Cinque Terre Itinerary Carrara?

Rated the best by Italians:
http://www.cavedimarmotours.com/

Sharon,

One point to mention about hiking is that the Sentiero Azzurro trails may or may not be open during the time you're there, so it would be prudent to have a "Plan B". The staff at the Agriturismo will be able to provide information on the current status of the trails when you arrive there. The official park website shows the trails closed at the moment, but they've re-structured the website recently, so I'm not sure I'm reading it correctly. Have a look at their website for all the details.

Note that a Park Pass is required to hike those particular trails, which you should be able to buy at the small booth at the first access point to the trails (in Monterosso, that's just above Hotel Porto Roca). Also if the trails are open, the first leg from Monterosso involves a fairly significant uphill climb. I'm 60+ and can manage without too much trouble, but it is a bit of an effort.

I can't provide any information on the cave tours or Carrara.

Thanks to both of you.

I sent Cave di Marmo an email - the 4 x 4 excursion looks fantastic. The excursion schedule is for 2011 but am hoping it is current and they just haven't changed the heading.

I will have a back up plan - train, boat, etc.

Ken, thanks for the 60+ information.

- Have you done the 5 village walk in one day?
- I have read that it is better to do it first with that early morning energy and lower temperatures. Would you agree with that?

Thanks again

Sharon

Sharon,

Yes, doing the hike between the five towns is easily done in a day. Some of the "younger crowd" that have passed me are able to do it in about three hours, but it takes me considerably longer for several reasons. For example.....

• I like to stop and take rest breaks when needed. This also allows me some time to enjoy the scenery.
• I tend to visit with other hikers, so that takes time.
• I'm a photographer so have to stop frequently to take pictures.
• I stop for lunch in one of the towns (usually Vernazza) and that also adds an hour or two to the hike.

I'd suggest starting in Monterosso and working south, as that's the most challenging section . Be sure to pack along lots of water. If you have some to spare, be sure to add some to the water dish for the stray cats which you'll probably find as you get close to Vernazza. As you approach Vernazza, you'll probably want to stop at the small viewpoint to get the usual picture of the town. The stretch from Vernazza to Corniglia is also a bit challenging at the beginning, but it gets easier. The leg from Corniglia to Manarola is relatively easy and from Manarola to Riomaggiore (the famous Via dell' Amore) is very easy since it's mostly flat and paved. There's a small Bar overlooking the water not too far from Manarola, where you can stop for a "cool one" and enjoy the incredible views. All this assumes of course that the trails will be open.

Thank you Ken. Your itinerary is perfect! It is exactly how I would like to experience the day. When I get in Thursday afternoon, I will just enjoy Agriturismo Buranco, maybe walk down the hill to dinner.

Friday - start a leisurely walk by 8:30am with tentative plan to hop on a boat around 5:30pm or 6:00pm back to Monterosso. Will have back up train plans if some of the trails are closed.

Saturday - Robert, have been in touch with Gabriel at Cave di Marmo Tours and date is open for off-road tour of Carrara - need a few more people to join.

What a wonderful adventurous weekend!

Sunday - train to Rome for 10 full days.

God's in his heaven - All's right with the world...

Sharon

How much is the tour?

it is 40 euros with at least 4 persons on board. At this point, I am waiting for more people to join tour. I will be there toward end of May so am not too concerned about filling the spaces.

Sharon

thanks for the info.
Considering the trip for our family of four towards the end of June. I think it would be a great break from museums, etc for our family of four.