4 Days / 3 Nights
Famous the world over, five small colorful fishing villages carved out of the rocky mountainside above the sea, the Cinque Terre are a must-visit for any traveler to Italy.
The tiny towns are connected only by boat, train and hiking paths. A short and easy hike is the best way to get acclimated. Your private local guide will take you through terraced vineyards overlooking the Mediterranean. Afterwards you will experience a traditional meal in a local trattoria, tasting focaccia, anchovies, cheeses and more. The other best way to experience the Cinque Terre is by boat and you will enjoy a private tour on a comfortable motor boat, giving you a unique view of these five villages. You will have a chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters, discover the best hidden coves and indulge in a light lunch based on typical finger food and paired with some local wine and soft drinks.
This package is available from April to October.
Itinerary
Today, arrive in Monterosso al Mare on your own and check in to the hotel.
*The arrival transfer from Florence or Genoa airport or from Monterosso al Mare train station is not included in the price of this package. We are happy to arrange it for you.
Have the chance to discover “a paradise on Earth”, that has been cherished by famous writers and poets throughout history- Cinque Terre. These ancient villages are known as the best nature preserved areas in all of the Mediterranean, and they have been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997.
First stop of the villages is Riomaggiore to discover the castle built in 1260 to strengthen the villages’ defense and San Giovanni Battista Church. Following the coast up to one of the smallest towns, Manarola (known for their fishing and wine making) to admire the gorgeous vineyards above the town. Next stop is Corniglia, the town perched on the cliff to admire the gorgeous views from above. Then continue onto Vernazza, the gem of Cinque Terre. Dating back to 1080, Vernazza is known for the beauty that surrounds this historical village. It is one of the truest fishing villages that remains and is one of the few no car traffic towns in Italy. You will have the luxury of admiring this gorgeous town while on a romantic walk to discover the Capuchin Cloister. Lastly you will arrive in Monterosso- the largest of the villages in Cinque Terre, known for its sandy beaches, ancient castle, and giant sculpture of Neptune. Visiting these historical villages is truly an unforgettable experience!
Enjoy the beautiful Cinque Terre villages from a different point of view - the sea.
You will admire the villages away from the crowds, while sailing on a comfortable motorboat, including a small cabin, bathroom, and shaded deck. Weather and sea permitting, you will have a chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters, discover the best hidden coves and disembark to visit one of the five towns.
During the tour you will also indulge in a light lunch based on typical snacks (focaccia and vegetable pies) and paired with some local wine and soft drinks.
This morning you may wake at your leisure and enjoy breakfast in your hotel before it's time to check out.
The day is yours. You can either stay and explore Cinque Terre, or continue on your own travel itinerary.
*The departure transfer to Monterosso al Mare train station or another destination is not included in the price of this package. We are happy to arrange it for you.
Inclusions
- 3 nights in a 3-star hotel in Cinque Terre
- Breakfast daily at hotel
- Private Cinque Terre full day tour
- Private Boat tour along the Cinque Terre coast with light lunch
Hotel Info
Hotel La Colonnina ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
La Colonnina is a charming, family run hotel located in the historical center of Monterosso, close to the main town square. It is less than a 5 minute walk from the shops, restaurants, waterfront and rail station.
Since La Colonnina has committed to quality and respect for the environment and culture of the Cinque Terre area, it has earned the distinction of the Environmental Quality Label of the Cinque Terre National Park. The staff is excited to share with you all the incredible sites and activities available in the charming 5 towns!
Don't miss the breathtaking views of the sea and town from the rooftop terrace!
Cinque Terre
Optional Tour Add-Ons
Duration: 5 hours
City: Cinque Terre
Enjoy a cooking class in a lovely location with a beautiful panoramic terrace just above Monterosso. Your Chef will show you how to make the most famous recipes from this beautiful region including the traditional pesto sauce, hand-made pasta, vegetable pie and focaccia. At the end of the lesson have the pleasure of enjoying this tasty 4-course meal, along with some delicious wine from Cinque Terre.
The meeting point is in Monterosso al Mare.
Duration: 9 hours
City: Liguria
You will discover two gorgeous natural treasures: Palmaria Island and the village of Portovenere.
Upon arriving in Portovenere by a private car transfer, you will take a ferry to Palmaria Island (located in the Gulf of the Poets) to have an amazing hiking experience. On this journey, you will have the chance to admire the amazing landscapes, beautiful beaches, and spectacular sights that this unique island offers. You will be mesmerized by the steep cliffs overhanging the sea, and the many caves offering a relaxing and peaceful environment. There is no wonder to why many famous poets such as Lord Byron, Shelley, Petrarch, and Montale adored this area of the Italian Riviera. You will then return to Portovenere, an ancient town rich with history dating back to the 1st century BC. You will have the luxury of embracing the picturesque landscapes of the crystal blue sea and rocky horizons, and discovering the beautiful Doria Castle, San Pietro Church, and San Lorenzo Church.
You will meet your driver in Monterosso al Mare.
