---
title: Small Group Best of Cinque Terre & Optional Pisa from Florence
lang: en
type: tour
city: Florence
country: Italy
price: 59
currency: EUR
price_unit: per_person
availability: bookable
rating: 4.83
reviews: 1179
duration_minutes: 690
languages: [en, es]
free_cancellation: "true"
guidekin_pick: Lunch tier with pesto pasta
rank_in_category: 19 of 39 (Day Trips)
schedule_checked: 2026-09-18
data_updated: 2026-10-04
canonical: https://guidekin.com/italy/florence/tours/small-group-best-of-cinque-terre-optional-pisa-from-florence/
---

# Small Group Best of Cinque Terre & Optional Pisa from Florence

**Guidekin's take:** A full day on the Riviera by coach from Florence with a guide, moving between Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso by train and, in season, by boat, with free time to swim or eat. The tiers matter: the semi independent version leaves out trains, boat and lunch, and the Pisa version trades a village for the Tower. 4.83 from 1179 reviews at €59 per person.

In our comparison: #19 of 39 in Day Trips, by rating weighted by review volume (table below).

## Overview

Escape Florence for a full-day adventure to the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre. Travel by air-conditioned coach with a local guide, then combine short train hops with a seasonal boat ride to capture the Riviera’s pastel villages from land and sea. Visit Manarola(*), Vernazza and Monterosso: stroll narrow caruggi, photograph cliff-top churches and tiny harbors, and enjoy free time for a swim or gelato. Choose the optional Ligurian lunch in Monterosso or explore artisan shops at your own pace. Group size kept comfortable; moderate walking and steps required. Boat segments may be replaced by train if sea conditions change. Includes round-trip transport from central Florence and inter-village tickets. A seamless Cinque Terre day trip with iconic views, expert commentary, and time to relax on the beach.

*(Subject to the availability of trains and boats)

## Before you book

- Meeting point: 06:45am at Piazzale Montelungo at the…
- Starts 07:00: one departure a day
- Food included: see what is included
- Strollers OK: infants accepted
- Children from €30: ages 4 to 12

**Pickup:** No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point

## Key facts

- Price: from €59 per person for the Semi Independent Tour option; other options up to €169
- Duration: 11h 30m
- Rating: 4.83/5 from 1179 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor)
- Free cancellation (see policy below)
- Operator: CAF Tour and Travel - Gray Line Florence
- Group: Shared tour
- Guide languages: English, Spanish
- Start times: 07:00
- Booking: Instant confirmation, mobile ticket
- Price checked on Viator: 2026-09-18

## Reviews

4.83 from 1179 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
96% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 1136 of 1179.

- 5 stars: 1058 (90%)
- 4 stars: 78 (7%)
- 3 stars: 21 (2%)
- 2 stars: 11 (1%)
- 1 star: 11 (1%)

### What reviewers say

Reviewers praise helpful guides and smooth travel; some expected more guided sightseeing within the villages.

**Praised:**
- Friendly, knowledgeable guides sharing local history and practical recommendations
- Clear meeting instructions and help navigating trains and ferries
- Free time to explore the villages, swim or shop independently
- Enjoyable lunches and local food

**Complaints:**
- Some value independent exploring, while others want more guided walks and historical detail
- Some find the pace relaxed, while others want more time in the villages
- Heavy crowds in the villages make sightseeing less enjoyable
- Lack of advance notice about swimming left some visitors unprepared

Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (2026-07-08 to 2026-10-03); last checked 2026-10-04.

## Tour options

Prices are the operator's current list price for two travellers (whole euros); options sold only to bigger parties say so; pick the option on the booking page.

| Option | Price | Guide languages | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi Independent Tour | €53 / person | English, Spanish | Bus round trip to Cinque Terre: Round Trip with Tour Leader on board. Not included: Lunch with Typical Pesto Pasta, local trains & Boat inside Cinque Terre. |
| Guided Tour without Lunch | €129 / person | English, Spanish | Cinque Terre Tour - 3 Villages: Round Trip with Tour Leader on board, Local Trains & Boat Tour inside Cinque Terre. Not included: Lunch with Pesto Pasta. |
| Guided Tour with Pisa & Tower | €143 / person | English, Spanish | Cinque Terre, Pisa & Tower: Round Trip with Tour Leader, Local Trains in Cinque Terre (2 Villages), Train Ride La Spezia - Pisa, Leaning Tower Ticket. |
| Guided Tour with Lunch | €169 / person | English, Spanish | Cinque Terre Tour - 3 Villages: Round Trip with Tour Leader on board, Local Trains & Boat Tour inside Cinque Terre, Lunch with Typical Pesto Pasta. |

## What's included

- If option selected: Round-trip train tickets & Scenic boat ride (weather permitting)
- If selected Cinque Terre, Pisa & Tower: Cinque Terre (2 villages), Leaning Tower of Pisa ticket
- Comfortable G.T. Coach transport from Florence in a modern, air-conditioned bus
- If option selected: Typical Ligurian Lunch with Iconic Pesto Pasta
- Dedicated Caf Tour & Travel Staff Assistance at the meeting point
- Small-group Cinque Terre experience for max 30 guests led by our expert Tour Leader

