Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence 2023

The Best time to visit Cinque Terre

Spring

During the spring months, visiting Cinque Terre is ideal for everyone who prefers milder temperatures and fewer crowds. At this time, the landscapes are green, and wildflowers are blooming. You can also enjoy walks through the villages and hikes as it’s not as busy as during the summer.

Summer

Summer is the peak of the tourist season. The weather is sunny and hot, and the beaches are full of people. If you decide to visit during this time, be prepared for long lines, high prices, and bigger crowds of tourists. However, summer is a great opportunity to enjoy the Mediterranean sea and village nightlife.

Autumn

Autumn is similar to Spring. Temperatures are still warm, it’s less crowded, and vineyards are in the harvest season. You can enjoy the peaceful beauty of the beaches and stunning sunsets.

Winter

Winter is not as popular for visiting Cinque Terre. The weather is colder, and many hiking trails are closed. However, the villages are less crowded, and you can enjoy the local cuisine and wine without fighting for a table. The winter months can be rainy, but you can still enjoy the stunning coastal scenery from the comfort of your hotel room or a cozy café.

Interesting facts about Cinque Terre

• Cinque Terre in Italian means Five Lands, which refers to five villages making up the region.
• The villages of Cinque Terre are located on the Ligurian coast of Italy and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Cinque Terre is known for its terraced vineyards that produce a unique wine called Sciacchetrà.
• According to the stories, the houses in Cinque Terre are painted in bright colors to serve as navigational tools for fishermen and sailors.
• There are over 120 km long trails along the Cinque Terre coastline, with 48 hiking trails available.

About the day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence

Tour to Cinque Terre from Florence

Once you meet your guide in central Florence, your journey to the villages of Cinque Terre may begin. On the 2-hour bus journey to La Spezia, you will get an insightful introduction to the location and its famous attractions. Once you get there, you’ll board the first train of the day.

Our first stop is Manarola, the first of the Cinque Terre villages you will visit. Here you will join a short guided walk through the vineyards and then enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace.

The next stop is Corniglia, which we will reach by train. Upon arrival, you will climb a few steps to reach the heart of this charming village, where you can leisurely explore your surroundings. If you select the add-on, you can treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience at a local restaurant with stunning sea views from its beautiful terrace. Here, relish the flavors of homemade pesto pasta as your ‘primo’ and savor fresh fish for your ‘secondo.’

You have two options available. Choose between an adventurous hike from Corniglia to Vernazza or a train ride if you prefer to take it easy. Vernazza is a picturesque village that has plenty of charm and character. Relax at one of the local cafes or take a refreshing dip in the sea. 

Hop on a train and head towards the coastal village of Monterosso, famous for its idyllic beaches and vibrant artisan shops. If the weather allows, you’ll then board a delightful boat ride along the breathtaking Cinque Terre coastline, taking in the stunning views of the shimmering sea and picturesque villages along the way.

The final destination on this journey is Riomaggiore, an enchanting fishing village and the most southern of the five villages. Located on ridges, Riomaggiore is characterized by stone houses with colorful facades and slate roofs. After exploring the charms of Riomaggiore, board a train back to La Spezia and then take our ride back to Florence, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure.

Included

• Return transportation by air-conditioned bus or minivan from Florence
• Knowledgeable and engaging expert guide
• Entry ticket to Cinque Terre National Park
• Boat ride (April to October only, weather permitting)
• Train tickets
• Free time in Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso, and Riomaggiore
• Guided hike from Corniglia to Vernazza (if option selected)

Not included

• Lunch (unless add-on selected at checkout)

Not suitable for

• Children under 8 years
• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users

Tour Highlights

Colorful Villages

Discover the colorful villages that make up the Cinque Terre. Marvel at the houses built on steep cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea.

Lunch break in Corniglia

Opt to enjoy lunch at a restaurant terrace in Corniglia with beautiful sea views. Take a refreshing swim or explore local boutiques.

Boat ride

Enjoy a boat ride along the coast and take pictures of the stunning coastline.

Get the most out of your vacation in Florence by going on an unforgettable day trip to Cinque Terre!

Explore Italy’s most picturesque villages!

Know Before You Go

• The itinerary may change due to the closure of paths, bad weather, or unforeseen events.
• If you would like to stay in Cinque Terre after the tour ends or depart from Florence by train after the tour, you are welcome to bring your luggage with you.
• We recommend you book any rail travel from Florence after 9:30 pm to allow time for any traffic delays on your return journey.
• From November 1 to March 31, the boat service is not available and will be replaced with transportation by train.
• In case of bad weather, the boat ride will not be available, and it will be replaced with a train.
• Lunch can be selected as an add-on during the booking process.

FAQ

Is a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre worth it?

Of course! If you wish to witness the beauty of these charming little villages, a day trip is definitely worth considering. You can easily immerse yourself in this stunning coastal landscape and fulfill your wish of experiencing the wonders of Cinque Terre in just one day.

How to plan day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre?

To reach Cinque Terre, taking the train is a great option. You can head to Florence's Campo di Marte train station, catch a Frecciabianca train, and reach La Spezia in no time. From there, take another train to Monterosso al Mare to start your adventure. However, to truly experience the charm and beauty of Cinque Terre, we recommend embarking on a guided day trip. This way, you can explore the region without worrying about transportation and have a fully organized, stress-free visit that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

How long is the train ride to Cinque Terre from Florence, Italy?

Approximately 26 trains a day travel from Florence to Monterosso, with an average travel time of 2.5-3 hours. Cinque Terre is about 160 km away from Florence.

Which is the prettiest Cinque Terre?

All five villages of Cinque Terre - Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare have their own unique charm and beauty. It's difficult to determine which one is the prettiest, as they all offer their own stunning landscapes, colorful houses, and picturesque views of the sea. We recommend visiting all of them to fully experience the beauty and diversity of Cinque Terre.

Meeting point

Meet your tour guide by the taxi stand in front of the Santa Maria Novella train station. It is located right across the street from McDonald’s outside of the station.

Book Your Cinque Terre Day Trip From Florence Online Right Away!

Important information

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Closed-toe shoes

Not allowed

• High-heeled shoes
• Sandals or flip flops
• Open-toed shoes

Definitely worth it!

I would highly recommend this Cinque Terre tour from Florence! Our guides were very nice, smart, and helpful. They shared with us the history of all the places we passed by and visited in a way that was interesting and engaging. They gave a lot of extra information and made sure everyone was included. They even went out of their way, giving us enough time to wander around. I am very glad I did this tour, and I would definitely do it again.

Jessica

Amazing tour!

This tour was amazing. The place is beautiful and breathtaking. Our English-speaking tour guide was fabulous! He knew everything we asked and made our Cinque Terre day trip so fun. The weather was not on our side that day, but he did his best to give us the best experience possible. I'll definitely book more tours. If you have the opportunity, I strongly recommend visiting Cinque Terre.

Corrina