My wife and I are going to Florence at the end of March/beginning of April, and we read about a day-trip tour to the Cinque Terre. It is through a company called viator. It seems a bit expensive. Has anyone ever taken that day-trip tour and/or does anyone know of any other day-trip tours to the Cinque Terre from Florence?
Thanks.
Viator is a large tour company. They also run day trips to Pompeii out of Rome. You can really do this yourself. Everybody on this site will recommend more time there but if 1 day is what you have, it can be done. Just note the following:
It's a 2.5hr train trip to the CT and 2.5hrs to return. That's 5.0hrs out of your day. Viator would most likely have a bus to get you in close to the CT which could shave 1-2 hours off the train time.
Leave Florence early for an early start. I suggest taking the train to Riomaggiore. Tour Riomaggiore. Walk the first leg of the famous trails to Manarola (about 30 minutes). Tour Manarola.
Take the train 3 stops to Monterosso. Tour Monterosso. (about 2hours).
Take the train 1 stop south to Vernazza. Tour Vernazza. (about 1.5hrs.).
Have lunch in either Monterosso or Vernazza.
Skip Corniglia. It's higher up and much more quiet.
Take and early evening train back to Florence.
