Pisa & Cinque Terre from Florence, Small-Group Tour Max 8
Description
Discover Pisa and the Cinque Terre on a well-organized full-day trip from Florence, designed to maximize your time without the stress of logistics. Travel in a small group with a local tour leader, stopping in Pisa for photos and free time in Piazza dei Miracoli before heading to the Ligurian coast. Explore Manarola and Vernazza, with their colorful harbors, scenic views, and time to enjoy lunch or wander at your own pace. Train tickets between villages are included for a smooth experience. With a maximum of 8 participants, this tour offers a more personal, relaxed alternative—perfect for couples, friends, and travelers seeking comfort and efficiency in one day.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Start your day trip from Florence to La Spezia early in the morning and prepare for a full day on the Ligurian coast. After a brief introduction and overview of the itinerary, you will begin your journey from Florence toward La Spezia. Depending on the option selected, you will travel either by comfortable minivan with a professional Tour Leader or independently by train, following detailed instructions provided in advance. Both options are designed to ensure smooth logistics and efficient travel time. The journey takes approximately two hours each way, and it is important to note that this is a long day with a structured schedule. Whether you choose a guided tour from Florence to La Spezia or a self-guided train experience, the morning transfer allows you to settle in and prepare for the day ahead.
From La Spezia, your exploration of the Cinque Terre National Park begins. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its five colorful fishing villages set along the rugged Ligurian coastline. Upon arrival at La Spezia train station, you will have some free time to purchase a snack at a local shop or use the restroom facilities before boarding a regional train to reach the villages. Access to Cinque Terre from La Spezia is exclusively by local trains, which connect the five towns throughout the day. Please note that Cinque Terre is one of the most visited destinations in Italy. You should expect crowds, especially during peak season, as well as possible train delays. Traveling by regional train is part of the authentic local experience and the most efficient way to move between the villages.
Travel by regional train to Vernazza, one of the most scenic villages of Cinque Terre. Built around a small natural harbor, the village is known for its colorful waterfront and traditional Ligurian architecture. Often considered one of the highlights of Cinque Terre National Park, Vernazza offers beautiful coastal views and a lively atmosphere. You will have approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of free time in Vernazza to explore the historic center, relax near the harbor, or enjoy the surrounding viewpoints.
Continue by regional train to Manarola, one of the most iconic villages of Cinque Terre. Perched on a rocky cliff above the Ligurian Sea, the village is known for its colorful houses cascading toward the small harbor. Recognized as one of the most photographed spots in Cinque Terre National Park, Manarola offers striking coastal views and classic Ligurian charm. You will have approximately 2 hours of free time in Manarola to explore the harbor area, enjoy the panoramic viewpoints, and take photos of this distinctive seaside village.
After your visit to Manarola in Cinque Terre, return to La Spezia to continue your journey toward Pisa. Departure from La Spezia to Pisa is scheduled at approximately 2:30 PM. The transfer takes around two hours, depending on traffic conditions. You are expected to arrive in Pisa around 4:30 PM, where you will visit one of Italy’s most famous landmarks. Pisa is internationally known for the Leaning Tower of Pisa, located in the remarkable Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also includes the Cathedral and Baptistery.
Upon arrival in Pisa, begin exploring Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) at your own pace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the city’s most important landmarks, including the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery. You will have over 1 hour of free time in Pisa to visit the monuments independently and enjoy the atmosphere of this historic square. During your free time, you can take photos by the Leaning Tower, one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks. Subject to availability, you may also choose to climb the Tower (ticket not included). Alternatively, visit the Pisa Cathedral to admire its impressive Romanesque architecture and Giovanni Pisano’s carved pulpit (ticket not included), or step inside the Baptistery of Pisa, known for its remarkable acoustics (ticket not included). If you wish to pre-book tickets for the Leaning Tower of Pisa, please contact our team in advance to confirm the most suitable entrance time.
After your time in Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli, relax during the return transfer to Florence. Following a long and full day visiting Cinque Terre and Pisa, this is a good opportunity to rest, enjoy the scenery, or chat with your fellow travelers. The journey back to Florence takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Regional trains can be crowded and hot in high season, with no guaranteed seats
- This tour is not suitable for people with walking disabilties and to those sensitive to the heat
- We recommend you not to make any travel arrangements for when we return to Florence in the event of any train delays.
- The tour operator recommends not to bring valuable objects on the tour due to possible thieves often present on trains. The tour operator is not responsible for any items lost or stolen on the trains.
- The Tour Operator may not be held responsible for any train delays, deviation, cancellations and national strikes. These events are totally outside the tour operator's control.In the event of national train strikes the tour could be cancelled.
- Please note, the tour requires a minimum of 4 participants. If not reached, the self guide or a private option with a supplement will be offered.
- Transport Only - Self-Guided Option: Travel independently by regional train. All required tickets and detailed travel instructions will be sent by our team 24 hours before the tour, ensuring a smooth and easy journey.
- The tour is not stroller accessible
Reviews(436)
Luigi was an excellent guide, very personable and funny, and got us everywhere we wanted to go safely and smoothly! He gave us plenty of tips of where to eat and explore, and where to avoid. He was incredibly helpful and I would recommend him and this trip 100%! Though the summer crowds were thick, Luigi showed us places to go to avoid them and see beautiful panoramic views. I was very pleased with this trip!!
Luigi was a great tour guide on our “Project Expedition” He was very informative, entertaining, and accommodating to our needs. We were able to pack in a lot of sightseeing in Pisa and Cinque Terre. It was a seamless trip with beautiful views. Highly recommend booking the semi-private excursion.
