Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Boat Ride
Visit Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso, and Riomaggiore on the Italian Riviera, all transport included
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 in your free time, all without the stress of organizing it yourself.
What You Get With This Tour
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English-speaking trip leader
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Round-trip coach transport from Florence
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Train tickets between villages
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Boat ride along the coast (weather permitting)
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Hotel pick up and drop off
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Lunch
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide at Piazzale Montelungo bus terminal
Your day begins at the centrally located bus terminal, just steps from Santa Maria Novella train station. Board an air-conditioned coach and settle in as your trip leader introduces the day ahead. -
2
Travel through Tuscany to the Ligurian Coast
Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive through rolling Tuscan hills toward the dramatic coastline of Liguria. Your trip leader provides insights into the region's history and UNESCO status while you watch the landscape transform from countryside to sparkling Mediterranean views. -
3
Explore Manarola's medieval alleys
Your first stop is Manarola, one of the oldest and most picturesque villages in Cinque Terre. After a brief orientation, you'll have free time to wander narrow medieval streets, admire pastel-colored houses clinging to cliffsides, and sample the local sweet wine, Sciacchetrà. -
4
Discover Vernazza's colorful port
Next, hop on the coastal train to Vernazza, often called Italy's most beautiful village. Stroll through its charming harbor lined with colorful fishing boats, climb up to the centuries-old castle for panoramic views, and soak in the authentic coastal atmosphere before continuing your journey. -
5
Relax on Monterosso al Mare's beach
A short train ride brings you to Monterosso, the largest of the five towns and the only one with a proper sandy beach. Take advantage of your free time to dip your toes in the Mediterranean, grab lunch at a local trattoria, or simply relax under the Ligurian sun. -
6
Sail along the coast to Riomaggiore
Weather permitting, you'll board a boat for a scenic ride along the rugged coastline to Riomaggiore, offering a stunning perspective of the cliffs and villages from the water. If weather doesn't cooperate, you'll take the coastal train instead, which provides equally beautiful views. -
7
Wander Riomaggiore's terraced streets
Your final village stop is Riomaggiore, renowned for its pastel houses cascading down to the harbor and breathtaking panoramic terraces. Explore the steep, narrow streets at your own pace, capture postcard-perfect photos, and enjoy one last taste of Cinque Terre charm before heading back. -
8
Your tour finishes in Florence
As afternoon fades, meet your driver for the comfortable coach ride back to Florence. You'll arrive back at the departure point with memories of five magical villages, dramatic coastal views, and the unhurried rhythm of Italian Riviera life. Ask your trip leader for dinner recommendations to cap off your perfect day.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: Due to uneven and steep streets in the old villages, this tour is not recommended for people with significant mobility issues or wheelchair users.
Weather Advisory: The scenic boat ride is strictly weather permitting and will be replaced with a scenic train route in case of inclement weather.
ID Requirement: Please bring a valid government-issued ID, as security or ticket verification may require it for the train and boat segments.
Please Note: Your trip leader will ensure smooth travel between stops and offer recommendations, but they are not a dedicated tour guide. Explanations may occasionally be given in both English and Spanish during the bus ride.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your 13-hour tour includes:
English-speaking trip leader
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)
Group coach tour with plenty of free time
Maximum group size of 50
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Government-issued ID (for train/boat travel)
Water bottle
Sunscreen and hat
A light jacket (recommended in cooler months)
Swimsuit and towel (for time to swim from the beach)
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Customer Reviews
Very good tour guide and bus ride from Florance. The times in each of the villages was a little short and felt rushed to make sure we did not miss the next train and lose our group. I would have liked more time to hike but having to come from Florance and ride back it was already a long day.
Stanislava was an excellent guide. Her ability to explain everything in two languages and take good care of our group was impressive.
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 tour leader 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 host 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.
