Cinque Terre: We stayed in Monterosso and loved it. Gorgeous and also the best food we had the whole trip. Ate 2x at Il Casello & 1 at the Belvedere, both right on the water. Hiked to Vernazza and it was tough. My daughter who takes karate stated "this is harder than anything Sen Sei makes us do!" and he works them pretty hard! But they loved it and would do it again. The beaches are very rocky & we also found the water in the New town very rough. The second day at the Old town beach was much better, less rocks, less waves.
Castellina in Chianti Tuscany: Beautiful & relaxing. GPS could not find our Agriturismo 1 mile off the main road on a dirt road. Day tripped to Siena (a disappointment for us), Radda - picturesque, & Florence (biggest mistake for a day trip would HIGHLY recommend staying at least 1 night) and 2 days just exploring the local town & hanging by the pool.
Venice: what can I say? It is everthing you expect & more. The Gondola ride was worth the 70E, best shopping was here (except Florence for leather) for those interested in that aspect which was not a focus for us. Avoided San Marco & Rialto during the day after first day - too crowded, enjoyed them much more after 5pm. Secret itineraries tour was fun & interesting, but HOT as you go up to the prisons under a lead roof. 1 daughter got sick - didn't think she was going to make the rest of the tour & they don't allow you to leave the tour as no one is allowed off on their own. Bring water & a fan.
Posted by
Boston, MA
7 posts
Hi Joann,
Sounds like a great trip! Would you mind sharing the lodging you used in Monterosso? We are also a family of 4 planning a trip for April school vacation next spring. Did you end up using trains or driving? We're still not sure which way to go on that.
Posted by
Smithtown, NY, USA
106 posts
Sounds like a great trip, Joanne. I was wondering what time of day you did the Secret Itineraries tour, since I am planning to book this and am wondering if there is a particular time of day that would be better, possibly early in the day? Thanks!
Posted by
OP
Massachusetts, USA
376 posts
Kathleen, We stayed at Albergo Marina for 170E p/night plus an add'l 10% discount because we paid in cash so 153E p/n, it may be less in April. The room was large & clean with 1 queen and 2 bunk beds. It was actually the kids 2nd favorite hotel of the trip. The included breakfast was also pretty good and the staff were wonderful. It is a couple of blocks up from the water, but everything on the water was out of our league. The Locanda Maestrale (sp?) also looked good & was in the same price range when I was looking, but the kids wanted the bunk beds! Hope this helps.
Posted by
OP
Massachusetts, USA
376 posts
Kathleen, Sorry, I just noticed your 2nd question. We picked up a car in La Spezia after leaving Monterosso and drove to Pisa & to and around Tuscany for 6 days. We then dropped off the car in Venice. We also used some trains, but mostly the car.
Posted by
OP
Massachusetts, USA
376 posts
Terry, We took the 11:35 a.m. tour. There were only 3 English speaking tours per day. That was the last one, but it was the only time available for the day we wanted. The earlier ones, first one at 9:55 I think, were already booked. We made our reservations about 4-5 wks ahead, I don't know when you are going, but it may not be as hot or as busy?
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
Joann,
great report!!!
What happened on your hike to Vernazza that made it so hard??? Our kids hated that hike as well but only because it was so hot. 98 F in the shade when most of the trail is NOT in the shade doesn't really give you great hiking conditions :-( Otherwise I thought it would have been an easy hike.
Posted by
OP
Massachusetts, USA
376 posts
The stairs. and then the stairs & then the other stairs (LOL) and then add the heat....
Posted by
Boston, MA
7 posts
Thanks, Joann, for the detailed replies. We'll definitely check out the two lodgings you mention. Our children are older (our son is 6'3"); do you think they'd fit in the bunks, or are they really designed for younger, smaller kids? Thanks.