A day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre is a popular tour that many tourists choose to take.
The Gulf of Poets and the UNESCO area around Cinque Terre are a worthy tourist destination that offers beaches, hiking, culture, history, fresh seafood, once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities, AND SO MUCH MORE!
We live here in La Spezia, and I’m always going to advocate for visitors to come and experience the area over a few days.
You can easily spend a few days here without coming up for air and if you really want an authentic vacation, then a couple of weeks wouldn’t be too long!
BUT, if you’re in Florence and have no plans to stay on the Ligurian coast, then a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre is an excellent way to get a glimpse of the area. Enough to maybe entice you back another time!
In this article, I share some of the best Cinque Terre Day Trips from Florence, including important details, and costs. I also discuss the tour highlights and what I consider to be the negative points for your consideration.
Some further reading:
Is a Cinque Terre Day Tour from Florence Worth It?
Cinque Terre is real bucket list stuff! The villages, views, and coastline are truly spectacular.
On our first trip here, we were overwhelmed with the beauty of the national park and took 4 days to enjoy the hiking, food, and towns. It was a memorable experience that ultimately brought us back here when we were looking for our new Italian home.
But, if you don’t have the time to come and stay in the area, then a Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence is a good idea because:
- Florence to Cinque Terre is only about 100 miles (160 km) by road. The tours leave around breakfast time and will often get you back by dinner.
- The best Cinque Terre day tours are well organized and help you navigate the towns quickly. It’s possible to see all 5 towns in one day, with an experienced guide.
- Doing day trips from one central location means you can avoid having to move your luggage around and waste time checking in and out of places.
Savvy Travel Tips: We almost always use Get Your Guide or Tiqets for booking tours and trips in Italy. We recommend booking with these platforms because they are reputable AND when you book an activity the cancellation and refund policy is clearly stated.
Don’t miss the chance to add a seaside escape to your itinerary — even just for the day!
With Italy’s high-speed Freccia trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca), you can start your morning in Florence and still make it to Cinque Terre in time for an afternoon swim and a sunset aperitivo.
It’s an easy day trip that many travelers don’t realize is possible. Thanks to the speed and comfort of Italy’s rail network, exploring the coast doesn't mean sacrificing your base in Florence.
You can plan routes and book tickets directly through Trenitalia, or opt for Omio for multi-language support and flexible currency choices.
Cinque Terre Tour from Florence: What to Expect
Most of the day trips from Florence to Cinque Terre will collect tourists from the Santa Maria Novella train station at around 7am.
Often tours are in a small bus or minivan and will include a driver and a guide. A few tours use the train from Florence.
The bus or train transfer will usually drop you in La Spezia, where you will either get on a train or boat to Cinque Terre.
Most Cinque Terre day trips from Florence will include a visit to at least 3 of the towns. The guide will either stay with you the whole time or act as a chaperone to help you with the train and boat transfers.
Our Travel Tips: The best Florence to Cinque Terre tours should include:
An experienced and informative guide that will provide cultural and historical information.
Multi-lingual guides.
A visit to at least 3 of the Cinque Terre towns.
A boat ride along the UNESCO coastline.
A chance to experience local foods.
Best locations to take some memorable photos.
In the list below you will find 10 of the most memorable Cinque Terre Day Trips from Florence. I have chosen a variety of tours that also suit different budgets and I have only selected tour operators that have an excellent reputation and consistently get 4.5/5 stars or more.
Before booking on a tour; if you want to understand Cinque Terre and the five towns then you may be interested in the following articles:
1. Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Traditional Lunch
This tour is run by Ciao Florence who offer tours throughout Italy using experienced and qualified guides.
The tour takes you to 4 of the Cinque Terre villages and includes lunch at Monterosso.
Per Person Price: From €155
Tour Length: 12.5 Hours
Group Size: Small to Medium Groups
What People Like About This Tour:
- Friendly and knowledgeable guide
- Includes a boat trip between 2 Cinque Terre villages
- The local/typical foods for lunch
More Details: Tiqets
What Makes This Tour Special?
Since the tour visits only 4 of the villages, the individual stops are a little longer, giving you more time to meander and soak up the atmosphere. The last village is Riomaggiore with the chance to see the colored houses illuminated by the late afternoon sun.
