Semi-Private Cinque Terre Day Trip & Vineyard Tour from Florence

Semi-Private Cinque Terre Day Trip Description

Your 12-hour full day tour includes:

• Round-trip transportation from Florence by comfortable A/C Minivan

• Train tickets to travel between Cinque Terre villages

• Light hiking through cliffside vineyards

• Boat ride along the coast (weather and sea conditions permitting)

• Full seafood lunch and wine tasting at a local restaurant

• Local English-speaking trip leader/driver

• Maximum group size of 8

If you're vegetarian or just not a seafood lover, please let us know in advance so we can arrange another delicious lunch option for you.

Meet Your Driver in Florence

Your day begins in the heart of Florence, not far from the Ponte Vecchio bridge. You'll meet your friendly local trip leader who'll explain your itinerary for the day, and share some of the region's history as you drive to Cinque Terrace in your comfortable minivan. Relax, enjoy the scenery, and get to know the rest of your small group as you travel to the coast in style.

The UNESCO Villages of Cinque Terre

Only a few decades ago, these five quaint fishing villages on the Ligurian coast were isolated and unknown to most of the world. On this trip you'll explore the wonderful natural harbors and streets of brightly painted houses that used to guide the fishermen ashore. Overlooking the pristine Mediterranean Sea, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Monterosso each have their own unique character and beauty to admire.

To get between the five villages, you'll experience the local train that is an impressive feat of 19th century engineering. Cut into the cliffs that separate the towns, these impressive tunnels allow for travel in only a few minutes.

You'll have plenty of free time to shop, swim, or simply relax and enjoy the views. Depending on the time of year, you may wish to traverse the Via dell'Amore. This stunning pedestrian only path connects Riomaggiore and Manarola along the coast and below the cliffs.

Enjoy Fresh Seafood Lunch with Local Wine Tasting

After all that exploring, you're bound to be hungry! Your trip leader will take you to a beloved local restaurant on the coast where you'll enjoy a classic lunch of Ligurian staples, along with delicious regional wines.

The residents of Cinque Terre have made their livings as fishermen for centuries, so it's no surprise that the fish and seafood you'll find here are truly excellent. Pesto is also a specialty around this part of Italy—the basil sauce that originated in nearby Genoa has become world famous and pairs perfectly with local wines.

Not a seafood fan? No problem. Just let us know your dietary requirements in advance so we can arrange an alternative.

Hike Through Cliffside Vineyards and Cinque Terre National Park

High up on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean below, walk through cliffside vineyards that have been a feature of the coast for centuries. Take in the best views from above as your trip leader give you an insight into the historic winemaking traditions of the area.

Due to the natural resources and limitations of the area, the cliff sides of the Cinque Terre have been irrigated and chiseled to develop an intricate system of farming. Today, you'll see why the extensive network of "muretti" have even been compared to the Great Wall of China by scholars.

Boat Ride Along the Coast

For a different perspective on this beautiful coastline, you'll hop on a short boat cruise. As you cruise along the Mediterranean water, you can really appreciate the unique landscape that has made Cinque Terre such a famous part of Italy.

If weather or sea conditions are poor, the boat trip may not operate. In this case, your trip leader will arrange alternative transport for this part of the tour.