Overview
Cinque Terre has timeless appeal to every traveler to the Italian Riviera.
This series of century-old fishing villages, named Cinque Terre, is a favorite among locals as well as visitors. The area remains true to its past as vehicles are not permitted into the villages, which sit at sea level. They are tucked away in a particularly mountainous kink of the Italian Riviera, each village was shaped by the profound isolation. Today the villages’ exquisite ruggedness still presents a few challenges for accessibility. Cars are able to drive close to the village entrances but parking is not only difficult but costly. Therefore our English-speaking drivers will leave you at one end of the row of villages with a great explanation of the history, the highlights, and how to maneuver your way around.
These towns, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso, all have their own flavor but each has its own nuances that make it worth the visit by fishing boat to as many as time allows. You can move between them with these boats that sit at the waterfront waiting for youor you may prefer using the train that moves between them as well. One thought is to take the train to the furthest, which depends on where you arrive from, and then hop from one to the next by boat.
Easternmost RIOMAGGIORE is the largest of all five villages and its buildings line up down a steep ravine to a tiny harbor.
The grapevines that surround MANAROLA produce the Cinque Terre wine, Sciacchetrà, and a glass of that would set the tone for your day.
CORNIGLIA sits atop a high rocky promontory surrounded by vineyards, and is the only village that lacks direct access to the sea. Steep steps wind from a rocky cove and its waterfront train station far below.
VERNAZZA'S small harbour and narrow lanes that rise almost vertically from sea level, with a maze of stairs and tiny terraces.
MONTEROSSO is the only village that has a proper strip of beach. Known for its lemon trees and plump anchovies served right off the boat, it’s the furthest west of the villages.
However many you see will not matter in the end. They are all wonderful and a good philosophy is to enjoy where you are rather than moving on too fast and regret it.
- Normally we provide a wonderful English-speaking driver who will leave you at the closest village with plenty of simple instructions and history to make your way from one village to the next. If you prefer, we can provide an English-speaking local guide to accompany you for 5-6 hours which can be added as you book your excursion.
- 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.
- 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 730am 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. - 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. You may add an English-speaking guide to accompany you when you purchase the excursion.
- Please note that on the first Sunday of each month many tourist sites in Italy have free admission. This can often result in long lines. If you are staying at a hotel, it may be beneficial to avoid booking a tour involving inside visits to major attractions on these days. If you have questions, contact ShoreTrips.
- 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.
- Modest dress is required in all Italian churches. If you expect to enter a church during your tour, please do not wear shorts, sleeveless tops, skirts above the knee, or revealing clothing. If preferred, you may wear a shawl to cover your shoulders. This applies to children as well.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 07:30 AM, duration: 8 hours
- 08:30 AM, duration: 8 hours
- 09:30 AM, duration: 8 hours
