Escorted Full Day Tour of Cinque Terre from Florence

The Italian term Cinque Terre translates to ‘Five Lands’. It is used to refer to the five villages that line the coast and make up the Liguria region on the Italian Riviera - Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, Manarola, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore. The Cinque Terre National Park comprises of these hamlets, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Due to little to no corporate development in the region, the villages here retained their rustic beauty. Over the centuries, terraces were built all the way up to the top of the cliffs on the rugged landscape by the villagers. The charm of the place is further enhanced by the fact that no cars or buses can reach some of these places. Boats, trains and narrow pathways are the only means of transport. Historically, these villages held strong against Turkish assaults back in the 16th Century by building barricades and towers. It was not until the 19th Century that the villages of Cinque Terre were brought out of their isolation through the construction of an extensive railway network. Except for Monterosso, none of the other hamlets considered fishing their defining occupation until the 1970s. There is a strange charm about the place that makes visiting these villages extremely compelling.

Your tour will begin at the picturesque Cinque Terre village of Manarola. After you have looked around and clicked a few photos, you will board a train that will take you on the scenic route to Riomaggiore. From here, you can take a boat to the village of Monterosso. Dive into the Mediterranean and enjoy a short swim before returning to the village for lunch. Considering the fact that all these villages lie in the mediterranean region, it comes as no surprise that the local cuisine, which largely includes seafood, is simply irresistible. Delicacies like Monterosso's anchovies and pesto sauce are treats to savour. There are many small shops that are interesting to explore in this village.

From Manarola, you will take a brief train ride to Vernazza. Enjoy the delightful view of the sea and the cliffs as you sit in a cozy bar or cafe. Finally, a train from Vernazza will bring you back to La Spezia, and your tour will be at an end.