This private tour from La Spezia offers an engaging journey along Italy’s stunning Ligurian coast, combining visits to the glamorous Portofino and the colorful, UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre villages. Priced as a full-day experience, it lasts approximately 9 hours and is designed for small, private groups led by an English-speaking driver. With a focus on sightseeing, local cuisine, and optional wine tastings, this tour provides a balanced mix of scenic drives and cultural exploration.

While the provider has a rating of 3.8, the tour’s highlights—including visiting Portofino’s picturesque harbor and exploring several Cinque Terre villages—make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a personal, flexible day trip that captures the essence of Liguria’s coast. It is especially suitable for travelers who appreciate scenic drives, charming towns, and local flavors, though it requires a moderate level of physical activity and comfortable shoes.

Key Points

Private 9-hour tour from La Spezia to Portofino and Cinque Terre, led by an English-speaking driver.
Visit the upscale fishing village of Portofino, enjoy its harbor and colorful architecture.
Explore two or three villages in Cinque Terre, with opportunities to see centuries-old terraces and local sights.
Scenic drive along Italy’s northern coastline, passing through Rapallo and Santa Margherita.
Optional wine tasting at a local winery in Cinque Terre.
Tour includes a visit to Byron Grotto and San Peter Church in Portovenere if time permits.

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Starting Point and Logistics at La Spezia

The tour begins at the La Spezia Cruise Terminal, where your guide will meet you holding a sign with your name. The disembarkation point is easy to locate, with coordinates 44.1066780090332, 9.830122947692871.

From there, the comfortable minivan takes you on a 2-hour scenic drive along the coast, passing by Rapallo and Santa Margherita. The route offers impressive views of the lush green hillsides and azure waters that define Liguria’s coastline. The transportation arrangement ensures a smooth and relaxed start to the day’s explorations.

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Exploring Portofino’s Scenic Harbor and Colorful Charm

Arriving in Portofino, visitors find an upscale fishing village famous for its enchanting harbor. The vibrant colorful buildings and tropical-style architecture create an inviting backdrop perfect for photos.

Your time in Portofino lasts approximately 2 hours, during which you can stroll through the local boutiques and indulge in the delicious cuisine at renowned restaurants in the Piazzetta della Magnolia. A walk up to Brown Castle takes about 10 minutes and offers spectacular views of the harbor and coastline below. This quick climb provides a panoramic perspective of Portofino’s beauty and a chance to appreciate the town’s romantic atmosphere.

Coastal Drive to Cinque Terre with Stunning Views

After exploring Portofino, your journey continues along the coastal highway, winding around green hillsides toward the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cinque Terre. The scenic drive offers numerous photo opportunities of the coastline, cliffs, and terraced villages.

The visit to Cinque Terre includes exploring two or three of its colorful villages, each with a unique ambiance. You can stroll along centuries-old terraces built for olive and grape cultivation, and admire the sea views from various vantage points. The tour offers about 1.5 hours at this UNESCO site, giving enough time to soak in the vibrant sights and sounds.

Tasting Local Flavors and Wineries in Cinque Terre

A highlight of the tour is the opportunity to indulge in local cuisine. You’ll find options to sample olive oil, pesto, and regional wines, enjoying Liguria’s culinary traditions.

An optional wine tasting at a local winery adds a flavorful dimension to the experience. This tasting session introduces visitors to local varieties and provides insight into Ligurian wine-making, complementing the many food flavors enjoyed throughout the day.

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Discovering Portovenere’s Historic Charm (If Time Allows)

If the schedule permits, the tour includes a quick visit to Portovenere, a seaside village on the Gulf of La Spezia. Known for Byron Grotto and San Peter Church, Portovenere offers a glimpse into the area’s historical and maritime heritage. The town’s fortified walls, quaint streets, and harbor views make it an appealing addition, though time constraints may limit this stop.

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Return Journey to La Spezia

The trip concludes with a 1.5-hour drive back to the La Spezia Cruise Terminal. This allows for some reflection on the day’s highlights and scenic vistas along the coast. The entire experience is designed to maximize sightseeing while maintaining a comfortable pace for travelers with moderate physical activity levels.

Practical Details and Tips for Booking

The tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for last-minute changes. It is ideal for private groups, with a driver-guide who speaks English.

Visitors are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a camera, water, and weather-appropriate clothing. Since the tour involves walking and some climbing, moderate physical shape is recommended. It’s not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Exploring the Balance of Scenic and Cultural Highlights

This private tour offers a well-rounded experience, balancing scenic coastal drives with walking explorations of iconic towns. The inclusion of local cuisine and optional wine tastings enriches the culture, making it a great choice for those wanting to savor Liguria’s flavors.

While the rating of 3.8 suggests some room for improvement, the tour’s focus on personalized attention and flexible stops** make it a solid option for travelers keen on experiencing Portofino’s elegance and Cinque Terre’s vibrant villages in a single day.

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La Spezia: Private Portofino and Cinque Terre Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours from start to finish.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the La Spezia Cruise Terminal and concludes there as well.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it is not suitable for mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to walking and climbing involved.

How long is the drive from La Spezia to Portofino?
The scenic drive takes about 2 hours.

Can I visit Byron Grotto and San Peter Church?
Yes, if time permits, you can catch glimpses of these sites during a visit to Portovenere.

Is lunch included?
The tour includes savoring local cuisine at Portofino’s Piazzetta, but it is not specified whether a meal is included in the price.

Can I do wine tasting?
Yes, there is an optional wine tasting available at a local winery in Cinque Terre.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, water, and weather-appropriate clothing for the day.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for families?
It is best suited for travelers comfortable with walking and moderate physical activity; not ideal for those with mobility issues.

How many people are in a private group?
The tour is designed for private groups, offering personalized attention from the driver-guide.

This La Spezia private tour offers a flexible and scenic way to experience two of Italy’s most captivating coastal towns, with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, tasting, and memorable views.