Duration: 7 hours
City: Cinque Terre
Have the chance to discover “a paradise on Earth”, that has been cherished by famous writers and poets throughout history- Cinque Terre. These ancient villages are known as the best nature preserved areas in all of the Mediterranean, and they have been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997.
You will visit the villages (depending on your pace you will be able to visit 3 or 4 villages) accompanied by one of our selected private guides.
Then, you will be greeted by a local wine producer, who will show you his vineyards overlooking the gorgeous sea of this nature preserved land. He will explain the technique of making the towns’ specialty product- Vino. After visiting the vineyards, relax while sipping the wine that speaks for its village’s culture, passion, and devotion, including a tasting of the precious Sciacchetrà wine.
If you are staying at a centrally located hotel in Cinque Terre, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. Otherwise, a meeting point will be arranged.
Duration: 3.5 hours
City: Cinque Terre
Discover one of the hidden seaside gems along the Italian Riviera coast, only a few minutes away from Cinque Terre. They are a great place to enjoy the beauty of northwestern Italy’s coast in a more relaxed atmosphere without the huge crowds.
From Monterosso board a local train and travel about 15 minutes north to reach the medieval village of Framura. Framura was named one of the “Borghi piu’ belli d’Italia” (prettiest villages of Italy).
Accompanied by your local and passionate guide, explore the beautiful village of Framura nestled on a hill that slopes down towards the sea. From the top of the village, in front of a magnificent panorama, walk on an easy paved path passing through colorful houses, vineyards, and gardens until reaching the picturesque port. Along the way stop to taste local specialties and sip the wines of a local winemaker.
If you are staying at a centrally located hotel in Cinque Terre, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. Otherwise, a meeting point will be arranged.
Duration: 5 hours
City: Liguria
Enjoy the beautiful Cinque Terre villages and Portovenere from a different point of view - the sea.
You will admire the villages away from the crowds, while sailing on a comfortable motorboat, including a small cabin, bathroom, and shaded deck. Weather and sea permitting, you will have a chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters, discover the best hidden coves and disembark to visit one of the five towns and Portovenere, an ancient town rich with history dating back to the 1st century BC.
During the tour you will also indulge in a light lunch based on typical snacks (focaccia and vegetable pies) and paired with some local wine and soft drinks.
Meeting point with the boat captain is at Monterosso al Mare harbor.
Duration: 5 hours
City: Liguria
Discover the picturesque village of Sestri Levante. Hike on a beautiful coastal trail and learn how to make the authentic pesto sauce, all in one day!
Hiking around Sestri Levante is one of the best ways to experience more of the landscape and after a quick train ride from Monterosso al Mare (about 40/30 minutes), you will start an easy 2-mile hike together with your private environmental guide.
Then, you'll reach the city center for a private pesto making class. Grabbing your mortar and pestle, your skillful teacher will reveal the secret process to making the famous pesto sauce. At the end of the class, enjoy a relaxing snack with freshly baked focaccia bread and pesto sauce paired with some local wine.
Meeting point with the guide at Sestri Levante's train station.
Duration: 9.5 hours
City: Cinque Terre
Have the day to live “La Dolce Vita” on this full day tour of the quaint villages of the Italian Riviera: Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, and San Fruttuoso.
Pick up in Monterosso al Mare and transfer to the Italian Riviera by your private driver. Once at the village of Santa Margherita Ligure, you will have the chance to walk among elegant villas with their exquisite gardens and parks. While strolling through this charming town, take a closer look at the gorgeous “Trompe D’Oeil” painted palaces. These fascinating, vivid paintings trick the eye into believing what you’re seeing is real.
Next stop on your journey is the historical fishing village, Portofino, the center of elite tourism. While traveling by public boat or by public bus (depending on the weather condition), enjoy the incredible views of this tiny, colorful village. Once you arrive, you will have the pleasure of discovering the spectacular Brown Castle, San Giorgio Church, and luxury boutiques.
Moving down the coast, you will travel by public boat to San Fruttuoso, an amazing cove, to admire the medieval abbey built directly on the pebble beach. This stunning abbey was restored and protected by FAI, the Italian National Trust. Once discovering these stunning villages, you will never want to leave! If the public boat to San Fruttuoso gets canceled due to the weather and sea conditions, you will visit the picturesque fishing village of Camogli. At the end of the tour, your driver will take you back to Monterosso al Mare.
Exact time will be provided in final documents. Pick up at your hotel.
Duration: 7 hours
City: Cinque Terre
Walk through the maze-like alleyways of Genoa and get lost in the ancient history of this amazing medieval town.
After a 90-minute car ride from Monterosso al Mare, you will arrive in Genoa and meet up with your private guide.
Your private guide will transport you back in time through the renaissance streets, squares, monuments, and food shops that are over 100 years old. You will have the chance to admire the beautiful painted facades of the grand Palazzi Dei Rolli (built in XV century by a local aristocracy) that are now protected by UNESCO and other famous monuments in the historical city center.
At the end of the tour, you will have some free time to enjoy a lunch on your own. Then, sit back and relax as the driver takes you back to your hotel in Monterosso al Mare.
Pick up at your hotel in Monterosso al Mare.
