Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking
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Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking
By Walkabout Florence Tours
Recommended by 97% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
Explore the five idyllic fishing village’s of Italy’s UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre on this guided tour departing from Florence. This hassle-free adventure includes entry to the national park. You’ll visit areas inaccessible by car, hear from your guide about each town and enjoy a moderately challenging hike. If you choose the tour option without hiking, the train will be used instead to move between villages.
from per adult
$79.45
from per adult
$79.45
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 8-99, max of 25 per group
Duration: 13h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Highlights
- Guided trip to Cinque Terre from Florence
- Spectacular coastal views along the Cinque Terre
- Soak up the old-world atmosphere as you explore Cinque Terre villages on foot
- Visit areas inaccessible by car with a guide
- 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 al Mare
- Your journey begins with a coach ride from Florence to Manarola, where your tour begins. Follow a scenic trail that stretches through all five of the Cinque Terre’s UNESCO-listed fishing villages, hearing from your guide about points of interest along the way. Hike along cliffside trails in Corniglia, pass terraces of olive groves and cafes in Vernazza, and refresh tired feet during a swim stop in a bay. (if you choose the tour option without hiking, the train will be used instead to move between villages). Then, take the train to Monterosso, where you’ll have free time to explore the beaches and artisan shops typical of the village. The tour culminates with a boat ride along the Italian Riviera to colorful Riomaggiore. From here, you’ll relax during the coach ride back to Florence.
- Departure details
- Piazza della Stazione, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy Check-in: 7.15am - Your guide will be holding a WALKABOUT sign, right by the taxi stand at Santa Maria Novella train station across from the outside McDonald's
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5070CINQUE- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- 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.
- 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
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- What you can expect during your visit
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Community- Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
- Which attractions will I visit with Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking?
- During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking on Tripadvisor
- How much is Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking?
- Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking price starts from $80.58. Discover and book Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking on Tripadvisor
- What is the Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking cancellation policy?
- Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking?
- Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking is hosted by Walkabout Florence Tours. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Walkabout Florence Tours on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5070CINQUE
Itinerary
- You'll start atPiazza della StazionePiazza della Stazione, 50123 Firenze FI, ItalyCheck-in: 7.15am - Your guide will be holding a WALKABOUT sign, right by the taxi stand at Santa Maria Novella train station across from the outside McDonald'sSee address & details
- 1Walkabout Tour Pick UpStop: 15 minutesSee details
- 2Borgo Storico di ManarolaStop: 60 minutesSee details
- 3Borgo Storico di CornigliaStop: 60 minutesSee details
- 4Cinque Terre TrailsStop: 8 hoursSee details
- 5VernazzaStop: 60 minutesSee details
- 6Borgo AnticoStop: 60 minutesSee details
- 7Spiaggia di FeginaStop: 60 minutesSee details
- 8MonterossoStop: 40 minutes - Admission includedSee details
- 9Borgo Storico di RiomaggioreStop: 60 minutesSee detailsPass byStazione La Spezia Centrale
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
C6352CRdebrah
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00AMAZING AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
2,044 reviews
Excellent
1,881
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104
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34
Poor
15
Terrible
10
lossuenosdeviaje
Vacaville, CA22 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
If you have a limited amount of time to squeeze in a visit to Cinque Terre, then this is the way to go! We were based in Florence for a week, and while there’s tons to see in the city, we wanted to take advantage of our proximity to do some sightseeing elsewhere. Cinque Terre has been on my bucket list of places to see, so we jumped at the chance to book the tour through Walkabout Tours. Mind you, I spent hours scouring the various itineraries and reviews of other touring companies, but the itinerary offered by Walkabout is by far the best!!!
The tour itself is well organized for managing visits to all five (Cinque) towns. And our guides, Chris and Alessandro, were experienced and knowledgeable guides about the entire area. They were great at pointing out points of interest along the bus ride to and from the train station in La Spezia. From there, you then visit the five towns.
Each of these towns is quaint, and each offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Our guides were great at taking us to the best spots to take pictures and gave us tips on specialty foods or stores to check out in each town. This is a great time saver as we are on a pretty tight schedule to see all five towns in one day. It was also fascinating to hear about the history of the towns and the significance of the layout of terraces and buildings.
You do have the option to do lunch on your own, but we highly recommend going with the guides’ suggestion - it’ll save you precious time from having to find a restaurant yourself. The weather was perfect that day and we were able to enjoy our meal eat with a beautiful view at of the valley below and ocean just beyond.