Insider Tip: At the end of the day, the sun position is perfect for capturing the Riomaggiore harbor. The colorful red, pink, and orange houses become vibrant making for dramatic photos.
What Are the Negative Points of This Tour?
The 75-minute stop in Monterosso includes lunch but won’t leave you with time to do much else.
2. Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence + Boat Tour + Lunch
This tour is offered by CAF Tour & Travel who have decades of experience offering tours around Florence and Tuscany.
This tour stops at 3 of the Cinque Terre towns and includes a typical lunch in Monterosso.
Per Person Price: From €159
Tour Length: 12 Hours
Group Size: Small to Medium Groups
What People Like About This Tour:
- Friendly and knowledgeable guide
- Includes a boat trip between 2 Cinque Terre villages
- Lunch with local produce
More Details: Tiqets
What Makes This Tour Special?
The tour includes extra time in Monterosso where you will have time to explore both the old and new town OR time on the beach to enjoy a quick dip in the Mediterranean Sea.
The highlight of this tour is the lunch and the chance to experience the flavors of the region.
Insider Tip: The Ligurian restaurants offer specialties like stuffed mussels and anchovies as well as fresh pesto, fish dishes, and seafood pasta.
What Are the Negative Points of This Tour?
This tour takes you from Florence to Levanto, which is on the western side of Cinque Terre. It’s extra time on the bus, so you get a little less time for sightseeing.
3. Cinque Terre: Semi-Private Day Trip from Florence + Seafood Lunch
This tour by Towns of Italy is designed for travelers who prefer a more personal type experience.
The tour visits 3 of the Cinque Terre towns and includes a full seafood lunch and a visit to the World Heritage vineyards of the area.
Per Person Price: From €249
Tour Length: 12 Hours
Group Size: Max. 8 people
What People Like About This Tour:
- Travel by boat trip between the villages
- Intimate tour with friendly guide
- Small hike and vineyard tour
More Details: Get Your Guide
What Makes This Tour Special?
You won’t feel rushed and will have enough time to explore at a pace that is more enjoyable and rewarding. Even though the villages are a tourist magnet, the walk and vineyard visit are a better way to understand and appreciate the cultural heritage of the area.
This tour goes to Corniglia. Many of the tours skip this town because it is not located on the sea and is harder to access.
Insider Tip: Corniglia’s unique combination of panoramic views and authentic village community offers a more relaxed and genuine experience compared to its more touristy neighbors.
What Are the Negative Points of This Tour?
This tour is only offered in English and is on the more expensive end of the scale (but it is a small group tour and therefore more personal and informative).
4. Cinque Terre: Private Day Trip from Florence with Lunch
This private tour is offered by Enotropea Wine Tours and you will travel by car.
Per Person Price: From €529
Tour Length: 11 Hours
Group Size: Max 6 Guests (Private Tour)
What People Like About This Tour:
- Delicious lunch
- Personalized trip with minor alterations accommodated
- Includes a boat ride between 2 villages
More Details: Get Your Guide
What Makes This Tour Special?
This is truly a VIP-style personalized trip to Cinque Terre.
You can choose to visit all 5 towns or modify the itinerary to enjoy more time at fewer locations.
In addition to the sightseeing, this tour includes a multi-course lunch paired with the local white wine of Cinque Terre in a restaurant overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
Insider Tip: The traditional food and local specialties of Liguria include focaccia, seafood dishes, and pasta with pesto. Everything is fresh and very particular to the area. If you enjoy seafood like mussels, oysters, and anchovies then the Ligurian specialty food will not disappoint.
What Are the Negative Points of This Tour?
I know hiking isn’t for everyone, but it’s a shame that there is no hiking built into the itinerary or offered as an option.
I’ve said it before, but I honestly believe that the beauty of Cinque Terre is even more powerful when you experience the ancient pilgrimage trails for yourself.
5. From Florence: Round Trip Transfer to Cinque Terre
This tour is operated by Ciao Florence and provides transfers to Cinque Terre and back to Florence. The rest of the day is up to you!
Per Person Price: From €59
Tour Length: 12 Hours
Group Size: Medium Group
What People Like About This Tour:
- The transfer includes information about the region
- Freedom to explore at your own pace
More Details: Get Your Guide
What Makes This Tour Special?
