Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking

based on 7129 reviews

Duration:13 hours (approx.)
Location: Florence, Tuscany

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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

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
Check-in and departure point
2. Borgo Storico di Manarola
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.
3. Borgo Storico di Corniglia
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.
4. Cinque Terre Trails
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.
5. Vernazza
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.
6. Borgo Antico
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.
7. Spiaggia di Fegina
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.
8.
Boat Ride (weather permitting)
9. Borgo Storico di Riomaggiore
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.
10. Stazione La Spezia Centrale
Coach transfer back to Florence

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• 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.
• 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
• 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.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : andreajH2897OP
An outstanding experience. From the professional driver to the experience and attention of the guides. Ado was knowledgeable, available, professional and kind. The optional lunch was wonderful. Fresh seafood topped the delicious recipes. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit. It is a must see and Ado of Walkabout tours made the experience so positive as they managed all the transportation, train schedules and perfect picture stops. The tips for best Gelato and calamari were a bonus.
Thank you!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-12 13:22:57

Posted By : Mahmudul_A
It was a wonderful experience. Our tour guide Victoria was very friendly, laid-back and attentive. She gave a lot of personal attention and made sure everyone was Enjoying the experience. I recommend this highly.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-12 04:17:36

Posted By : Christine_p
Emma and Geneviera were excepional tour guides!!! They kept us safe the whole day, provided excellent commentary, and adjusted the plan to help the group see the most beautiful sites. The guides spoke multiple languages and were able to help everyone feel comfortable with the process. They were entertaining, very friendly and so much fun! We highly recommend both guides and this tour!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-12 01:01:41

Posted By : Bedour_A
Beautiful amazing trip our tour guides chris and manwel were amazing the places we visited were incredible definitely recommend this trip
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-11 14:57:17

Posted By : Fredilily_D
Ado and Valentina were very informative and knowledgeable about the area and made the tour experience very enjoyable and interesting even if the hiking was a little tough for me because I am not really an intermediate hiker. I just want to prove to myself that at age 65 that I am still capable of keeping up with my grown up athletic children! They are always watching all their group and assisting if there was any issues. We enjoyed it very well!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-11 14:34:58

Posted By : Tracey_C
Chris, Manuel and Paolo were exceptional guides for our tour yesterday. They were super helpful and very knowledgeable. Loved that we were all given a choice as to how we wanted to spend our day…. If folks did not want to be part of tour they worked around it. I would not hesitate to recommend them
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-11 07:51:11

Posted By : Megan_B
We had an amazing day! We saw so much that we would never have seen. We were exhausted at the end of the day but it was fun. Our guides Victoria Geneva and Anna were so knowledgeable and kind.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-11 04:41:09

Posted By : Tatiane_R
Check in was signposted but it could have been more organized, we stood in a long queue without really understanding what would happen... the bus was very far from the check in location. Upon arrival on the bus, clean and pleasant, we began the journey for an intense day with a lot of walking. We chose not to do the trail, and enjoyed Venazza a little more. The train infrastructure between the villages is very good and organized. Cláudia was our guide, super cheerful, sharing stories and information about the towns and cities along the road. Daniele the driver was there on time and drove responsibly and safely. Cinque terre is interesting due to its location and shapes, be prepared for lots of stairs and slopes.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-11 03:52:55

Posted By : Arnab_S
Ado (tour guide) was great. Food was ok, tour plan was great, hike was awesome, but bad luck about boat ride.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-10 19:06:04

Posted By : Jerry_M
Anna and Victoria were wonderful tour guides. I like how well they worked together taking care of each other’s groups. The five cities were beautiful, and their recommendations for food to try at each city were spot on. They provided great information through the tour, keeping us informed of history, anecdotes and did I mention food? The hike between the two cities was challenging but fun. It was great having the guides encouragement during the hike, making sure I didn’t fall too far behind and at the end of the hike, congratulating us for our hard work. The boat ride back was also great. A different perspective of our journey between the cities.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-10 14:27:53