Hank,
It was not me that asked the question, but the information you've provided is what I needed for Sep 24. My husband and I hiked the whole Cinque Terre trail going going north 2 years ago and knew we wouldn't have time to do all of that this trip, but initially thought the train from Livorno would be a good option.

Thanks to the information I've read in this post as well as the ones above it, we will either rent from Hertz or play it safe and go with NCL's excursion.

Thanks, Becky

I have driven in France before but should I be aware of anything different when driving in Italy? My fiance and I are taking a cruise for our honeymoon and I'm thinking about renting a car instead of taking the cruise lines tour to Cinque Terre.

Thanks,
-Rob

Hank
Could you please give me the contact info for the person you mentioned that would do Cinque Terre privately for 65 euros per person if we had five people? We have eight, and haven't found any company that reasonably priced. Thanks.
Cherikm@aol.com

Regarding the last post, we are currently traveling and will not be home until the weekend (where I have the info). But, I recall that the contact is Francesco and he is the Livorno local manager of Maxirent rental car. I will post his e-mail addy in a few days when I get home.

Regarding the question about driving in Italy, just keep in mind that the Italians are absolutely crazy drivers, but also darn good. You need to always be alert to what is going on all around you and behind...so keep scanning those mirrors. Italy has also began to use speed cameras on their major highways, and they do charge those fines back through your rental car dealer (we are talking 100 Euro plus per ticket). Parking tickets are also common, so its a good idea to park legally and use the parking meters when required (the meters are usually on each block or parking lot, you buy your ticket and put it on your windshield). Its a good idea to have some Euro coins for the meters. If you do drive to Riamaggiore as your Cinque Terre starting point, there is a parking garage where you pay at the window before you return to your car.

Hank

Now that we are back home I did follow-up on my promise to give you more info on the tour to Cinque Terre. You should e-mail Francesco at
livorno@maxirent.com

He is the manager of Maxirent's rental car office located at the Livorno Port Terminal, and a nice guy who does speak some English. I assume he can handle larger groups than 5 but have no idea of the cost. We do not have any experience using him as a guide, but we did rent one of his cars (we like to drive ourselves in Italy) this past May. Here are the details of the offer he made to us in May. The price is EUR 65,00 PER PERSON.
The rate includes:

• rental of a 7 seaters car (the one in the picture in attachment)
• gasoline
• motorway costs
• special “cinque terre card” including ALL train tickets + entrance into the “Lovers’ road – La via dell’Amore”
• car parking
• escort
• driving service

Hope you have a great cruise.

Hank