Description
- Roundtrip private transportation from your Livorno Cruise pier!
- Air-conditioned and fully licensed private transportation!
- English-speaking private certified driver/guide!
- Panoramic drive along the La Spezia gulf!
- Free time at Porto Venere!
- Free time in Cinque Terre with stops of your choosing!
- Travel by boat or train to Cinque Terre!
- Complimentary bottled water on board to and from Livorno!
- Free WiFi on board to and from Livorno!
The Italian Riviera is not short of rugged coastline or romantic towns and villages, but the five villages that make up Cinque Terre are its most iconic highlight. The five villages offer perfectly preserved architecture and a network of stunning coastal and mountain trails. The rugged coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It will just be you and up to 7 other friends or family.
You will meet your knowledgeable, professional driver at your Livorno cruise terminal who will take you on a 1.5-hour panoramic journey along the Gulf of La Spezia, vast vineyards, and captivating countryside on your way to Cinque Terre. Your first stop is Porto Venere, situated on the western tip of the Gulf of La Spezia. Also once known as Portovenere, it is a town comprised of 3 villages and 3 islands. Its name refers to the temple to the goddess Venus which was located where the Church of Peter the Apostle is currently located.
After your visit of quaint Porto Venere, you may choose your preferred method for reaching the villages of Cinque Terre, either by boat or train. In either case, the driver will accompany you to the box office to assist you to purchase your ticket (cost is not included). If you opt for the boat you will depart from Porto Venere. The cost of the boat pass is 25 euros and the ride to Riomaggiore is approximately 30 minutes. The ride between the rest of the villages is approximately 10 minutes via boat. If you wish to take the train instead, the cost is 16 euros and the driver will take you to Riomaggiore to start your adventure. The train ride time between the next 4 villages is approximately 4-6 minutes. You will choose what villages to visit and what to see during your free time in Cinque Terre.
Each of the 5 villages has its own unique charm but the common factor is how they are situated on the coastline. Over the centuries, people have carefully built terraces on the rugged, steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the sea. Part of their charm is the lack of visible commercialism and corporate development. Paths, trains, and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach them from the outside. The hike between villages is extreme and not recommended due to limited time and activity level. While you will have plenty of time to visit all five towns including Riomaggiore, Corniglia, and Vernazza, it is highly recommended to visit Monterosso and Manarola as there is so much to see there as well. You may hop back on the train or boat to take you to the next village you wish to explore. Your driver will remain at your disposal throughout the excursion and can be contacted by phone for any additional needs.
Riomaggiore is the southernmost of the 5 villages. It dates back to the 13th century and is most known for its historic character and locally grown wines. Visitors can stroll the main street, Via Colombo with its many shops and cafes.
Corniglia is not directly adjacent to the sea but rather it is on the top of a hillside about 300 feet (100 meters) high, surrounded on three sides by vineyards and terraces, the fourth side dropping off steeply to the sea. To reach Corniglia, it is necessary to climb the Lardarina, a long brick flight of steps composed of 33 flights with 382 steps, or, otherwise follow a road that leads up to the village. Corniglia is a tiny village with a population of approximately 150. Small in size but packed with charm.
Vernazza is the fourth town. It is the only fishing village of the 5 towns. There is no car traffic. It is known for its elegant homes and being a true port.
Monterosso was one of the first villages to be established (about the same time as Vernazza). It dates back to the 11th century. The village is divided into 2 sections - Old and New with a pedestrian tunnel that connects the two. It is one of the only spots along the coast with a wide, natural sandy beach. Monterosso is also known for its multiple lemon trees, white wine production, and olives. There is a lot to see as well including the partial ruins of a castle, St. John the Baptist church, the convent Monterosso al Mare, and the Monterosso Giant, a huge statue of the god, Neptune.
Manarola is the second smallest of the 5 villages. The name derives from "Magna Roea" or a large wheel referencing the mill wheel located in town. The village is most known for its famous wine called Sciacchetr. A stop in Manarola should include buying a sample!
Your driver will remain at your assistance throughout the excursion and can be contacted by phone for any additional needs or concerns you have during your free time exploring the villages. You will return to Porto Venere by boat or to Riomaggiore if you choose the train option. Your driver will be coordinated with you ahead of time so you know when and where to meet him.
At the conclusion of your visit, you will be transported back to your Livorno Port where you can board your ship or continue to explore at your own expense.
Where we meet
For this Livorno Private Full Day to Cinque Terre Excursion, you will meet at your Livorno cruise terminal. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.
Cancellation
For the Livorno Private Full Day to Cinque Terre Excursion, we issue full refund for your deposit or full payment to us if: Canceled by client prior to excursion date with a minimum of 24 hours prior notice by email to reservations@shoreexcursioneer.com.
For cancellation reasons below, you must contact us via email within 14 days after your excursion:
- Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
- Your ship skips/misses the port.
- Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
- A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
- Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
- Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.
