By train to the Cinque Terre

This is where your journey begins. Early in the morning you set off by ICE towards Munich and then on over the Alps into Italy.

Change trains at Milan's impressive main station with its monumental hall. Time for an espresso and a panino before the regional train continues on to the coast.

Levanto is the ideal base right on the edge of the Cinque Terre: its own station, a long sandy beach, and a lively town centre. This family-friendly accommodation is centrally located and within walking distance of the station, from where the regional train takes you to all five villages in just a few minutes.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The wide sandy beach at Levanto is one of the few genuine swimming beaches in the area and perfect for a relaxed first day. Gently sloping water, surf and boat hire, and bars along the promenade make it great for families.

The first Cinque Terre village is just one stop away and the only one with a large sandy beach. The older part of town, with the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the statue of the giant Il Gigante, is well worth a first stroll before you head back to Levanto for dinner in the evening.

The starting point of the most beautiful stretch of the Sentiero Azzurro. From here the path climbs high above vineyard terraces with sweeping sea views towards Vernazza.

Around 3.5 kilometres of coastal path with a few climbs, but stunning views of both villages. Well manageable for 11- and 13-year-olds - don't forget sturdy shoes and water; along the way there are small stands selling freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Many consider Vernazza the most beautiful of the five villages: a small natural harbour, the Castello Doria above the bay, and alleyways full of colourful houses. On the Piazzetta right by the water you can have lunch in a trattoria and then take a swim in the harbour basin.

The only village without direct access to the sea perches on a rock, reached either via the 377 steps of the Lardarina or by shuttle bus from the station. At the top, quiet alleyways, vineyards, and a wonderful panoramic view over the coast await you.

Manarola offers the most famous photo of the Cinque Terre: houses cascading down a rocky outcrop towards the sea. From the small harbour you can jump into the deep, clear water, and the village has good gelaterias and focaccerias.

The viewpoint on the edge of Manarola offers the classic view back over the village and has a small playground. Ideal for a break with an ice cream while the kids let off steam.

The southernmost of the five villages climbs up a narrow gorge, with a small harbour full of colourful boats below. Stroll along the main street, Via Colombo, peek into the workshops, and enjoy the sea view from the boat landing.

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A small pebble beach right by Riomaggiore with clear water for swimming and snorkelling. As it's wilder and unsupervised, keep an eye on the current, but it's a great spot for splashing about on calm days.

At lunchtime or in the early evening, the restaurants above the harbour serve fried fish in paper cones (frittura di paranza) and anchovies Ligurian-style. An authentic, unpretentious coastal meal.

In season, the coastal boat runs from the landing stage in Riomaggiore or Monterosso to Portovenere. From the water, you see the villages from a completely new perspective - a highlight for the whole family and a welcome change from the train.

This UNESCO-protected fishing town, with the Church of San Pietro on its rocky headland and the Byron's Grotto, is a dream. Colourful house fronts, a castle above the bay, and swimming coves make the excursion well worthwhile.

Back in Levanto, you head to one of the trattorias in the town centre. Try mussels, stuffed anchovies, or the typical Ligurian focaccia with cheese.

Along the disused railway line, a car-free, level path runs through lit tunnels and over viaducts with sea views to Bonassola and Framura. You can hire bikes or simply stroll along - great fun for children, with plenty of coves for swimming.

The quiet village next door to Levanto has a lovely, relaxed beach and less hustle and bustle than the Cinque Terre. An ideal spot for a lazy afternoon before the journey home.

From Levanto, the journey home begins via Milan back to Nuremberg. Use the waiting time for one last focaccia to take away.

Change trains in Milan onto the EuroCity over the Brenner Pass. Allow enough time for a relaxed change.

Arrival back at the starting point - this is where your rail journey to the Cinque Terre comes to an end.