laurina

My husband and I will be going to the cinque terre in late May. How many days should we spend there to get a feel for the area? Also, what city should we fly into ( Rome, Milan, Florence, or Genooa) to easily catch the train to CT<BR>Thanks!

Monica

I can't help with the train question; we went there from San Remo & that was easy so I'm sure it will be very easy from any of those major cities.<BR>How many days is somewhat dependent on how much time you have. If you want a quiet relaxing time, you could spend a week. But I think you can get a feel in 2-3 days. Our favorite thing was walking the trail between the towns. It goes right through the vineyards and overlooks the sea. You can chat with the folks working in their vineyards/gardens. And definitely eat pesto when you're in this part of the country, because they invented it!

Kay

Unless you are already in Europe, I don't think you can fly directly into Genoa. Nice or Pisa are probably the closest. I would go into the European Rail schedules and find the quickest and most direct route from these cities. You will want to go Eurostar. The schedules will be approximate because they usually change in May but it will give you an idea of what is available for each of the cities you mentioned. Be sure to visit Portofino.

Greg

Lauruna,<BR><BR>The closest city to fly into is Pisa. Trains run all the time to the CT. You can find a schedule at "http://mercurio.iet.unipi.it/misc/timetabl.html" for anytime and anyplace. This is the site for all of the European National Railways. The Swiss site is the most user friendly and it works for all of Europe, not just Switzerland. How long to stay depends on how much of small, beautiful seaside towns you can take. That's generally an individual preference. Have a good trip.<BR><BR>Greg<BR>

Joe

You'll find the most frequent and the least expensive flights into Milan. Train from Milan to La Spezia (again, frequent with a couple of Expresses). Then take the local to Cinque Terra. Stops at all five villages. Three days including arrival day (assumes early afternoon) is about right; one day on seaside paths; one day wandering villages and an afternoon of cafe lounging people watching. Of course, more time gives you more relaxed village wandering and atmosphere soaking, but three days works.