Hi, we're traveling to Italy and France this summer,trying to figure out the best way to end our vacation. We start in Rome for a day, then with friends hired a van to drive us to Tuscany where we'll be the majority of the time. From there, our friends head back to Rome, but my husband and I were thinking of popping into Portofino and meet up with our Monaco friends there,if possible. Then, we would end our trip in Monaco and fly back home from Nice. (Plane tickets are booked already).
My question is: What is the best way to wind up in Monaco via Portofino? Either by car or train? I'm aware theres a train station/rental car depot in Chiusi, Tuscany, and we wouldn't need a car for more than a day really. My friend mentioned if she didn't make Portofino, that she could pick me up in Ventimeglia? Or do we just skip Portofino altogether? I know for sure I will not be entering France via rental car bc the drop off charges are now at 750euros. I know it's a busy time of year too, so want to be practical... Any helpful suggestions fellow travelers?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32355 posts
Brenda, A bit of further information would be helpful. Where will you be in Tuscany prior to "popping into" Portofino? The trip from Portofino to Monaco is relatively easy by train. This is the method I'd use: > Boat from Portofino to Santa Margherita Ligure - take a Taxi from the dock or walk up the stairs to the rail station. It's not a difficult walk, but it will take about 20 minutes, especially hauling luggage. > Train from S. Margherita Ligure to Monaco-Monte-Carlo station (departure 08:00, arrival 13:11, time 5H:11M, one compulsory change at Ventimiglia, 2nd class only, fare not listed). > Are you planning to stay in Monaco or use Nice, Villefranche or other location? The trip from S. Margherita Ligure to Nice Ville is also very easy. The specifics of the train journey will depend on which train you choose. Use the bahn.de website to research the details. I'd suggest buying your tickets prior to arriving in Portofino, so that you'll be ready to go on the day of travel. The route that I suggested uses Regionale trains, so BE SURE to validate your tickets prior to boarding the train on the day of travel, or you'll risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot! Staying in Nice the night before your flight home would probably be the best idea, as that will make it easier to get to the airport. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles
4 posts
Hi Ken, thanks for responding so quickly. We will be staying in Pienza in Tuscany. In Monaco, we're staying with friends for a couple of days and we fly out of Nice back home to the states. We just really wanted to see Portofino on the way to Monaco, but it seems like a lot of work? :(
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32355 posts
Brenda, Thanks for the additional information. Getting to Portofino isn't actually a lot of work, but it will take some time. One possibility would be to ask your friends to drop you at the Chiusi-Chianciano Terme station on their way back to Rome. If possible it would be good if they could have you at the station at about 07:30. It would probably be a good idea to buy your tickets at the station a few days before you'll be travelling, as that will save time. Be sure to validate your tickets prior to boarding the train on the day of travel! I'd suggest using a departure from Chiusi at 07:58, arriving S.Margherita Ligure-Portofino at 13:37 (time 5H:39M, two changes at Firenze SMN and Pisa Centrale, current fares listed at €32.90 PP). When you arrive at S. Margherita Ligure station, walk through the station towards the water and look for a Bar on the left side. As I recall they sell tickets for the boats. Walk down the wide stairway towards the water, across the street and follow the shoreline around to the right. You'll see the boats in the distance. It's not a difficult walk (level once you get down the stairs), but it will take a few minutes. The boats depart about once an hour or so, and the trip to Portofino will take about 20 minutes (it's a very pleasant trip). You'll arrive in the inner harbour area, as shown in THIS photo (that's the passenger boat about to dock next to the larger yacht). If you get a chance to watch the new special on PBS with Andrea Bocelli and David Foster from Portofino, that will no doubt increase your anticipation for the trip! Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles
4 posts
Thank you Ken. All this is very informative and will help us tons in deciding what to do... If I think of any more questions, I'll be sure and email you! Thanks again!
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles
4 posts
Hi Ken, one more question..train seems to make most sense I think.. But to avoid shlepping luggage, is there a locker or SAFE storage area at the train station? Don't want to be a walking target for gypsies
if u know what I mean :) Thanks!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16068 posts
I don't think there is a Deposito Bagagli (baggage deposit service) at S.Maria Ligure. You don't have to worry about the gypsies in that area. It is the local tourist establishments (restaurants, shops, hotels etc.) who will be plundering your wallets in Portofino, not the gypsies.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32355 posts
Brenda, As Roberto mentioned, there is NO Deposito Bagagli at S. Margherita Ligure station. However, according to the Guidebook, it MAY be possible for daytrippers to leave luggage at the Bar behind the station (the same one that I mentioned in my previous post). You'll have to check with the Bar staff when you arrive and "play it by ear". BE SURE to double-check on their closing time, as if you get back too late from Portofino, you may end up spending one night in S. Margherita in order to retrieve your luggage. Cheers!