Yes, of course, you can get a train from Florence to Cinque Terre and arrange the transfer yourself. It’s around the same price. But with this tour, the guide will also give you some cultural and historical details on the journey over to La Spezia.
From La Spezia you are on your own to explore the 5 towns at your leisure.
Insider Tip: The Cinque Terre Express between La Spezia and Levanto is easy to use. The train stops at all 5 villages and runs regularly throughout the day. In summer, there are 3-4 trains every hour.
What Are the Negative Points of This Tour?
The tour doesn’t include Cinque Terre train or ferry tickets. So, you must buy these yourself. If you don’t book train tickets in advance, you can get caught out in a long line at La Spezia station.
You can buy tickets online through Trenitalia (Cinque Terre Express train operator).
Some further reading:
6. Florence: Cinque Terre Day Trip with Optional Hike
This tour operated by Walkabout Tours is a medium-sized group tour that is an action-packed day, where you get to visit all 5 of the Cinque Terre towns!
This is a very popular tour and Walkabout Tours offers a professional and well-organized trip.
Per Person Price: From €135
Tour Length: 13 Hours
Group Size: Max. 30 people
What People Like About This Tour:
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides
- Delicious lunch location
- Opportunities to take great photos
- Boat trip between 2 of the towns
More Details: Get Your Guide
What Makes This Tour Special?
I must admit that if anyone asked me, I wouldn’t think it was possible to see all of the Cinque Terre towns on a day trip from Florence. Never mind a boat trip and optional hike!
But, with careful planning and on-point organization, this group tour manages to pull it off!
Insider Tip: Anyone coming to Cinque Terre should really consider doing a hike. When you walk the ancient trails and see the towns from an elevated vista, you get to appreciate this special area in a more authentic way.
What Are the Negative Points of This Tour?
Even though guests seem to be happy with this tour, from a personal perspective, it sounds rushed. At best, you will only have an average of 1 hour in each village. But if your priority is to see all the villages, then this is a compromise you may be willing to make.
7. Cinque Terre Hiking Tour from Florence
This tour is run by Ciao Florence with the main event being a hike in the Cinque Terre UNESCO National Park.
Per Person Pricing: From €99
Tour Length: 12.5 Hours
Group Size: Medium Group
What People Like About This Tour:
- Friendly guide
- Amazing views
- Authentic experience
More Details: Ciao Florence
What Makes This Tour Special?
The true beauty and heart of Cinque Terre can only be experienced when hiking the ancient trails that connect the villages.
This Cinque Terre day trip from Florence gives visitors a chance to hike between Manarola and Corniglia. A trail that goes high into the hills through the vineyards and olive groves of the Cinque Terre.
Insider Tip: The network of trails in the Cinque Terre is the most authentic way to experience the territory. Not only do you get panoramic views of the coastline and ocean, but you also get to retrace the steps of the farmers and pilgrims who walked these ancient paths.
What Are the Negative Points of This Tour?
The hiking trail between Manarola and Corniglia is steep and rugged and there are few handrails. So, this tour isn’t for everyone and is better suited to people with good physical fitness and steady feet.
The tour is also only offered in English.
8. From Florence: Pisa & Cinque Terre with Hike Day Trip
This tour is run by City Wonders and includes 2 of the Cinque Terre towns and Pisa.
This small group Cinque Terre day tour also offers an optional small hike to experience the famous Cinque Terre terraced vineyards.
Per Person Pricing: From €89
Tour Length: 12.5 Hours
Group Size: Medium Group
What People Like About This Tour:
- Friendly guide
- Local recommendations for lunch
- Enough time to explore
- Time for a swim in Monterosso
More Details: Get Your Guide
What Makes This Tour Special?
The tour is a slower-paced experience with enough time at each stop to take a breath and appreciate your experience.
The tour also stops at Pisa, so you will have a chance to view the architectural wonder of the Leaning Tower!
Insider Tip: Pisa has a rich history with numerous museums and churches. However, a short visit to Pisa is enough to see The Leaning Tower and the architecture around the Piazza dei Miracoli. If you have a specific interest in Pisa, then a longer visit is needed.
What Are the Negative Points of This Tour?
