SOS: We are doing a hiking trip at Lake Maggiore beginning Sept. 30 but considering flying into Genoa and going to Cinque Terre first -- around Sept. 25. Would prefer the help of a guide. But can you recommend one? No desire to be in the crowds but don't want to just be there for one night either. We would then fly to Milan on Sunday Sept. 29. Does this make sense?
Another option would be for us to fly into Milan and try to see other places around there before our hiking trip.
Don't fly from Genoa to Milan; take the train. The Intercity trains take about 1 hr. 40 min. Check trenitalia.com for the schedule. Genoa is "Genova" in Italian.
Thank you! Good idea. Would it be better to do Cinque Terre first or after Lake Maggiore?
mary,
Your profile doesn't indicate your home location, but you'll probably find more flights into Milano than Genova. In any case, I'd suggest starting with the Cinque Terre although your arrival day is going to be a long one.
If I were planning the same trip, I'd fly inbound to MXP, take the Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale, and then connect with a direct train to Monterosso (there are a limited number of direct trains every day so you may have a short wait, depending on what time your flight arrives; there many other trains with one or more changes). Monterosso is the most northern and largest of the five C.T. towns, and (IMO) a good home base for that area as there are lots of hotels and restaurants. The C.T. is a great place to recover from jet lag!
You didn't indicate where your hiking trip on Lake Maggiore is based. If the hike starts in Stresa, it's relatively easy to get there from Monterosso (about 6 hours, with at least one transfer). I haven't checked all the route options, but you'll likely have to go back through Milano Centrale. Taking the train from Genova (or from the C.T.) to Miano is the best idea, as flights on that route will take longer, and will be a more gruelling and unpleasant trip.
I'm not sure you need a guide for the Cinque Terre as it's very easy to travel around on your own. You might find it helpful to have a look at the latest copy of the Rick Steves Italy guidebook.
For a Cinque Terre visit, crowds in midday are a given and you will have to schedule your activities to minimize inconvenience. This is especially so in September and October which is peak cruise season there.
Since you are interested in hiking, consider Santa Margherita Ligure or Camogli where you can experience wonderful Ligurian towns and also hike without crowds in the Portofino Natural Park: https://portofinotrek.com/en/
Hi there,
We just returned from a trip visiting all the cities/towns above. If money is not a concern, just fly into Genoa and take the 1 hour-ish train down to Monterosso in the C.T. (it's the northernmost town and has the most options). Stay in the C.T. for two nights minimum so you can enjoy the five towns. Use the Rick Steves Italy book and follow his directions and self guided walking tours. You don't need a guide, nor a rental car; I promise. He suggests various hikes and activities and we felt the recommendations were perfect. Then fly back to Milan like you said, and take the train to Lake Maggiore. P.S. The C.T. is crowded, even when we went in October, BUT it is enjoyable in the mornings and evenings when the day trippers leave.
Another option is to spend the time in Milan or Genoa. We loved both very much. Enjoy your trip.
