Trip to Cinque Terre

I'd give it a minimum of 3 hours: 1 hour to get through immigration (& get bag if you checked one); 1 hour to take train from FCO to Temini (the actual time of the Leonardo Express is about 40", and it runs approx every half hour); 1 hour in case you have to wait through either of those, and maybe to grab some food at Termini to take on the train with you to La Spezia. 4 hours would be safer. Edit to say: If you are arriving from Frankfurt, you may go through immigration there. If so, then you should be fine with 3 hours.

This is difficult to estimate due to the many variables, but I think the most highly optimistic estimate would be a half hour if the plane parks at a gate (versus tarmac which requires a shuttle), you're one of the first off the plane, you only have carry-on luggage and you're a brisk walker. Your flight will probably arrive at Terminal 1 and you'll need to walk to the train station in Terminal 3. I think it could easily be an hour longer if you miss out on all those points. If you're flight arrives on time, consider taking the 11:08 direct Freccia to Florence connecting to a direct Freccia to La Spezia. It's far from the cheapest option, but it would be the simplest after a long flight.

Edit: I'm assuming you'll go through immigration in Frankfurt.

Second edit: Good catch. I misread the schedule, as the 11:08 Freccia connects to the 11:57 Freccia at Termini rather than in Florence. Any Leonardo Express train to Termini at or earlier than 11:08 will allow you to connect with the direct Freccia to La Spezia. I've taken that train and it's a great option.

"...consider taking the 11:08 direct Freccia to Florence connecting to a direct Freccia to La Spezia."

That would require separate tickets and you would arrive later [4:20]. You would want the same train with only one change at Termini arriving at 3:44; the next one is at 3:08. All the other trains have 2 changes. Always best to buy tickets on arrival, Fiumicino Aeroporto to La Spezia Centrale. The station is right outside Terminal 1.

https://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en

Are you planning to stay in La Spezia and not one of the villages? La Spezia not the best choice when cruise ships are in port. You have checked the schedule?

Please note that since you are flying from Frankfurt you will not go through immigration. Both countries are in the Schengen Area. That should save some time.

Thank you for all the great information that you have provided me. My wife and I are planning to stay in Monterosso al Mare for the entire time. Any thoughts on clean comfortable and well run accommodations?

Please note that since you are flying from Frankfurt you will not go
through immigration.

Right You'll go through immigration at your entry point to the Schengen, which is Frankfurt.

Good hotel in Monterosso: La Spiaggia. It's not fancy. and rooms are small but it's clean, has an elevator, is close to the train station, beach, restaurants, etc. It'a also very popular and books up well in advance of high season but you could give it a shot? Ask for a sea-view room with balcony, if any are available. Payment used to be cash only but that may have changed: looks like you can pre-pay though booking.com. Maria - the latest member of the Poggi family to operate the place - is a real gem.

https://la-spiaggia-it.book.direct/en-us

https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/la-spiaggia.html

Just realize that Monterosso is the most impacted when ships are in port:

http://crocierelaspezia.altervista.org/calendario2019.pdf

Great meals:

http://www.ristorantemiky.it/

rzolezzi, ALL of the CT is impacted one way or another when a lot of ships are in port in La Spezia. Vernazza is probably the most affected. But people who STAY in the CT are less affected during the early and later hours of the day than day trippers.

La Cantina di Miky (versus Ristorante Miky) was our choice. Yes, they are related but the Cantina is more casual, and 1/2 of the management is a lovely American woman who married the equally lovely local owner (we met them both).

https://www.facebook.com/lacantinadimiky/
http://www.cantinadimiky.it

Thanks Kathy. We run down for lunch once in a while and I'll give it a try. It's also my experience that Manarola and Riommagiore are the least impacted when there are ships [former preferred].

Any thoughts on clean comfortable and well run accommodations?

I really enjoyed Camere Monterosso, a B&B in the old town. They provided a really great in-room breakfast with a nice outdoor sitting area. Room was very large, too. https://www.cameremonterosso.com/en/contacts.php