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Memorable Things to do in Cinque Terre_Feature
Easy Day Trips from La Spezia for Cruise Passengers - Feature
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Cinque Terre One Day Itinerary

Discover The Best Things To Do in Cinque Terre,  La Spezia, and Eastern Liguria:  Our insider tips will reveal the lesser-known gems of Cinque Terre, La Spezia, and the Gulf of Poets. The Ligurian Riveria offers something for everyone.

If you want to side-step the crowds, or create magical memories and really get to know the Italian Riviera,  then stick around and let us inspire you with:

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Hiking: Meander through vineyards and stand atop dramatic cliffs on exhilarating trails away from the crowds.
  • Secluded Beaches: Find your own private paradise in the Gulf of Poet’s hidden coves and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Ligurian Sea.
  • Sea Excursions: Explore the Gulf of Poets and UNESCO area by boat or kayak. See the picturesque towns from a new perspective and away from the foot traffic!
  • Wine Tasting: Discover historic vineyards, learn about “heroic viticulture”, and sample award-winning wines. 
  • Foodie Experiences: Indulge in the best Ligurian food and learn about the local cuisine, and how to make classic pesto and focaccia.
  • Cultural Tours: Immerse yourself in the rich Italian history and culture of Cinque Terre and La Spezia. Visit museums, galleries, castles, and medieval towns.

Don't settle for generic excursions. Ready to explore beyond the ordinary? Let's go!

Discover the best things to do in Cinque Terre, La Spezia and Eastern Liguria. The Ligurian Riveria offers something for everyone:

  • The Outdoors: Dramatic cliffs, woodland trails and terraced vineyards are waiting to be discovered on foot or by bike.
  • Secluded Beaches: Find your own private paradise in the Gulf of Poet’s hidden coves and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Ligurian Sea.
  • Water Excursions: Escape the crowds and explore the Gulf of Poets and UNESCO area by boat or kayak.
  • Foodie Experiences: Indulge in the best Ligurian food and wine and learn to cook like an Italian mamma!
  • Cultural Tours: Immerse yourself in the rich Italian history and visit museums, galleries, castles and medieval towns.

Don't settle for generic excursions. Ready to explore beyond the ordinary? Let's go!

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All About Cinque Terre 40
Best of Food & Drink 7
Cruise Passengers 6
Getting To & Around La Spezia 8
Nearby Towns 13
Travel Tips 18
Tuscany, Florence & Pisa 6
Where To Stay 5

All Our Posts on What to See & Do

1 Day in Levanto Itinerary
One Day in Portovenere Itinerary and Walking Tour
Cinque Terre Beaches
Easy Day Trips from La Spezia for Cruise Passengers - Feature
La Spezia Cruise Passenger FAQs - Feature
Markets of La Spezia - Feature
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Levanto Itinerary

ONLY €7

Perfect For

  • Easter to September
  • Sightseeing
  • Culture & History Fans
  • Beach goers
  • Hikers
  • Photographers

What to Expect

Levanto has plenty to offer, including a long sandy beach, a cute historic town, shops, and restaurants serving traditional cuisine.

This itinerary covers a lot of ground. The one-day adventure starts with an (optional) hike from Monterosso, lunch in Levanto, and sightseeing around the historic town.

By mid-afternoon, you’ll have already experienced panoramic lookouts, cultural and historic landmarks, and charming old town streets.

In the late afternoon, there’s an option to enjoy time on the beach before walking the Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) – back in Riomaggiore.

And of course, you’ll have the opportunity to taste Ligurian cuisine at locally selected eateries and enjoy an aperitivo with a view out over the sea.

The itinerary is well-structured so that you know where you need to be and when.  And (because everyone is a little different), we’ve included options so that you can customize it to make your own adventure.

Key Details

Start Time: 9 am
Duration: Full day (12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation)
Activity Level: Good walking ability (optional hike requires good fitness)

Portovenere Itinerary

ONLY €15

Perfect For

  • Easter to September
  • Sightseeing
  • Culture & History Fans
  • Beach goers
  • Hikers
  • Photographers

What to Expect

Portovenere is not to be missed!

This one-day adventure starts with a ferry ride (from either Cinque Terre or La Spezia) and includes panoramic lookouts, historic landmarks, cultural sights, charming old town streets, beaches, and a picturesque harbor.

The day continues with sightseeing, historic landmarks and views, or an optional loop hike from Portovenere, and a stop for lunch with spectacular sea views.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy time on the beach before walking the Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) back in Riomaggiore.

And of course, you’ll have the opportunity to taste Ligurian cuisine at locally selected eateries and enjoy an aperitivo with a view out over the sea.

The itinerary is structured with timings, location information, transport guidance and cultural and historical notes. But we’ve given you options, so you can customize it to make your own adventure. We’ve also included notes on a trip over to Palmaria Island, or an optional, organized boat tour of the Gulf of of Poets.

Key Details

Start Time: Just after 10 am (according to ferry times) Duration: Full day (almost 12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation) Activity Level: Good walking ability (optional hike requires good fitness)

3 Days – Cinque Terre & Portovenere Itinerary

ONLY €27

Perfect For

  • Easter to September
  • Sightseeing
  • Culture, Food & Wine
  • Beach goers
  • Hikers
  • Photographers

What to Expect

We’ve crafted a three day self-guided tour of all five Cinque Terre towns (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso), plus Portovenere.

