Overview
Private English-speaking driver and transportation for the day.
The Cinque Terre are five ancient fortified villages that dramatically demonstrate the ingenuity of humanity carved into the severity of nature.
The Cinque Terre is a string of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. In each of the 5 towns, colorful houses and ancient vineyards cling to steep terraces, fishing boats bob in harbors and trattorias turn out seafood specialties along with the Liguria region’s most famous dish, pesto. To visit the Cinque Terre means to visit five villages suspended between sea and earth, clinging to the cliffs and surrounded by green hills. Here the sea, the hills, the vineyards, the old ancient villages, and the Genovese-style churches combine to result in breathtaking scenery. There are no cars and no noise, only nature.
Your experience begins immediately with a panoramic drive that will include Portovenere. Portovenere is a town that dates back to at least the middle of the first century. The ancient town is a hidden treasure for tourists and even residents of Italy to still discover. The town, or “comune” as referred to by the Italian government, is located on the provincial coast of La Spezia, in the region of Liguria. Rocky horizons, lush forests and vegetation, completed with bodies of water suppled by the Mediterranean Sea, surround this area. Perhaps the most profound scenery of Portovenere is the strip of homes that lay across the shoreline of the marina. It’s quite the sight.
From here you can continue on by ferry to Manarola and Vernazza. Tiny Manarola is a tumble of buildings bunny-hopping down its ravine to the harbor. You can hike up to Punta Bonfiglio — for a bar on a bluff between the cemetery and the sea — or enjoy tasty treats born right here: pesto on your focaccia, washed down by crisp local wine sprinkled with Mediterranean twinkles. Talk about going local. Vernazza is the next to northernmost town and perhaps most picturesque of the five towns of Cinque Terre in Italy. Colorful, antique homes cling to impossible cliffs. Your driver will be waiting for you in Vernazza and will take you on the most interesting route back to your starting point, through Corniglia. You may stop here if you wish.
Unlike the other localities of the Cinque Terre, Corniglia is not directly adjacent to the sea. Instead, it is on the top of a promontory about 100 metres high, surrounded on three sides by vineyards and terraces and the fourth side descends steeply to the sea, affording lovely views. This is not usually included but it allows you a view that is amazing and also let's you understand Cinque Terre.
On the return trip, we'll take the stunning panoramic road high above the Cinque Terre, stopping in Pisa, where you can get up close to the Leaning Tower! You'll be back at your ship 20 minutes after leaving Pisa.
- Your English-speaking driver will not enter sites with you, but will give running commentaries of what you are seeing and make sure you have enough time to visit each site.
- The price of this tour does not include ferry tickets. A boat tour (one way) is 27€ per person over the age of 12, 15€ for children ages 6-11. The ticket allows you to visit all the Cinque Terre, one way. You can disembark the ferry at any village and re-board at the appointed time.
- This trip is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues.
- Food, beverages, and gratuities are not included in the price of this tour.
- The exact itinerary of the tour may be adjusted.
- We strongly encourage a 7:30am start time for anyone on ships that arrive at 7am or earlier. If you insist on a later start time, the amount of villages you visit may be effected.
- While this tour is available year round, Cinque Terre is best visited between April and October. From November through March, the ferry does not run and the weather is often cold/rainy. Many shops/restaurants are also closed during this time. - The conditions and availability of certain features are ever-changing in the Cinque Terre; we reserve the right to modify the itinerary to give you the most satisfying visit with respect to the situation on the day of your visit.
- Changes in local ordinances (particularly with respect to where we can enter with the vehicle and park) may also make it necessary to alter your itinerary.
- In the event of severe storm warnings we reserve the right to substitute a different service in the interest of client safety.
- We have found that there may be a rare occurrence of a port change from Livorno to La Spezia. La Spezia is accessible to the same sightseeing as Livorno, but is a slightly longer ride. This port requires an increase in cost as the distance from these highlights is further. Your guide will be waiting for you as you disembark. You may have an adjustment to your tour itinerary depending on your exit time, but be assured that your knowledgeable driver/escort will direct you to a satisfying day. This change is an exception to our policy that ship changes will result in a refund. People have been too disappointed sitting on the ship after this itinerary change and we feel this is in the best interest of the traveler. The additional costs are as follows: to Cinque Terre add $75; to Florence and Pisa, and Pisa and Lucca the additional charge is $265. We apologize for your difficult day, but promise that the sun will shine as soon as you meet your guide.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 07:30 AM, duration: 9 hours For ships that arrive at 7am or earlier.
- 08:30 AM, duration: 9 hours Only for ships that arrive at 8am.
- 09:30 AM, duration: 9 hours Only for ships that arrive at 9am.
