Hello again - (love this forum) I was reading advise on train purchases in another post, however I want to go directly from Civitavecchia to La Spezia. Should I buy my tickets before I leave home($88 on line) or can I wait and do it at the train station?
Also wondering if anyone has any fav's for places to stay in C.T.(we are not big hotel lovers)
Thanks
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, USA
306 posts
There is no reason to buy you ticket prior to arriving in Italy. I love Manuel's Guesthouse in Monterosso.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Marianne,
I wouldn't bother buying tickets now, as you'll probably pay more than buying in Italy. There are direct trains from Roma Termini to La Spezia, which is about a four hour trip. From La Spezia you can transfer to the local trains for the trip to whichever village you decide to stay in.
As you're "not big hotel lovers", you might have a look at www.torrrettas.com in Manarola (the second village from the south). It's a B&B and a bit "upscale" but would be a good choice. There aren't really any "big hotels" in the Cinque Terre, but the best selection of Hotels and restaurants (as well as the best beach) is in Monterosso (the most northerly town).
Happy travels!
Posted by
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
536 posts
Hi Marianne - Previous posters are correct in that there is no reason to purchase your tickets until you're there. As far as a great place to stay I always suggest Carla's B&B - http://www.nerinarooms.it/
Located in Vernazza, directly on The Harbor it is excellent - please check out her website.
Ciao, Greg
Posted by
Richmond, Ky, USA
278 posts
Wait to buy the tickets. try Francamaria rooms in Vernazza.Right on the piazza, great view, very few steps, very nice room, reasonable rates. reserve before you go. Enjoy! Jeff
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
695 posts
Marianne,
I have tried last year with a few different Canadian credit cards and i was unsuccessful. But you don't need to purchase it before you leave, you will be ok buying it when you get in Italy. You could even do it for cheaper, around 40$ Canadian per person, if you used a slightly slower train and 2nd class.
We we're confortable in 2nd class. The only thing i will mention about the train in Italy, and you will read about it on this helpline, don't forget to validate your ticket.
As for Cinque Terra, everybody has their favorite villages, mine is Manarola, quieter, nice restaurants. We stayed at www.carugiu.com, a nice BandB (more like an apartment) but no views.
Have fun!
Posted by
Mpls, MN
1005 posts
We enjoyed our stay at Francamaria's rooms last July. Spent 4 nights here and had a room with great harbor and square views. An added bonus was hardly any steps too. Buon Viaggio!
Posted by
Richmond, BC, Canada
20 posts
We stayed at Marie Capellini's, they have two rooms, we stayed in "The Charming Room" We loved our stay and wished it was longer than three days.Check them out on Trip Advisor.com, the pictures and comments say it all.We loved Vernazza