florence/tuscany and cinque terre

To get to Cinque Terra, you'll have to take a train to La Spezia and than catch a local train to Cinque Terra. The northernmost town (I forget what it's called) is really resorty and I'd avoid there. Vernazza is the place to go if you want to swim. I've also rented kayaks there. Corniglia is the only one not on the water, but is worth a day hike to. I've stayed in Riomaggiore and Manarola and loved both of them. They're definately less touristy and plenty comfortable. I'd spend at least two days there. I can't imagine you not wishing you had more time. It's just too wonderful.

The northernmost town in the CT is Monterosso. It has a large, sandy beach. I have seen many people swimming. Most of the beach is private, so during the season you have to rent a space with umbrella and table. In October, the whole beach may be free. Sometime in the fall they pack up the umbrellas and tables and the beach is open. The temps are ideal in October, in my opinion.

KATE, you've asked a bunch of questions. I'll just answer that to travel from Florence to the CT you take a train from Florence, possibly changing trains in Pisa, to La Spezia; then take the local train to the five towns. I think you would want at least two nights there to relax and do some walking or swimming. The CT is much more low-key than Florence. I like Lucca for a couple of nights, too. It's a great town for walking, shopping, and bicycling.

Any Italy guidebook will give you train info for how to get to/from towns. It sounds like you need to do some basic reading on these places, too.

Siena and Lucca are the easy side trips from Florence - direct bus to central Siena and direct train to Lucca. Both a great towns. Pisa is also easy. San Gimignano is worthwhile - change of bus in Poggibonsi. Volterra (great hill town) is another day trip worth considering, but plan on most of the day for the trip - change of bus in Colle Val d'Elsa. Easiest side trip of all is to take the bus to Fiesole.

thanks for all of the suggestions!

kate,

It would help to know the total length of your trip and which airport(s) you'll be using?

Rather than spend six days in Florence, you might consider spending four days there, and then spend two nights in Lucca since it's "on the way" to the Cinque Terre.

The Cinque Terre will be somewhat less crowded in October, however I've been there at that time of year and it was by no means "deserted". Regarding which of the five villages to stay in, I'd suggest having a look at the Italy Guidebook or Rick's PBS shows to get some sense of which appeals to you the most. For time frame there, two-three days would be good.

There are accommodation and restaurant listings in the Guidebook, but which Hotel to choose will depend on your budget to a large extent. Monterosso (the most northerly town) is the largest so of course has the best selection. You might also have a look at www.torrettas.com in Manarola. If you'd prefer just a basic room, have a look at Mar-Mar Rooms in Riomaggiore.

Happy travels!

I arrive in Venice the morning of Saturday 10/17. I arrive in Florence (via train) the evening of Monday 10/19. I plan to leave Florence sometime on Sunday, 10/25 to travel (by train or bus) to the Cinque Terre. I will be there until either Wednesday, 10/28 or Thursday, 10/29. I leave from Milan Saturday morning, 10/31.

I've heard great things about Lucca! Would you recommend that over San Gimignano and/or Siena?