Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking

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Duration:13 hours (approx.)
Location: Florence, Tuscany

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If you love an outdoor adventure, our Cinque Terre tour is sure to add a little something special to your Italian holiday. Join us and explore some of the country’s most beautiful coastal towns and admire the stunning landscapes on a guided tour you’re sure to remember for life.

- The only round trip, one day tour from Florence to all five Cinque Terre villages

- Explore the Italian Riviera and enjoy spectacular coastal views

- Free time in the villages for wine tasting, souvenir shopping or for a swim in the turquoise waters at one of the area’s beaches

- A scenic boat ride along the Cinque Terre coastline (end March to end October only - weather permitting)

- Tour is only in English (not different languages contemporarly) to ensure maximum quality and customer service

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
Check-in and departure point
2. Borgo Storico di Manarola
Built in the valley of the torrente Groppo, until 1950 the stream which runs through the town was completely uncovered and 11 stone bridges allowed the people to cross from one side to the other. Over the next thirty years the stream was gradually covered over. The ancient village was destroyed by Saracen pirates (in 849) and the surviving people fled in land to live. When the seas were made safe again in the 11th century, people came back to settle here under the protection of the Republic of Genova. By the 1200's cultivation of vines was not only established but the wine they produced was sought after. The church of San Lorenzo was begun in 1338. The patron saint is celebrated on the 10th of August with a procession through the streets carrying a statue of him. The castle which protected the town from pirates is now a private home, you can see the garden from the panoramic walk, it is on the rock immediately above the port. Manarola is now famous for its Christmas nativity scene which is the biggest in the world. Figures outlined in thousands of lights cover the hillside. Also an Easter scene is made.
3. Borgo Storico di Corniglia
The middle town of the five, Corniglia is the smallest town and sits at 90 metres above sea level. The name derives from the huge spur of rock on which the village sits. Population of about only 200. San Pietro church from the fourteenth century on the site of an eleventh century chapel. San Pietro's day is 29th June and as part of the celebrations, there is a procession through the streets. A special savoury tart is prepared with rice, eggs and cheese and is shared among the people who take part in the procession.
4. Cinque Terre Trails
These 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 unspoiled, do not expect hand rails or safety rails when steps are steep or when the path is close to the cliff edge. Because of the nature of the hike, we are unable to accept small children or anyone with walking difficulties.
5. Vernazza
Vernazza is unique in the Cinque Terre because of the small port that was built allowing ships to land in the protected bay. It was already a fortified village and efficient maritime base in the earliest records available from the eleventh century. Today there are traces of the military defences built by the Genovese in the thirteenth century such as traces of the old walls, ramparts and the look out tower.
6. Borgo Antico
There was a castle here before 1200 and some ruins of it can still be seen. The community of Monterosso was founded in 1214. The church of San Giovanni Battista, built-in 1220 has a bell tower built in 1400 as a lookout tower. The church of San Antonio di Mesco was built in 1335.
7. Spiaggia di Fegina
The new town is called Fegina and is linked to the old part of Monterosso by a pedestrian tunnel. Statue of Neptune built into the rock, but made of concrete so badly deteriorated, was built by an architect in the 1920's. The sandy shelf provides the ideal habitat for seagrass which acts as a lung for the waters of the Cinque Terre and provides a beautiful beach for us. The whole area is a marine protected area, like the sea version of a national park. 2007 Forbes magazine called Monterosso the sexiest beach in the world....whatever that may mean.
8.
Boat Ride (weather permitting)
9. Borgo Storico di Riomaggiore
At Riomaggiore, centuries ago, the distinctive tall, colourful houses known as Genovese tower houses arranged in rows connected by alleys, arches and steps provided a defense against pirates. House colours are regulated by the comune. You can't just paint them any colour you like! Houses have two entrances, one at the front and one at the rear on the higher road, so that when they were attacked by pirates, the people could escape. At the end of the eighteen hundreds the railway came along the coast and Riomaggiore, along with the other towns of the cinque terrre came out of their historic isolation, even though a road wouldn't reach them until the 1970's. Language, lingua ligure, the villages were so cut off even from each other that they spoke different dialects of the same language.
10. Stazione La Spezia Centrale
Coach transfer back to Florence