We met our guide in the train station in front of the Farmacie. Conveniently located. Lucia met us there and gave us clear and concise instructions and directions and I was able to ask her questions along the way. Lucia and this company was great. I would definitely recommend this tour. If you want a more personal tour, you can always contact them and they will give you a tour guide (for a small fee) to help you navigate the train travel experience and make your time and experience even better.
Luigi was excellent! It was a long day but worth every penny. He had everything organized and we didn’t have to worry about anything.
This was such a fabulous day! Make sure to take a swimsuit and towel! I’m putting that at the beginning so you see it and don’t forget! There were 2 beautiful swim spots in the Cinque Terre that thankfully most of the kids could participate in! The villages were gorgeous with lots of delicious food, gelato and beverages! We booked this tour because the kids wanted to see the Tower, which the adults had no interest in. We saw the tower but it was far from the highlight of the day. Personally I would have loved more time in the villages with just a quick stop in Pisa long enough to take a photo of the tower and leave. Our guide Valentina was incredibly knowledgeable on the area and all the things to see and do.
The Pisa & Cinque Terre Small-Group Tour from Florence was one of the highlights of our trip to Italy. Traveling with a small group of only a few people made the experience feel personal, relaxed, and enjoyable. From the moment we departed Florence, everything was well organized, allowing us to focus on the beauty of the journey. Our first stop in Pisa gave us the chance to admire the world-famous Leaning Tower and take memorable photos. The historic surroundings and beautiful architecture created a wonderful introduction to the day. Afterward, we traveled to the breathtaking villages of Cinque Terre, where colorful houses, dramatic cliffs, and sparkling sea views created postcard-perfect scenery. Each village had its own unique charm, offering opportunities to stroll through narrow streets, enjoy local food, and take in incredible coastal views. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming, and the pace of the tour allowed enough free time to explore without feeling rushed. The guide was knowledgeable, helpful, and passionate about the region, sharing interesting stories and practical tips throughout the day. The small-group format made it easy to ask questions and enjoy a more intimate travel experience. This tour is perfect for couples, families, photographers, and anyone who loves stunning landscapes, charming villages, and authentic Italian culture. It was a day filled with unforgettable memories, beautiful sights, and the magic of the Italian coastline. Poem – Rose Flower Golden Days Golden days beside the sea, Where roses bloom so wild and free. Colorful villages touched the shore, Each one lovely, then one more. Pisa stood with timeless grace, A smile upon its famous face. Ocean breezes, skies so blue, Painted every view anew. Like rose petals in sunlight bright, The coast shimmered in golden light. Memories bloom and never fade, In every step the journey made.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for such a beautiful and thoughtful review. Reading your words truly made our day! We're delighted that our Pisa & Cinque Terre tour was one of the highlights of your trip to Italy and that you enjoyed the small-group experience, the breathtaking scenery, and the unique charm of each destination. A special thank you as well for sharing your lovely poem, Rose Flower Golden Days. It perfectly captures the beauty and emotions of the journey, and we're honored that our tour inspired such a heartfelt piece of writing. We sincerely appreciate your recommendation and hope that the memories of Tuscany, Pisa, and Cinque Terre continue to bloom for many years to come. It would be our pleasure to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Italy!
This was my second time doing the tour the first time was in 2016 and it was amazing it was all trained back then it was a 14-hour tour this time we did about the same amount of time some was on by van and somebody train Luigi was the best tour guide we my husband and my daughter and myself just love Luigi he was so informative he was funny he actually took us to spots that I've never been to which was amazing so it was like seeing the place with a new set of eyes it's so worth it you really should go it's so worth it this tour was amazing, and you don't have to think you just have to go and see and the sights and that's the best part and at each spot you get your own time to take pictures I can't say enough about this tour it was amazing
Thank you so much for your incredible review and for choosing to join us again after all these years! It means the world to us that your second experience was just as memorable as your first. We're especially happy to hear that your tour leader Luigi made such a positive impression with his knowledge, humor, and passion, and that he showed you new places even after your previous visit. We'll be sure to share your wonderful comments with him. Thank you for your heartfelt recommendation and we truly hope to welcome you and your family back for a third adventure in Tuscany!
Ask for Valentina. You get good exercise. Very, very interesting and enjoyable. Really nice views. Great.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such an enjoyable experience and that your tour leader Valentina made your tour so memorable. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to her and she'll be delighted to know her efforts were appreciated. It's great to know you enjoyed the beautiful views, found the tour interesting, and even appreciated the active nature of the experience. Thank you for your recommendation! We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Tuscany soon.
Valentina was beyond amazing!!! I wish we could use her again on this trip!! Keep on keeping on Valentina, we're a gift to the travel industry ✨️:)
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're absolutely delighted to hear that your tour leader Valentina made such a positive impression on your trip. Your kind words truly mean a lot, and we'll be sure to share your heartfelt compliments with her. We're certain she'll be thrilled to know she helped make your experience so memorable. Thank you for choosing to travel with us. We hope you enjoy the rest of your journey, and we would be delighted to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in the future!
Luigi was the best! He was hilarious funny and took very good care of us. Very knowledgeable we enjoyed it immensely.
Thank you so much for your kind review! We are delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience with your tour leader Luigi. We'll be sure to pass along your compliments to him! His sense of humor, knowledge, and genuine care for our guests are qualities that make every tour special. Thank you for choosing to explore Tuscany with us. We're thrilled that you enjoyed the experience so much and hope to welcome you back again soon!
