Cinque Terre to Love

Discover the Beauty of Cinque Terre with a Private Guided Tour

The “Cinque Terre to Love” tour offers a carefully curated 7-hour journey through some of Italy’s most picturesque coastal villages. Priced at $1,146.03 per group (up to 8 people), this private excursion combines scenic stops, cultural highlights, and the famous Via dell’Amore—reopened in 2024 after years of closure. The tour features a Mercedes minivan, a friendly host, and includes breakfast and bottled water, making it an enjoyable and comfortable way to explore.

This experience is perfect for those seeking an intimate, well-paced visit to Portovenere, Riomaggiore, and Manarola, with the flexibility to request wine tastings. While the tour does not include lunch, it offers a rich look at the coastline’s most iconic spots, led by knowledgeable guides who highlight the area’s history and natural beauty.

Key Points

• Private guided tour lasting approximately 7 hours from La Spezia
• Visits to Portovenere, Riomaggiore, and Manarola with free time at each stop
• Access to the reopened Via dell’Amore, connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola
• Includes breakfast, bottled water, and a friendly, professional host
• Optional wine tasting at local cellars upon request
• No lunch included, but plenty of scenic and cultural highlights

Starting Point and Convenient Meeting Location in La Spezia

The tour departs from a designated meeting point in La Spezia, with the exact location identified by the code 4R2H+7J La Spezia. It begins promptly at 9:00 am and ends back at the same meeting point around 4:00 pm. The full-day itinerary is designed for comfort and ease, with an air-conditioned Mercedes minivan and a driver ensuring smooth travel between stops.

The tour’s private setup means only your group participates, allowing for personalized pacing and attention from the host. It is suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations, as the vehicle is accessible and the stops are designed to be manageable within the timeframe.

Exploring Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The journey kicks off with a 40-minute visit to Portovenere, a charming Ligurian village on the UNESCO list. Known for its colorful houses overlooking the sea and dramatic landscapes, Portovenere offers a variety of sights: the Church of San Pietro, S. Lorenzo, the Doria castle, and ancient walls. The village’s scenic alleyways and ocean views provide plenty of photo opportunities, making it a perfect first stop to set the tone for the day.

Admission to Portovenere’s main sites is included, ensuring a smooth experience. The visit provides a snapshot of local history and architecture, with just enough time to absorb the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Walking the Famous Via dell’Amore Between Riomaggiore and Manarola

The highlight for many is the reopened Via dell’Amore, a coastal footpath that links Riomaggiore and Manarola. This stretch of coast is renowned for its stunning sea views, rock formations, and Mediterranean scrub. The walk allows travelers to experience the area’s rugged beauty as the trail winds overhanging cliffs and rocky outcrops, directly above the crystal-clear waters below.

The 40-minute walk is free of charge and offers a romantic, scenic route that captures the essence of Cinque Terre’s charm. It’s a leisurely stroll designed to highlight the natural landscape and the spectacular coastline that makes the region so striking.

Free Time in Riomaggiore and the Vibrant Harbor Scene

In Riomaggiore, the tour stops for 40 minutes at the village’s lively marina. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, admire the colorful houses, and enjoy the buzz of local life. This stop provides a chance to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, browse local shops, or simply relax by the sea.

The village’s marina is the starting point of the Via dell’Amore, so travelers can also choose to walk a short section of the trail again here if desired. The free walk and sightseeing time allow for flexibility and a relaxed exploration.

Discovering Manarola’s Narrow Streets and Wine Culture

The final stop is Manarola, also for 40 minutes, known for its narrow, picturesque streets and vineyards perched on terraces. This village is especially famous for producing Sciacchetrà, a sweet wine, which can be tasted in local cellars if requested. The walk through its colorful lanes offers perfect photo opportunities, and the village’s relaxed pace makes it an ideal place for a romantic stroll.

The visit provides a glimpse into local winemaking traditions and the chance to appreciate Manarola’s charming architecture and scenic harbor. No admission is needed, so visitors can freely explore or enjoy a glass of wine with the view.

Optional Wine Tasting in Village Cellars

While wine tasting is not included in the standard tour price, it can be arranged upon request. Many villages in the region host cellars on terraces that overlook the water, offering tastings of regional wines like Sciacchetrà and others. This optional experience adds a flavorful touch to the exploration, supporting local producers and deepening the connection with the area’s heritage.

Comfortable Transportation with a Knowledgeable Host

Travel is operated via air-conditioned Mercedes minivan, ensuring comfort throughout the day. The driver and hostess accompany the group, providing insights into each location and ensuring a smooth, organized experience.

The private nature of this tour allows for a personalized approach, with flexible timing and the opportunity to ask questions or request additional activities like wine tastings. The small group size (up to 8 people) fosters an intimate atmosphere, ideal for couples or small groups seeking a tailored exploration.

Experience Highlights and Practical Considerations

The 7-hour schedule balances sightseeing with enough leisure time at each stop. Visitors should be prepared for light walking and a moderate pace. The tour is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for most travelers, but it does not include lunch, so bringing snacks or planning to purchase food locally is recommended.

The reopening of the Via dell’Amore in 2024 is a significant highlight, offering a fresh perspective on the coastline. The tour’s timing from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm ensures you experience the region in daylight, ideal for photography and soaking in the scenery.

Flexible Cancellation and Weather Considerations

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, providing peace of mind. In case of poor weather, the activity can be canceled or rescheduled, with full refunds or alternative dates offered.

Travelers should note that the experience requires good weather for optimal enjoyment, especially during the outdoor walks and scenic viewpoints. The minimum group size must be met for the tour to operate, but this is unlikely with the private setup.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This guided excursion is best suited for small groups or couples who want a personalized experience of Cinque Terre’s highlights. The combination of cultural sites, scenic trails, and the reopened Via dell’Amore makes it a compelling choice for those interested in natural beauty and local culture. The option to add wine tastings is perfect for wine lovers or those wanting to indulge more deeply in regional flavors.

The tour’s comfort, flexibility, and careful pacing make it an excellent choice for visitors seeking a relaxed yet enriching day trip from La Spezia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most children can participate, especially those comfortable with walking and outdoor activities. The tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation in an air-conditioned Mercedes minivan, breakfast, bottled water, a hostess, and fuel. Admission tickets for Portovenere are included, while wine tastings are optional.

Can I request wine tastings during the tour?
Yes, wine tastings can be arranged upon request in the villages, often at local cellars on terraces overlooking the sea.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
The activity requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, full refunds or alternative dates are available.

How long are the stops at each village?
Stop durations are 40 minutes each at Portovenere, Riomaggiore, and Manarola, providing enough time for sightseeing and brief exploration.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there will be opportunities to purchase food or snacks during the stops.

What makes this tour different from other Cinque Terre excursions?
This private, guided experience focuses on the newly reopened Via dell’Amore and includes Portovenere, adding a cultural and scenic richness that larger, group tours might miss.

Can I bring my pet or service animal?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, sun protection, and possibly a camera or smartphone for photos are recommended. The tour includes breakfast and bottled water but no lunch.

How far in advance should I book?
Confirmation is typically received within 48 hours, but booking early is advised, especially during peak seasons, to secure availability.

This “Cinque Terre to Love” tour offers a well-balanced, intimate way to experience the stunning coastlines, charming villages, and cultural highlights of Cinque Terre, with the recent reopening of the Via dell’Amore adding a fresh new chapter to this beautiful region.