Duration: 13.5 hours
Type Of Service: Cinque Terre and Portovenere from Milan - small group tour
Leave the City for The Coast - Let us take you on an incredible journey to experience some of Italy's most breath-taking scenery for yourself. Pack your day with an authentic taste of the Italian Riviera, where small maritime villages huddle near the sea and cling to the rocks in unbroken harmony with nature. It is no wonder why this area's history and traditions have been awarded the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO and inspired artists, writers, and visitors to absorb its delightful atmosphere.
Begin your day aboard a private coach for a transfer from Milan to La Spezia, throughout the journey your expert guide will fill you in on interesting facts and stories about the region of Lombardy to Liguria as you pass by. Leaving the busy city of Milan behind for the day, you will learn how the rocky Ligurian coast was settled over the centuries due to the hard work of its inhabitants.
Ferry to the Famous Dorian Castle - Cruise across the 'Gulf of Poets' by ferry to the enchanting seaside town of Portovenere, famous for its tall pastel-colored houses and evocative views from the ruins of Doria Castle, where you will have free time to explore. See why this impressive landscape was so admired by Petrarch, Shelley, Byron, and Montale whose musings immortalized it and be sure to try the regional specialty – pesto –this is where it was first created!
Cruise the Cinque Terre - From here you will embark on a mesmerizing cruise up the coastline to the Cinque Terre, where the landscape is dominated by dramatic green hills that plummet into crystalline waters. After you’ve had time to explore it’s time to embark on a cruise up the coastline to the Cinque Terre, where the landscape is dominated by dramatic green hills that plummet into crystalline waters. As the last signs of civilization begin to fade away you will begin to spot the vivid colors of the little towns overlooking the seashore: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso, the latter of which is our second stop.
Enjoy Some Free Time - Take some time to yourself, try some of the local flavors on offer, like mussels with Cinque Terre DOC white wine, or explore the towns picturesque little streets and alleys. There is also an optional hike to the Capuchin Monastery on a summit that stands over beautiful rooftops, terraced vineyards, and the sea. Beach lovers will want to make sure to bring their swimsuit, as the sand and emerald water will beckon.
When you think you've seen all of the possible beauty, you'll hop on the boat for our last tour in Manarola, which is considered the oldest of the five lands, famous for its picture-perfect, colorful houses. Once again, you'll be able to discover the area on your own and even one final aperitivo to bid farewell to this extraordinary place.
Sites Visited
- Poets’ Gulf
- Portovenere
- Monterosso
- Manarola
Things to Know:
- Round-trip transport from Milan in a comfortable air-conditioned coach
- Public boat tickets
- Free time in Portovenere, Monterosso, Manarola
- 2 hours boat cruise
- 45 mins optional light hike with tour leader
- Groups of 25 people or fewer.
- Expert local guide
- Audio headsets when appropriate
- Wear comfortable walking or tennis shoes
- Tour is offered April - October
- Tour is offered on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
- Tour Time: departs at 7:30am / Check-in between 7:00am - 7:15am
- Meeting Point Location: Milan Garibaldi Train Station - more details given upon booking