We (8 of us) will be docking from a cruise ship in La Spezia in mid October & wondering if anyone can recommend a tour company or guide to see Cinque Terre? We discussed taking the train, but not sure about the crowds that time of year. I've reached out to a couple of tour companies and they're already full. One of our friends has some mobility issues, so that's also a consideration with the train. Would it be easier with a ferry? Thanks All!
Posted by
Cinque terre
4 posts
Dear terri,
My main suggest Is to sleep one day in one of the cinque terre, because unfortunately with a 5/6 hours tour guide honesly you will do not see much and it will be a rush visit of cinque terre.
Sleeping one or two days in cinque terre make you the possibility to hike between the villages and enjoy the sea on a good sunny day at the beautiful cinque terre coastline.
This Is my personal opinion, of course you can see something also in 5/6 hours but i do not suggest.
Have a good cruise trip in october.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
17911 posts
Hi Terri -
Obviously as you're in port just one day, staying in the CT overnight isn't a possibility, nor is hiking if you have a traveling companion with mobility issues! Even without any trail activity, some of the villages themselves can be a bit of a challenge.
While i've been to the CT, I've not done this excursion myself but the MondoGuide Shared Tours - endorsed by Rick Steves - have been popular and generally positively reviewed by forum members who've taken them.
https://www.sharedtours.com
https://www.sharedtrips.com/shared-shore-excursions/la-spezia
Unfortunately, they don't offer a shared tour option of the CT from La Spezia but they DO offer a private shore excursion (meaning just for your group) from the port with English-speaking driver. I've highlighted "driver" as he/she won't be provided guide services within the CT villages. Honestly, as busy as this region is, I think you'll move more nimbly that you would if having to follow a guide, and at the pace of your slowest member. That friend may also choose, say, to sit with a beverage versus take on some of the more hilly parts of some of the villages.
At first glance, this doesn't appear to be an inexpensive option but having 8 of you to split the fee (8 is the largest group they can accommodate) makes the cost much more palatable, and right in line, IMHO, with a 1-day private tour. Additionally, it'll be that driver's responsibility, versus your own, to get you back to the ship in time! Take a look? :O)
https://mondoguide.it/shore-excursion-from-la-spezia/cinque-terre-with-english-speaking-driver