We are taking the train from Milan Central to Cinque Terre. Taking the direct trains would mean arriving earlier (11:20am) in Vernazza where we have 2 nights accommodation, but it would also mean leaving too early to take advantage of our prepaid breakfast at our Milan hotel. If we take a train an hour later, at 9:10am, we could stop in Genoa for 3 hours (from 10:40a - 1:47pm) before the next direct train gets us into Vernazza just after 3pm. We are wondering if the 3hours in Genoa is worth the stop or should we skip breakfast and just get to Vernazza late morning. If we stop in Genoa, need an idea of what to do. I see that there is a funicular that goes up to a castle of some sort - nice view, then have lunch? We are definitely taking the direct train back so we can have the afternoon and evening in Milan before our flight home. There is a place for holding luggage in Genoa so that is no problem. Is 3 hours worth it?
Roz
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15259 posts
Genoa is not Italy's most beautiful city however there are a quite a few things to see and 3 hours aren't certainly enough to see them. San Lorenzo Cathedral La Lanterna (lighthouse) The Aquarium of Genoa, the second largest in Europe. Museum of the Sea. National Gallery in the Palazzo Spinola Palazzo Ducale Palazzo Reale Rolli Palaces (Noblemen palaces0, in Genoa's center, part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Most famous: Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Rosso Via Garibaldi, formerly Strada Nuova. The carruggi, narrow alleys, (take a gps, they are a maze). From Piazza Castello there are views of the city. Biosphere. C. Columbus family house. for lunch: Ristorante da Rina
(on Mura delle Grazie, near the port). Many Italian Presidents dined there (and I did as often as I could whenever passing by Genoa). Well, I gave you enough to miss several trains.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32220 posts
Roslyn, If you want to stop in Genova for a quick look at the city, that's certainly an option. One of the train routes that I checked has a slightly shorter layover time of 1H:25M at Genova Piazza Principe, departing Milan at 09:10 and arriving in Vernazza at 13:34 (total time 4H:24M). If you'd rather get to Vernazza a bit earlier to begin your stay there, that's another option (especially as you only have two nights). You didn't say which day you were travelling, so the schedules I checked may be slightly different (I used a mid-week day). Happy travels!
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
Generally speaking, an Italian breakfast is not much to get excited about.Grab a few rolls and a piece of fruit & leave early to maximize the day in the CT area.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Bob, if the hotel is offering a prepaid breakfast it's probably more substantial than just rolls and coffee. Roslyn, if you can find your hotel on a booking website, there will probably be photos and reviews of the breakfast options - you can check to see what you'll be missing if you leave earlier. If you do leave early, the train station has great options for a variety of breakfast choices, but don't expect bacon and eggs.
Posted by
San Carlos, CA, USA
383 posts
I would skip Genoa and go to Vernazza early. I have been on one of the funiculars (perhaps not the one you mean) and it was interesting but certainly not something to go out of your way for.
Posted by
OP
Escondido, CA, USA
2 posts
Thanks for all the advice. I think we will just skip the stop in Genoa and go straight to Vernazza. I was afraid 3 hours wouldn't be enough and with only two nights in Vernazza, I think we will need the time there. It's so nice that all of you take the time to offer advice. I am a travel agent in the San Diego area and have clients that want to do Cinque Terre so at least I will have some first hand knowledge. Thanks again.
Roz