After lunch, our group was split into two: those who wanted to hike into the next town or go on by train. The later choice affords you more time in the next town to do some souvenir shopping, or taste some food there… we chose the latter. FYI- if you want a truly unique souvenir, consider stopping by and checking out the work of a local artist in Vernazza. He does some beautiful work that captures Cinque Terre, and will autograph anything you purchase (and provides a travel tube for your purchase).
The day ends with a fantastic boat ride from Monterosso Al Mare to Riomaggiore. What can I say about this other than spectacular!To see each of the five towns from this view was without a doubt the highlight of our day.
This tour was perhaps our most favorite of our time spent in Italy. The only caution is that the advisement by the company, i.e., “involves a lot of walking” is spot on and no joke!!! These are very old towns so there are no lifts to get around on (except at the train station, lol). There are lots of stairs involved, and of varying heights and depths. And truly, lots of walking in general but also well worth it. Absolutely and wholeheartedly recommend this tour!!!
The tour itself is well organized for managing visits to all five (Cinque) towns. And our guides, Chris and Alessandro, were experienced and knowledgeable guides about the entire area. They were great at pointing out points of interest along the bus ride to and from the train station in La Spezia. From there, you then visit the five towns.
Each of these towns is quaint, and each offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Our guides were great at taking us to the best spots to take pictures and gave us tips on specialty foods or stores to check out in each town. This is a great time saver as we are on a pretty tight schedule to see all five towns in one day. It was also fascinating to hear about the history of the towns and the significance of the layout of terraces and buildings.
You do have the option to do lunch on your own, but we highly recommend going with the guides’ suggestion - it’ll save you precious time from having to find a restaurant yourself. The weather was perfect that day and we were able to enjoy our meal eat with a beautiful view at of the valley below and ocean just beyond.
After lunch, our group was split into two: those who wanted to hike into the next town or go on by train. The later choice affords you more time in the next town to do some souvenir shopping, or taste some food there… we chose the latter. FYI- if you want a truly unique souvenir, consider stopping by and checking out the work of a local artist in Vernazza. He does some beautiful work that captures Cinque Terre, and will autograph anything you purchase (and provides a travel tube for your purchase).
The day ends with a fantastic boat ride from Monterosso Al Mare to Riomaggiore. What can I say about this other than spectacular!To see each of the five towns from this view was without a doubt the highlight of our day.
This tour was perhaps our most favorite of our time spent in Italy. The only caution is that the advisement by the company, i.e., “involves a lot of walking” is spot on and no joke!!! These are very old towns so there are no lifts to get around on (except at the train station, lol). There are lots of stairs involved, and of varying heights and depths. And truly, lots of walking in general but also well worth it. Absolutely and wholeheartedly recommend this tour!!!
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy P
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
Each town is like a museum in itself, with its own identity, eateries and unique quirks. They are colourful, fun to explore and picturesque due to their cliffside location. The towns get very busy on weekends, so I recommend doing a mid-week tour. We got enough time in each town except the first one, as we had to catch the train back but after 12 or so hours of exploring it hardly felt like a raw deal at this point.
The seafood and pasta for lunch was very good food, though I thought it was overpriced. The hike was short but sweet (30mins-1hr), which is the only way to logistically fit such an event in with such a large group. Yes, there was I'd say around 70-80 people on the tour.
Most of the unique food options come in the last town of Monterosso, including fried pizza dough and a wine tasting. I advise getting some alcohol here for the boat tour, which gives a great new perspective of the five towns.
The tour guides were great, extremely well informed and helpful from lending spare face masks to paying for the bathroom for those with no cash, which is really appreciated.
A great day, not too rushed in my opinion but I would recommend returning on your own itinerary if you wish to sunbathe or spend more time in the many bars/eateries located there.
The seafood and pasta for lunch was very good food, though I thought it was overpriced. The hike was short but sweet (30mins-1hr), which is the only way to logistically fit such an event in with such a large group. Yes, there was I'd say around 70-80 people on the tour.
Most of the unique food options come in the last town of Monterosso, including fried pizza dough and a wine tasting. I advise getting some alcohol here for the boat tour, which gives a great new perspective of the five towns.
The tour guides were great, extremely well informed and helpful from lending spare face masks to paying for the bathroom for those with no cash, which is really appreciated.
A great day, not too rushed in my opinion but I would recommend returning on your own itinerary if you wish to sunbathe or spend more time in the many bars/eateries located there.
