Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Boat Ride
Visit these iconic fishing villages the easy way on this tour to the beautiful Italian Riviera
Want to explore the Cinque Terre Towns without the hassle? These beautiful, hard-to-reach villages are part of Italy’s hidden gems, but planning a visit on your own can be daunting. With this day tour, we take care of everything—round-trip transport from Florence, travel between villages, and a boat ride along the coast. You’ll enjoy free time to wander, relax on stunning beaches, and savor a Mediterranean lunch, all without the stress of organizing it yourself.
- Meeting point in Piazzale Montelungo bus terminal
- Roundtrip transportation
- Manarola
- Vernazza
- Guided tour
- Monterosso al Mare
- Sunbathe at the beach
- Boat ride
- Riomaggiore
- Ending point in Piazzale Montelungo
Start your adventure early with a convenient meeting point at the Piazzale Montelungo bus terminal in central Florence. From there, you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned coach for a scenic journey through Tuscany to the stunning Ligurian Coast, home to the famous Cinque Terre Towns.
Your first stop will be Manarola, followed by visits to Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, and Riomaggiore. Travel between these picturesque towns by local train and, if the weather allows, by boat, offering a unique view of the coast and its dramatic cliffs.
You’ll have plenty of free time to explore the charming streets, scenic viewpoints, and vibrant local eateries in each of the Cinque Terre Towns. Your knowledgeable trip leader will be there to provide tips on what to see and do, ensuring a smooth journey between the towns and back to Florence.
Cinque Terre Towns Day Tour Description
Your full-day tour includes:
Private, air-conditioned, round-trip transportation from Florence
Visit the villages of Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare, with train tickets included
Scenic boat ride along the coast to Riomaggiore (weather permitting)
English-speaking trip leader
Group coach tour with plenty of free time
This tour is usually conducted in one language only, English. On some occasions, however, explanations may be given in two languages (English and Spanish) during the bus ride. Once you arrive at the destination, you will have a dedicated English-speaking tour leader.
Travel From Florence to the Cinque Terre Towns
Your day starts with a comfortable journey through the Tuscan countryside on an air-conditioned coach, departing from downtown Florence, conveniently close to Santa Maria Novella train station. Sit back and enjoy the views as your trip leader shares insights and tips for making the most of your time in the Cinque Terre Towns on the beautiful Italian Riviera.
The UNESCO Villages of Cinque Terre
Not long ago, the Cinque Terre Towns on the Ligurian coast were hidden gems, unknown to most of the world. Now, you can wander through these enchanting villages, each offering its own charm and history. Begin in Manarola, known for its medieval alleys and the famous sweet wine, Sciacchetrà. After a short orientation, you’ll have free time to explore before catching the coastal train to Vernazza.
Vernazza, often considered one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, is known for its colorful port and a centuries-old castle perched high above. After soaking in the views, a short train ride will bring you to Monterosso, where you can unwind on the beach and take in the Mediterranean breeze.
Sail along the Coast to Riomaggiore
Your last stop is Riomaggiore, renowned for its stunning panoramic views and pastel-colored houses overlooking the sea. If the weather cooperates, you’ll sail from Monterosso to Riomaggiore, providing a fresh perspective of the cliffs and Cinque Terre Towns along the rugged coastline. In case of inclement weather, the boat ride will be replaced with a scenic train route. Enjoy time in Riomaggiore’s charming terraces before returning to Florence.
Return to Florence
As the afternoon wanes, your driver will meet you with the coach to bring you back to Florence. If you’ve worked up an appetite from all the exploring, your guide will happily recommend nearby restaurants for a perfect end to your day.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
38 total reviews
Leave a reviewGreat tour
Matthew Reeves
The tour to Cinque Terre was great. Very well organised and went smoothly and our guide Alex was excellent
Catherine Sullivan
Cinque Terre
diane Robinson
Excellent trip Lots of free time in each stop Didn’t feel rushed Highly recommend
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
We recommend bringing a water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, and comfortable shoes. You'll also have some time to swim from the beach if you'd like to, so come prepared! A light jacket is also recommended in cooler months.
What to bring?
We recommend bringing a water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, and comfortable shoes. You'll also have some time to swim from the beach if you'd like to, so come prepared! A light jacket is also recommended in cooler months.
How long will we have at each stop?
At each village, you'll have about 1 to 1.5 hours of free time to explore, shop, try the local food, or even take a swim.
How much walking is involved on this tour?
That's up to you, since most of your exploring will be done independently. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the views if you don't feel like walking much. Please bear in mind that these villages are very old, with some steep inclines and uneven streets, so we don't recommend this tour for people with significant mobility issues.
How will I travel between the villages?
Your tour includes tickets for the local train between villages, which your guide will provide. Your final journey, to Riomaggiore, will be by boat, if the weather allows, otherwise it will be by train.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
This tour is run by one of our trusted and thoroughly vetted partners in Florence.
Will we have a tour guide the whole day?
You'll be accompanied by a trip leader throughout the day who will ensure you arrive and depart at the right stops. They'll also have lots of recommendations of places to eat and explore at each village. While they are not a dedicated tour guide, they are knowledgeable about the area and will help ensure a smooth day trip through Cinque Terre.
Is lunch included in the price of this tour?
Lunch is not included, but you will have time to eat on your own at various points in the day!
Is there hotel pick up or drop off?
There is no hotel pick up or drop off for this tour. You will meet your guide and group at the designated meeting point.
Is this a monolingual tour?
This tour is usually conducted in one language only, English. On some occasions, however, explanations may be given in two languages (English and Spanish) during the bus ride. Once you arrive at the destination, you will have a dedicated English-speaking tour leader..
Is the boat transportation always guaranteed?
For the safety of our customers, the boat trip will not take place in case of rough seas or choppy waters. In such cases, transportation will be provided by train, and no refunds will be issued.
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