Home > Florence > Cinque Terre Semi-Private Day Trip from Florence
USD $181.00
Cinque Terre Semi-Private Day Trip from Florence
Florence, Italy
You'll fall in love with Italy's prettiest coastal villages on a small-group excursion to the Cinque Terre from Florence. You've probably heard of the five famous fishing ports of the Cinque Terre. Now's your chance to visit these picture-postcard villages on a personalized small-group day trip that you'll treasure.
Numbers are limited to eight on this small-group tour, ensuring personalized attention from a guide.
After driving through Tuscany into Liguria, stop in the first Cinque Terre village of Manarola . Enjoy panoramic views and take spectacular pictures of the land and coast. Manarola is one of the oldest villages of the Cinque Terre. Explore the narrow alleys and pretty pastel squares that epitomize the beauty of the area, and perhaps sample some renowned local wine at a cozy wine bar (own expense).
After your visit to Manarola , meet your tour escort at a prearranged time for your shared boat ride to Vernazza . While on the boat, ogle the dramatic coastline from the water, framed against the hills.
Your second stop is at the village of Vernazza, arguably the most beautiful of the five villages with a large open harbor, castle and church. Enjoy some free time to walk around and have a relaxing lunch (own expense) at one of the open-air restaurants that lines the waterfront, or take a stroll through the back streets for impressive views along the coast.
After your visit to Vernazza, meet your tour escort to drive to Corniglia Enjoy panoramic views and take spectacular pictures of the land and coast
This was an excellent tour. Our guide (and driver) was very pleasant and informative. Lunch on the island and the opportunity to swim was very nice. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Review by: Naomi A, July 2018
I've been wanting to see Cinque Terre for years. Friends and family members have stayed overnight and have enjoyed hiking between the towns. However, due to some orthopedic issues, my husband and I are no longer able to hike. We were very pleased to find this day tour, which enabled us to see the towns without the stress of hiking in the summer heat. The van arrived exactly on time and our driver was courteous. However, he wasn't entirely fluent in English to the point of sharing in-depth information about the sights. He drove safely and speedily, but shared minimal information along the way. The views of Cinque Terre from the cliffs were stunning and we appreciated the extra stops to take pictures. However, we were unable to take a boat between two towns, as hoped, due to choppy sea conditions. Having to take the train between the towns was a bit disappointing-- but couldn't be helped. We enjoyed walking through each town, but noted that the little shops carried mostly the same, tacky souvenirs. We were surprised that there weren't more original artists and more variety in the store offerings to make the feel of each village more unique. We'd heard there was a swimming opportunity in Vernazza, and it was a very hot day. However, the swimming area was small and the beach was crowded and dingy. We could wade a bit, but it certainly wasn't enticing to swim. We enjoyed a generous sample of gelato, included in our tour fee, while we stopped in Corniglia, which was a nice treat. Perhaps if one has the stamina to hike through the lovely olive groves and vineyards, it would add to the experience of Cinque Terre. However, it wasn't the kind of place to which I'd like to return. I think if we'd had a more animated tour guide it might have been a more memorable experience.
Review by: Thomas P, July 2018
The scenery and history of these quaint fishing towns is beyond compare. Swimming in the sea is a terrific option, especially when it is hot, so bring a bathing suit and towel. Francesco was an excellent guide and helped us at every stage, including reservations for lunch. The locations are postcard perfect.
Review by: Carol T, July 2018
One of the best tours I have ever taken--simply breathtaking scenery and the guide was fantastic,
Review by: cynthia b, June 2018
Lorenzo was a wonderful Tour guide. Very informative and kind._br/_ Cinque Terra is a Beautiful destination not to be missed.
Review by: Caroline P, June 2018
Enjoyed the tour but be aware in the 8 seater van, 1 person will end up in the center front seat, which is not very comfortable. Guide could have spent more time explaining the itinerary and making sure his group was keeping up. For our lunch stop, it was recommended that we go to a restaurant Le Pirato. you can't miss it he said. It was very hard to find and turned out to be high above the village by the parking lot which was convenient for him to find us, I guess! NO view whatsoever, they didn't take credit cards and refused to split the bill amongst the travelers. I'd skip that and get a meal with a view! The logistics of the day were also not well explained.