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• Suitable walking shoes are mandatory for those doing the hiking – no flip-flops. Suggestions: walking boots or sneakers, closed toe shoes with non-slip soles.
• If you want to swim during free time, please remember to bring your own towel and swimwear.
• On rare occasions the boat ride will stop operating due to bad weather or strong winds. It is beyond our control so no refunds or discounts will be issued.
• In case of unexpected closure of the paths for unforeseen events, alternative routes will be taken instead for those doing the hiking
• A large amount of walking is involved for those doing the hiking. You must be of average fitness and be able to keep up with the rest of the group.
• Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking difficulties, below average fitness, or young children.
• Minimum age is 8 years.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Bernard_H
This was the most incredible exposure to an area with SO much to offer. The guides Chris, Gabriel and Anna made greatly enhanced the experience with their knowledge, enthusiasm and recommendations. It was truly magical day and this little taste has left us wanting more so we will definitely be back!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-30 05:16:48

Posted By : Rohish_D
Anna, Chris and Gabriel were absolutely amazing!! They were full of energy and guided us through all the parts of the tour efficiently and gave a great background knowledge on all the things we covered. The cherry on top was the ending boat ride which covered all the 5 villages once again from water with breathtaking views. I highly recommend this tour, it’s dense and rewarding.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-30 03:27:15

Posted By : Michele_D
Magical day! Victoria, Giancarlo & Dario were all amazing tour guides. Loved their knowledge & guidance throughout the day! It is a rigorous day even without the hike. Worth every step to see such a beautiful place.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-29 10:02:08

Posted By : Susan_R
Be prepared to walk and hike! I can't stress this enough. There are steps and a hike that are very challenging. You can opt out of the hike if you need to. Our guides were so awesome! They were helpful and patient with the group. You take trains and a bus, and it can't be easy to herd a huge group like we had, but they did a great job. This area is beautiful and there is so much to see. I would skip the lunch. It was just ok, and the owner seemed to be annoyed by the group. There are many places around there that you can have a quick lunch. Overall, this was a fun day!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-29 08:49:24

Posted By : Elsbeth_H
We love this tour! It was a whirlwind but very well organized and so fun! Our tour guides Chris and Stefano were wonderful. They were so kind, knowledgeable, and accommodating while still making sure everyone got to each place on time so as to not hold up the rest of the group. The views are absolutely stunning and well worth the trip. The hike was amazing but fairly difficult. We were exhausted by the end of the day but so glad we did it! One of my favorite days of our trip so far.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-29 05:40:43

Posted By : dougkE5510YI
The guides were fantastic! An excellent experience! We recommend this group. Well organized and the bus was top notch, super comfortable.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-29 04:06:22

Posted By : Helen_E
Very organized. Chris and Stefano were great guides. They know a lot of history, very knowledgeable and accommodating. We were able to see 5 villages and had a boat ride. It was long day but definitely worth it. Expect a lot of walking and a lot of stairs.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-28 13:33:39

Posted By : Colten_Y
Valentina and Manuelo were amazing. Very knowledgeable and kind. We had a great time and would do it again.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-28 03:12:14

Posted By : Ticia_B
Of all the tours we had booked this one we were most excited about. Unfortunately, at no fault of the tour, it rained on us the majority of the day. With that in mind … you are outside the entire time and the tour will not cancel regardless. We had rain jackets but by the end of the tour our shoes and socks were soaking wet. We wanted to do the optional hike SO bad but due to backpacking and having only brought 2 pairs of shoes (tennis shoes and sandals) we couldn’t afford our shoes to be muddy and wet. Not to mention our tour guide said it was muddy, slippery, and dangerous. Be ready to rip and run as you are in a large group going from city to city via train along with everyone else. Our guide Claudette, did a great job making sure no one got left behind. But, it is a little chaotic! Even with the rain and not getting to do the optional hike Cinque Terre is beautiful and you should definitely check it out!!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-27 16:56:12

Posted By : Kathleen_H
All day trip with a lot of people and public transportation and confusion. The coast was beautiful but each village was the same food and shops so after awhile it was boring for all the work to get to the towns. The boat ride on the water was the highlight.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-27 08:15:15