Fall trip to Italy

I won't comment on the car rental - have never done it since, for me, the train system works just fine. Cinque Terre is really a beautiful area but figure out why you want to be there. Hiking from town to town is a major attraction. But there is a boat or train that will take you also. It all depends on your preference. For me Cinque Terre offers beautiful scenery, great seafood, and too many tourists (but I went last June). For me a couple of nights there were a nice break from my usual routine but then I was ready to go. Would I go back? Yes, in a couple of years.

Compare it to Varenna and the Lake Como area - Cinque Terre is much less manicured and formal. That could be a very nice change of pace!

2 nights in Cinque Terre was enough for us, we got in by train around 2, checked into our hotel in Monterosso and walked down to the beach, there is a tower you can walk up to and then grabbed some dinner at Ciak (awesome!). Next day was the villages day. Purchased the all day park/train pass and off we went. Got off the train in 3 of the 4 villages, walked around, purchased fried fish cones, sat overlooking the ocean and enjoyed our lunch, took some of the more strenuous walks up cliffs etc., took a detour into a cave that came out to a beautiful beach...just had a great day. Back to Monterosso for dinner and packing for the next destination. Boats were not running in October due to the condition of the sea, so we did train only. The weather was great and we did not experience any crowds.

The trains work well for us in Italy as well, and you definitely do not want a car for the Cinque Terre as the towns are almost entirely pedestrianized and parking is a pain. Number of days to spend in each location depends on how you want to spend your time? My husband and I are hikers so we could spend considerable time in the CT but if the trails don't appeal, then maybe 2-3 nights will be all you'll need.

If you can make the time, I'd highly recommend a day trip by train from Varenna (or wherever you end up in the Como region) to Bergamo. Citta Alta - the Medieval part of the city on the hill above the modern city - is fascinating. It can just as easily be done from Milan: about an hour by train.

Thx for the replies. We were thinking 3 nts in the lake como area(Varenna), 4 nts at cinque terra and 2 nts around Milan. But reading the replies it sounds like we should cut a night out of cinque terra. Where would u suggest going for a night? Add it to como?
If we did decide to take the train, what sequence would u suggest leaving from MXP the first morning?
We have always driven since it allows us to explore places, so I'm hesitant to take the train. But am willing to listen to pros.
Thx
Tony

I am partial to Bergamo, as an overnight or as a day trip; about an hour by train from Milano Centrale.

Note it is the Cinque Terre and not "cinque terra".

I appreciate the correction on the spelling of cinque terre, but I was hoping for a little bit more info than telling me I had a typo😀. Do you have anything to add to my query?

You might consider something along these lines.....

• Flight to MXP
• Go directly to Varenna for three nights. Although you've been there before, that will allow a day or so to get over to jet lag.
• Travel from there to the Cinque Terre for three nights. Have you decided which of the five towns you plan to stay in?
• Return to Milan for the remainder of the trip.

I'm not sure using a rental car is the best method for the type of trip you're planning. You'll use it once to Varenna, once to the Cinque Terre and once back to Milan. Most of the time it will be sitting in the car park gathering dust and incurring rental and parking charges. Having a car in the Cinque Terre is about as useful as a boat anchor, as parking is very limited and you won't be able to drive in the towns. Each driver on the rental form will need the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. You'll also need to be very vigilant to avoid the ZTL (limited traffic areas), which are becoming more prevalent these days.

I am one who doesn't care for Milan, so I would go directly to Varenna, as Ken suggested, maybe 4 nights. Daytrip to Bellagio. Then onto Cinque Terre for 4 nights. You can always daytrip to Porto Venere, Levanto, etc. if you get bored. Go back to Milan early on the day before you have to leave, spend the day, and fly out the next day.

Thanks to all.
I agree about Milan we have been there and don't feel we need to go back( no offense meant to the city).
I like the suggestion about Bergamo. We may fit that in.
We'll most likely want to stay in Monterosso while at Cinque Terre.
So now looking at 3 nts in the Lake Como area and 3 nts in Cinque Terre.
We need 2 more nts somewhere? Any help?
Then the last night near MXP for our morning flight out.

Why not spend those two nights in Bergamo instead of doing it as a day trip?
3 nights Monterosso, 3 nights Como area, 2 nights Bergamo, 1 night Milan. One-nighters anywhere give you so little time...

Poor Milan; it seems so often to be the red-headed stepchild. We found some marvelous churches there, and wished we'd had another day or two to explore other corners. Next time! :O)