Cinque Terre

Here's the info you need to make your own decision: On the fastest trains (often the most expensive) the station to station time from Rome to the CT (there are 5 villages, let's pick Vernazza) will take a minimum of 4hrs 15mins, and if you don't get the fastest train, probably more like 5 hours, that's station to station time. Add to that the time to check out of your Rome accommodations and get to the Rome train station and wait for the train--sounds like a total travel time that day of 5 to 6 hours to get from Rome to the CT.

You'll have to return to Rome on the following day, the 16th, to get your 9am flight on the 17th, because no train leaving on the 17th will get you to Rome in time for your flight.

For train schedules, click here.

If you want to see a smaller town for a day or two, why not go somewhere convenient to Rome instead? Or, you could just stay in Rome and take it easy or see more of what there is to offer (because it's impossible to ever see all there is to see in Rome!). Personally I didn't care for CT all that much so I can't imagine going that far out of the way just for such a short stay. It'd actually be easier and faster for you to go to Venice or something.

As Kent said, it takes a while to get to the CT. Since you are so close to a beautiful coast line at home, perhaps you could opt to visit Orvieto in Umbria. It is a lovely spot with some unique features and only about an hour from Rome by train.

You'll still need to return to Rome on the 16th though for the early flight.

google Orvieto for some more info.

I can sacrifice another day from Rome to add on to the 2 days in the Cinque Terre but I hesitate to do that. The train information was very helpful, thank you. The goal is to balance some museum filled days in Florence and Rome with some outdoor activity and beautiful country. It does seems far to go to the CT, any other suggestions closer to Rome?

I really was serious about Orvieto. It's a lovely spot with lots to offer.

Thanks Ron, I'll start reading about Orvieto tonight.

Hi Pam. I personally would stay in Rome for those 2 days & take day trips out of Rome. I would definitely recommend spending a day in Orvieto; it's 90 min by train from Rome (1 way) & Orvieto is very interesting & relaxing. Take the underground tour if you can. I would also suggest visiting Villa d'Este in Tivoli or Ostica Antica on another day. I personally don't think it's worth the travel time to get to/from Rome. Save the CT for another trip when you can spend more time there & it's possibly in route to somewhere else closer by. Have a great trip.

I see by the number of posts many of your have, I'm dealing with well seasoned travelers. I'm leaning toward staying in Rome for the last few days of our trip and taking day trips out to some small towns like Orvieto and maybe Assisi. It would be nice to be in some less touristy places. Thanks for the suggestions, I'm getting very excited.