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fabiola B
4 contributions
Oct 2021
Chris and Manolo with our driver Antonio were a superstar team, very knowledgeable about Cinque Terre and the areas on the way to this amazing land. My husband and my 19 year old son enjoyed the whole day despite being exhausted after four hours of sleep. We traveled from Bologna to catch this tour and met them at the train station. We took a double decker tour bus with our guides who made the almost two hour ride very pleasant by explaining the history of the surrounding areas, recommendations for future excursions into those areas, anecdotes, history, etc. You could tell that Manolo and Chris enjoyed doing this. During the ride they offered to set us up with lunch (additional fee) with a local restaurant with a very nice view and yummy food. My husband and I took the hike while our son opted for the comfy ride. The hike is very difficult in the sense that the steps are uneven and made of stone, good, comfortable shoes are a must. Once up there is a rewarding shop where you can purchase fresh OJ and an icee with OJ and lemon juice, both very refreshing. Hiking down is a challenge due to the steepness and the uneven stone steps, once again good knees and good shoes recommended. We found that going down was more challenging than going up. The views along the hike are worth it, so if you are in good to average physical health, I will highly recommend it. The day was sunny with some wind that felt refreshing as you are exerting yourself. The day was good weather wise, so we were able to catch the boat to our last town, the ride though is windy and a jacket is highly recommended. Overall, the whole experience was worth it. On the way back Chris and Manolo took the time to answer any questions and provide recommendations when requested about places to eat or visit. I would recommend Chris and Manolo for any of your excursion needs, they are passionate and very knowledgeable, love them both.
Written October 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
divo2boys
Collierville, TN21 contributions
The day started off ok but then went downhill quickly. Got on the bus for 1 1/2 hours and made it to the first train ride. Dave said meet back in ten minutes and then we ran to get in a bathroom break. We meet back and then he said we will meet back at 30 minutes. Why in the world he did that made no sense. So we sat at the train station for 40 minutes?!? Got to the first city had a horrible time getting off the platform and Dave took us on a 15 fast walk thru and then back to station to catch another train. Btw Dave recommended we eat at the restaurant- DON’T! You pay $17.50 for very small appetizer and pesto pasta and it was not good. He said on the bus there is wine but didn’t say we have to ask for it and pay for it. So we got one bottle water for four people. After lunch was the hike and then 20 minutes to get back to train station. The next city was the worse, Dave said we meet right here at 4:45 to get on ferry and then recommend get this fried cheese dough thing- that was bad and he walks us there and then he just leaves. I thought he was going to get one? So we meet back at 4:45 at what he said but it was actually at the pier. I asked him when we found him he said no I said on the pier. He 100% did not say that. Even some passengers where getting upset with him. View was amazing but I would just skip the tour and do it yourself. Honestly Dave did nothing for us.
Written May 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
steve6637
Peel, United Kingdom3 contributions
I would not recommend this trip with this company if you prefer quality over quantity. The trip takes in all five villages with an option to hike between villages or to take a train with a boat ride back. I would also not recommend visiting the Cinque Terre in August at all, this is the height of the season and extremely busy on the trains and in the villages, whilst being extremely hot. It was a stressful day spent clock watching and worrying about meeting points and catching trains without enough consideration given for toilet breaks or meals for the large volume of people on the tour, ( 2 coach loads).
We met early at the SMN train station to catch a coach to travel 2 hours to go to La Spezia train station with the promise of a chance to get breakfast at the train station in La Spezia and go to the toilet - there was barely time to queue for the toilet.
We were given our train ticket this does not reserve you a seat on the extremely packed train. We then missed the 1st village out with a promise to return to it last as it’s the biggest and busiest unfortunately there was no time at the end of the day to do anything other than catch the train back to La Spezia. We stopped at the next four villages, but it was quite rushed and not quality time. I would not try to do all five again the third village is were we were supposed to have lunch and our longest stay. we opted for the non hiking trip but even so when you get off the train you are confronted with 400 steps up a cliff face with no shade at the hottest time of the day or the shuttle bus to the village.
You wait for the shuttle bus next to an already full bus shelter with no shade for about 30 mins while the train constantly disgourges passengers. When the bus comes it’s a tiny bus( approx 15 seats) though you can stand like sardines in a tin can, there is a rush to get on we did not make it onto the bus on the 1st trip and had to wait for it to return, by this time there are an awful lot of people waiting to get on the bus. By the time you eventually make it to the town there is barely time for lunch. The guide did wait at the top for us, though at this stage we just wanted to get something to eat, before catching the bus back down to the train. The guides have a habit of swapping between groups which can become confusing when looking for meeting points in the station platforms.
