Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region. It consists of five picturesque fishing villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.
The towns are known for their colorful buildings, narrow alleyways, and breathtaking views of the sea. Each one has its own unique charm and character, so they’re all equally worth visiting!
Riomaggiore is the most popular, and the first village you’ll encounter if you travel by train. Manarola is famous for its colorful houses and picturesque harbor, while Corniglia is the only one not directly accessible by the sea.
Then there’s Vernazza, known for its medieval castle and charming waterfront. The last and largest town, Monterosso al Mare has a gorgeous sandy beach that’s made it popular for sunbathing and swimming!
If you can spare a couple of nights in Cinque Terre, you absolutely should. There’s something very special about this destination… And I say it as someone who was born and raised in Bologna, Italy, and managed to explore most of Italy multiple times!
However, I understand that many people travel to Italy and have limited time, and it’s just impossible to see it all. In this case, you can easily visit the Cinque Terre on a day trip from Florence. They’re approximately 124 miles (200 km) apart.
Since it’s such a popular excursion, you’ll find plenty of fantastic tours available to take you on this unforgettable adventure. In this article, we’ll take a look at the ultimate Cinque Terre tours from Florence, so you only browse through high-quality options. Check them out!
I generally use Viator and Get Your Guide to book tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy. If your travel plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
Limited time? These are the top tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Hiking |
| CINQUE TERRE + PISA TOUR | Pisa and Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Full-Day Private Cinque Terre Tour with Pisa |
OUR PICK: The BEST Cinque Terre Tour from Florence
Join this Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking for an unforgettable excursion to discover the best of the region. You’ll leave Florence by coach with a diver-tour escort, who’ll provide fascinating insights into Cinque Terre’s history as you make your way there.
You’ll have two options when it comes to visiting the charming Cinque Terre towns, either hiking along the coastline or taking the train. You can also opt for either a guided tour or transportation only, enjoying the utmost flexibility, which is one of my favorite aspects of this tour.
The first stop will be in Manarola, a picturesque village with vibrant houses perched on a cliff. You’ll have time to explore its lovely streets and check out the views, shop, or eat before following the scenic trail to Corniglia.
Corniglia is the smallest of the five towns, sitting atop a small cape overlooking the sea, and where you’ll have free time to wander. Then, continue hiking to Vernazza along the coastal trails that offer incredible sights of both the towns below and the sea. (If you opt out of hiking, you’ll take the train between the villages instead).
Vernazza, the town where the Pixar movie Lucca is supposedly set in, offers a great bay for swimming, and colorful bars where you can have a Spritz or an espresso and unwind with perfect views. That moment alone is bound to become a core memory because Vernazza is just so pretty and authentically Italian!
Finally, be treated to a scenic boat ride to Riomaggiore, from where you’ll hike back to Manarola and hop on the coach which will take you back to Florence.
Why this tour? Besides its over 6 THOUSAND stellar reviews? It takes you to the five Cinque Terre villages, unlike most tours that only visit a few. Besides, it offers a perfect balance of free time and organized activities, with a boat ride included.
Read what the reviews say:
“Fabulous day! This was a perfect way to get a highlight tour of the area. The drive to/from was very comfortable and beautiful. We learned a lot about the countryside during the drive. Some of us opted for the hike and others didn’t. Loved the flexibility to choose. This has certainly been a highlight! Bravo to the guides, who did an amazing job all day long!”
Alyce_D – Read more reviews
This Cinque Terre hiking tour from Florence includes: Transfers, a guide, entrance to the National Park, hike, a boat ride, and free time. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Options (No Hiking)
▶️ Embark on a scenic journey with this Semi-Private or Private Cinque Terre Day Tour. It gives you the choice of sharing the experience with other travelers or making it private. You’ll board a comfortable minivan and make your way to Liguria with a guide.
The first stop will be the picturesque village of Manarola, where you’ll have free time to stroll along its narrow alleys and quaint squares. Then, enjoy a boat ride to Vernazza, home to a castle and other interesting buildings, and delightful local bars.
