Some boat companies seem to be filling up fast for early to mid September, has anyone used these tours before and do you recommend that I book now or are there plenty of boats/seats usually available? We just wanted to see the area from the water and get to stop at a few of the towns. I’m hesitant to book so early but don’t want to miss a chance to do a boat ride. Thank you. Also, would it be convenient to access this area if we stay in Luca? We may have a car or will use the train/bus.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32318 posts
If you just want to see the towns from the water, that's easy to do with the local ferries. Just buy a ticket and walk on - https://www.cinqueterre.eu.com/en/boat-excursions . The dock in Monterosso is in the "old town" at the end of the concrete pier. There's a ticket office right there. The ferries stop in all the towns except Corniglia and also travel to Porto Venere. One point to note is that the operation of the ferries is subject to weather.
The train is the easiest travel method from Lucca. Travel time is about two hours, depending on which departure you choose.
Posted by
Connecticut
680 posts
The ferry was an excellent transportation option to visit the towns. It should easily fit your desire to see them from the water. The train provides faster travel from point to point but you definitely miss out on the majestic coastal beauty.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you for the links and info…since I’m going in mid September, I hoped the boats wouldn’t be too busy and I could easily buy tickets there, like going on a canal a ride in Brugge or a gondola in Venice, in other words, not having to book now. Advice?
Posted by
San Franciso Bay Area, USA
1011 posts
I loved our tour with FIsh & Chill with Diego, leaving from Monterosso. We took the tour in late May and the day of the Sunset boat tour, the water was a bit rough, so technically the tour of all the smaller boats were cancelled. My girls and I really wanted to go and we are use to sailing on the SF Bay, so the rough waters of the Cinque Terre were the SF Bay equivalent of a nice day. Diego agreed to take us along the coast in an abbreviated trip. He served us his family wine and we had a beautiful sunset view of the Cinque Terre. If he has the normal Sunset cruise, you will have time to dock, have a light meal and swim. The next time we go, I would take this tour again.
Note that these are private tours, so they are really a good deal if you have 4 or more people.
Posted by
Southeast of Seattle
728 posts
Lucca is reasonable, but I would get an early start. We took the ferry from Monterosso to Portovenere, got off and wandered a bit then back on to go to La Spezia. You could then take the train from La Spezia back to Lucca. It’s a less expensive option and you see all the towns.
September is very, very busy in CT. If you really want to book a tour boat, it really isn’t too early. Not surprising they seem to be filling quickly.