I will be traveling solo in late August to Italy. One of my must do’s is to hike in Cinque Terre. I only have one day 8/25 and will be traveling from Florence. (I already know some will tell me that I need to spend more than one day, but this is not an option). I have RS Italy 2018 book and have researched information. However, I’m not sure if I should try to take the train and tour on my own or to do the Walkabout Florence tour for 90 euros.
I’m not sure if I would need to pre book the train tickets to do it on my own. As when I looked at times, some say only x amount of tickets left. Also, was not sure If I need to leave from a certain station. It looks like it is 15 Euro cab ride from my hotel to Sandra Maria Novella train station. What would be the most cost efficient and safest trip for a first time 50 year old American lady traveling for one the day to CT from Florence?
Grazie! I appreciate your help.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1272 posts
Hi Amy. Do it on your own so you can spend your time as you prefer. You don't say where your hotel is. Most trains are from the Firenze SM Novella station, but the fastest is from Campo Di Marte station at 7:36, arrive La Spezia Centrale 9:11. From there, there is a 'CT express' local train that runs every half hour and goes to all the towns. You can buy the Firenze to La Spezia tickets now online for as little as 13 Euros each way, or just wait and buy when there; full price is 27 Euros. Return trip from La Spezia at 8:03 pm to Campo Di Marte or 9:23 pm (slower train; buy tix when there) to SM Novella. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
Amy, I loved the Cinque Terre, but I don't think I would visit on a day trip in August, unless you want to hike through Disneyland-type crowds. Please read some of the anecdotes about summer visits. It sounds incredibly unpleasant to me. I've been three times in May, September, and October, and it was crowded enough then!!! At night would be better - but clearly you can't do that.
Also, note that some of the trails are still closed due to slides. You will not be able to hike between Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Corniglia (at least, not on the "classic" trails; there may be more indirect trail between them that take a lot longer). You can still hike between Corniglia and Vernazza and between Vernazza and Monterosso last I checked, but any of the trails could close on short notice.
But if you must go - it is an easy train ride from Florence as mentioned above. I don't know the cheapest way to get there from your hotel - I rarely take taxis in Europe and just take the bus or walk to train stations. I assume if you can hike in the CT you can walk 15 min to the train station. Use Google Maps to try to find local buses in Florence between SMN station and your hotel.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
For maximum flexibility, I'd recommend doing Cinque Terre (CT) as a day trip on your own. There's a Freccia train that departs Firenze Campo di Marte station at 7:36 and arrives in La Spezia at 9:11. There are currently fares as low as 12.90 euro available for advance purchase, compared to full fare of 27.00 euro. Upon arrival at La Spezia Centrale, you would buy a regional train ticket to the Cinque Terre town of your choice, or you may be able to buy your CT pass there (some passes include local trains between the CT towns). I'd suggest starting your hike in Corgnilia, hiking to Vernazza, stopping for lunch (try the pesto) and then hiking on to Monterosso. If time allows, you could visit Manarola and Riomaggiore on your way back to La Spezia. When you're ready to return to Florence, just buy a ticket for the next train to Firenze SMN. Most afternoon/early evening trains are regional trains with no cost savings for advance purchase and they can't sell out. Ticket will likely cost 13.80 euro. If you wish to return to Firenze Campo di Marte, get off at Rifredi station and buy a 1.50 euro train ticket (frequent trains). Be sure to validate all your regional train tickets. Also, 15 euro sounds high for a taxi ride to the train station. Are you staying in the outskirts of Florence?
Posted by
OP
21 posts
Thank you all. I booked the 7:36 to 9:11 train for 12 euros.
I’ll book the train from La Spezia to C.T. at La Spezia and the train rides from CT to Florence the day off the trip.
I just want to hike at least one section, people watch, eat, drink and enjoy the views.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1272 posts
Great! If the weather is decent, you should have a great day. I'm jealous!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32386 posts
amy,
If you're planning to hike the popular Sentiero Azzurro trails, note that only the Monterosso-Vernazza and Vernazza-Corniglia segments are open this year. You'll need a Park Pass to hike those and as I recall you can buy that at any station or even at the small checkpoint huts at the beginning of each trail.
The Monterosso-Vernazza segment is the most robust hike, as it has a fairly steep climb at the Monterosso end. You might want to hike the Vernazza-Corniglia segment, as it's not quite as challenging. Especially in August, be sure to pack lots of water! When you arrive in Corniglia, you'll either have to hike down the many stairs to the station, or take the small Shuttle van.
You might want to arrange your trip so that you visit Monterosso last. That way you can have a fine meal in one of the excellent restaurants there, before returning to Florence.
Posted by
OP
21 posts
Grazie y’all!
I’m so excited and appreciate the help!