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Nice to Cinque Terre to Milan (and maybe other stops in between)?

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Hi - I need some advice from those that are familiar with both Nice and surrounding area & Cinque Terre and surrounding area. We have flights booked to fly into Nice and out of Milan. We have 9 days total in late May. We are a 40 year old couple traveling without the kids. We like beaches, 2 hour and under hikes, food, wine, & exploring. We've been to Florence, Venice, and Rome 10 years ago so that's why we are doing only the Riviera towns now. When we went it was March so could not go to Cinque Terre so that is a main priority on this trip as I want to see all 5 towns and stay in one of the cities. I need some thoughts and help on a few things as I try to plan out the 9 days. I've listed the things I'm struggling to decide below but I'm also open to any thoughts you have on this trip for restaurants/hotels/must do things/etc! Thanks so much for your help!!!!

  1. How long to give Nice on this trip? 2 or 3 nights? And do we go to other near by cities while there as a day trip?
  2. When we leave Nice we head to Cinque Terre but I'm debating a stop in Portofino. Thoughts on this? Is it worth the time and stop?
  3. Traveling from Nice to either Portofino or Cinque Terre. I'm seeing online there is a bus that would go from Nice to near Portofino (then taxi in). And there is a train that goes from Nice to Cinque Terre (one was 4 hours travel time). Any thoughts on what's easier and if the stop in Portofino is worth the extra travel hassle?
  4. Once in Cinque Terre, thinking I want 4 nights. Would you split it 2 and 2 in different cities or is that too much of a hassle? And would you stay in Vernazzo or Monterroso? And any area to stay in those towns that you think is better than another? Willing to spend up to $400ish per night for the right place!
  5. The end of the trip we will take the train to Milan for one night and then fly out.
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Hi Kate. I'll start. Sounds like a great trip. From Nice to CT, take train, not bus. But to set expectations, train is more like 5 - 6 hours. Check on trenitalia.com, pick a random day in the next few weeks; schedule in May will be similar. Do not stay in Portofino, very small and expensive and nothing to do there during day. However you said you like to hike. There is a nice scenic walk (90 minutes?) from train station (S Margherita Ligure) to Portofina to see town and huge luxury yachts; can make for a fun day. Then walk or take easy bus back to Santa Margherita. We used luggage storage at S Margherita train cafe; or you could stay in Santa Margherita for a night or more; nice town. Other than that, don't split nights; stay in one place in / near CT all nights; easy to get to other towns via train, and a hassle to switch hotels. People have different preferences on towns to stay in CT; read descriptions in Rick's book. Beautiful scenery on hikes between towns. Towns may be wall to wall people during day if cruise ships are there; hike during day and then enjoy towns at night. Have a great trip!

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