Pisa & Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence: Small Group, Train

Summary

Early train from Florence to Pisa then Cinque Terre villages by the sea

You’ll catch an early train from Florence with your small group and local guide, see Pisa’s Leaning Tower up close, then ride along Italy’s coast to wander through Cinque Terre’s colorful villages at your own pace. Expect laughter, salty air, crowded trains, and plenty of time for photos or a quick swim—these are memories that stick around long after you’ve shaken off the sand.

What’s the experience like?

We shuffled through Santa Maria Novella station before sunrise, eyes still half-shut, searching for someone in a purple T-shirt (our guide, Chiara — she waved like she’d had three coffees already). The train ride out of Florence was quiet, just the soft hum and that odd smell you only get on Italian trains — metallic and slightly sweet. I tried to nap but mostly watched the countryside blur past. By Pisa, we were all a bit more awake, following Chiara out into the bright green of Piazza dei Miracoli. You can’t really prepare for how tilted the Leaning Tower looks in real life — it’s almost comical. We had plenty of time to wander; I grabbed a coffee at a bar nearby, then tried (badly) to get that classic “holding up the tower” photo. Some locals laughed at our group’s attempts. I didn’t bother climbing the tower — lines were long — but poked my head into the Baptistery instead, where it echoed even when someone just coughed.

Back on another train toward La Spezia, we swapped stories with a couple from Manchester who’d somehow managed to pack even less than me (impressive). At La Spezia station there was this rush for snacks and toilets before we squeezed onto a regional train for Cinque Terre. It was crowded — honestly, hotter than expected — but once we spilled out into Riomaggiore it felt worth it. The air smelled like seaweed and fried dough from some tiny shop tucked down an alley. I lost track of Chiara for a minute because I stopped to watch two old men argue over fishing nets near the port (they seemed happy enough though). In Vernazza, I kicked off my shoes and waded into the water while others found gelato or perched on rocks with cameras. There’s this faded blue paint on some doors that sticks in my mind — sun-bleached and chipped away by salt air.

Manarola was our last stop before heading back — those houses stacked up like toy blocks over the cliffs. We wandered along the harbor; someone played accordion nearby and it felt like something out of an old film. The sun was starting to drop behind clouds but the light made everything look softer somehow. On the way back to Florence everyone was quieter — tired in that good way you get after walking all day by the sea. I kept thinking about how different each village felt, even though they’re so close together. If you’re after a day trip from Florence that mixes famous sights with messy little moments (and don’t mind crowded trains), this one really lingers with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Pisa and Cinque Terre villages

• Meet at Santa Maria Novella station
• Train ride to Pisa
• Visit Piazza dei Miracoli sights
• Free time at Leaning Tower and Duomo
• Train to La Spezia
• Transfer to Cinque Terre by local train
• Explore Riomaggiore village
• Free time in Vernazza village
• Visit Manarola village
• Train back to Florence

Top questions

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

The tour lasts a full day, starting around 7:30am at Santa Maria Novella station in Florence and returning in the evening after visiting Pisa and three Cinque Terre villages.

Is lunch included on this Pisa & Cinque Terre day trip?

No set lunch is included; you’ll have free time in La Spezia or one of the villages to buy food from local stores or cafes.

Do I need to book tickets for the Leaning Tower of Pisa in advance?

If you want to climb the Leaning Tower during your free time in Pisa, booking ahead is recommended—especially for a 10:00am slot.

Which Cinque Terre villages are visited on this tour?

The tour usually visits Riomaggiore (except peak summer), Vernazza, and Manarola—with free time in each village.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you meet your guide at Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence at 7:30am.

How do we travel between destinations on this tour?

You’ll use regional trains throughout—from Florence to Pisa, then onward via La Spezia into Cinque Terre’s villages.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No—it involves walking through uneven streets and getting on/off crowded regional trains; not recommended for those with walking disabilities or sensitive to heat.

What should I bring for this day trip?

In summer: hat, sunscreen, water bottle, swimsuit; in winter: rain jacket just in case. Don’t bring valuables due to pickpockets on trains.

What’s included

Your day includes all regional train tickets between Florence, Pisa, La Spezia, and three Cinque Terre villages; guidance from an English-speaking local tour leader throughout; small group size capped at 20 people; plus flexible free time at each stop so you can explore or relax however you like before returning together by train in the evening.