If you are in Florence and dreaming of colorful seaside villages, delicious seafood, and postcard-perfect views, a tour to Cinque Terre is just what you need.
Located along the stunning Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre is a group of five charming villages that look like they have stepped right out of a painting.
The scenery here is pure magic, with colorful houses clinging to cliffs, peaceful vineyards on terraced hillsides, and boats gently floating on crystal-clear waters.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is more than just a destination—it’s a peaceful escape where nature and tradition live side by side.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know before booking your tour from Florence to Cinque Terre, including options, tips, and what to expect.
Top Tours
# Florence Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Hike
# Seaside Beauty Day Trip to Cinque Terre
# Cinque Terre & Porto Venere Seaside Day TourSince Cinque Terre is a popular tourist destination, booking your tour as soon as your dates are finalized is always better.
Distance: From Florence to Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is approximately 170 to 190 kilometers (105 to 120 miles) from Florence, depending on the route and the specific village you visit.
- By train: 2.5 to 3.5 hours (with one or two transfers)
- By car: Around 2.5 to 3 hours
- By guided tour: 10 to 13 hours full day trip (including stops and free time in the villages)
Cost of tours from Florence to Cinque Terre
Guided tours from Florence to Cinque Terre, including round-trip transportation, typically start from €110 per person. Children aged 5 to 17 often enjoy a 10–15% discount on the adult ticket price.
Best tours from Florence to Cinque Terre
Whether you are into scenic hikes, peaceful seaside views, or want to pair the adventure with a stop in Pisa, there’s a tour to Cinque Terre to match your travel style.
Below, we have picked some of the best and most popular guided tours that take the hassle out of planning—each offering round-trip transport, expert guides, and unforgettable coastal charm.
Florence: Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Hike
This day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre is a favorite among travelers and keeps group sizes small—no more than 30 people. You will have two ways to explore: either take a relaxing train ride from Corniglia to
Vernazza or go for a more adventurous 1.5-hour hike along scenic trails with views of vineyards and olive groves.
An expert guide will be with you from the start, beginning in Florence and reaching La Spezia in about two hours by bus.
From there, it’s a quick 30-minute train ride to Manarola, followed by another short ride to Corniglia.
Once in Corniglia, you’ll have time for lunch before choosing between the hike or the train to Vernazza.
From Vernazza, a beautiful coastal walk takes you to Monterosso, where you’ll hop on a ferry for a 20-minute ride to Riomaggiore.
Your tour ends in Riomaggiore, with time to swim or relax by the sea before heading back to La Spezia and returning to Florence.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (18+ years): €115
Youth Ticket (9 to 17 years): €100
Seaside Beauty Day Trip to Cinque Terre from Florence
Starting from Florence, this tour covers four of the five Cinque Terre villages, skipping only Corniglia.
After a comfortable two-hour drive to La Spezia, you’ll take a 30-minute train ride to your first stop—Manarola. From there, you’ll have time to explore the colorful village streets before heading to Vernazza.
Next, you’ll visit Monterosso, where you can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or by the beach. Then comes a short 10-minute boat ride to your final village, Riomaggiore.
You’ll have time to swim or relax by the sea before beginning the return journey to La Spezia and finally back to Florence.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (18+ years): €115
Youth Ticket (9 to 17 years): €100
From Florence: Cinque Terre & Porto Venere Seaside Day Tour
If you opt for this tour, you will visit three of the five Cinque Terre villages, plus the beautiful seaside town of Porto Venere—another UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s full of charm and history.
You can also choose your preferred tour language and get a guide who speaks it. The available options are Portuguese, English, Spanish, Chinese, and Italian.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (13+ years): €89
Youth Ticket (3 to 12 years): €45
Full-Day Private Cinque Terre Tour with Pisa
This 10-hour full-day tour from Florence to Cinque Terre offers a fun and unforgettable way to explore some of Italy’s most beautiful spots.
Your trip starts with a private minivan pickup from the city, taking you to the stunning Cinque Terre National Park along the Italian Riviera. You will visit three of the five villages—Vernazza, Manarola, and Corniglia. From Manarola, you’ll enjoy a ferry ride to Vernazza. Corniglia is the only one not by the sea, so you’ll reach it by climbing a set of stairs.