The best part of the tour was the boat ride back to the 1st village. You then catch a train back to La Spezia to then walk for about 15 mins to the coach which drives you back to Florence were you are left at the side of what looked like a slip road from the auto strada with directions of how to get back to the SMN train station in the dark at approx 9. 30 at night. Not an experience I wish to repeat in a hurry.
We met early at the SMN train station to catch a coach to travel 2 hours to go to La Spezia train station with the promise of a chance to get breakfast at the train station in La Spezia and go to the toilet - there was barely time to queue for the toilet.
We were given our train ticket this does not reserve you a seat on the extremely packed train. We then missed the 1st village out with a promise to return to it last as it’s the biggest and busiest unfortunately there was no time at the end of the day to do anything other than catch the train back to La Spezia. We stopped at the next four villages, but it was quite rushed and not quality time. I would not try to do all five again the third village is were we were supposed to have lunch and our longest stay. we opted for the non hiking trip but even so when you get off the train you are confronted with 400 steps up a cliff face with no shade at the hottest time of the day or the shuttle bus to the village.
You wait for the shuttle bus next to an already full bus shelter with no shade for about 30 mins while the train constantly disgourges passengers. When the bus comes it’s a tiny bus( approx 15 seats) though you can stand like sardines in a tin can, there is a rush to get on we did not make it onto the bus on the 1st trip and had to wait for it to return, by this time there are an awful lot of people waiting to get on the bus. By the time you eventually make it to the town there is barely time for lunch. The guide did wait at the top for us, though at this stage we just wanted to get something to eat, before catching the bus back down to the train. The guides have a habit of swapping between groups which can become confusing when looking for meeting points in the station platforms.
The best part of the tour was the boat ride back to the 1st village. You then catch a train back to La Spezia to then walk for about 15 mins to the coach which drives you back to Florence were you are left at the side of what looked like a slip road from the auto strada with directions of how to get back to the SMN train station in the dark at approx 9. 30 at night. Not an experience I wish to repeat in a hurry.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josh G
1 contribution
Oct 2021
This was a great trip and absolutely worth the price of admission.
Our guide Manolo was helpful, informative and enjoyable. He gave plenty of options to wander by ourselves or follow him on informative tours through each town. He also had great suggestions on how to see/do almost 'all' of what we were personally interested in (spritz's/shopping/gelato/anchovies/etc) within the time constraints that we had.
We opted for the extra hike in the middle which, admittedly was a lot of walking (about 2 extra km I believe), but nothing too terrible, and definitely worth it for the views.
I read plenty of reviews and the few complaints that I read about seemed completely unwarranted (such as the walking TO the bus from the train station, the title of the trip clearly states that walking is involved on this tour.) The other main complaint that I read about was the lunch portion, due to this we opted out of the lunch prepared for those that choose to purchase it and chose to explore a little on our own. We probably paid a little more than we would have had we purchased the optional meal, but we enjoyed the experience of roaming and popping our heads into each different spot to choose on our own. Our guide even gave us a great suggestion as to where we could eat with amazing views if we got our food 'take away.'
The ONLY drawback to this tour on our end was how little time was spent in the last of the five towns (or 'lands') as this was just as the sun was setting. The timing was prime for photographs of the beautiful buildings and scenery. (dusk and dawn are the best times for landscape photos in terms of lighting) This is no way a criticism of the tour guide or the trip in it's entirety as I completely understand that we needed to stay on a particular schedule to ensure a fully enjoyable day as well as the fact that had we come at a different time of year the lighting wouldn't have been the same.
It does turn out to be roughly a 13 hour day so packing snacks and a water bottle are a must. Ultimately it would have been great to spend more time in each of the 'lands', but there are only so many hours in one day. If you have more time at your disposal, there are other options, but if you only have one day/opportunity to visit Cinque Terra, I can't imagine a better option than the tour provided by Manolo and Walkabout Florence.
Our guide Manolo was helpful, informative and enjoyable. He gave plenty of options to wander by ourselves or follow him on informative tours through each town. He also had great suggestions on how to see/do almost 'all' of what we were personally interested in (spritz's/shopping/gelato/anchovies/etc) within the time constraints that we had.
We opted for the extra hike in the middle which, admittedly was a lot of walking (about 2 extra km I believe), but nothing too terrible, and definitely worth it for the views.
