Cinque Terre, Liguria
Overview
Discover Cinque Terre: Private Tours, Experiences & Custom Travel
Modernity in all its dubious glory has not managed to impinge itself too heavily because the Cinque Terre is well off the main highways and rail lines that give life to modern industry and create the usual activity that a growing population demands. Not only that, but steps have been taken to protect the natural - and man-made - environment from over development.
There are a few cars within Cinque Terre, and a small network of roads used by local people, or by the drivers who bring goods to the place, but for travelers and tourists, it is mostly inaccessible by car and it is on our list of places you can read about on our BLOG list of "Places in Italy You Definitely Do Not Want to Drive."
It is much better when planning a trip to the Cinque Terre national park to take the train (or a coastal ferry) from Spezia (south), or Levanto (north), and get to your hotel - or arrange transfer to your hotel directly from train or the ferry landing. We can of course help you do this.
In terms of hiking in the Cinque Terre national park:
There are a number of well-worn paths in The Cinque Terre, but the Via Dell'Amore - the lover's walk - strings all five villages, winding its way along beaches, and through the many olive orchards, vineyards and chestnut woods on the terraced seaside slopes.
The easiest part of the route is from Riomaggiore to Manarola, but things get more difficult from Corniglia to Vernazza, and very difficult from Vernazza to Monterosso, as the hills become steeper and more challenging. At some points you will be 1000 feet above the level of the sea.
During the summer months, along the beaches one can take the sun at one of several Lidos, or perhaps find a small stretch of beach. If you want to be more active, you can hire a boat, swim in the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, or go snorkeling or scuba diving in the Riomaggiore area. The local waters team with fish, so you can hang a line from pier, rock or boat.
Strolling through the medieval villages you will encounter many churches, including the oldest in Manarola, whose cornerstone dates to 1060 AD. When you are hungry, and perhaps tired from your wanderings, each of the villages has its share of cafes and restaurants.
It will not surprise you that Ligurian fare is heavily oriented to sea food with pasta running a close second. The the sauces, many of them based on basil, pine nuts and other local produce, are sensational. If you are a lover of wines, then eat your meal with one of the delicious local wines.
The Cinque Terre is the ultimate in the paradox which confronts the veteran and novice traveler alike: avoiding the most heavily touristed places means not seeing the places that are most heavily touristed because of their profoundly attractive virtues. In the case of Cinque Terre - we suggest you submit yourself to the experience.
Our own photographs
Cinque Terre Through Our Eyes
Photographed during our own travels and research, these images follow the journey through Cinque Terre, from the first view of the landscape to the small details that give the place its character.
Multi-Day Holidays Tours
Whole journeys, planned end to end
Italy's Northern Wine Country: Fine Wines, Food and Incredible Landscapes in Piedmont, Cinque Terre and Tuscany (Personalized Experiences)
This exclusive small group tour allows you to discover some of Northern Italy's top winemakers and tour their centuries-old wineries and experience designed to delight both the most knowledgeable wine connoisseur and the novice.
Wines & Food of Piedmont, Cinque Terre & Tuscany
This exclusive small group tour offers you the opportunity to discover some of Northern Italy’s top wine makers and tour their centuries old wineries. An experience designed to delight both the most knowledgeable wine connoisseur or the novice.
Cinque Terre Mini-Stay Holiday
This Cinque Terre mini-stay option offers those looking to travel into the Cinque Terre national park one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to visit one of Italy's most beautiful coastal areas. It includes a centrally located hotel in Mont...
Northern Italy - Piedmont, Cinque Terre, Lake District, Emilia Romagna & Venice - Private Individuals & Small group Tours
What an incredible experience in store for travel professionals this fall! Our trip through Northern Italy is designed for travel professionals who want to learn more about Northern Italy's incredible geography, culture, food and wine. The journey i...
A Taste of Tuscany & Cinque Terre: Food, Wine & the Italian Riviera
Experience a 10-day private, customizable journey beyond the usual Tuscany itinerary, from the wild landscapes of the Maremma and the colorful villages of the Cinque Terre to the vineyards and rolling hills of the Val d'Orcia. Along the way, discover...
Bella Italia: Luxury Private Tour of Italy's Must-See Locations
Visit Italy's top tourist spots in luxury. Stay at some of our favourite hotels, visit the cities with expert private guides and enjoy 1st class transportation from Venice all the way to Amalfi!
Florence, Tuscany and the Italian Riviera
A classic introduction to the must-see sites of Tuscany and Cinque Terre. From the wine-growing lands of Chianti and Val d'Orcia to the Renaissance splendour and the museums of Florence, the tour ends in the incredible natural beauty of the Italian...
Private & Small Group Tours in the Cinque Terre
Days out with people who know the way
Private boat tour Cinque Terre
Our private boat tour of the Cinque Terre can begin in any of the five villages or Portovenere, where our captain will be there to pick you up at the port and begin a beautiful journey of this magnificent portion of the Italian Riviera. The experienc...
Private Tour of the Cinque Terre National Park
This is a private tour of the Cinque Terre national park that can depart from Genoa, Florence, Pisa, Lucca or anywhere in the area upon request. On this tour, we include transportation to Portovenere, which is at the southern end of the park that al...
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Explore Towns and Cities in Cinque Terre
Every town here has its own personality. We know them by name.
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Getting here
The Road to Cinque Terre
Most of our guests arrive by private car, with a driver who knows these roads and where it is worth stopping along the way. These are the journeys we arrange most often.
Starting somewhere else? Tell us where, and we will arrange the car.
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27 October 2026
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