Leaving in a few weeks and sadly, had to nix plans to Nice. Now have an unexpected 4 days. Apart from Lake Como and Florence, any suggestions that more or less fit the "working west from Venice to Cinque Terre" route? Have been looking at Ventimiglia, San Remo, Lucca - would love to hear any and all info. Thanks!!
Posted by
Portland
3648 posts
I'm not sure what appeals to you about Ventimiglia. San Remo is a resort town with some casinos. We stayed there overnight once, because it was the last place we could drop off a car on our way to France. Maybe someone else can give you information about attractions we missed; but, to me, it was just good for what we did. Lucca is the most appealing of the three you listed. The town, itself, is worth a day or two. Rent bikes and ride the top of the wall; or walk. See the duomo and the gorgeous church of S. Michele. Explore a 16th - 18th c, villa, such as Villa Torrigiani, in one of the nearby towns. Visit Palazzo Pfanner and climb its tower for a splendid view. Lucca is a good base for visiting Pisa, Take a short jaunt to Collodi to see Castello Garzoni and imbibe the Pinocchio ambience. Lots of possibilities!
Posted by
Seattle, Washington
682 posts
Not knowing where you'll be coming from or why you're cancelling Nice, makes it a little hard to offer recommendations. If you want to be along the sea, Villfranche-sur-Mer is a great option still in the vicinity of Nice. I would certainly pick that over Ventimiglia. Or, farther away from Nice, we really enjoyed Cassis recently. I've enjoyed Lucca, too, and it has good options for day trips.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3943 posts
Bologna or Genoa might be worth a stop for you. We spent a night in each when we were going from CT to Venice in '08. Didn't have long in either, but they were nice to walk around.
Genoa has a nice waterfront and aquarium.
In Bologna we just wandered to the 'leaning tower' they have there - we had a train delay the evening before so we only had a few hours in the morning to look around before we had to head for Venice.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
Bologna is worth a visit. Lucca as well. Portovenere outside La Spezia (train spot of 5 Terre) is a good visit. If you are driving there are a gazillion places.