Hello!
I am planning my honeymoon to Italy for 8 days and Croatia for 5. I intended to fly into Rome and work my way up through Italy. One of the things I wanted to do was backpack through Cinque Terre but I got to thinking it won't be possible to bring any other luggage if I don't want to back track right? Am I right to think I should just plan on packing enough that would fit into a hiking backpack?
Well you do not need a hiking back pack with all you clothes in it for the Cinque Terre. Of course I am presuming you are planning on staying in one of the villages fora night or two. All you need is a day pack to carry enough water and snacks for a couple of hour hike. Most of the legs of the #2 trail can be covered in a couple of hours each leg. Leave your luggage in your room.
..and yes you should think about packing light, so your idea of packing into a backpack/luggage combo that works as carry on is a good one.
Another problem is 8 days is not really enough time to "work" you way up through Italy. * days is good for two stops, maybe three, but then you are really rushing your honeymoon. If it were me I would plan on just two Italy destinations and then absorb them both. Have a relaxing time.
In CT you can easily take the train back to your hotel town, or take a boat ride back. The towns are close together and even the full hike can be done in a day. Some portions of the primary lower trail are often closed, so you may prefer the trail higher up the hill.
CT is a quiet and relaxing place which may suit your honeymoon style. Rome and CT could easily fill 8 days but think about Venice :-) and maybe drop CT.
Congratulatons and enjoy the trip!
dc,
First of all, congratulations!
The best way for "hiking the Cinque Terre* is to base yourself in one of the five towns and then take day hikes. With only a very short 8 days to "work my way up through Italy", you're not going to have time for any extended hikes so day hikes will be your best option. There's enough hiking there to keep you busy for a few days.
The official park website has a map of the trails.....
