Cinque Terre from Florence: 5 Villages, Boat Ride & Hiking

Summary

Five Ligurian villages, sea air, winding trails and sun-warmed stone

You’ll walk ancient paths between cliffside villages, taste Ligurian flavors by the sea, and maybe cool off with a swim or boat ride along Cinque Terre’s coastline. With a local guide leading from Florence and plenty of time to wander or hike at your own pace, this day trip lets you feel both the pulse of busy harbors and quiet hilltop lanes.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along in the coach out of Florence when I realized I’d forgotten how green Tuscany can look before the coast. Our guide, Marco, was telling us about pirates (actual pirates!) who once raided these Cinque Terre villages — he pointed out where old lookout towers still stand above Vernazza. The air changed as we got closer to the sea; you could smell salt and wild herbs even before we saw water. I kept thinking: how did anyone build houses on cliffs like this?

The first steps in Manarola felt almost too steep for breakfast legs, but then you get distracted by laundry flapping between pastel buildings and that weirdly sweet smell coming from a bakery window — Marco said it was focaccia with grapes, which sounds odd but works. We took our time through Corniglia (tiny, perched up high — my calves complained) and then hit the hiking trail. It’s rocky, uneven, sometimes just dirt and roots underfoot. No handrails in places, so yeah, if you’re not steady or hate heights maybe skip that bit. But the views… I mean, there’s a reason people write songs about this coastline.

Vernazza was buzzing — kids jumping off rocks into blue water while old men argued over cards at a café. I tried to order coffee in Italian; the barista smiled politely but answered in English anyway. We had free time to swim or just sit by the harbor eating anchovies on bread (saltier than I expected). Monterosso’s beach is sandy — rare here — and some folks went straight for a swim while others wandered looking for gelato. The boat ride (if weather plays nice) gives you this lazy sweep past all five villages; gulls overhead, spray on your face if you stand up front.

Riomaggiore was our last stop before heading back to Florence. The colors really are regulated by the town council — Marco swore it’s true — so every photo looks like a postcard whether you try or not. On the train back up the coast I watched locals chatting in dialect I couldn’t catch, sunburned tourists dozing off already. There’s something about leaving Cinque Terre that makes you want to come back before you’ve even unpacked.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cinque Terre villages and coast

• Check-in and depart from Florence
• Visit Riomaggiore village
• Explore Manarola village and panoramic walk
• Visit Corniglia village and San Pietro church
• Hike ancient trails between villages
• Visit Vernazza village and port
• Explore Monterosso old town and Fegina beach
• Enjoy boat ride along coastline (weather permitting)
• Coach transfer back to Florence

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Florence to Cinque Terre?

The coach journey from Florence to Cinque Terre takes around 2–2.5 hours each way depending on traffic.

Is hiking required on this Cinque Terre day trip?

No, hiking is optional—there are alternative routes for those who prefer not to hike.

Are there swimming opportunities during the tour?

Yes, there is free time in Monterosso or Vernazza where you can swim if you bring your own towel and swimwear.

Is lunch included on this Cinque Terre tour?

No set lunch is included—you have free time in the villages for meals at your own expense.

Will there be a boat ride during the tour?

A scenic boat ride along the Cinque Terre coastline is included from end March to end October if weather allows.

Are entry tickets to Cinque Terre included?

Entry tickets to access Cinque Terre are included unless you book transport only.

Is hotel pickup offered from Florence?

No hotel pickup—the tour departs from a central meeting point in Florence.

What language is the guided tour conducted in?

The tour is conducted only in English for quality and service reasons.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip coach transport between Florence and all five Cinque Terre villages with an English-speaking local guide leading throughout. Entry tickets for village access are covered (unless you choose transport only), plus there’s a boat ride along the coast if weather permits. You’ll have free time for swimming or exploring at your own pace before returning to Florence that evening.