How to Take a Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence [2023]

Looking to add a dash of coastal charm to your Italian adventure?

Have you been wondering how to take a Cinque Terre day trip from Florence, you’ve come to the right place!

Nestled along the stunning Ligurian coastline, this collection of five colourful fishing villages is a feast for the senses.

With its vibrant houses perched precariously on cliffs, picturesque harbours filled with bobbing boats, and mouthwatering seafood delicacies waiting to be devoured, Cinque Terre is an absolute must-visit destination.

Is visiting Cinque Terre on a day trip worth it?

I must say, Cinque Terre is such a breathtaking place deserving of more time than just a day trip. But if you have limited time and wondering if you should go I would still say yes!

I’ve spent several days in both Florence and Cinque Terre. So full disclosure, it was not just a day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence. But I did travel from Florence to Cinque Terre and I’ve taken plenty of whirlwind tours when travelling so I’m ready to share my personal tips to help you make the most of your day.

This helpful guide will focus on how to:

1. Tours from Florence to Cinque Terre
2. Self-planned day trips from Florence to Cinque Terre

So grab your camera and let’s dive into this helpful guide on how to make the most of your day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre.

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3 Best Florence to Cinque Terre Tour Options

1. Seaside Beauty Day Trip to Cinque Terre

⭐️ RATING: 4.3/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours

This Cinque Terre from Florence tour grants you the freedom to explore the vibrant villages of Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso, and Riomaggiore at your own pace, letting you immerse yourself in the unique charm of each.

From the breathtaking views of the Ligurian coastline to the flavours of local cuisine, this day trip encapsulates the essence of Cinque Terre, leaving you with memories that linger long after you’ve returned.

Tour from Florence to Cinque Terre: What’s Included:

• Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Transportation by bus from Florence to Cinque Terre
• Tour guide in multiple languages (English, French, Italian, Portugues, German, Spanish)
• Motor vessel ticket, train ticket, boat ride ticket (to travel between villages)

Tips about this Cinque Terre tour from Florence:

• Don’t forget your swimsuit, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes
• I recommend you don’t select the optional lunch with this tour, instead, choose your own restaurant during your free time. This gives you the flexibility of what and when you eat
• This tour involves a fair amount of walking

“The excursion was super good, the guides Anastasia, Daniel and Mario, were very kind and attentive at all times, with the whole group. The only negative point was that there were too many people at the time we visited. This was warned by the guides before we went start the tour, because it is not their fault In general we are delighted with the places and we recommend the tour without a doubt Hopefully they run into the same guides as us”

Carolina of Costa Rica

Check Prices and Availability!

This Florence Cinque Terre day trip allows you to immerse yourself in the charm of Vernazza, Monterosso, and Manarola, with ample free time to explore their unique offerings.

Choose to relax on Fegina Beach or for the more adventurous, an optional guided hike awaits, winding through ancient olive groves and terraced vineyards, offering a perspective of this coastal wonderland like no other.

Tour Cinque Terre from Florence: What’s Included:

• Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Transportation by air-conditioned coach bus with a limit of 25 people
• English-speaking tour guide

Tips about this Florence to Cinque Terre day tour:

• Option to select light hike which includes Cinque Terre National Park admission. Choose this only if you would like a guided hike to learn more about why this UNESCO heritage site is so special. Otherwise, can walk portions of the nearby trails to get those amazing photo ops!
• Train tickets are an option to book with this tour, which I recommend. Based on your tight time schedule you’ll need to take the interior train that travels from village to village.
• Don’t forget your swimsuit, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes
• This tour involves a fair amount of walking

3. 5 Villages of Cinque Terre Day Trip & Optional Light Hike

Experience the ultimate Cinque Terre adventure with this exclusive tour, granting you the unprecedented freedom to explore all five enchanting villages: Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso, and Riomaggiore. Revel in the uniqueness of each village at your leisure.