Review by: stoked1000, June 2018
It's a long day but worth it. The driver/guide was knowledgeable and spoke clearly. Next time I might spend the night there and really see all 5 villages instead of 3. Loved the colors and serenity of each village. The boat ride was just right after being the car for over 2 hours.
Review by: stephlabasco, May 2018
This tour was just spectacular! Our tour guide Jonathon was amazing, super knowledgeable, friendly and fun. It is A LOT of walking down steep steps so I would recommend wearing sneakers or even hiking shoes. We only went to 3 out of the 5 fishing villages and that was ok. We did take a ferry ride from one village to another and the views were just breathtaking ! I cant even describe how beautiful the rock formation, the architecture and the sea combination was! You'll have to see it for yourselves! I almost booked a walking tour and thank goodness I didn't bc it is not easy to walk these streets! The people who did book that tour had full hiking gear on, boots, sticks, etc.
Review by: Maureen L, April 2018
Brilliant tour, fabulous guide...this day is etched in my memory forever!
Review by: Chris D, April 2018
This was one of the highlights of our whole trip! My husband and I had never been to Italy and after several people told us how beautiful Cinque Terre was we decided to book this tour (viator was also recommended by a friend of mine). Our guide Giacamo was very knowledgeable and I highly recommend
Review by: Stewart Y, April 2018
Yaris, our guide and driver, was very personable and made our tour very enjoyable. Our group was small, only three couples, and we visited Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Corneglia, and a small mountaintop village that had a gorgeous view. Between Riomaggiore and Vernazza we took a ferry. It was a calm day and the coastline views were spectacular. Yaris made reservations for us in Vernazza at Gambero Rosso restaurant, which was the only way we would have gotten a table outside with views of the harbor and village. The restaurant was packed with many people waiting but we had one of the best tables and walked right in. The best octopus I've ever eaten, and the fresh anchovy dishes were fantastic. All of the villages were beautiful. We went in April before the cruise ship season started so it was not that crowded although very busy. This was one of the highlights of our trip to Florence.
Review by: Kristina A, April 2018
It was a bit long and tiring. The drive can also be a bit treacherous. We never got on a boat either. I wish they would re-design this trip to a drop off at La Spezia then train rides or boat to Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola. Also, it was cold when we were there but still we were given Gelato tickets that wasn't very good. Wine would've helped. Anyway, our driver was on time, informative, and accommodating. I just feel like the trip was not designed properly and it can be better.
Review by: Peter M, March 2018
Our tour guide Leonardo was a delightful knowledgable young man. He took us to some wonderful lookouts for photos. We enjoyed each of the towns we visited and had a delicious lunch at a restaurant recommended by Leonardo. Highly recommend this trip
Review by: ioyfe, March 2018
This tour was amazing!
Review by: kimjlueck, March 2018
We had a lovely tour with only four in our group. Giacomo did a great job of showing us the highlights and allowed us free time to take in the views, shop and have lunch without feeling rushed. Would definitely recommend this tour.
Review by: Carmen G, March 2018
Well , for this tour it didn't rain that much , we took a semi private tour and we were four people, our guide was nice and tried to make everything the best he could. The villages are beautiful and the view awsome despite the rain , I can say it was a nice tour but with a little bit of sun it could have been a lot better defenitely I enjoyed it very much
Review by: Francisco C, March 2018
We had a wonderful time. Very good tour and excellent guide.
Review by: Laura R, February 2018
Wonderful experience, the guide was great! One day was enough at this time of the year February. Do not miss it!
Review by: misarje, February 2018
Jonathon was great. We had an awesome tour to Cinque Terre! Jonathan was a great tour guide. Very informative, but didn’t just talk to talk. Sometimes you get guides that just talk non stop but don’t really say anything. He was very informative, but allowed you to enjoy the moment.
Review by: heatherschuchardt, December 2017
It was nice but I don't know if it's worth the extra money for a small group. The tour guide is informative but doesn't talk a lot and is basically a driver and drops you off. He doesn't stay with the group. So you are on your own and the day moves so fast. Cinque is completely ran over by tourists. Tons of selfie sticks and lots of trinkets in the shops. I was expecting more from the tour company and the cities. If I would have seen Cinque Terre about 5 years ago I'm sure it would have been breathtaking. I just couldn't get over the crowds and tourism.
