Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking


13 hours
Free cancellation
1 - 15
Mobile ticket

Overview

If you love an outdoor adventure, our Cinque Terre tour is sure to add a little something special to your Italian holiday. Join us and explore some of the country’s most beautiful coastal towns and admire the stunning landscapes on a guided tour you’re sure to remember for life.

- The only round trip, one day tour from Florence to all five Cinque Terre villages

- Explore the Italian Riviera and enjoy spectacular coastal views

- Free time in the villages for wine tasting, souvenir shopping or for a swim in the turquoise waters at one of the area’s beaches

- A scenic boat ride along the Cinque Terre coastline (end March to end October only - weather permitting)

- Tour is only in English (not different languages contemporarly) to ensure maximum quality and customer service

Inclusions

  • A fun and professional guide who is there to lead you through the day
  • Transport between Florence and Cinque Terre by coach plus all other transport for the day
  • Entry tickets to the Cinque Terre National Park
  • Boat ride along the Riviera (end March to end October only - weather permitting)
  • Time to explore the Cinque Terre villages on foot
  • Entry/Admission - Monterosso

What to expect

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Walkabout Tour Pick Up, Taxi stand just outside train station, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Check-in and departure point

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Borgo Storico di Manarola, Manarola Italy

Built in the valley of the torrente Groppo, until 1950 the stream which runs through the town was completely uncovered and 11 stone bridges allowed the people to cross from one side to the other. Over the next thirty years the stream was gradually covered over.

The ancient village was destroyed by Saracen pirates (in 849) and the surviving people fled in land to live. When the seas were made safe again in the 11th century, people came back to settle here under the protection of the Republic of Genova.

By the 1200's cultivation of vines was not only established but the wine they produced was sought after. The church of San Lorenzo was begun in 1338. The patron saint is celebrated on the 10th of August with a procession through the streets carrying a statue of him.

The castle which protected the town from pirates is now a private home, you can see the garden from the panoramic walk, it is on the rock immediately above the port.

Manarola is now famous for its Christmas nativity scene which is the biggest in the world. Figures outlined in thousands of lights cover the hillside. Also an Easter scene is made.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Borgo Storico di Corniglia, Corniglia Italy

The middle town of the five, Corniglia is the smallest town and sits at 90 metres above sea level.

The name derives from the huge spur of rock on which the village sits. Population of about only 200.

San Pietro church from the fourteenth century on the site of an eleventh century chapel. San Pietro's day is 29th June and as part of the celebrations, there is a procession through the streets. A special savoury tart is prepared with rice, eggs and cheese and is shared among the people who take part in the procession.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Cinque Terre Trails, Riomaggiore to Monterroso Italy

These ancient trails are rough but manageable. Be prepared for the hiking – although the path is open to everyone, remember that the ground can be slippery, uneven, and in places steep and narrow. The charm of the area is that it is natural and unspoiled, do not expect hand rails or safety rails when steps are steep or when the path is close to the cliff edge. Because of the nature of the hike, we are unable to accept small children or anyone with walking difficulties.

Duration: 8 hours

Stop At: 19018 Vernazza Italy

Vernazza is unique in the Cinque Terre because of the small port that was built allowing ships to land in the protected bay. It was already a fortified village and efficient maritime base in the earliest records available from the eleventh century. Today there are traces of the military defences built by the Genovese in the thirteenth century such as traces of the old walls, ramparts and the look out tower.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Borgo Antico, Via Roma, 19016 Monterosso al Mare Italy

There was a castle here before 1200 and some ruins of it can still be seen. The community of Monterosso was founded in 1214.
The church of San Giovanni Battista, built-in 1220 has a bell tower built in 1400 as a lookout tower.
The church of San Antonio di Mesco was built in 1335.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Spiaggia di Fegina, via Fegina, Monterosso al Mare Italy

The new town is called Fegina and is linked to the old part of Monterosso by a pedestrian tunnel. Statue of Neptune built into the rock, but made of concrete so badly deteriorated, was built by an architect in the 1920's.
The sandy shelf provides the ideal habitat for seagrass which acts as a lung for the waters of the Cinque Terre and provides a beautiful beach for us. The whole area is a marine protected area, like the sea version of a national park.
2007 Forbes magazine called Monterosso the sexiest beach in the world....whatever that may mean.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: 19016 Monterosso al Mare, SP, Italy

Boat Ride (weather permitting)

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Borgo Storico di Riomaggiore, Riomaggiore Italy

At Riomaggiore, centuries ago, the distinctive tall, colourful houses known as Genovese tower houses arranged in rows connected by alleys, arches and steps provided a defense against pirates.

House colours are regulated by the comune. You can't just paint them any colour you like!

Houses have two entrances, one at the front and one at the rear on the higher road, so that when they were attacked by pirates, the people could escape.

At the end of the eighteen hundreds the railway came along the coast and Riomaggiore, along with the other towns of the cinque terrre came out of their historic isolation, even though a road wouldn't reach them until the 1970's.

Language, lingua ligure, the villages were so cut off even from each other that they spoke different dialects of the same language.

Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Stazione La Spezia Centrale, Piazzale Medaglie D'oro Al Valor Militare, 19122, La Spezia Italy

Coach transfer back to Florence

Additional information

  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Suitable walking shoes are mandatory for those doing the hiking – no flip-flops. Suggestions: walking boots or sneakers, closed toe shoes with non-slip soles.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • If you want to swim during free time, please remember to bring your own towel and swimwear.
  • On rare occasions the boat ride will stop operating due to bad weather or strong winds. It is beyond our control so no refunds or discounts will be issued.
  • In case of unexpected closure of the paths for unforeseen events, alternative routes will be taken instead for those doing the hiking
  • Near public transportation
  • A large amount of walking is involved for those doing the hiking. You must be of average fitness and be able to keep up with the rest of the group.
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking difficulties, below average fitness, or young children.
  • Minimum age is 8 years.
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Ticket delivery

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
John_B
October 2023

The whole trip was a great experience. Tremendous views. Highly recommend lunch with the group at Cecio Ristorante Camere in Corniglia and wine sampling in Riomaggiore. Ado & Gina were the best guides. Knowledgeable and communicative and really cared about the entire group having the best experie...

Daniel_M
October 2023

The walkabout tour was great! Very well organized. 5 stops on the train that we would never have had the time to see otherwise. Energetic guides (Victoria and Davide) accommodated different expectations from group - enabling both hikes and relaxation. Thank you!

Kerri_m
October 2023

We had the best time. Nothing compares to these views! We had the best guide, Gina, who kept us all on time and learning about the history of the area.

SueWalton1
October 2023

It would have been helpful to know just how much walking, steps and inclines were involved with this tour. This tour is NOT for everyone. We visited too many villages that involved too many train rides and difficult walks to get to the destinations. It took away from time to enjoy the beautiful...

Nicola_O
October 2023

The guides we had for this tour were Dave, Alice, and Gina. They were outstanding! All three were efficient and informative. We spent most of the time with Alice and she was excellent!

Heydy_V
October 2023

My husband and I had a fantastic time doing this tour with our wonderful guides Ado and Gina. They were both so knowledgeable about the area, made the bus ride entertaining, and kept us energized through the day. There were options offered that catered to everyone, between walking/hikes and explo...

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