Enjoy lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants, and then head to the scenic town of Corniglia, the last stop of the trip.
This tour includes: Transportation, a guide, a boat ride or coastal train (weather dependent), and a visit to three towns in Cinque Terre. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Get ready for a memorable journey on this From Florence: Best of Cinque Terre and Porto Venere Day Trip.
You’ll travel comfortably to Manarola, where you’ll get to marvel at the typical case-torri that make this village unique. The next stop is Vernazza, overlooked by the remains of a medieval castle and a delightful town to stroll around.
Spend time in Monterosso, an ancient fishing village known for its lovely beaches and lush vegetation. After sunbathing on the sandy shores, take a boat trip to Riomaggiore.
You’ll also get to cruise along the coastline and stop at the iconic Porto Venere. A knowledgeable guide will provide insights about the region, its culture, and its history.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, all visits, and a boat ride. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Tours from Florence to Cinque Terre + Pisa
▶️ This Pisa and Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence by Train allows you to discover two of the main attractions near Florence. You’ll hop aboard a train, accompanied by an expert guide, and enjoy a scenic ride to Pisa.
Enjoy 1.5 hours of free time to explore the city and snap pictures of the famous Leaning Tower. Then, travel to the three main villages of Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza.
Make the most of your visit to each town, checking out their main landmarks, chilling by the beach, or tasting local delicacies. At the end of the day, you’ll board a train to return to Florence.
This tour includes: Transfers, a guide, all visits, and time in Pisa. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Semi Private Tour to Cinque Terre and Pisa Leaning Tower from Florence is a fantastic alternative. With a maximum group size of eight people, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience.
Start the day with a visit to Riomaggiore, followed by a scenic boat ride to Manarola. Or you can choose to hike there instead! After free time to explore, take the train to Vernazza to go swimming in the sea, and enjoy local cuisine.
After your explorations in the glorious Cinque Terre, it’s time to head to Pisa. You’ll be set free to wander around its monuments on your own, most of which are found in Piazza dei Miracoli.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, bottled water, train and boat tickets, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Cinque Terre Private Tours from Florence
▶️ This Cinque Terre Private Day Trip from Florence accommodates groups of up to 6 people, so it’s super intimate. You’ll enjoy a comfortable drive to La Spezia, and there board the train to the first Cinque Terre village: Corniglia.
A guide will be with you throughout the day to provide assistance and insights about each town as you visit them all. After Corniglia you’ll head to Manarola, followed by a scrumptious seaside lunch in Vernazza.
Enjoy free time in Monterosso, admiring its olive-dotted hills and chilling at the beach, and end your day trip with an hour in Riomaggiore.
This Florence to Cinque Terre tour includes: Hotel pick-up, train and boat tickets, visit to all the villages, a guide, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Check out this Full-Day Private Cinque Terre Tour with Pisa. It starts with a visit to Manarola, where you’ll get to stroll its picturesque alleys before boarding a shared boat toward Vernazza.
Make sure to keep your eyes on the coastline, admiring the striking clifftop towns and rugged bluffs. Wander around Vernazza and get some lunch to refuel. The town is renowned for its seafood specialties!
The next stop is Corniglia, a very unique Cinque Terre town as it’s not located on the water like the rest of them. On your way back to Florence, stop for some sightseeing in Pisa, where you’ll get to admire the Leaning Tower and other monuments.
This tour includes: Transportation, a boat ride, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Fully-Day Private Tour to Cinque Terre from Florence offers a customizable experience. You can visit the towns of Manarola, Corniglia, and Vernazza, taking in the striking sights of terraced hills and clifftop towns.
You’ll enjoy free time in each location to wander at your leisure, browsing local shops and snapping pictures. Going on a boat tour is also a great idea!
Marvel at the scenic coastal drive between the towns, and opt to upgrade your tour if you’d like to include a visit to Pisa.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, and a tour escort. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
