Itinerary help - Cinque Terre and Venice

Theresa,

I'd suggest spending three nights in the Cinque Terre for a couple of reasons......

• That will be your first stop after arriving in Italy, and you could be affected by jet lag to some extent, so won't be up to fully "touring speed".
• You probably won't arrive in the Cinque Terre until mid-afternoon and once you get settled and have dinner, there will only be a few hours in the evening to look around. The only time you'll have for photography is the following day, and that won't allow much time to look for photo op's in the five towns. Three nights will allow two full days there.
• As you'll be renting a car in Venice, that will provide more flexibility in your departure time, as you noted. I assume you're aware of the usual "caveats" regarding car rental in Italy?

I think you will be fine. We found that one day was plenty in CT. You definitely will need the extra time in Venice as there is much more to see and do. Be sure to get up early in Venice before the crowds arrive to get that awesome shot!

If you are interested in photography, don't pass up the island of Torcello, near Burano. This was the original settlement.

No, imo, do not switch it around with three in Cinque Terre and two in Venice. Stay with three in Venice and two in the CT. To me, and I did free lance photography a number of years ago, Venice will give you many more opportunities for great photos than the CT. And you'll probably find yourself planning to return to Venice later for that very reason.

Theresa,

It all depends on what you prefer. If you want lots of photos of rocky coastline and water, like so many places, spend the time between the 5 villages of the Cinque Terre. If you want unique architecture, colours, boats and atmosphere, go to Venice.

I've driven through the Dolomites many times, and taken the train, between Austria and the Veneto. I've been to Venice once or twice (once 3 times) a year for the last several.

I've been to the Cinque Terre once.

That says a lot about me and my preferences. It says nothing about you. Go to the one you are most drawn to.

I think your original plan is fine. If it were me, of course, I'd throw in the Cinque Terre (except as it is your first time you should get one go and see if you fall in love with it, you can always return), and I'd chuck in the Dolomites too, and spend the lot in Venice and the Veneto.

I do a little photography myself and NOTHING beats Venice (for me anyways) - I have been there 4 times since 2008 and fall in love a little more every time. CT is nice, been there twice, but you can spend 3-4 hours in each village and get a good overview and photos (Vernazza is lovely in the evening - sunset really makes the harbour and buildings glow)...even Corniglia after exploring for a few hours you can move on (and we stayed in Corniglia both times).

But Venice - the best parts are def off the beaten path - just get lost and wander - get away from the tourist areas - actually, get up at 7am and hit Rialto and St Marks and the Bridge of Sighs to truly experience them and get amazing photos without the crowds. After 4 trips, I still feel like there is so much I have missed, and Carnival is on my bucket list (hopefully in 2017) because I know photo ops would be amazing.

Hopefully you are staying in Venice proper to fully take advantage of early mornings and late evenings...and if you only do one of Murano or Burano - hands down - Burano - the colours are amazing...Murano, I found doesn't offer as much colour and interest (but we always get our little glass souvenirs there). Hopefully you get a sunny day to hit Burano...

Oh - and for spectacular views of Venice and St Marks/Palazzo Ducale - head across the lagoon from St Marks to San Giorgio Maggiore and go up that bell tower - it costs less, I'm doubtful you will have a line (unlike the one for St Marks Campanile which can be really long), and the views over to St Marks gorgeous...

I would be happy with the original plan. You can probably catch the noon train from Milano Centrale station, which runs direct to Monterosso, arriving at 15:00. (To pick up lunch supplies at Milano Centrale station, you may need to go downstairs one level below the tracks.) You probably won't arrive into Venice much earlier on that travel day; the more attractive schedules arrive at 14:20 or 16:40.