6. From Florence: Cinque Terre Villages Full-Day Tour
Explore the villages of Cinque Terre on a full-day excursion from Florence, and experience the best aspects of this protected World Heritage Site as you walk along the ancient trails that connect the picturesque villages.
Cinque Terre comprises a stretch of rugged, unspoiled coast along the Italian Riviera. Its name derives from the fact that it is a grouping of 5 picturesque fishing villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. It has been well preserved because of its isolation and continues to be protected by its UNESCO status and its status as an Italian national park.
Led by your knowledgeable guide, you’ll walk the spectacular coastline. Visit the Cinque Terre village of Manarola and continue with a lovely boat journey (weather permitting) to Monterosso, renowned for its beautiful beach and small craftsmen’s shops. After a short train ride, stop in Vernazza, one of the prettiest of all, for free time to sit in one of the cheerful bars and cafés.
Take the train again to Riomaggiore to enjoy free time for a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean or shopping into some of the picturesque shops. Enjoy a delicious local lunch served here in a typical restaurant with a perfect view of the sea and the hills declining down to the rocky coves (if option selected). From Riomaggiore, a train ride returns you to La Spezia, concluding the Cinque Terre visit, before returning to Florence by bus.
Please note that the order of the visits may change.