I read plenty of reviews and the few complaints that I read about seemed completely unwarranted (such as the walking TO the bus from the train station, the title of the trip clearly states that walking is involved on this tour.) The other main complaint that I read about was the lunch portion, due to this we opted out of the lunch prepared for those that choose to purchase it and chose to explore a little on our own. We probably paid a little more than we would have had we purchased the optional meal, but we enjoyed the experience of roaming and popping our heads into each different spot to choose on our own. Our guide even gave us a great suggestion as to where we could eat with amazing views if we got our food 'take away.'
The ONLY drawback to this tour on our end was how little time was spent in the last of the five towns (or 'lands') as this was just as the sun was setting. The timing was prime for photographs of the beautiful buildings and scenery. (dusk and dawn are the best times for landscape photos in terms of lighting) This is no way a criticism of the tour guide or the trip in it's entirety as I completely understand that we needed to stay on a particular schedule to ensure a fully enjoyable day as well as the fact that had we come at a different time of year the lighting wouldn't have been the same.
It does turn out to be roughly a 13 hour day so packing snacks and a water bottle are a must. Ultimately it would have been great to spend more time in each of the 'lands', but there are only so many hours in one day. If you have more time at your disposal, there are other options, but if you only have one day/opportunity to visit Cinque Terra, I can't imagine a better option than the tour provided by Manolo and Walkabout Florence.
Written November 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tarak P
Chicago, IL69 contributions
While it makes for a long day, it is one of the only tour options we found which includes visits to all 5 villages and a hike between Corniglia and Vernazza.
First we were greeted by Kiara outside the Santa Maria Novella station for a quick walk to the bus. The bus was comfortable and the ride was smooth. Throughout the <2 hour bus ride to La Spezzia, Kiara provided interesting facts and history about the towns we were passing through.
Arriving in La Spezzia we started the first of many short train rides to the first village on the itinerary - Manarola. As with each subsequent village we visited, Kiara would provide a brief overview of Manarola as as well as pointing out some highlights - what to do, what to shop for or eat, what not to shop for or eat (in other words, wait to buy/eat at another village). Plenty of time to as allotted to walk around and explore on our own. And, with each village being rather small, Kiara was never too far to offer additional advice or answer questions.
We continued to Corniglia where we took lunch and then started the 3km hike to Varnazza.
I won’t go into the details of each village stop but will state that each was a different experience worth visiting. I would not choose a day trip which doesn’t include all 5 villages. If the length of the trip plus the hike is too strenuous, there is the option to skip the hike. But, don’t skip the opportunity to visit Cinque Terre.
First we were greeted by Kiara outside the Santa Maria Novella station for a quick walk to the bus. The bus was comfortable and the ride was smooth. Throughout the <2 hour bus ride to La Spezzia, Kiara provided interesting facts and history about the towns we were passing through.
Arriving in La Spezzia we started the first of many short train rides to the first village on the itinerary - Manarola. As with each subsequent village we visited, Kiara would provide a brief overview of Manarola as as well as pointing out some highlights - what to do, what to shop for or eat, what not to shop for or eat (in other words, wait to buy/eat at another village). Plenty of time to as allotted to walk around and explore on our own. And, with each village being rather small, Kiara was never too far to offer additional advice or answer questions.
We continued to Corniglia where we took lunch and then started the 3km hike to Varnazza.
I won’t go into the details of each village stop but will state that each was a different experience worth visiting. I would not choose a day trip which doesn’t include all 5 villages. If the length of the trip plus the hike is too strenuous, there is the option to skip the hike. But, don’t skip the opportunity to visit Cinque Terre.
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Les B
New South Wales, Australia993 contributions
Feb 2023
Did the Cinque Terre Tour in Jan 2023. Another long tour being over 12 hours. Coach from Florence to Le Spezia followed by train between villages and then coach from Le Sepzia back to Florence. Tour leaders were Christian and Ato and driver was Fabio. We felt a bit out of place as this looked more like a 18-35 tour but did not create any issues. Because you need to get trains between villages you are on a tight schedule however they try to be a flexible as possible. The Tour leaders were very friendly and knowledgeable. Spend time in Manarola, Corniglia where we have the option of the 400 odd steps or a small coach. Optional lunch @ 15 euros each of seafood plate and pasta with pesto, potato and green beans. Some then walked to Vernazza, while others took train. Then Monterosso al Mare. It was from here we were to catch a boat back to Riomaggiore however the sea was too rough. They do not have jetties, etc and the only way to load and unload the passengers is via a plank from the front of the boat to the flat rocks! So back on the train to Riomaggiore which is one of the most photographed villages in the world.
