Thread: Cinque Terre
View Single Post
 
Old 01-27-2019, 08:31 AM
mtdjed mtdjed is offline
Gold member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,356
Thanks: 1
Thanked 1,084 Times in 367 Posts
Default

We did Cinque Terre three years ago. Paths were closed due to rain. Each town is unique. The sights are beautiful. If you are into walking and have the time, I would recommend more than two days. Basically, the only transport is by train.(Boat yes but not for two days) If you are limited in time to two days, you will be seeing more trains and ferrys than towns.


Speaking of trains in Italy. We trained from Rome to Orvieto, Firenze, Lucca, Cinque Terre and then Milan. In hindsight , several funny experiences due to our lack of knowledge. In Rome, we did a dry run from our lodging to the central train station using subway. Piece of cake getting there and checking out ticketing process to Orvieto and train location for departure. Next day not so easy with luggage and steps and escalators not working. Also, one simple mistake after getting our ticket (About 5 Euros each). We did not know about the validation required before entering train. The conductor reminded us with a $25 Euro fine per ticket. It started out at $50 Euro each but we "negotiated " it down. Next trip, we thought we knew all but got on the train to Firenze with validated tickets for sure, but the train was about 10 minutes early. Checked with conductors and found that we were on the express train. Had to get off at next stop prior to Conductor ticket check and wait for our non express train to come by. Also found that some tickets expire a set time after purchase (Especially Rome Subway).

Lessons learned - Know when to use local transport, Validate, Verify right train, Don't let ticket expire, have fun!