Elevate your journey by embarking on a guided hike from Corniglia to Vernazza, meandering through coastal vineyards and soaking in panoramic vistas.

Complete with seamless train transfers and a scenic boat cruise, this Cinque Terre from Florence day trip is the full package!

Florence to Cinque Terre Day Trip: What’s Included:

• Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Transportation by air-conditioned bus or minivan
• English-speaking tour guide
• Entry ticket to Cinque Terre National Park
• Boat ride (April to October only, weather permitting)
• Train tickets

Tips about this tour Florence to Cinque Terre:

• Option to select a guided hike from Corniglia to Vernazza. If are active, want an opportunity for photography and want to get off the beaten path – say yes to this option!
• Don’t forget your swimsuit, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes
• This tour involves a fair amount of walking

Pros & Cons of Tours from Florence to Cinque Terre

Let me break it down for you – the good, the not-so-bad, and the awesome of the tours to Cinque Terre from Florence.

Pros? Oh, where do I start? First off, you’re off the hook with driving and maps – just hop on a cozy coach bus and enjoy the ride. No stress, all chill. Plus, on the way you get to hear all about these 5 beautiful villages. By the time you arrive, all you need to do is soak up the views.

And get this, you’re not just seeing one or two villages, on these tours from Florence to Cinque Terre you’re conquering up to all five: Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso, and Riomaggiore. Or, choose to take your time exploring which ones interest you the most like the curious adventurer you are.

But hey, I’m not going to lie, it will be a long day. But rest assured, it will be a memorable one. Another bonus is, you get to take a short nap on the 2-hour trip back to Florence.

In the grand scheme of things, each of these Cinque Terre tours from Florence may seem pricey, but when you consider what’s included it’s a traveller’s dream – easy, exploratory, and oh-so-enchanting without the logistics headache. If you’re only planning a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre, I recommend taking a guided tour.

Self-planned Florence Day Trip to Cinque Terre

How to get from Florence to Cinque Terre day trip by train

FRECCIARGENTO + REGIONAL TRAINS

• From Firenze Campo di Marte station to La Spezia
• From La Spezia take a Regional train that stops at each of the 5 villages (Riomaggiore is 10-minute and Monterosso al Mare is 25-minutes)

REGIONAL + INTERCITY TRAINS

• From Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station, catch the Regional Train to Pisa Centrale (approximately 1 hour)
• Arrive in Pisa and switch to an Intercity train to La Spezia Centrale (approximately 1 hour)
• From La Spezia take a Regional train that stops at each of the 5 villages (Riomaggiore is 10-minute and Monterosso al Mare is 25-minutes)

To check dates and book your train tickets

How to get from Florence to Cinque Terre by car

• From Florence take the A11 to Viareggio then the A12 northbound to La Spezia (about 2 hours)
• From La Spezia park your car and take the Regional Train that stops at each of the 5 villages (Riomaggiore is 10-minute and Monterosso al Mare is 25-minutes)

For the best rates book your car rental

How to spend your day in Cinque Terre

Wander through vibrant villages, soak in breathtaking views, and savour local flavours. Feel the sea breeze in Riomaggiore, snap some photos in Manarola, admire the cliffs of Corngilia, explore the colourful alleys of Vernazza, and bask in the sun in Monterosso.

For a deeper dive, check out my articles:

• About Cinque Terre: your ultimate guide to exploring these five towns
• Cinque Terre in 3 Days: 1, 2 and 3-day itineraries

Pros & Cons

Now, onto the pros: total freedom! You get to explore the charming villages at your own pace. No rushed itineraries, just your curiosity leading the way. Plus, there’s the budget bonus – you control where your euros go.

But, let’s weigh the cons. DIY travel can sometimes mean bumps along the road – think navigating train schedules and unforeseen hiccups. Also, since you’re doing your own thing, you might miss out on insider info and historical tidbits that guided tours offer.

I will always recommend a guided tour for a Cinque Terre one day trip from Florence.

FAQs About Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence