Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence: Five Villages by Train

Five cliffside villages, one day, your route between them

A guided day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre with round-trip coach transport and a tour escort who hands you a map and tips, then leaves you free to explore the five UNESCO-listed villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazzo, and Monterosso) by train or boat at your own pace. Swim, walk the pastel lanes, and eat local seafood without planning the logistics yourself.

The experience

The coach leaves Florence in the morning and takes you straight to La Spezia, where the five villages of Cinque Terre begin. A licensed tour escort travels with you, shares commentary on the route, and hands you a map so you know what to look for once you arrive. The ride is 12.5 hours door-to-door, but that includes the full day in the villages plus the return journey. The actual travel time is much shorter, leaving you most of the daylight to move between the towns.

Once you're there, the day is yours to shape. The villages sit along the Ligurian Coast, connected by train or by boat when the weather allows. You might start in Riomaggiore, walk the cliff path to Manarola, then catch the train to Vernazzo for lunch. Corniglia sits higher up and is quieter. Monterosso has the widest beach. There's no fixed itinerary. You pick which towns to visit, how long to stay in each one, and whether you want to swim, eat, or just sit on a terrace and watch the water. The train runs frequently between the villages, so you're not locked into a sequence.

The return bus leaves La Spezia at a set time in the late afternoon, and the tour escort will tell you when to meet. Arriving back in Florence after dark means the day in Cinque Terre doesn't feel rushed, but it does mean you need to be on time for the departure. The bus cannot wait for stragglers, and there's no refund or rescheduling if you miss it.

What’s included

• Round-trip coach transport from Florence to La Spezia.
• licensed tour escort on the bus with expert guidance and a map.
• comfortable air-conditioned coach seating.
• staff assistance at the meeting point for check-in.

Information

Lasts 12h 30m, from € 59 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Apr 20274 departing soon ›

GroupUp to 50 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by CAF Tour and Travel - Gray Line Florence

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to explore multiple villages at your own pace with transport already arranged from Florence. You'll have several hours free to visit two or three towns, swim, and eat without a set schedule.

Traveler reviews

4.17★★★★★★★★★★

29 verified traveler reviews

5 ★22

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★5

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I move between the five villages on my own, or does the tour group stay together?

You explore freely once you arrive in Cinque Terre. The tour escort does not guide you through the villages. You use the map and move between towns by train or boat at whatever pace you choose, alone or with travel companions.

What is the train like between the villages, and how often does it run?

The villages are connected by a regional train that runs frequently throughout the day, making it easy to hop between Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazzo, and Monterosso. Train tickets are not included and you buy them separately when you arrive.

Is there a boat option if I don't want to take the train?

A scenic boat ride between the villages is available when weather permits, giving you an alternative to the train for moving along the coast. Like train tickets, boat tickets are your own cost and are purchased on the day.

What time does the coach leave Florence, and when do we return?

The tour departs Florence in the morning and returns in the evening after a full day in the villages. The exact departure and return times are confirmed when you book. The return bus leaves La Spezia at a fixed time, so you'll need to be back at the meeting point on schedule.

What should I bring and wear for a day in Cinque Terre?

Wear comfortable shoes for walking the village lanes and any cliff paths you choose to explore. Bring your original ID, which is mandatory for the tour. If you plan to swim, pack a swimsuit and towel. Sunscreen and water are also wise choices for a full day outdoors on the coast.

Are meals included, or do I buy lunch in the villages?

Lunch and drinks are not included. You'll find focaccia, pesto, seafood, and other local food throughout the five villages, and you choose where and what to eat during your free time there.