This tour only goes to Manarola and Monterosso. If I had to be critical then I’d say that Monterosso is not the prettiest or most iconic of the villages. Personally, a stop at Vernazza or Riomaggiore is more iconic. However, Monterosso does have a nice choice of restaurants on the waterfront.
9. Florence: Small Group to Cinque Terre and Pisa Day Tour
This tour operated by Lilium Travel Florence is a small-sized group tour that stops at 3 of the Cinque Terre villages and Pisa.
Lilium Travel Florence has years of experience at providing day excursions in and around Tuscany.
Per Person Pricing: From €161
Tour Length: 12 Hours
Group Size: Max. 8 People
What People Like About This Tour:
- Friendly and knowledgeable guide
- Intimate tour
- Boat trip between 2 of the towns
- Chance to eat local foods
More Details: Get Your Guide
What Makes This Tour Special?
The tour is an authentic experience with a guide that will share local cultural and historical information.
You visit 3 of the Cinque Terre villages, and each stop is long enough to walk around the town and enjoy the sightseeing.
The tour also throws in a stop at Pisa, if you are wanting to check that off your list.
Insider Tip: So many tourists fly through Cinque Terre at a rate of knots. They come to take iconic photos but leave without any appreciation for the area’s unique culture and history. For deeper experience then this small group tour will help you forge more satisfying memories.
What Are the Negative Points of This Tour?
The stop at Pisa is only for 1 hour. This is enough to walk around the Piazza dei Miracoli and take the obligatory photo of the Leaning Tower (you know the one)! But you won’t have time to climb the tower.
10. Cinque Terre & Porto Venere: Day Trip from Florence
This small-sized group tour is organized by experienced operators – My Tour. The tour is by train (and boat) and stops at 3 of the Cinque Terre villages and Porto Venere.
The opportunity to visit Porto Venere on this one-day tour of Cinque Terre is an interesting addition that will leave you mesmerized.
Per Person Pricing: From €125
Tour Length: 13 Hours
Group Size: Small – Medium Groups
What People Like About This Tour:
- Friendly and knowledgeable guide
- 5 language options (Chinese, English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish)
- Includes a boat trip
- Porto Venere is a great bonus add-on!
More Details: Tiqets
What Makes This Tour Special?
Porto Venere is often considered the 6th Cinque Terre Village and is a significant attraction in its own right for its medieval buildings, castle, harborfront restaurants, local boutique shops, beaches, hiking trails, and boat trips to the nearby islands.
Did you know? This ancient fishing village is distinctive for its tall colorful houses, but made famous by the poet Lord Byron. It is said that Lord Byron visited the area and swam across the Gulf of La Spezia from Porto Venere to Lerici to visit his poet friends, Mary Shelley, and Percy Shelley. (A distance of approximately 7km). The Gulf of La Spezia has since also become known as the Gulf of Poets.
What Are the Negative Points of This Tour?
Porto Venere is not connected to Cinque Terre by train. Instead, you will be using a ferry (when the weather permits). The ferry is a great way to experience the Ligurian Riviera, but it does mean you spend more time traveling (albeit with spectacular views) and less time on the ground.
Wrap Up
The Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see destination.
I would always encourage visitors to come for at least an overnight stay. But if you only have time for one day then a Cinque Terre Tour from Florence will be worth your time!
In this round-up article, I have shared 10 memorable day trips from Florence to Cinque Terre.
Even though all the tours get positive reviews, the trips all offer something slightly different and are suitable for varying budgets.
I have used my local knowledge to share what I perceive to be the highlights as well as the negative points you should consider before booking.
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FAQ
How do you get from Florence to Cinque Terre?
If you decide not to go on a tour, then you can organize this trip for yourself. We have an in-depth article explaining the best travel and transport options from Florence to Cinque Terre.
What is the driving time from Florence to Cinque Terre?
The distance is around 165km (100 miles). The travel time from Florence to Cinque Terre is around 2 ½ hours if you use the freeway and toll roads.
Which is the best Cinque Terre village?
Each of the 5 Cinque Terre towns has something different to offer.
If I really had to pick, (and if you’re short on time), I’d say to prioritize Riomaggiore, Vernazza and Manarola. Both Corniglia and Monterosso have their own charm, but the other 3 are the most iconic.
However, Monterosso probably has the better restaurants and during summer Corniglia feels like a reprieve from the crowds in the other towns.
