Cinque Terre from La Spezia: Private Boat & Train Tour

Five Towns, One Guide, No Group: A Private Day Through Cinque Terre

You meet your private guide at La Spezia port or train station and spend the day moving through Cinque Terre's five villages by boat and train, with your guide choosing the pace and which towns to prioritize based on your ship's departure or your own schedule. Boat rides and train transfers are included; lunch is not, but your guide suggests places. The boat runs only April through October, so winter visits use trains instead at no extra cost. You're back at the port in time to board, with no group to slow you down or wait for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Cinque Terre towns from La Spezia

• Meet guide at La Spezia port or station
• Travel by train to Riomaggiore
• Explore Riomaggiore with guide
• Travel by ferry or train to Manarola
• Explore Manarola with guide
• Travel to Vernazza
• Explore Vernazza and optional lunch
• Travel to Monterosso
• Explore Monterosso with guide
• Return by train to La Spezia
• Walk or taxi to port for cruise

The Experience

"You'll walk more than you think, but the views make you forget your feet," our guide told me before we even left the station—and she wasn't wrong. The boat leaves La Spezia Centrale around mid-morning, a ten-minute train ride from the cruise port if you're arriving by ship, or directly from the station if you're staying in town. Your private guide meets you at whichever point makes sense for your schedule, and from there it's just the two of you (or your small group) moving through Cinque Terre at whatever pace you want. The boat transfer between towns is included, weather permitting—if the sea's rough, you'll take the train instead with no extra charge, which honestly takes the stress out of planning.

Riomaggiore comes first, the southernmost village, where the guide walks you past the harbor and up into the tight streets without rushing. Then Manarola, smaller and quieter, where you might actually have time to sit with a coffee. Vernazzo is the one everyone photographs—the little port tucked between cliffs—and your guide knows the restaurants that don't overcharge tourists, though lunch isn't included and you'll need to budget for it yourself. Monterosso, the largest town, sometimes doesn't make it into the day depending on how long you've lingered elsewhere or when your cruise ship needs you back, but the guide will tell you upfront what's realistic given your departure time. The flexibility is the whole point of a private tour from La Spezia; you're not watching a clock that applies to twenty other people.

The walking is real—comfortable shoes matter—and you're moving between villages by boat or train, not by foot along the famous hiking trails. That's actually a relief if you've got limited time or just want to see the towns without the full-day trek. Your guide handles the logistics: tickets are included, she knows which platform, which boat, which alley leads somewhere worth seeing. You show up, follow, and ask questions when something catches your eye. The boat ride itself, when the weather allows it, is the part people remember—you're on the water looking back at the villages stacked on the cliffs, and it's the kind of view that makes the whole day feel less like tourism and more like you stumbled into something real.

What’s included

• Your day includes pickup at La Spezia cruise port or train station, a fully licensed private guide for the full tour, train tickets for the journey to Riomaggiore and between towns, and boat transfers between villages (subject to weather and seasonal availability from April to October).
• Your guide customizes the route based on your interests and departure time, suggesting restaurants for lunch and navigating each village's best viewpoints and quieter corners.
• Return transport to the port or station is included, though a taxi from the station to the cruise terminal is not.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Kiss from Italy

Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving by cruise ship and want to see Cinque Terre without arranging your own transport or worrying about missing the boat—the guide handles timing and logistics so you can focus on the villages. It's also ideal if you prefer moving at your own pace rather than keeping up with a group.

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Top questions

Do I need to book this if I'm arriving by cruise ship?

Yes—the guide meets you at the cruise terminal and handles the walk or taxi to the train station, then brings you back in time to board. This removes the guesswork about timing and transport.

What if the weather is bad and the boat doesn't run?

You'll use the train instead to move between towns. The price doesn't change and there's no refund. The boat is seasonal anyway—it only runs April through October.

Is lunch included?

No, but your guide will recommend restaurants in each village and can help you order if you need it.

Can I choose which towns to visit?

Yes. The itinerary is flexible. Your guide will suggest a route based on how much time you have and your interests, but you can adjust on the day.

How much walking is involved?

A medium amount. You're walking through the villages themselves, not hiking between them. Comfortable shoes are essential.

Is this suitable for children?

Infants and small children can use a pram or stroller in the flatter areas, but the villages have stairs and uneven ground. Older children who can walk comfortably will manage fine.

How long is the tour?

It depends on your schedule and how long you spend in each town, but typically a full day from morning departure to afternoon return to the port.

What's included in the price?

The private guide, all train tickets between towns, and boat transfers (weather permitting). Lunch, taxis, and any shopping are separate.