After soaking in the coastal beauty, the tour takes you to Pisa, where you will visit the famous Piazza dei Miracoli and see the Leaning Tower.
When the tour ends – after 10 hours – you will be back where you started from in Florence.
Ticket Prices: €695
Book This TourSave time & money! Check out the Florence Pass, the key to exploring the city’s top attractions for free.
Why a guided tour to Cinque Terre is better
Choosing a guided tour to Cinque Terre from Florence is a smart way to enjoy your trip without the stress of planning.
From the moment you leave Florence to your return in the evening, everything is arranged—entry tickets, transportation, timing, and more. It’s a relaxed and worry-free experience.
The local expert plans your itinerary to include the top highlights of Cinque Terre in one day, saving you hours of research and planning. With a guide leading the way, you’ll discover hidden gems, learn interesting stories, and understand the history behind each colorful village. They also know the best scenic spots, photo opportunities, and walking routes.
Cinque Terre National Park timings
While the Cinque Terre National Park is open all day, Via dell’Amore, the popular hiking trail, has different opening hours based on the season.
- High Season (Apr to Oct): 8:30 am to 9:30 pm (last access at 9 pm).
- Low Season (Nov 1 to Mar 31): 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (last access at 4:30 pm).
How to reach Cinque Terre National Park
To reach Cinque Terre National Park, you must first head to the port city of La Spezia.
It’s well connected to big cities like Florence, Rome, and Pisa, and is just about a two-hour drive from Florence.
The closest airport is in Pisa, in case you’re flying in.
Once you arrive in La Spezia, it’s a short 10-minute train ride to Riomaggiore, the first village of Cinque Terre.
From there, you can explore the other villages by hiking, taking the train, or hopping on a ferry—whichever suits your style.
FAQs about Cinque Terre
Here are a few frequently asked questions about Cinque Terre –
What is Cinque Terre in Italy?
Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands” in Italian, is a group of five colorful fishing villages along the stunning Ligurian coast. The five towns are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—each known for its charm, sea views, and hiking trails.
What is the best time to visit Cinque Terre?
The best time to visit Cinque Terre is from mid-March to late October, when the weather is sunny and perfect for hiking, swimming, and exploring. However, the off-season can also be pleasant and less crowded.
Are there hiking trails in Cinque Terre?
Absolutely! There are plenty of spots to swim in Cinque Terre, including small beaches and rocky coves. Monterosso al Mare has the largest beach, while other villages offer scenic spots for a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.
Is Cinque Terre cheaper than the Amalfi Coast?
Yes, Cinque Terre is generally more budget-friendly than the Amalfi Coast. You’ll find more affordable places to stay and eat. While Amalfi is known for luxury and upscale hotels, Cinque Terre offers a simpler, more laid-back vibe.
How long does it take to hike all five Cinque Terre villages?
You can walk all five villages in about six hours with short breaks. Many visitors prefer to take their time and explore each town slowly over a couple of days.
What are the five towns of Cinque Terre?
The five villages of Cinque Terre are: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each offers a unique experience with beautiful views, narrow alleys, and local food.
Can you tour Cinque Terre in a day?
Yes, it’s possible to see Cinque Terre in one day, especially on a guided tour. While you won’t have time to explore every corner, you can still enjoy the highlights of a few villages and take in the coastal scenery.
What is the nearest city to Cinque Terre?
The closest major city to Cinque Terre is La Spezia. It’s the main entry point to the villages and well connected by train to Florence, Pisa, and Rome.
How do tourists travel between the Cinque Terre villages?
Visitors can travel between the villages by train, ferry, or hiking. The train is the fastest and most convenient option, while hiking offers scenic views and a sense of adventure.
How long are the train rides between Cinque Terre villages?
Train rides between villages are very short:
La Spezia to Riomaggiore: 9 minutes
Riomaggiore to Manarola: 2 minutes
Manarola to Corniglia: 4 minutes
Traveling by train makes it easy to explore multiple villages in one day.
Which is the most beautiful village in Cinque Terre?
Many visitors say Vernazza is the most beautiful village in Cinque Terre. With its colorful buildings perched on cliffs above the sea and a small harbor, it’s the perfect postcard view of coastal Italy.
