My friends and I will have one last day in Italy driving back to Milan from San Gimganano. We are thinking of spending the day in the Cinque Terre area which we hear is quite beautiful. Any suggestions on what town to start in and where we can park our rental cars while we visit? Is it realistic to visit with about 5 hours time?
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
At first I thought that this may not be practical but I checked some driving times. San G. to La Spezia is just over 2hrs. La Spezia to Milan is 2hrs 20 min. It looks like you invest about 4.5hrs of driving time. Interestingly, day-trippers from Florence to the CT spend 6hrs on the train (3hrs each way). You can park your car in the new garage in La Spezia near the train station. Here's a link to some scoop on the garage. http://bellavitaitalia.blogspot.com/2011/10/la-spezia-train-station-parking-good.html Once in La Spezia, you can take the train to the different towns. You should be able to get 5 hours in the CT.
Posted by
OP
Buffalo, New York
20 posts
Thanks for your reply. I had checked the driving times so figured that as part of the day leaving about 5 hours to tour. Not having been there I was unsure if that amount of time would be worthwhile to do. Appreciate your response.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
As you will probably be there midday and are not able to spend the night, you will be there with lots of other tourists. But... there is a reason a ton of people go there...worth it??? Yes, and once you see it you may have to return. Anytime you can spend some time at the Sea is worth the effort.
Posted by
OP
Buffalo, New York
20 posts
We will attempt to arrive by mid-morning to at least get a start at seeing the towns before everyone arrives to tour. Anyone have suggestions on a place for lunch? I presume there are many places with a view?