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Private Cinque Terre Tour from Florence with Optional Hiking

Manarola

Discover Cinque Terre's beauty on a private tour from Florence. Hike, savor local cuisine, and enjoy a scenic boat ride in one action-packed day.

Duration: 11 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Borgo Storico di Manarola - Nestled in the valley of the Groppo stream, Manarola had an open stream running through it until 1950, crossed by 11 stone bridges. Over the next three decades, the stream was gradually covered. The ancient village was once destroyed by Saracen pirates, forcing the survivors to flee inland. When the seas became safe again in the 11th century, people resettled here under the protection of the Republic of Genoa. By the 1200s, vine cultivation was well-established, and their wine was highly sought after. The patron saint is honored on August 10th with a street procession carrying his statue. The castle that once protected the town from pirates is now a private residence, with its garden visible from a panoramic walk. Manarola is renowned for its Christmas nativity scene, the largest in the world, with figures outlined in thousands of lights covering the hillside.
Borgo Storico di Corniglia - The smallest of the five towns, Corniglia sits 90 meters above sea level on a large rock spur. With a population of about 200, it features the 14th-century San Pietro church, built on the site of an 11th-century chapel. San Pietro’s day is celebrated on June 29th with a street procession and a special savory tart made of rice, eggs, and cheese, shared among participants.
Cinque Terre Trails - These ancient trails are rugged but navigable. Be prepared for hiking—though the path is open to all, the ground can be slippery, uneven, and sometimes steep and narrow. The area’s charm lies in its natural, unspoiled beauty, so don’t expect handrails or safety rails on steep steps or near cliff edges. Due to the nature of the hike, small children and those with walking difficulties are not recommended.
Vernazza - Unique in the Cinque Terre for its small port, Vernazza allowed ships to land in its protected bay. It was already a fortified village and efficient maritime base by the 11th century. Today, you can see remnants of the 13th-century military defenses built by the Genoese, including old walls, ramparts, and a lookout tower.
Borgo Antico - A castle existed here before 1200, with some ruins still visible. Monterosso was founded in 1214. The church of San Giovanni Battista, built in 1220, features a bell tower from 1400 that served as a lookout. The church of San Antonio di Mesco was built in 1335.
Spiaggia di Fegina - The new town of Fegina is connected to old Monterosso by a pedestrian tunnel. A concrete statue of Neptune, now deteriorated, was built into the rock by an architect in the 1920s. The sandy shelf here is ideal for seagrass, which acts as a lung for the Cinque Terre waters and provides a beautiful beach. The area is a marine protected zone, akin to a sea-based national park. In 2007, Forbes magazine called Monterosso the sexiest beach in the world.
Monterosso - Boat Ride (weather permitting)
Borgo Storico di Riomaggiore - Centuries ago, Riomaggiore’s tall, colorful Genovese tower houses, arranged in rows connected by alleys, arches, and steps, provided defense against pirates. House colors are regulated by the comune, so you can’t paint them just any color. Houses have two entrances—one at the front and one at the rear on the higher road—allowing escape during pirate attacks. By the late 1800s, the railway reached the coast, ending Riomaggiore’s historic isolation, though a road wouldn’t arrive until the 1970s. The villages were so isolated that they developed different dialects of the same language, known as lingua ligure.
Stazione La Spezia Centrale - Minivan transfer back to Florence

What's Included

Fabulous boat trip along the coastline (weather permitting)
Full-day Cinque Terre private tour with your own guide
All-day train ticket
Travel in an air-conditioned luxury van
Delicious two-course meal at a family-run restaurant
Admission to the National Park

What's Not Included

Gratuities

Additional Information

With the opportunity to hike between the five towns, our Cinque Terre private tour lets you experience the breathtaking scenery and atmosphere of this well-known region in a single, fantastic, action-packed day. The whole enjoyment without having to share your guide!

After an air-conditioned journey by minivan, you’ll enter the National Park at the quaint village of Manarola. Take a panoramic stroll to see the town’s signature pastel-colored houses and verdant vineyards.
Then visit Corniglia, with 380 steps that lead from the station to the village center. Once there, vistas over the ocean and a delicious two-course meal at a lovely family-run restaurant will be waiting for you!

In Vernazza, you’ll get some free time to stroll about what is regarded as the most distinctive and attractive village out of all of them.
In Monterosso, renowned for its charming artisan stores and stunning beach, you will get a wonderful boat journey to the final settlement, the picturesque Riomaggiore.