Cinque Terre from Genoa

Hi, we're in Genoa on a cruise, Monday June 8th.

I'm wondering if it's reasonable to visit Cinque Terre and how best to do it in a day.

What I know:

- I can rent a car from Europcar (near the trains station) at 8AM for about 45-Euro which seems reasonable.

- Driving time to the Cinque Terre area from Genoa is around 90-120min.

- So if we leave at 8AM and plan to be back by 4PM that gives us about 4-5hrs in Cinque Terre (9:30AM to 2:30PM)

- Apparently parking is not that convenient

What I don't know: (and could use some help with)

- What is the best way to spend 4-5 hours there?

- Where to park?

- How to get around?

- Which towns to visit?

- How to get some photos from the water?

Any first-hand experience or web-site resources would be helpful.

I'm actually thinking of just taking the train.

I can get a train that departs at 7:45AM from the train station near the harbor and be back around 4:30PM giving us a full 5-6hrs there. It's about the same price as renting a car, but less hassle to get to and no driving :)

What to see...

It seems like Vernazza is a must see.

Manarola demands a photo from the water.

Riomaggiore also sounds nice.

Is three towns too many to do in 5 hrs? I don't want to be rushed, but I don't want to be bored either.

If 3 towns is possible, then I'm thinking...

- Take the train from Genoa to Riomaggiore

- Take the boat to Manarola

- Take the boat or train to Vernazza

- Take the train back to Genoa from Vernazza

What do you think of this?

The above plan seems good. If you find you have more time make the effort to see Corniglia (hike up or shuttle bus from the train station.) The extra friendly people and the views are worth it.

Looks like we might be on the same cruise! Princess?

If so, we were lookihng at doing this DIY trip too! Thanks for the info!

Hi, we're in Genoa on a cruise, Monday June 8th.

 

I'm wondering if it's reasonable to visit Cinque Terre and how best to do it in a day.

 

What I know:

 

- I can rent a car from Europcar (near the trains station) at 8AM for about 45-Euro which seems reasonable.

- Driving time to the Cinque Terre area from Genoa is around 90-120min.

- So if we leave at 8AM and plan to be back by 4PM that gives us about 4-5hrs in Cinque Terre (9:30AM to 2:30PM)

- Apparently parking is not that convenient

 

What I don't know: (and could use some help with)

 

- What is the best way to spend 4-5 hours there?

- Where to park?

- How to get around?

- Which towns to visit?

- How to get some photos from the water?

 

Any first-hand experience or web-site resources would be helpful.

Looks like we might be on the same cruise! Princess?

 

If so, we were lookihng at doing this DIY trip too! Thanks for the info!

Yes, Emerald Princess.

As it stands, I'm thinking of taking the Intercity 651 train at 7:47AM from Genoa that arrives in Monterosso at 9:03AM. Returning on the 674 train that leaves Monterosso at 2:54PM, arriving in Genoa at 4:15PM.

I'm thinking a combination of train, walking, and boat between villages while we're there.

Hi Virtual Rain!

Can you please help with details on how you handled your trip to Cinque Terre from Genoa? I've heard there are often delays with the trains and renting a car may be the way to go, but not sure about the drive in Italy?? Also, looking at a boat tour once we get there, but not sure if it is worth the additional time and money. ANY additional details would be GREATLY appreciated as right now I am in "analysis paralysis"!! Hard to plan when you are SO unfamiliar with a place!!

Yes, Emerald Princess.

 

As it stands, I'm thinking of taking the Intercity 651 train at 7:47AM from Genoa that arrives in Monterosso at 9:03AM. Returning on the 674 train that leaves Monterosso at 2:54PM, arriving in Genoa at 4:15PM.

 

I'm thinking a combination of train, walking, and boat between villages while we're there.