Cinque Terre for New Years

Am I missing something? You want to drive from Paris on the 30th, spend the night of the 31st in the CT and get to Venice by the 2nd? If so, better look at a good map. That's quite a haul.

I agree with Bob. Its about 625 European miles to the hairpin above via the Mont Blanc tunnel. European miles take a lot longer than Texas miles. Where do you intend to park in Venice? There has been lots of discussion on this wall that the CT is mostly shut at that time of the year so I guess it will be low key.

Hi Lisa,
We are doing these same destinations in reverse (Paris-Venice-CT-Paris)and decided to make the most of our time and money and fly via Easyjet between Paris and CT (Orly - Pisa) and train between CT and Venice. That might be something for you to think about since your time is short! Unless there is some particular reason that you want to have a car, I don't think you really need one in any of these locations - in fact a car might be a hindrance for you in CT and Venice! Sounds like a beautiful way to spend the holidays - have a great trip !

" I'm thinking the Tronchetto Garage" I've never parked there, scared as I am to overpay, but for several years we have parked at the multistory car park directly across the road from the Mestre station. As you drive up the levels you see lots of Venetian cars parked with covers over them and a lovely film of dust. They never seem to have any trouble, and neither have we. Quite inexpensive and easy. Walk across the road and hop a very cheap and quick train to Venezia S.L.

I know the drive looks daunting and miserable (google maps says ~10 hours) - but there are 3 of us travelling, and I'm really trying to keep costs low. We will leave Paris in the am - and arrive late in CT on the 30th. Then I'm figuring we will have all the 31st, 1st to lounge. We'll depart for Venice (a 4.5 hr drive) after lunch. So aside from the torturous drive, we should have 2.5 days there. Does anyone have any "winter in Cinque Terre" tips? Great dining spots? Hiking suggestions? It doesn't have to be exciting - this is our "rest stop" between Paris and Venice. PS - my sister and I did a 2 week/3,000km road trip through Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Austria last summer (I did all the driving), and I ADORE driving....so I think this won't be as bad for me as others. :)

Oh and Nigel, I'm thinking the Tronchetto Garage. I think it was the one we used last year....