Only downside was the length of the tour and time in each town. Might be better option to drop one of the town and allow more time in the other towns but not sure how they would be able to do this.
Only downside was the length of the tour and time in each town. Might be better option to drop one of the town and allow more time in the other towns but not sure how they would be able to do this.
Written February 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
9 contributions
We toured on a humid day in July. You start at the train station to take a bus to La Spezia. The ride is about 90 minutes. Our guides talked about the day and points of interest along the way. Our guide was Alicia. She was very nice and very energetic and spoke excellent English. There is about a 20 minute stop at the train station in La Spezia before taking the train to Cinque Terre. Bring a towel and swimsuit if you would like to swim as there will be opportunities. During the bus ride you can buy water for 1 Euro and a preset lunch for 15 Euros. Lunch is at a lovely restaurant in Corniglia. If you take the optional lunch, there isn't much time to see Corniglia. The hike option is from Corniglia to Vernazza. It's a lovely hike with an opportunity to buy delicious fresh frozen juice in between. Alicia was very knowledgeable. The day goes by surprisingly fast. The boat ride is beautiful and refreshing. They give you the opportunity to explore completely on your own if you want, you just have to meet at a specific spot to catch the bus back to Florence. The coast is beautiful.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony D
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
Jun 2022
Very experienced guides who communicated effectively and catered for all guests accordingly. Highly recommend this tour as it has something for everyone of all ages including picturesque scenery, delicious food, breath taking architecture and a challenging hike to get the full experience (20,000 steps from door step and back home). Undoubtedly one of the best tours we have been a part of. Very well run tour from the beginning to the end right down to the transport (bus drivers) who are extremely talented to negotiate the very narrow streets that we encountered along the journey.
Bravo
Tony D
Bravo
Tony D
Written June 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does the transportation only option still allow you the boat tour so you can see all 5 villages by water? If so, what is the process like?
ninac4116
Miami, FL10 contributions
I’m interested in going to lunch at Ristaronte Cecio with the rest of the group, but I don’t eat seafood. Are chicken options available? I don’t necessarily want vegetarian.
ninac4116
Miami, FL10 contributions
If I choose to do the guided tour, do I have to visit all 5 towns, or can I choose maybe 3 I want to go to and spend extra time in those 3 towns and just meet up later with everyone?
What is the difference between the "Tour Only" and "Transport Only" options?
Walkabout Florence
Florence, Italy16 contributions
Hello,
TOUR ONLY - it is the tour without the hiking part
TRANSPORT ONLY - it is just the transportation to the Cinque Terre and back
Kind regards
The Walkabout staff
Is there reserved time for lunch? Or everyone is supposed to bring food with them?
NinaC61
Luton, UK25 contributions
Lunch is included at a restaurant. You have to let them know what you would like from a choice that they give you. I think when you book the tour you can choose to have lunch or decline.
Adela
New York City, NY1 contribution
Hello, i see that theres a trail to do in chinque terre if you don’t want to do that long hike what is another option? Id love to do the hike but I highly doubt my parents will be able to do it for such long time
Maureen S
6 contributions
The place is beautiful with or without the hiking. When I went this time I did not do the hikes snd still had a lot of exercise and beautiful strolls! There are a lot of stairs!! Maybe one of my favorite places in the world and I have traveled a lot! You all will enjoy!!
GrandTour41720735675
Pompano Beach, FL
If we are staying near Lucca, is it possible to arrange an alternative pick up location?
Walkabout Florence
Florence, Italy16 contributions
Hello,
Unfortunately we only meet everyone at our central meeting point in Florence.
Kind regards
The Walkabout Staff
hasemyy
Denver, CO1 contribution
Hi! Is the boat ride between Monterosso and Riomaggiore available for this March's tour? All ferry and other boat tour seem to be not operated during this March, so I wondered...?
Walkabout Florence
Florence, Italy16 contributions
Hello,
Which date you are interested to book in March?
Kind regards
The Walkabout Staff
Resort481002
2 contributions
Hi, I am DESPERATE to join this tour on 11th September 2023 for 2 people but there is no availability. Is there any way I can get a spot or can I be notified if there are any cancellations?
Walkabout Florence
Florence, Italy16 contributions
Hello,
We have availability on 11th September 2023. It was probably just a temporary error of the system.
Kind regards
The Walkabout Staff
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Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking provided by Walkabout Florence Tours
Product Overview: Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking
| Prices From | $80 |
|---|---|
| Number of Reviews | 2,023 |
| Number of Photos | 2,850 |
| Duration | 780 minutes |