Cinque Terre is one of the indisputable gems of Northern Italy. It’s no wonder, as on top of being irresistibly gorgeous, it boasts mouthwatering cuisine, and prime access to the sea.
Cinque Terre literally means Five Lands, and the region is named after its five picturesque towns.
These villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso – were originally fortified communities and fishing hamlets, and are mainly known for their pastel-colored houses perched on the cliffside.
The views of the towns from the water are jaw-dropping, and equally good are the ones you’ll find getting lost in their narrow alleys.
The site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s visited by close to 2.5 million people every year. It’s no surprise that there are tours to Cinque Terre departing from all the important cities, including Milan!
The fashion capital is located 139 miles (224 km) from Cinque Terre, and the drive between them takes approximately 3 hours. For this reason, I highly recommend visiting on a tour rather than on your own.
Getting there and back using public transportation would take up your entire day…and that’s all you seem to have to explore the region!
I have personally scouted the best Cinque Terre tours from Milan to help you plan your trip, and make the most of your time. So check them out, take your pick, and remember to pack a swimsuit!
Why should you trust my suggestions? I’m Italian, born and raised in Bologna, merely 2 hours from Milan. I’ve traveled extensively around Italy, and have 10 years of experience helping people plan their perfect trips.
You could say I have a knack for identifying extraordinary tours that offer great value, especially in my home country. You can rest assured that only the very best ones make the cut!
I usually use Viator and Get Your Guide to book activities around the world. I especially recommend them for their fantastic cancellation policy. If your travel plans change, you can cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Limited time? These are the ultimate tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Milan: Cinque Terre Full-Day Guided Trip With Cruise |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Private Tour of the Cinque Terre from Milan |
OUR PICK: The BEST Cinque Terre Tour from Milan
This Milan: Cinque Terre Full-Day Guided Trip With Cruise is our top pick. The tour starts with comfortable transfers by coach to the picturesque Italian Riviera, where you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre National Park.
Home to five colorful villages, perched on rugged cliffs by the sea, Cinque Terre has much more than postcard-looking landscapes to offer, and you’ll get to discover it with a professional guide.
Your first stop is La Spezia, where you’ll board a boat and cruise along the spectacular coastline, admiring the views of the villages nestled into the hills.
You’ll disembark in Manarola, where you’ll be able to take your time wandering through its narrow alleys and along its seaside promenade.
Then continue to Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages and the only one with a sandy beach. You’ll also be granted free time here to explore the lovely town or relax by the sea, making the most of the beach facilities.
At the end of the day, hop on a scenic train ride to Sestri Levante, where your coach will be waiting to take you back to Milan.
Why this tour? It’s one of the best Cinque Terre day trips from Milan for the value it offers – on top of the great ratings from previous travelers.
You’ll enjoy hassle-free transfers and free time to explore two of the most charming locations in the area. Not only that, but a boat cruise is included, giving you the chance to admire the ultimate sights of Cinque Terre.
Read what the reviews say:
”Everything was magnificent! We had two exceptional guides who listened to tourists. A top driver. We come back with beautiful memories of this excursion.”
Bracci – Read more reviews
This tour includes: All transfers, a guide, and a boat cruise. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Tours to Cinque Terre from Milan
▶️ Join this full-day Cinque Terre with Portovenere and Boat Cruise From Milan and escape to the spellbinding Italian Rivera.
Kick off the adventure in La Spezia, the gateway to the vividly colored villages, and from there catch a scenic train to Monterosso.
This picturesque town offers a maze of narrow streets and local charm to explore. You’ll have plenty of time for lunch (own expense) before hopping on a boat to Portovenere.
Enjoy the stunning coastal views of the Ligurian Sea, and wander through Portovenere’s historic lanes. Then cruise back to La Spezia, from where you’ll return to the city.
This tour includes: Transfers, a guide, audio headsets, a boat cruise, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Cinque Terre Park and Limoncino Tasting Day Trip from Milan whisks you away to the coastline, where you’ll spend a full day exploring the UNESCO-listed towns of Cinque Terre.
You’ll travel in a comfortable air-conditioned coach to Riomaggiore, one of the charming five towns and the first stop of the tour, where you’ll have the chance to either set off on your own or visit with a guide.
If you choose the full guided tour, your next stop will be Manarola, followed by a trip to Monterosso al Mare, the largest town. You’ll stroll along the seafront promenade, explore the narrow alleys, and enjoy a tasting of limoncino.
At the end of the day, you’ll return by coach to Milan.
This tour includes: Round-trip transfers, a guide, access to Cinque Terre National Park, limoncino tasting, and free time at each town. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Cinque Terre Tours from Milan
▶️ Set off for a full-day Private Tour of the Cinque Terre from Milan. This 10-hour exclusive adventure takes you through four of the Cinque Terre villages.
You’ll soak in Monterosso’s charm, traverse Vernazza’s alleys, and visit Manarola and Riomaggiore with your friendly guide. Each visit will last about an hour, and half-way through the day you’ll stop for a delightful wine tasting of local varietals and appetizers.
Get ready to travel between the towns on a scenic boat ride, enjoying the sweeping vistas of the cliff-perched towns from the water.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, boat rides between the villages, free time, and wine tasting. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Ready to start your day with a fancy first-class train ride? Join this Day Trip Cinque Terre from Milan for a memorable journey.
A friendly guide will unveil the secrets of the coastal paradise, leading you through Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Your group of 8 will be hopping from one postcard scene to another by boat and train.
Take in the stunning views from both water and land, and enjoy plenty of time to wander around each village. As the sun sets, you’ll return to Milan.
This day trip from Milan to Cinque Terre includes: First-class train tickets from Milan, all transfers, a guide, a boat ride, and a flexible itinerary. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Private Tour to Cinque Terre starts in Manarola, with a walk to the port as your guide introduces you to the history, geology, and culture of the Cinque Terre National Park.
You’ll then make your way to Volastra, a quiet village where you’ll be treated to a tasting of focaccia, Ligurian pesto, and local wine.
After you’ve refueled and learn a little bit about the region’s culinary specialties, make your way to Corniglia, one of the most picturesque towns and the only one set above the sea, offering incredible views of the coastline.
Finally, you can either walk or take the train to Vernazza, the final destination on the tour. You’ll have time to explore this lovely village, where the Pixar movie Lucca is set.
This tour includes: A private tour, a guide, food tastings, and wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