## Not included

- If Semi Independent Tour selected: train tickets, boat ride and lunch not included
- Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off

## Itinerary

1. **Province of La Spezia** (pass by, no stop) - Arrive at the first stop, La Spezia Migliarina, the gateway to the Cinque Terre. From here, continue toward the UNESCO-listed villages, where colorful houses, terraced vineyards, and breathtaking coastal views create one of Italy’s most iconic landscapes.
2. **Manarola** (30m) - Enjoy a guided stroll through Manarola’s pastel lanes to the tiny marina for postcard-perfect photos of cliff-hugging houses. Learn about local winemaking and fishing traditions before free time to browse artisan boutiques.
3. **Vernazza** (45m) - Discover Vernazza’s iconic harbor and church on an easy guided walk through narrow “caruggi.” Capture sweeping coastal views, then meet at the waterfront to board the boat (weather/season permitting) for a memorable ride along the Riviera.
4. **Monterosso al Mare** (1h) - Unwind in Monterosso, famed for its sandy beach and lively old town. Use your free time to swim (seasonal), taste Ligurian specialties like pesto and focaccia, or shop local crafts—option to enjoy lunch here if selected.
5. **Piazza dei Miracoli** (1h) - IF OPTION SELECTED: Explore Piazza dei Miracoli, the UNESCO-listed square home to Pisa’s most iconic monuments. Admire the Cathedral, Baptistery, Monumental Cemetery, and the world-famous Leaning Tower.
6. **Leaning Tower of Pisa** (30m; admission included) - IF OPTION SELECTED: Marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, renowned worldwide for its distinctive tilt and elegant marble architecture. If selected, climb its 294 steps and enjoy panoramic views over Piazza dei Miracoli.

## Schedule

- Runs: daily
- Departures: 07:00
- Schedule last checked: 2026-09-18
- These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout.

## Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

## Meeting point

06:45am at Piazzale Montelungo at the end of the ramp connecting with the train station. 
An assistant will be waiting for you wearing blue clothing with CAF Tour - Gray Line logos.
Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/?q=place_id:EixQaWF6emFsZSBNb250ZWx1bmdvLCA1MDEyOSBGaXJlbnplIEZJLCBJdGFseSIuKiwKFAoSCRNkVHqmVioTEarSbnbVqfdTEhQKEgmt1tKAplYqExEDKsfvF3nVkw

Ends: back at the meeting point

## Good to know

- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Comfortable shoes suggested
- Escorted Transfer option includes: Bus Transport and Tour escort on board, free time in Cinque Terre
- We suggest to bring with you sun hat, sun screen, sun glasses, swimwear and towel
- It is mandatory to arrive at the meeting point at the mentioned check in time. In case of delay it will not be possible to join the tour, nor to have a refund or reschedule the tour.
- Please be advised that it is required to bring your original ID with you during the tour.
- If Lunch option selected: Vegetarian and gluten-intolerant options are available at the restaurant; however, cross- contamination cannot be fully excluded.
- If the Cinque Terre & Pisa tour is selected: the itinerary includes visits to Manarola and Monterosso. All train tickets are included: Local trains inside Cinque Terre + Train ride from la Spezia to Pisa. In Pisa, enjoy free time before your timed entrance to the Leaning Tower.
- If Lunch option selected, Starter: Seafood salad (Vegetarian alternative: Caprese salad - For organizational reasons, in case of allergies to seafood salad, we offer Caprese so that we can standardize the group’s courses during peak times), Main Course: Trofie Pasta with Pesto sauce, Dessert: Tiramisù
- Clients with motor disabilities or wheelchair users are encouraged to notify the tour organizer in advance and seek medical advice to ensure suitability of services. Our tours and transportation are not suitable for people with motor disabilities or wheelchair users, so to prioritize the safety and well-being of all involved, the driver and tour manager retain the right to decline participation if they believe it may compromise safety. This decision rests solely with them, and no compensation will be provided in such cases. By accepting these terms, clients agree to respect decisions made by staff regarding participation.

## Compared with other Day Trips

| Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **This tour · #19 of 39** | €59 | 11h 30m | 4.83 (1179) | shared |
| [Small group Tuscan Wineries, Olive Oil & Gourmet Lunch or Dinner](/italy/florence/tours/small-group-tuscan-wineries-olive-oil-gourmet-lunch-or-dinner/?format=md) | €149 | 8h | 4.96 (1592) | shared |
| [Tuscany Vespa Tours Through the Hills of Chianti](/italy/florence/tours/tuscany-vespa-tours-through-the-hills-of-chianti/?format=md) | €160 | 6h | 4.99 (580) | shared |
| [SMALL-GROUP Wine Safaris: Tuscany Wine Tasting Tour from Florence](/italy/florence/tours/small-group-wine-safaris-tuscany-wine-tasting-tour-from-florence/?format=md) | €130 | 6h | 4.94 (5805) | shared |

Ranked #19 of 39 in Day Trips by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €39 to €275, median €106; typical length 8h. 2 of 39 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market.

Full list: https://guidekin.com/italy/florence/day-trips-from-florence/?format=md

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