Review by: Susan C, December 2017
There were 2 mini buses going to Cinque Terre on the day. One of the drivers was late so we had to wait 30plus minutes until both drivers were ready. Driver admitted he had very little knowledge to impart on the drive. he was a nice chap but basically a driver and nothing else. We did stop for a photo opportunity at one stage high above Cinque Terre but were not allowed out of the bus - everything seemed very rushed. The boat was not available on the day due to weather conditions and we therefore had to take the train which is not a scenic train journey...if the boat is not available there should be more time allowed in the villages or something else provided to make up for it. We were still only given 45 minutes in the last village - it is so not worth the hours you spend in a mini bus for such a limited amount of time in the villages themselves... Just was not worth the money..........First time I have been really disappointed with an excursion.....
Review by: Michael B, December 2017
An enjoyable experience. Weather was near perfect.
Review by: Michael B, December 2017
An enjoyable day trip. Weather was perfect. Don't think it would be enjoyable in the rain.
Review by: Kim, November 2017
This tour was incredible! Our guide was full of information and tips.
Review by: lillian k, November 2017
I did Viator group hiking tour with my husband 3 years ago and loved it. Our tour guild Fabian was just outstanding. I decided to go back to Cinque Terre with my girlfriends in October. While booking the trip, I decided on the smaller tour thinking it will be better than large group tour. What a disappointment....... Do not spend extra for small group tour. First of all, Viator sub contract to different tour guild. It was 3 of us with 4 other people. They just dropped us off and picked us up. Other four was 40 mins LATE, and we had to wait. He could of dropped us off at the next town and came back for them. To see the beauty of the small towns, MUST DO HIKING TOUR!!!!!!
Review by: Simon W, November 2017
This is a long day and didn't get to all 5 towns. Had a beautiful lunch in Vernazza where the views form above the town are spectacular. The ferry ride is worth the effort as it allows the views along the whole coastline. The Van ride was however tedious.
Review by: Christine T, November 2017
This semi-private tour was highly educational, beautiful, and fun! I was thrilled to see Cinque Terre from the front seat of this van! The roads are narrow and the ecosystem fragile. I was so glad to splurge on this tour and not resort to a big tour bus. I had brought along my swimsuit and found two places to enjoy the Mediterranean. Every time I smell my wonderful lemon soap, I think of this amazing day and all that our guide shared with us from the moment we left Florence until we returned!
Review by: harvey s, October 2017
Our day trip to Cinque Terra was awesome! Paulo was a wonderful guide-knowledgeable,pleasant,and well organized.He took good care of us .The water was too rough for the boat trip,but he made sure we all got on the short train ride to the next island.This was our favorite day in Florence and I would highly recommend it._br/_ Mary
Review by: lisamtietz, October 2017
Last week my husband and I took this tour and loved it! In one day seeing just three of the five hill towns was the right number. We took the ferry boat between Manarola and Vernazzo and then ended in Corniglia. Being with a group of eight was more personal and avoided longer lines. Jonathan was a skilled driver and knowledgeable tour guide giving us lots of details about the surrounding countryside on the 2 hour trip to the Cinque Terre and information in the small towns. Try the fresh anchovies -- a specialty of the area.
Review by: Rob H, October 2017
Jonathan was an excellent tour guide who made this trip worth it. I really enjoyed our stop at Lucca on the way back from Cinque Terre, as it was like a smaller less crowded version of Firenze. Highly recommend this tour!
Review by: Gail R, October 2017
The tour was very nice. The 3 places we stopped at were beautiful. The weather was perfect. We had lunch at a great outdoor restaurant perched high above the water. Beautiful. The bus ride was a bit long, however, worth it. Would have loved to stay a little longer on the islands. There are great little shops and I felt there wasn't enough time to visit them without rushing. It was very crowded the day we were there which also slowed us down. I highly recommend taking the tour.
Review by: aatkins, October 2017
Excellent driver - recommend this excursion to everyone! He took us at a nice pace for everyone in the car. Small groups are the way to see this remote area! Incredible landscape! A must!
Review by: ngevlin, October 2017
We spent a great day and loved the tour. Just the right amount of time. There were 6 people on the tour. The driver/guide was extremely knowledgeable.
Review by: Shakira B, October 2017
Amazing way to view the gorgeous 5 cities!! Only got to 4, but saw it from the land, from the train, and from a boat. Even had time to wander through the cities a little. Had lunch with others from the group and it was delicious. Highly recommend!
