Cinque Terre & Pisa Day Trip from Florence with Boat Ride

Summary

Colorful villages, vineyard walks and Pisa’s leaning marvel in one day

You’ll taste salt on your lips walking Cinque Terre’s cliffside paths, catch laughter on a breezy boat ride, and stand quietly beneath Pisa’s famous tower—all in one day trip from Florence with a local guide handling every detail. Expect vineyard walks, free time for lunch or swimming, and memories that linger longer than you think.

What’s the experience like?

Giulia, our guide, greeted us outside the van with this easy smile—she asked if we’d slept (we hadn’t, much), then handed out little bottles of water. The drive from Florence to Cinque Terre started quiet; I watched mist slide off the hills while someone behind me tried to pronounce “Manarola” right (I still can’t). When we finally stepped out at that first village, the air was salty and sweet—like lemons and seaweed. Giulia pointed up at the terraced vineyards clinging to impossible slopes. “People here say wine tastes better when you have to work for it,” she joked. I believed her.

The walk above Manarola was steeper than I expected—my shoes were grateful I didn’t wear flip-flops like last summer. We passed a man pruning vines who nodded but didn’t stop working; his hands looked stained purple. There was this moment where the sun hit the water just right and everything felt washed in gold. I kept thinking: how do people live with this view every day? Later, we caught a boat between villages (the waves slapped hard against the hull—one woman shrieked and then laughed so loud everyone joined in). The Cinque Terre day trip from Florence is not for anyone who hates surprises; weather changes fast here, so Giulia kept checking her phone for updates.

Lunch wasn’t included but Giulia suggested a tiny spot in Vernazza (“ask for anchovies—they’re local,” she whispered). I tried them even though I usually don’t like fish. They tasted briny and sharp, almost metallic but somehow good. After wandering narrow lanes lined with laundry and cats (so many cats), we piled back into the van for Pisa. The drive felt longer on tired legs—I dozed off for a bit, woke up as we rolled into Piazza dei Miracoli. The Leaning Tower looks stranger in person—tilted like it might topple if you stared too hard. Some people took those classic photos pretending to hold it up; I just sat on the grass and watched shadows move across the marble.

I didn’t expect to feel so…small? Like you’re part of something old and ongoing here. Even now, days later, I keep thinking about that light over Manarola—and how salt clung to my skin all afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cinque Terre and Pisa

• Visit main Cinque Terre villages on foot
• Travel between villages by boat or train
• Hike through Manarola seaside vineyards
• Boat ride along the Riviera (weather permitting)
• Free time to explore Vernazza
• Transfer from Vernazza to Pisa
• Free time at Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli
• Visit Leaning Tower area (tickets not included)

Top questions

How long is the Cinque Terre & Pisa day trip from Florence?

The tour is a full-day experience departing from Florence in the morning and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included. You’ll have free time in one of the Cinque Terre villages to eat where you like.

Does this tour include tickets to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

No, tickets to climb the Leaning Tower are not included.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is provided; you meet at a central point in Florence before departure.

What happens if bad weather cancels the boat ride?

If boats aren’t running due to rough seas or weather, transfers between towns are by local train or minivan instead.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

The tour includes light hiking through vineyards; good walking shoes are recommended. It’s suitable for most fitness levels but not accessible for wheelchairs or impaired mobility.

Is WiFi available during transportation?

Yes, free WiFi is available on board your Mercedes minivan or Sprinter.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport from Florence by luxury Mercedes minivan or Sprinter with free WiFi onboard, guided walks through Cinque Terre’s seaside vineyards led by an English-speaking escort, all national park entry fees covered, plus a scenic boat ride along the Riviera if weather allows. You’ll also get free time for lunch or swimming in one of Cinque Terre’s villages before heading onward to explore Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli at your own pace before returning home again by evening.