able to hike, explore and photograph as desired. Unless you can sign up for a private tour, being on a scheduled tour wouldn't allow you to stop and photograph when desired. I'm also an amateur photographer, and prefer the freedom to choose subjects, time of day (ie: for best lighting) and other factors at my own convenience. Are you planning to just visit the Cinque Terre as a day trip, or spend a few days there? Regarding a good town in northern Tuscany to use as a "home base", I'd have to give that some thought. Choosing a town with good transportation links would probably be prudent. Cheers!

This is a wonderful place to stay just a short train ride away, 3min. Perfect place away from all the hustle and bustle of the small towns of Cinque Terre. VERY ROMANTIC. Cinque Terre - Levanto Al terra Di Mare - tel. 011-39-0187-807-672 Beautiful, peaceful place, you have to take a shuttle or a taxi to/from the train station but it is worth it! Nice rooms, not much of a resturant eat before heading back, run by a father and daughter Great Restaurants Cinque Terre - Monterosso Al Mare restaurant - Ristorante Miky - will DEFINETLY need a reservation, ate there for dinner twice! This a great hotel is a little closer to Florence Residenza II Colle - tel. 011-39-055-201-0100 One of my favorite hotels ever! Outside of Florence in Tuscany not too far by car but will defintely need a car, town of Impruneta, amazing patio views, great staff, very nice and helpful owner

Thanks for the advice. Great ideas. They look great on the net.
I assume you can get to Al terra Di Mare by car but then proceed to Cinque Terre by train, is that correct? Did you hike by yourselves or did you join a formal guided tour? Any suggestions?

Mark, You won't need a "formal guided tour" to hike the trails in the Cinque Terre. It's very easy to do on your own. I've never looked, but don't recall any "formal guided tours" being offered in that area. Cheers!

Yes, I'll second that. I've gone with friends and hiked the CT on our own. Lots of folks out there hiking. I even saw a woman in High Heels trying to hike !!! I've gone from South to North and North to South.
I think the South to North was a easier direction for me.