Duration: 12 hours

Type Of Service: VIP Small-Group Cinque Terre Discovery & Vineyards Escapes Tour with Seafood Lunch

There is nothing better than the VIP Cinque Terre Discovery & Vineyards Escapes to explore a real Italian coastal paradise with the exclusivity of a small-group tour. This is the most complete experience and the only one-day tour to Cinque Terre that will allow you to discover the beauty of the villages while breathing the true relaxed essence of this paradise. A small-group adventure. The personalized attention of a knowledgeable guide. Exclusive escapes from the crowds that will reveal hidden, no touristy, gems. Relaxed savoring of two of the treasures of this region: its cuisine made of ancient traditional recipes and its local unique wines.

Departure from meeting point in the morning, transfer to the North West Riviera with a comfortable air-conditioned minivan.
During the day the guide will introduce guests to this spectacular corner of Italy, famous for its panorama, its wine, its food, beautiful sea and hiking opportunities.
Our comprehensive exploration will include the visit of some of the most beautiful villages and landscapes of Cinque Terre National Park (a world-heritage protected by UNESCO since 1997) which are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso, the villages clinging to a remote stretch of the Riviera coastline. You will enjoy the five-mile-long rocky coast lined by thousands of dry walls built on terraces cultivated with vineyards, and the small medieval fishing villages built on rock… add to this the incredible color of the sea and the sky, and you may understand what paradise the Cinque Terre really is. Enjoy the most astonishing views either from land and sea, as we stroll along the national park by boat, train, and walking/hiking on the fabulous trails on the cliff (including famous Via dell’Amore - see notes -) in a perfect mix for a memorable experience.
A delicious full lunch with wine tasting in a typical restaurant on the sea is included, thus you will be able to enjoy incredible fresh seafood cooked the Ligurian way, accompanied by some great white wines typical of this region.

An amazing boat ride (weather and sea conditions permitting) will be an additional memorable perspective on the Riviera, to take back home with you the most incredible pictures of this day.
This experience is a unique opportunity to explore Cinque Terre in a day, also enjoying a few enchanting escapes from the crowds of the villages. You will have the chance to admire the astonishing coastal panorama from a high vantage point, with a very light hike on an almost levelled trail through seaside vineyards. Natural amphitheaters of luxuriant vineyards will disclose to your eyes and senses, facing the sea and the open horizon, and you will learn about the unique peculiarities of grape harvesting (that often include incredible steep mono-rails through the vineyards) and wine production of this region.
Get the best out of a day out, join this small group adventure!

Things to Know:

• Small group tour with 16 people or less
• Round-trip transportation from Florence in A/C luxury minivan
• Visit this UNESCO World-Heritage Italian coastal paradise
• Discover the most beautiful villages of Cinque Terre
• Enjoy some relaxed escapes from the crowds, through luxuriant panoramic seaside vineyards – light hiking
• Savor a delicious lunch with seafood and wine tasting in a typical restaurant
• Magnificent views of the coast on a light hiking trail through vineyards
• An amazing boat trip to take the most beautiful pictures of Cinque Terre from the sea
• Tour departs at 8:00am / Tour check-in at by 7:45am
• Tour offered 7 days @ week to peak season
• Wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
• Meeting point location: -Piazza della Repubblica (next to the APPLE STORE under the loggias, corner with Via Pellicceria) - more details upon booking

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

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