I need a bit of help with our itinerary. Our family (3 teenage girls) trip to Italy/Switzerland is the first two weeks of June. I’ve booked lodging for our entire stay (cancellable without penalty). After researching more about the Cinque Terre portion of our trip, I am inclined to make a few changes. We will be travelling from Murren via train on Monday, spend two Tues and Wed in CT (staying in Manarola) then travel to Nice on Thurs. for a Friday flight home. After checking the cruise ship dockings, there will be 10,000 cruise tourists disembarking in La Spezia on that Wed.!
New plan would be to do CT only on Tues and find an alternate activity for Wed. in the area or move a day sooner towards Nice (Menton?) We don’t like to do a nightly move but prefer to base in one place. I’m thinking of booking somewhere like Rapallo, Chiavari or Sestri Levante. We’d train to CT for a day then have a free day to hang out or tour somewhere.
Can anyone recommend a place to stay/tour between Genova and CT? Fewer crowds and great scenery preferred. Any special places close or train accessible in that area? If we stay in Rapallo thinking about a ferry to Portofino.
Alternate plan to Menton France 2d- worthwhile?
Thanks for your help.
Posted by
Wisconsin
454 posts
Levanto is a really good place to stay, when visiting CT. It's got lovely beaches and fewer crowds, and you're only a 5 minute train ride away.
Posted by
OP
20 posts
Are there other sites to see in the area? A dip in the Med is ok, but we're more into hiking.
Posted by
Wisconsin
454 posts
I can't speak from personal experience. All we did in Levanto was eat and sleep. But I believe there is an old railroad tunnel that's been turned into a bike path and you can rent bikes. It's very easy to get to the Cinque Terre by train from Levanto and of course, once there, you can hike to your heart's content. If you're looking for a place to stay that is close to the CT but without the crowds, Levanto should be considered.
Posted by
OP
20 posts
Thanks Vickie
I'm wondering because of the 10,000 Maniacs due the second full day of our stay in the area if we should see something else or bug out to France early. If another destination is close, where would be the best base? Sounds like Levanto is great for CT, anyone else that can shed light on this?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
I enjoyed a stay in Rapallo at www.residenceilconvento.com and ferry to Portofino, but didn't consider it an equal substitute for the CT. Good hikers can escape the mid-day crowds in the CT by choosing one of the higher routes on the hillside. In general, cruise travelers are not likely to hike even the more popular trails. See also http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Esentieri-outdoor.php.
Posted by
Boston
1712 posts
Camogli has train service, ferry service, hikes, beauty, and a cobble beach. You can get to Portofino by train to Santa Margherita and then walk or ferry. Or you can hike through the Portofino park or ferry to San Fruttuoso and change ferry lines to Portofino.