Semi-Private Cinque Terre Day Trip with Boat Ride from Florence
Experience the magic of Cinque Terre with transport, hiking, and boat adventure included
If you’re looking for a VIP Cinque Terre experience, this is the one! Travel from Florence in style with private transportation and a small group. Explore the five colorful villages, enjoy light hiking through cliffside vineyards, and cruise the Riviera by boat (weather permitting). This is the perfect way to discover Italy’s stunning Ligurian coast!
What You Get With This Tour
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English-speaking trip leader
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Luxury round-trip transport from Florence
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Train tickets in Cinque Terre villages
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Hiking through cliffside vineyards
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Coastal boat ride
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Drift along pastel harbors
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Lunch
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins at Piazza Mentana
You meet your trip leader in a quiet square near the Arno River, just a short walk from Ponte Vecchio. As you join your small group, you hear what the day holds and settle into a relaxed, friendly pace before leaving Florence by minivan. -
2
Travel through Tuscan countryside by minivan
You ride in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan past vineyards, olive groves, and marble quarries. Along the way, your trip leader shares stories about coastal Liguria and how these villages once felt cut off from the rest of Italy. -
3
Explore the lanes of Manarola
Arrive in Manarola and wander narrow, hilly streets lined with pastel houses and terraces. As you climb toward the viewpoints, you see fishing boats pulled onto the stone slips and look out over the cliffs and the Ligurian Sea below. -
4
Walk the coastal path of Via dell’Amore
Next, you have the option to stroll the famous Lovers’ Lane, a cliffside path that links Manarola and Riomaggiore. As you walk, you follow the curve of the coastline, pause for photos, and hear how this scenic trail became a symbol of Cinque Terre. -
5
Enjoy free time for lunch in Vernazza
You continue to Vernazza, one of Cinque Terre’s most photographed villages, and enjoy free time in the harbor. During the break, we recommend you wander into a seaside trattoria for fresh seafood, pesto dishes, and local white wine. -
6
Cruise between villages by train and boat
After lunch, you use the local cliffside train and, when conditions allow, board a small boat to see the coast from the water. From the deck, you watch the Cinque Terre villages stack up the slopes, including Corniglia perched high above the sea, and see how terraced vineyards and stone walls shaped daily life here. -
7
Your tour finishes back in central Florence
By evening, you return to Piazza Mentana after a full day exploring the five villages on foot, by train, and by boat. You say goodbye to your trip leader with a clearer sense of Cinque Terre’s landscape, history, and flavor before heading into Florence for the night.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Dress Code: Comfortable and appropriate clothing is recommended for walking and hiking, with a light jacket suggested for cooler months.
Weather Advisory: The boat ride is strictly subject to favorable weather and sea conditions and will be replaced with alternative transport if conditions are poor.
Accessibility: Due to the light hiking requirement and the narrow, winding, and hilly streets of the villages, this tour is not recommended for those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues.
Please Note: Your trip leader will ensure smooth travel and offer recommendations during your free time; they are knowledgeable about the area but are not a dedicated tour guide.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 12-hour full day tour includes:
English-speaking trip leader/driver
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)
Maximum group size of 8
What to bring:
Comfortable shoes suitable for hiking and uneven terrain
Swimsuit and towel (for swimming/beach time)
Government-issued (required for train travel)
Water bottle
Camera
Light jacket (recommended in cooler months)
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Customer Reviews
What a wonderful day spent with Ramona as we visited several of the quaint towns that make up Cinque Terre. Ramona was a fantastic guide…kept us informed and entertained as we drove to and from Florence. She gave excellent advice and recommendations on how to spend our time. It was fun to take a swim in the sea before heading back to Florence. Highly recommend this day trip.
Our tour guide (Giacomo) was great. We visited 3 of the 5 towns, and had time to explore on our own as well. If you've never visited Cinque Terre, this is a great introduction to the area. Our favorite was Corniglia, which was less crowded and touristy than the others.
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.
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 explore during your free time. 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.
How much walking is involved on this tour?
This tour does require a fair amount of walking and also some light hiking. Please also 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 trip leader will provide. One of the journeys will also be by boat, weather allowing.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included, but you can enjoy a local restaurant during your free time.
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.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, this tour is run by one of our trusted and thoroughly vetted partners in Florence.
