About this tour
A 12-hour private excursion from Florence to Cinque Terre, combining train and boat travel to explore five pastel villages clinging to the Italian Riviera. You'll spend unscheduled time wandering through Manarola, Portovenere, and Vernazzo, swim in the Ligurian Sea at Monterosso, and sit down to a traditional seafood meal at a local trattoria. Transport, ferry tickets, and lunch are included; you provide your own stamina and a swimsuit.
Highlights
- Five stacked villages in shades of ochre, pink, and cream along dramatic cliffs
- Coastal boat cruise with stops for swimming in clear Mediterranean waters
- Leisurely wander through Vernazzo's tight caruggi alleys and harbour
- Traditional seafood lunch at a family-run restaurant with local catches
- Train and ferry tickets bundled; no separate transport logistics to manage
- Multilingual guide handles navigation and local knowledge throughout
What to expect
You'll depart Florence by minivan, then board a train to Monterosso, where the day properly begins. A ferry takes you along the rocky coast, offering views impossible from land, with a swimming break thrown in (weather permitting). After that you'll have free rein to explore three villages at your own pace—climbing stone steps, ducking under washing lines, stopping for espresso in a small piazza. Lunch is a sit-down affair with whatever the local restaurant is serving that day, typically pasta with pesto and fresh fish. Expect crowds in summer, narrow passages, and the constant sound of water lapping against old stone.
Good to know
Wear proper walking shoes; the terrain is uneven and often slippery. Moderate fitness required—villages involve stairs and steep paths. Tour doesn't include hotel collection. Heavy weather can postpone or cut short the outing; you'll be offered a reschedule or refund. Minimum passenger numbers apply. Arrive on time or forfeit your spot with no refund.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.