Highlights
- Hiking trip to Cinque Terre from Florence
- Spectacular coastal views along the Cinque Terre
- Lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the blue sea and hillsides covered with vineyards
- Soak up the old-world atmosphere as you explore Cinque Terre villages on foot
- 40-minute boat ride along the Riviera (weather permitting)
- Take a swim in the clear, blue water at Vernazza or Monterosso
- Transport from Florence to Cinque Terre by air-conditioned coach
Recent Photos of this Tour
Useful Information
Cinque Terre Hiking Day Trip from Florence
The Cinque Terre takes its name from the five picturesque fishing villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Each town has a distinct character, but all share alleys, arches and steep stone steps, best explored on foot. An idyllic snapshot of old-world Italy, the villages are surrounded by sunny beaches, narrow lanes lined with shops and stalls, brightly colored fishing boats, seaside promenades and sleepy piazzas.
The ancient trails are rough but manageable. Be prepared for the hiking – although the path is open to everyone, remember that the ground can be slippery, uneven, and in places steep and narrow. The charm of the area is that it is natural and unspoilt, so do not expect hand rails or safety rails when steps are steep or when the path is close to the edge.
Itinerary
Relax as you travel towards the Cinque Terre, listen to stories about Lucca and its famous son Giacomo Puccini, and admire Michelangelo's astonishing marble mountains of Carrara.
Passing just above Manarola (the first village of the Cinque Terre), you'll enter the National Park before tightening your boots for the first section of the trail to Corniglia, a beautiful stretch that finishes with a climb of 382 steps. On the cliff top village of Corniglia a delicious lunch made of fresh Mediterranean seafood and the most authentic pesto pasta is served in a local restaurant with a perfect view of the sea and surrounding hillside.
After lunch, your continue along the steep, ancient path, climbing high up through spectacular terraces of olives towards the village of Vernazza, one of the prettiest and most characteristic of the five towns, where you have free time to sit in one of the cheerful bars and cafés, or even have a cooling swim in the bay.
Next you will take a short train ride to Monterosso, this village is renowned for its beautiful beach and artisan shops. Enjoy free time to taste the local wine, explore the shops or dip your toes in the cool Mediterranean sea. Now, its time to sit back and relax as you enjoy a scenic 40-minute boat ride (weather permitting) along the shores of the Cinque Terre, the journey takes you to Riomaggiore.
In Riomaggiore you begin the last part of the trail, called Via dell'Amore, “Lover's Lane” - a walkway hanging above the sea which leads to Manarola, completing your Cinque Terre visit before returning to Florence by coach.
Reviewed by Dennis O, May 2013
This is a great trip, do it!
Our guide, Chris was fabulous and the day was a mix of historical informatiom, good food, great company and exercise. Added to that were some spectacular scenery and views. A highlight of our Tuscany experience.
Reviewed by Guangsen C, May 2013
I liked this tour. Our tour guide, Chris was so good. I could feel he really cared about our group from the beginning until the end. Cinque Terre was beautiful. The hiking was good. Lunch was delicious.


