Help in Cinque Terre

It's 140 miles/2 hrs 45 mins EACH WAY + the time for any pit stops you make--and this is under ideal conditions, meaning you have a GPS and don't have any traffic/construction delays going around Florence (you wouldn't want to bet big money on that). Questions: What month?Have you driven in Italy before?The CT is one of the worst places in Italy to drive a car to, esp. in the summer, because of the very limited parking. Re the mobility issue: all of the CT towns are perched on ledges on cliffs that rise out of the sea and keep going up; there are few flat spots in the towns and they are not "accessible" to those who can't walk and get over barriers and do some uphill walking.I wish I could be more encouraging, but I'm sure you're looking for accurate information rather than sugar-coating.

We will be going late July. We have not driven in Italy but my daughter's Italian boyfriend will be with us (and a GPS) They really want to go--but I don't think the mobility issue will work. Do you know anything about the Ferry? Or any other suggestions for day trips close to Radda? Thanks!

Charla: I'm glad you decided to spare yourselves a long and tiring day. You have a wealth of choices for wonderful day trips that are closer, easier, and fascinating: I don't even know where to begin, Radda is ideally located for day trips in every direction!FlorenceSienaalmost any of the Tuscany Hill Towns, Montepulciano is one of the closestDriving to Florence is not your first choice because of parking and "driving in restricted zones" issues. It would be best if you didn't have to drive to Florence. But if you have no choice because of the mobility thing, there is day parking, the viamichelin.com website shows you where and you probably also want to browse prior topics (search box upper right) for the details of the $150 fine driving restricted zones in the city center. But Florence is so worth it, if you're that close you must go. Let us know if you need more day trip destinations!

Charla, since the trip is so important to your teenagers, it might be possible to get to the Cinque Terre? Kent's time estimate is spot-on, so it would be a long day for all of you (you should probably allow 3 hours each way for the trip). To get to the Cinque Terre quickly, you'll have to use toll roads which will increase the cost somewhat, but as you'll have an Italian "co-pilot" you shouldn't have any trouble finding your way around (especially if you take a GPS unit and/or some good Maps).

You could leave Radda early (perhaps 06:00?) and travel to Monterosso al Mare (the most northern of the five villages). Monterosso has two parking lots (€12-15 per day) although parking could be "tight" in July (another reason to get there early). The town is relatively level in many places, so would be the best one to get around with a mobility scooter.

The younger group could always hike the trails to Riomaggiore (should take about 4-5 hours at their age), while you and your husband have a look around town, have a nice hot meal perhaps do some shopping or enjoy the beach. Note that a C.T. card is required to hike the trails (there WILL BE people checking for the cards). The hikers could take the local train back to Monterosso.

This would perhaps be a good way to satisfy everyone in the group. Depending on what time you leave, you could be back in Radda by about 20:00.

Note that to drive in Italy, you'll require an International Driver's Permit (available at AAA offices for a small fee). This MUST be used in conjunction with your normal Driver's license.

(PS: apparently Pasta with cinghiale is one of the "specialties" in Radda - if you're adventurous, you might give that a try?)

Happy travels!

If you get RS Italy book he gives some ideas on parking in The Cinque Terre Towns. He writes, "Each Cinque Terre town has a parking lot and a shuttle bus to get you into town (except Corniglia, where parking is free and easy). Monterosso's guarded beachfront lot fills up only in August and on weekends (12 euro/day)."
The Vernazza parking lot is usually full on busy weekends in July and August. According to RS the police are at the top of town at these times and will deny entry to anyone without a hotel reservation so it is smart to have a confirmation in hand. Also according to RS You can park your car near the train station in La Spezia or Levanto. Check that parking is Ok and do not leave anything inside to steal.
I have seen many inquiries from people asking about the drive to Vernazza and also parking availability there. I posted a short video of our drive on a portion of this road so folks could get an idea of what it is like. Parking is limited and would be a hit or miss thing depending on when you go. We were there in May and arrived on a Wednesday and there were a number of parking places available. The weekend would have been a different story I am sure. You may want to look at the video on the link below and see if you want to drive a van on this road. We had a small Peugeot and I thought my wife was not going to make it. I enjoyed driving it. Would not have enjoyed it however if my wife had been driving. If you were thinking about driving to the Vernazza parking lot the short video may influence your decision. It is:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/members-videos/fanotravel

Thanks for all the input so we can make a decision about this. Ken--my girls were so happy to read your post!!!