Review by: Louanne M, October 2017
We had an incredible time, the guide was great and set up of the tour really gave us time to enjoy each location!
Review by: swinter501, October 2017
Cinque Terre is beautiful and this tour did cover 3 of the 5 towns. It also included a 20 minute boat ride in order to see the coastline from the water. A long bus ride, and very precarious road conditions. A little scary in a large bus with such small roads. Definitely would recommend seeing the area! Very picturesque vantage points on the way and in the various towns. Very enjoyable!
Review by: dflorian, October 2017
Driver was very nice and we had a wonderful day exploring Cinque Terre Villages and having lunch overlooking the sea.
Review by: Michael S, October 2017
This tour had the best logistics - the least amount of walking that was not where you wanted to be. The guide was informative. I wasn't overwhelmed by the whole cinque terre thing. Small towns. Frankly, I would suggest taking the train from Florence and do the whole thing a lot cheaper.
Review by: Sean H, September 2017
Wonderful driver and guide. Very knowledgeable. Small size group was perfect.
Review by: Lynne, September 2017
Our driver, Adriano, was great and pointed out points of interest on the way. This tour company did a great job but the area was VERY CROWDED from all the cruise ship passengers. Beautiful area.
Review by: mrmikeb1, September 2017
It was a great trip. The guide was organized and very friendly. I would recommend this to anyone interested in seeing the area. 10/10
Review by: Frank P, September 2017
We enjoyed our small group tour of Cinque Terrence enormously. The tour guide, Jonathan, was excellent. He was very knowledgeable, personable and spoke perfect English. In addition, he took the time to answer questions and give help when needed. We visited Monterosso, Vernazza and Corniglia and were given enough time in each place. The scenery was as spectacular as we had anticipated._br/_ Alma
Review by: Heidi T, September 2017
Excellent tour and guide
Review by: magnolialily, September 2017
This was such a great way to experience Cinque Terre. We had a delightful driver who was really experienced driving in this area, and he did a great job sharing insights along the way with a sense of humor. He kept the group moving, while giving us plenty of time to explore the little towns and stopping for photo opportunities. Highly recommend this tour.
Review by: Alan G, September 2017
This was a small group with a terrific driver/leader, Jonathan. He made the 2-hour ride informative. We were not able to take a boat due to the weather but used the train to get to one of our stops. Unfortunately, Cinque Terre was very crowded but it was a fascinating, beautiful location. When we returned to Florence, it was raining and Jonathan went out of his way to let us out under cover to keep dry.
Review by: Diane R, September 2017
This was a great way to visit Cinque Terre - our guide Jacomo was personable and interesting. Even the 2 hour ride there was full of interesting facts about the areas we traveled through. The driving is treacherous, and we felt we were in good hands with Jacomo. He even made lunch reservations for us, getting us a prime table right on the water's edge!!
Review by: foscyn, May 2017
DEFINATELY RECOMMEND THIS TOUR HOWEVER HTE GUIDE DID NOT SPEAK FLUENT ENGLISH AND ONLY PREFERED TO SPEAK IN ITALIAN SO THE NON ITALIAN SPEAKERS MISSED OUT SAD
Review by: Diane C, May 2017
This was a wonderful tour. Edwardo, our driver was fantastic. The van ride was comfortable and took about 2 1/2 hours one way. The scenery is beautiful. All of the cities we visited were beautiful. It was disappointing not to be able to do the boat rider portion due to weather but the train was fun too. There is quite a bit of walking so be prepared. But I would highly recommend this tour!
Review by: Stephen B, May 2017
this is a great tour...very clear on pick up point, Eduardo was in time and very polite...the minivan very comfortable. the drive was pleasant, it is Tuscany after all....he could have given a bit of commentary but we made do._br/_ Didn't get to do the boat trip which was disappointing, just sort of dropped at the first town for what we thought was a bit long....caught the train to the second town and had a wonderful time exploring, lunching by the water front...was exceptional. Picked up again and a shorter time at the third town, but enough for a drink and a free gelato....picked up again and a couple of hours back to Florence exactly on time. Very well done and would recommend this tour.
Review by: Stephen L, May 2017
This is a great tour. Wish the weather would have been a little more cooperative so we could have taken the trip on the boat. Nonetheless, this area is absolutely beautiful. We visited three of the five villages and all were very nice. The trip back to Florence features many great views of the Ligurian Sea--absolutely stunning.
RSS Feed