We would like to travel by train from the Dolomites to the western coast of Italy and/or Tuscany? We like small, quaint villages. I understand we will have to travel through Milan. Our destination is outside of Rome and the FCO airport.We thought we would take two days to do this. Any recommendations for places to stay en route? Clean, safe & affordable is our motto. Thank you!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17573 posts
There are a number of beautiful seaside towns along the coast, including the Cinque Terre villages. From Venice, take the fast train to Milan, then head to Genoa and down the coast. You will pass through Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure, Sestri Levante, and Levanto before reaching Monterosso al Mare, the first of the Cinque Terre towns. The intercity train will not stop at the other four, but you can change to a regional train at Monterosso. Continuing on, you reach La Spezia, where there are connections to Rome.
This coastal area is laced with hiking trails, including the famous and popular one linking the Cinque Terre villages.
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
Remember that it is going to take you a significant amount of time on trains to get to the western coast from where you are. Looks like around 7+ hours from Bolzano to Monterosso in the CT. For the trip towards Rome from La Spezia probably around 3.5 to 4 hours.
Posted by
OP
Hansville, WA, USA
25 posts
Thank you both for the useful information. We appreciate your help!
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8358 posts
Geoffrey: You're taking on a difficult journey if you just have two days extra and so far to travel. I would suggest going to a city between point A and point B, stop to get a room and just slow down. Get a rental car and take day trips. Get familiar with the restaurant owners or wine shop keepers. Enjoy your days! When you try to go so far so fast, you'll end up on fast trains. Everything will visually be a big blur. Italy is so much better if taken very slowly.