My apologies if I've already asked this but can't find it.
Since there's likely to be a delay in the regional train from Vernazza to St Spezia, is it it wise to book a ticket that goes all the way to Venice, or is it better to just book it from St Spezia and arrive in plenty of time for local Cinq Terre train.
Thanks for your suggestions. I've got so many areas and countries on the go, that's it's very hard to make decisions and people are being so helpful.
I'm not sure why you think there will be a delay between Vernazza and La Spezia but as this journey involves 3 train changes (Vernazza>La Spezia>Pisa>Firenze S.M.Novella> Venezia S. Lucia) you can certainly just book from La Spezia onward if that makes you more comfortable.
Vernazza to La Spezia is a regional, no reservations necessary. Book the La Spezia-Venice as soon as possible for the best discounts.
I'd go via Monterosso and Milano Centrale.
It takes a little longer, but you'll have to change only twice and you'll have reserved seats all the way from Monterosso to Venice. If you don't pack light it may be a good alternative.
Trenitalia.com is programmed to display only the shortest routes: if it doesn't show this itinerary you'll have to make 2 separate purchases. First from Vernazza to Monterosso and then from Monterosso to Venezia S.Lucia (changing at Milano Centrale station).
If you book a regionale train for your first leg, that ticket will be valid on any other regionale leaving within 75 minutes from the departure of the booked train.
I'd go via Monterosso and Milano Centrale.
I saw that one too, Dario, and only didn't include it as I thought 1.5 hours longer journey (depending on which train option one takes) was more than a "little" longer. But it's definitely an option!
