Florence to Cinque Terre & Pisa: Day Trip with Beach Stop

Summary

From Florence to Cinque Terre by train then Pisa for that famous tower

You’ll leave Florence early and cross into Liguria by coach before hopping trains along Cinque Terre’s cliffs with a local guide who knows every shortcut. Wander Manarola’s alleys, sample Ligurian food in Monterosso (beach time included), then finish your day marveling at Pisa’s Leaning Tower—all without worrying about tickets or logistics.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re going to eat all the pesto before we even get there,” our guide joked as we passed through Tuscany’s early haze—she was right. The coach ride from Florence felt like a slow exhale, everyone half-awake but already swapping stories. When Liguria’s coastline finally showed up, I remember rolling down the window just for that salty air. It’s different from city air—fresher, a little wild. Our guide (I think her name was Giulia?) kept pointing out olive groves and telling us how the terraces were built stone by stone. I tried to imagine doing that kind of work. Couldn’t.

The train into Manarola rattled along cliffs so close to the sea it felt like we might tip in—someone behind me gasped when the water flashed silver in the sun. Manarola itself is all narrow lanes and laundry flapping off balconies, with cats everywhere. We followed Giulia through a shortcut between two painted houses; she stopped at a tiny square overlooking the water and handed out advice on where to find focaccia “with anchovies if you’re brave.” I wasn’t that brave, but I did try it anyway—salty, chewy, better than expected.

Monterosso was next—bigger, busier, but still somehow sleepy around the edges. Free time meant wandering past gelato shops and watching old men play cards in front of a faded blue door. Some people went straight for Fegina beach; I just sat on a low wall and watched kids chase each other across the sand while someone nearby played accordion (not very well). There was something about that mix of sunlight and sea breeze that made everything feel slower. Maybe it was just tiredness setting in after so much walking—or maybe it was the wine at lunch.

Pisa came later than I expected—a quick stop but enough time to see the Leaning Tower up close (it really does lean more than you’d think). The square buzzed with tourists holding up their hands for photos; I tried too but mostly ended up laughing at my own awkward pose. We piled back into the coach as dusk crept in, feet sandy and heads full of new smells—basil, seaweed, sunscreen—and honestly? Even now, some days I still think about that first breath of Ligurian air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Florence to Cinque Terre and Pisa

• Travel 2.5 hours by coach
• Take local train along coastline
• Visit Manarola town
• Optional walk through vineyards and olive groves
• Free time in Monterosso town
• Relax at Fegina beach
• Travel to Pisa city

Top questions

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

The tour lasts a full day with early departure from Florence and returns in the evening after visiting both Cinque Terre and Pisa.

Is beach time included on this Cinque Terre day trip?

Yes, there is free time to relax at Fegina beach in Monterosso during the tour.

Are train tickets between villages included?

Yes, your Cinque Terre Card covers all necessary train rides between villages during the tour.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No set lunch is included but you’ll have free time in Monterosso to buy food or try local cuisine.

Do you visit Pisa on this trip?

Yes, after Cinque Terre you’ll travel on to Pisa for free time near the Leaning Tower before heading back to Florence.

Is pickup from my hotel available?

The tour includes round-trip transport from a central meeting point in Florence rather than individual hotel pickup.

How much walking is involved?

You should be prepared for moderate walking including optional gentle hikes through vineyards or village streets.

Can infants join this day trip?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport; strollers may be tricky due to uneven terrain.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip coach transport from Florence, all Cinque Terre Card train tickets between villages, admission fees for park access, plenty of free time in both Monterosso and Manarola (including Fegina beach), an optional guided walk through vineyards or olive groves if you’re feeling energetic, plus an English-speaking local guide who keeps things running smoothly until you return in the evening after seeing Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower.