We are traveling in late March/Early April to Cinque Terre and will have 3 days between CT and Milan. I have evaluated a few options including:
Genoa
Parma
Multiple cities along coastline (e.g. Portofino, Levanto, Santa Margherita, etc.,)
During this timeframe, should I move inland to Parma (or another city along the way to Milan) or stay along the coast?
Thank you!
It's still early spring and you will have had some Ligurian experience. I'd vote for Parma and because it's a smaller city you could add a day trip to Modena or Bologna or Torrechiara castle.
You can visit Portofino and S.Margherita from the Cinque Terre. it's a short train ride to S.M.
It also depends on what you've seen of Italy already in past trips or even before getting to the Cinque Terre..
@Roberto (I'm also a Fremont native!) - this is my first trip to Italy. I am planning to come back to go to Rome and Florence. For this trip, since we have only a few days, we wanted to spend the bulk in CT (I prefer to hike all days, but my friends may take day trips).
@Mike - that is also what I was thinking. I'm not super interested in Milan so I was hoping for a direct stop(s) on my direct route back.
I too, would recommend Parma. You will get a totally different experience there than either Milan or CT. The food, the culture, the scenery, etc. are all different, so you get new experiences. The coast is beautiful, but if you have the chance to see another city in addition, I would go for it!
Thanks, Charlotte!
Any suggestions as to where we ought to stay?
I am going to Parma myself in May and the place I am staying at is http://bbsanfrancescoparma.xoom.it/English%20home.htm
Since I haven't been there yet, I can't tell you much. It is very centrally located, near train station. I am assuming it is well know (in Parma) since I am taking a food tour and the tour guide knew right away where to pick us up!
It was also cheap, 140 euro for a double/2 nights with private bath! But, I happen to prefer B&B's over hotels. I like getting to know the people.
I would also do Parma/Bologna
helen,
One thing to keep in mind for hiking in the Cinque Terre in late March/early April is that not all of the popular Sentiero Azzurro hiking trails may be open. The normal start of the tourist season is usually April 1st, so at least a few of them should be open. There's an extensive network of trails there, so some hiking should certainly be possible.
You can check the current status at the official park website.
With the weather being a factor in March and April, rain & cold, I would also head to Parma and Bologna.
Parma/Bologna. If you are not particularly interested in Milan (which I love), Bergamo is only an hour away and would make a nice daytrip to the inland hilltop area.
thanks all! will be going to parma and possibly bologna.
