Famed for its chain of colorful, centuries-old seaside villages on the picturesque Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre makes for a magical excursion from Florence.
(Photo: GetYourGuide / Ciaoflorence Tours & Travel)
Tens of thousands of visitors come to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cinque Terre each year to explore the area and marvel at the kaleidoscopic houses, vineyards, harbors filled with fishing boats and trattorias serving up alluring local cuisine. A couple of hours’ drive inland is the iconic city of Florence, from which a number of companies offer tours to the Cinque Terre. We’ve picked three of the best.
Seaside Beauty Day Trip to Cinque Terre
Visit the Cinque Terre by land and sea on this 12-hour excursion. After an early morning start in Florence, you’ll travel by air-conditioned bus to one of Italy’s most enchanting destinations, beginning your tour in La Spezia at daybreak. Over the course of the day, you’ll have time to look around all five villages, travelling between two of them during a scenic train journey. You’ll conclude the adventure with a boat trip across to Vernazza, where there’ll be time for a swim in the sea before your coach returns you to Florence brimming with amazing memories. From €115 per person.
Full-Day Private Tour to Cinque Terre
(Photo: Viator / Courtesy Let’s Andiamo)
Discover the Cinque Terre in a more intimate and exclusive way on this private day trip from Florence. After a pick-up from your hotel, you and your select group of family or friends will be transported by air-conditioned vehicle to this magnificent coastal region. Once here, you’ll spend the entire day in the cliffside villages of Manarola, Vernazza, and Corniglia, with plenty of stop-offs to admire the spectacular scenery made up of terraced hills and endless sea views. From €763 per group (max 3 people).
Cinque Terre & Pisa Day Trip with Optional Hike
(Photo: City Wonders Ltd / Courtesy Viator)
Visitors are invited to discover the rugged scenery of the Ligurian coastline on this extended small-group tour. After boarding a coach in Florence, you’ll traverse the rolling vineyards of the Tuscan countryside before reaching the fringes of the Cinque Terre. On arrival, you’ll swap your mode of transport by boarding a train, which will duly trundle along stunning sea cliffs towards the famous fishing villages of Cinque Terre, where you’ll enjoy free time to explore the towns of Monterosso and Manarola. Later, you have the option of embarking on a hike among terraced hillsides and olive groves, before catching another scenic train ride along the rocky shore to bring your adventure to a close. From €104 per person.