cinque terrre

Take the train to La Spezia, then transfer to the local train which takes you to all five villages. Any of the towns are great to stay in. Montoresso has the most night life and more traditional hotel choices. Vernazza is Rick's favorite (and my own favorite). Lots of charming B&Bs with gorgeous harbor views. Riomaggiore & Manarola have B&Bs and are a bit quiter. Corneglia is the smallest village but also delightful. I suggest you read Rick's book on the differences in the towns to make your choice. However, they are very close together and you can go between them very easily and quickly on the local train.

Another consideration is the layout of the towns and their proximity to the water. Monterosso, for example, is flatter and down on the water. Vernazza is on the water, but pretty steep. Could be a consideration if you have mobility issues.

The best way to get to the Cinque Terre from Florence is by train. There are dozens of trains departing Florence each day for Pisa and La Spezia where you will pick up a more local train through the CT towns. Yes, you will change trains along the way. That's the way it works to the CT.

Hi Nicole--we are practically neighbors! You can can go to www.trenitalia.com and check the train schedules. I just got back a week ago from Italy and spent 4 nights in Vernazza. We trained from Florence to LaSpezia (very small train station) on a regional train and then had to switch to another regional train taking us to Vernazza. It also stopped in the first 3 towns along the way. Regardless of the route you choose, you will have to make at least one train change but it is very easy. Let me know if I can give you any additional info.