Cinque Terre: Private Day Trip from La Spezia Port & Train

Summary

Private Cinque Terre day trip with local guide and flexible stops

You’ll start your private Cinque Terre day trip from La Spezia with a friendly local guide who knows every shortcut (and bakery). Taste fresh focaccia in Riomaggiore, ride ferries between colorful villages if weather allows, pause for lunch above Vernazza’s harbor, and wander Monterosso’s lively lanes—all at your own pace. There’s room for spontaneity here; you’ll feel less like a tourist and more like you belong.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t rush the pesto,” our guide Marta said, spoon in hand, as we watched her gesture at a little trattoria in Vernazza. She’d met us right at the La Spezia cruise port—big grin, rain jacket already half-zipped—and somehow made the walk to the train station feel like an introduction to her whole town. The air smelled faintly salty and metallic from last night’s rain, mixed with coffee drifting out of a bakery we passed (I almost stopped for a second espresso but didn’t want to fall behind). It was just ten minutes by train before we rolled into Riomaggiore, and I remember thinking how compact everything felt—like the sea and hills were squeezing these villages into their bright layers.

I’d read about Cinque Terre day trips from La Spezia before but didn’t expect Marta to know everyone. In Manarola she waved at an old man selling lemons—he handed me one to smell (sharp, almost floral) and laughed when I tried to say grazie with my mouth full of focaccia. The ferry ride between towns was bumpier than I thought it’d be; spray on my face, kids shouting in Italian behind us, Marta pointing out which houses belonged to fishermen’s families. Sometimes she switched between English and Italian so fast I got lost for a second. It was good though—felt less like a tour, more like tagging along with someone who actually lives here.

By Vernazza my shoes were dusty and my camera roll was already full. We found lunch at a place right above the harbor—Marta ordered anchovies “the way her grandmother liked them.” Honestly, I still think about that view: boats bobbing in the sun, plates clattering inside, that weirdly perfect mix of basil and sea air. She let us set the pace; no pressure if we wanted to linger or skip something. Monterosso came last for us—a bit busier, more gelato stands—and then back by train to La Spezia before our ship left. I kept finding sand in my pockets hours later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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 by ferry or train to Vernazza
• Explore Vernazza and optional lunch
• Travel by ferry or train to Monterosso
• Explore Monterosso with guide
• Return by train to La Spezia
• Walk or taxi to port for cruise

Top questions

How long does the private Cinque Terre tour from La Spezia take?

The tour is designed as a full-day trip but can be customized based on your cruise schedule or preferences.

Is hotel pickup included for this Cinque Terre day trip?

If you’re staying in La Spezia or arriving from another city, you’ll meet your guide at the train station; cruise passengers are met at the port.

Are boat rides included in this Cinque Terre private tour?

Yes, ferry-boat transfers between towns are included when weather allows (not available Nov–Mar); otherwise travel is by train.

Can we choose which Cinque Terre towns to visit?

The itinerary is flexible—you can spend more or less time in each village depending on your interests and timing.

Is lunch included during this private day trip?

Lunch is not included but your guide will recommend local restaurants in Vernazza or other villages.

How much walking is involved on this Cinque Terre tour?

A moderate amount of walking is required; comfortable shoes are recommended as some paths are uneven or hilly.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

This experience isn’t recommended for travelers with limited mobility due to stairs and uneven terrain in the villages.

Are train tickets included on this private tour?

Yes, all necessary train transfers between La Spezia and the Cinque Terre towns are included in your booking price.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your licensed local guide right at the La Spezia port or train station (depending on where you’re staying), all necessary train tickets between towns and back again, plus ferry-boat rides if weather allows. The itinerary stays flexible so you can linger where you like most; lunch isn’t covered but your guide will suggest great spots along the way before returning you safely to your starting point.