Cinque Terre Lite

Hi neighbor. There is a nice new multi-level parking garage at the La Spezia Centrale train station. From there, you can take the train into the CT villages. There is also a parking garage in Riomaggiore but you could probably be there by train from La Spezia by the time you drive to it, park and walk down the hill. You might want to consider the train all the way to and from Lucca. Trip takes about 2 hours with 2 train changes. Fare is 7.30Euros. For the one-day, I would recommend the following: Go to Riomaggiore. Walk down to the water's edge and look for the Via Dell'Amore coastal trail. Walk the trail to Manarola. This takes about 25 minutes and the trail is very level except for a few steps. Tour Manarola. The next trail segment still seems to be closed. Take the train to either Vernazza or Monterosso. You have plenty of time to have and nice lunch and tour both towns.

Bill, Larry provided some good ideas for one day in the Cinque Terre. Using the new car park in La Spezia is probably the best idea. While you could take the train from Lucca, as you have a car anyway it will provide a bit more flexibility in when you return to Lucca. The train ride from La Spezia to Riomaggiore is only about 8 minutes, so that's the best option. One important point to note is that to hike ANY of the trails, you'll need a Park Pass. You can buy that when you arrive in Riomaggiore. You might consider a Cinque Terre Treno card, as that provides local transportation as well. From the station plaza in Riomaggiore, you'll have to walk through the small tunnel to get to the town (runs parallel to the tracks). When you come out of the tunnel, go left and uphill for the town or go right and downhill for the harbour. You'll need to come back to station plaza for the entrance to the Via dell'Amore. Walk right past the station building and then up the stairs at the end of the plaza. When you get to the trail, you'll find a small wooden hut where your Pass will be checked. There's a small Bar part way along (close to Manarola) where you can enjoy a "cool one". When you arrive in Manarola, you'll again have to walk through a small tunnel from the station to get to the town. Take the train from there to Corniglia. The town is located up on a bluff, but there's a Shuttle from the station. You can hike from Corniglia to Vernazza or take the train. There are lots of restaurants down in the harbour area. You can hike from Vernazza to Monterosso, but be warned it's somewhat strenuous and it will be late in the day and you may be tired - I'd take the train. I'd suggest dinner in Monterosso. It's the largest town, has a great beach and lots of nice restaurants. Happy travels!

One final note..... As you'll be driving in Italy, note that each driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. Failure to produce an I.D.P. if requested can result in fines on the spot! You'll also need to be aware of the dreaded Zona Traffico Limitato areas, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in Italy. Passing through these zones can result in expensive fines! Recent posts here would seem to indicate that authorities in Italy are becoming more aggressive in collecting the fines from foreign drivers and there may also be charges from the rental car firm for providing renter information to law enforcement. If you need further information, post another note.
You may be interested in reading this recent Thread: www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/88826/ztl-in-lucca-one-year-later.html Cheers!

My recommendation would be to drive straight into Monterosso and park at the outdoor lot. From there do the hike between Monterosso and Vernazza and spend the day relaxing and taking pictures in Vernazza. Take the train back to Monterosso and Bob's your uncle.