Portovenere and the Cinque Terre Private Shore Excursion from La Spezia
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Customized Portovenere and Cinque Terre shore excursion from the port of La Spezia for the discerning traveler seeking an authentic Italian experience on a small group tour with only the very best of English speaking driver guides. Discover Italy 'close up' in a comfortable Mercedes minivan, taking you into the very heart of this beautiful World Heritage site. Get the most of your time ashore and explore the colorful fishing village of Portovenere and adventure through the villages of the Cinque Terre.
Available options
Portovenere and the Cinque Terre Private Shore Excursion from La Spezia
Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Driver/guide
Port pickup and drop-off
Transport by private vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stroll through the narrow alleyways of this lively and colorful fishing village to reach the church of San Pietro with beautiful views across the bay. A great way to discover this area is from the sea and we recommend departing from the harbor to enjoy the ferry ride (additional cost) to Vernazza arriving in perfect time for lunch. The ferry journey will take you past the villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola with great photo opportunities from the sea.
2
This is a great stop for lunch. Vernazza, with its proud fishing traditions, faces a little bay surrounded by cliffs and two ancient watch-towers and dominated by the church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia built in 1318 with its foundations in the sea.
3
After lunch meet up with your driver for the short drive to Corniglia, the oldest village built around the XI century. Unlike the other villages, it is not directly adjacent to the sea and instead is set on top of a promontory surrounded by vineyards, terraces and olive groves; connected to the sea by 365 steps. For those who walk or hike there's a beautiful uphill trail from Vernazza to Corniglia! Stop here for gelato or enjoy a Vermentino wine-tasting (additional charge of around 5/10euro per person).
4
This tour does have some flexibility. There will be moments you will want to stop the car and gaze out over the incredible views for some great photo opportunities. There may be time to stop and enjoy a wine-tasting of the wonderfully refreshing Vermentino white wine which is renowned in this terraced landscape. This is a day where you can slow down and enjoy a special Italian adventure as you journey through an incredible landscape.
What's not included
Lunch
Gratuities
Train or ferry travel through the Cinque Terre
Admission fee - Admission fee - Via dell'Amore hiking trail which is available for purchase only along side the Cinque Terre Train or Hiking Card which cost from 30euro per person (optional charge)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
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Tripadvisor
5.0
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Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A maximum of 8 people per booking
At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Important notes
• At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
About La Spezia
La Spezia is a vibrant port city in northern Italy, serving as the gateway to the stunning Cinque Terre. Known for its rich maritime history, beautiful waterfront, and as a starting point for exploring the picturesque coastal villages of the Cinque Terre, La Spezia offers a blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
Top Attractions
Castello di San Giorgio
A medieval castle offering panoramic views of the city and the Gulf of La Spezia. The castle houses the Museum of Ligure Navigation.
Historical
1-2 hours
€5
Museo Civico Amedeo Lia
A museum showcasing a rich collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Museum
1-2 hours
€7
Cinque Terre
A UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of five picturesque coastal villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
Nature
Full day
Free to explore, but train and ferry tickets apply
Must-Try Local Dishes
Trofie al Pesto
A traditional Ligurian pasta dish made with trofie pasta and pesto sauce, often served with potatoes and green beans.
Main Course
Contains dairy and nuts.
Focaccia
A type of flatbread topped with olive oil, salt, and sometimes herbs or other ingredients.
Snack
Vegan options available.
Farinata
A savory chickpea pancake, similar to a thin, crispy crepe.
Snack
Vegan and gluten-free.
Popular Activities
Hiking in Cinque Terre
Kayaking in the Gulf of La Spezia
Beach activities
Spa treatments
Visiting museums
Exploring historical sites
Boat tours
Swimming
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, crowded beaches, and vibrant festivals. Ideal for beach activities and exploring the Cinque Terre.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
La Spezia is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.
- • Be cautious when walking alone at night.
Getting there
By air
- Christoforo Colombo Airport • 100 km from La Spezia
By train
La Spezia Centrale
By bus
La Spezia Centrale Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport in La Spezia. They are affordable and connect major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: MyTaxi, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Piazza Verdi
Porto Mirabello
Day trips
Porto Venere
10 km • Half day to full day
A charming coastal town with a medieval church, colorful houses, and stunning views of the sea.
Lerici
15 km • Full day
A picturesque seaside town with a beautiful beach, historic castle, and charming streets.
Festivals
Spezia Festival • July
Cinque Terre Festival • October
Pro tips
- Purchase a Cinque Terre Card for unlimited train travel between the villages.
- Visit the Cinque Terre in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the scenery.
- Try local specialties like pesto, focaccia, and fresh seafood.
- Explore the city's historic sites, such as the Castello di San Giorgio and the Museo Civico Amedeo Lia.
- Take a boat tour to see the coastline from a different perspective.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
