Cinque Terre and Pisa Tower tour: 3 villages by train and boat

The driver stays with you on the boat and train, not just the van.

A semi-private tour from Florence for up to 8 people that visits three of the five Cinque Terre villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazzo—by public train and boat, then continues to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as are train and boat tickets within Cinque Terre; the driver provides cultural and historical context during the drive and travels with the group on public transport. An optional one-hour hike between Riomaggiore and Manarola is available depending on weather and trail conditions, with the driver following by boat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Cinque Terre and Pisa Tower

• Travel to Riomaggiore by minivan
• Take public boat from Riomaggiore to Manarola
• Optional hike from Riomaggiore to Manarola
• Visit Manarola and take train to Vernazza
• Explore Vernazza and enjoy free time
• Train from Vernazza to Riomaggiore
• Drive to Pisa and visit Leaning Tower area
• Return to Florence by minivan

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your Florence hotel in an air-conditioned Mercedes minivan. The driver introduces the Cinque Terre villages—five coastal settlements that form a UNESCO World Heritage site linked by train—during the drive north. You arrive at Riomaggiore first, where stone houses with colored façades and slate roofs climb the ridges above the sea. From here, you have a choice: take the public boat directly to Manarola, or hike Trail 531 if conditions allow. The hike runs one hour, covers 1.47 kilometers, and climbs 202 meters through vegetable gardens and along a ridge with views back toward the coast; the driver follows by boat and meets you in Manarola. The path is marked for expert hikers and can be slippery and steep, so suitable walking shoes and preparation matter.

Manarola, possibly the oldest of the five villages with its church cornerstone dating to 1338, sits on the next stop. The name likely evolved from a Latin word for "large wheel," referring to a mill that once stood there. A train carries you from Manarola to Vernazzo, the only natural port among the five and the wealthiest village, with more elaborate architecture. You'll see the Castle of the Doria, watchtowers, and the Romanesque sanctuary of Our Lady of Reggio. Free time here lets you swim in the sea if you brought a towel, or find lunch—pesto pasta and fresh Mediterranean seafood are available locally but not included in the tour price. The driver does not guide inside churches or museums, so you explore at your own pace.

After Vernazzo, a train returns you to Riomaggiore, where the minivan is waiting to drive you south to Pisa. You arrive at Piazza dei Miracoli around 16:30 and have free time to walk around the Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, the Duomo, and Piazza dei Cavalieri, home to the historic Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa. Climbing the tower itself requires separate tickets you can book in advance if you want; most travelers view it from the outside. The driver then takes you back to Florence, arriving in the evening after a 12-hour day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within the pickup zone by air-conditioned Mercedes minivan.
• train and boat tickets for the three Cinque Terre villages.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• one Wi-Fi hotspot per couple to stay connected.

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by I Just Drive

Is this one for you?Small groups of up to 8 people keep costs lower than a large bus tour while still reaching multiple villages in one day—the driver travels with you on the train and boat, so the logistics stay coordinated even when you switch between transport types.

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Top questions

Can I hike between Riomaggiore and Manarola, or do I have to take the boat?

The one-hour hike on Trail 531 is optional and depends on weather and trail conditions. If you choose to hike, the driver follows the group by boat and meets you in Manarola. The path is steep, narrow, and marked for expert hikers, so it requires suitable walking shoes and preparation. If conditions are unsafe or you prefer not to hike, the public boat is the alternative.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off within the pickup zone, transport in the air-conditioned minivan, train and boat tickets within Cinque Terre, bottled water, and one Wi-Fi hotspot per couple are included. Lunch, entrance tickets to the Leaning Tower, and museum or castle entries are not included and cost extra.

Does the driver guide us inside the villages and monuments?

The driver provides cultural, historical, and artistic context during the drive to and from the sites, but is not licensed to guide inside churches, museums, or castles. You have free time in each village to explore on your own.

When do the public boats and trains run in Cinque Terre?

Public boats operate seasonally from April until around the third week of October, subject to weather conditions. Trains run year-round but may be affected by weather. The tour operates within these seasonal windows, so availability depends on when you travel.

What should I bring for this tour?

Wear suitable walking shoes, bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to swim in Vernazzo, and pack a light layer since you'll be near the coast. If you plan to hike, be prepared for steep and uneven terrain. The minivan has air conditioning, and bottled water is provided.

Is climbing the Leaning Tower included?

No, entrance tickets to climb the tower are not included. You can view it from outside Piazza dei Miracoli during your free time, or book climbing tickets separately in advance if you want to go up.