This multi-day adventure includes a little bit of everything (panoramic lookouts, historic landmarks, cultural and historical sights, charming old town streets, beaches, and picturesque harbors) and two optional hikes.

You will have the opportunity to taste Ligurian cuisine at locally selected eateries and enjoy an aperitivo with a view out over the sea.

The itinerary is carefully planned out so that you have enough time at each location to enjoy the best bits and get a feel for each town. Most of the activities are free, but (if you’re looking for something extra special) we’ve selected an optional winery tour, sunset cruise, or pesto-making class that can be slotted into the itinerary!

Key Details

Start Time: Just after 9 am
Duration: 3 full days (3 x 12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation)
Activity Level: Good walking ability (optional hike requires good fitness)

3 Days – Cinque Terre & Levanto Itinerary

ONLY €27

Perfect For

  • Easter to September
  • Small Groups
  • Sightseeing
  • Culture, Food & Wine Lovers
  • Beach goers

What to Expect

This is a complete self-guided tour of all five Cinque Terre towns (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso) and Levanto.

This three-day adventure includes a little bit of everything (panoramic lookouts, historic landmarks, cultural and historical sights, charming old town streets, beaches, and picturesque harbors) plus two optional hikes.

You will have the opportunity to taste seafood and Ligurian cuisine at local spots, and we’ve included our favorite places to enjoy an aperitivo with a view.

The itinerary sets a nice pace with free activities, but you can choose an optional winery tour, sunset cruise, pesto-making class, or bike tour if you’re looking for something extra special.

Key Details

Start Time: Just after 9 am
Duration: 3 full days (3 x 12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation)
Activity Level: Good walking ability (optional hike requires good fitness)

2 Days – All Villages Cinque Terre Itinerary

ONLY €21

Perfect For

  • Easter to September
  • Small Groups
  • Sightseeing
  • Culture, Food & Wine Lovers
  • Photographers

What to Expect

This is a complete self-guided adventure of all five Cinque Terre towns: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.

This two-day adventure includes a little bit of everything (panoramic lookouts, historic landmarks, cultural and historical sights, charming old town streets, and picturesque harbors) plus an optional hike.

The itinerary includes options to enjoy local food and aperitivo with a view.

The itinerary sets a nice pace with free activities, but you can choose to slot in an optional winery tour, sunset cruise or pesto making class to make it extra special.

Key Details

Start Time: Just after 9 am
Duration: 2 full days (2 x 12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation)
Activity Level: Good walking ability (optional hike requires good fitness)

4 Villages – Cinque Terre in One Day

ONLY €19

Perfect For

  • Easter to September
  • Small Groups
  • Sightseers
  • Food & Wine Lovers
  • Photographers
  • Experienced travelers

What to Expect

This is a seamless self-guided adventure through four of Cinque Terre’s most breathtaking villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso.

This full-day journey maintains a good pace and covers four stunning villages. The itinerary gives you a little bit of everything, so you’ll discover panoramic lookouts, historic landmarks, charming old town streets, and picturesque harbors.

There’s also enough time to enjoy a traditional Ligurian lunch, a scenic aperitivo, and a delightful dinner with a view.

The itinerary is jam-packed, but you can also choose to pump the breaks and opt for a winery tour or sunset cruise.

Key Details

Start Time: Just after 9 am
Duration: 12 hours of exploration with a little time for relaxation
Activity Level: Reasonable walking ability and good stamina are a must!

Cinque Terre for Cruise Passengers

ONLY €15

Perfect For

  • Easter to September
  • Small Groups
  • Sightseers
  • Food & Wine Lovers
  • Photographers
  • Day trippers

What to Expect

Make the most of your limited time in Cinque Terre with this specially designed itinerary tailored for cruise passengers and day trippers!

This is a seamless self-guided adventure through three of Cinque Terre’s most breathtaking villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza.

You can expect to experience stunning panoramic viewpoints, historic sites, and charming old town streets. With this easy-to-use plan, you’ll also have enough time to enjoy a traditional Ligurian lunch and an aperitivo with a view.

For an even easier day, you may wish to opt for a short winery tour or boat tour from Riomaggiore!

Key Details

Start Time: Just before 9 am (adjustable to suit your cruise schedule)
Duration: 8 hours of exploration and time for relaxation
Activity Level: Suitable for anyone with reasonable walking ability

Essential Cinque Terre Itinerary

ONLY €15

Perfect For

  • Easter to September
  • Small Groups
  • Sightseeing
  • Food lovers
  • Photographers

What to Expect

This 3 town itinerary covers the must-see sights in Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Including a walking tour with panoramic lookouts, historic places of interest, and old town shops and restaurants.

A complete full day, that covers good ground but leaves sufficient time for a traditional lunch, aperitivo, and dinner with a view.

For a more immersive experience, we’ve included recommendations for an optional winery tour and sunset cruise.

Key Details

Start Time: Just after 9 am
Duration: 12 hours of exploration and time for relaxation
Activity Level: Suitable for anyone with reasonable walking ability

Free Cinque Terre Itinarary

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Vernazza in Cinque Terre in May

In the meantime, our blog has more great content to help plan your perfect Cinque Terre and Italian getaway.