From Monterosso: Best of Cinque Terre Private Guided Tour
Active
7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join this private tour to discover the stunning Ligurian lands called "Cinque Terre", a precious Unesco World Heritage site since 1997. You will meet your private guide in Monterosso and then you will board the train "5 Terre Express". This is a dedicated train which goes through these 5 fishing villages and will allow you to discover them at your own pace and time.
In fact, you'll have the chance to decide, together with your expert guide which lands you prefer to visit, or if you prefer to see all of them, that's possible too! Get ready for a wonderful scenery, coloured houses built on impressive cliffsides, a stunning landscape all around you, in a place where cars were banned over a decade ago.
Listen to the history of these magic lands: Cinque Terre's five villages date from the early medieval period. Monterosso, the oldest, was founded in AD 643, and Riomaggiore came next, purportedly established in the 8th century by Greek settlers fleeing persecution in Byzantium.
Available options
Standard
Standard
What's included
Private tour led by an expert guide
Detailed itinerary
1
You will meet your private guide in Monterosso and then you will board the train "5 Terre Express"...
2
Stop 2
You'll have the chance to decide, together with your expert guide which lands you prefer to visit amongst the Cinque Terre...
3
You'll have the chance to decide, together with your expert guide which lands you prefer to visit amongst the Cinque Terre...
4
You'll have the chance to decide, together with your expert guide which lands you prefer to visit amongst the Cinque Terre...
5
You'll have the chance to decide, together with your expert guide which lands you prefer to visit amongst the Cinque Terre...
What's not included
Food and drinks
Train ticket to visit Cinque Terre (your guide will help you buy it at Monterosso train station)
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not wheelchair accessible
Please note that this tour does not include the "5 Terre Express" train ticket, neither the entrances to sites which require an entrance fee (in case you want to visit any). You can buy it - with your guide's help - at Monterosso train station. This way, you can decide which ticket you want to buy based on your preferences for the day.
We suggest you wear comfortable shoes and take a bottle of water with you
Meeting point
Meet your guide in front of the pharmacy.
Important notes
Please bring your mobile or printed voucher and arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes in advance.
About Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five Cinque Terre villages, known for its beautiful beaches, historic churches, and charming old town. It's the most tourist-friendly of the Cinque Terre, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural exploration.
Top Attractions
Monterosso al Mare Beach
The main beach in Monterosso al Mare is a beautiful sandy beach with clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is divided into public and private sections, with lounge chairs and umbrellas available for rent.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free for public sections, €10-€20 for lounge chairs and umbrellas
San Giovanni Battista Church
This historic church is one of the most famous landmarks in Monterosso al Mare. Built in the 14th century, it features a beautiful bell tower and a stunning interior with frescoes and artworks.
Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free entry, donations welcome
Aquarium of Monterosso
The Aquarium of Monterosso is a small but fascinating aquarium that showcases the marine life of the Ligurian Sea. Visitors can see a variety of fish, invertebrates, and other sea creatures in beautifully designed tanks.
Museum
30 minutes to 1 hour
€5-€10
Cinque Terre National Park
The Cinque Terre National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the five Cinque Terre villages and their surrounding hills. The park offers stunning hiking trails with breathtaking views of the coastline and vineyards.
Nature
Half day to full day
€7.50 for the Cinque Terre Card, which includes access to trails and public transportation
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pesto alla Genovese
A traditional Ligurian sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It's often served with pasta or used as a spread.
Sauce
Contains dairy and nuts
Fritto Misto di Mare
A mixed fried seafood dish that typically includes shrimp, squid, and other local seafood. It's crispy, delicious, and a must-try for seafood lovers.
Appetizer
Contains seafood and gluten (from the batter)
Trofie al Pesto
A traditional Ligurian pasta dish made with trofie pasta and pesto alla Genovese. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the region's culinary heritage.
Main Course
Contains dairy and nuts
Ciaccino
A traditional Ligurian dessert made with olive oil, flour, sugar, and anise. It's a simple yet delicious treat that's often served with a glass of local wine.
Dessert
Contains gluten and anise
Popular Activities
Hiking the Cinque Terre trails
Kayaking or paddleboarding in the Ligurian Sea
Scuba diving or snorkeling
Sunbathing and swimming at Monterosso al Mare Beach
Enjoying a wine tasting tour
Exploring the charming Old Town
Visiting historic churches and landmarks
Attending local festivals and events
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the best time to visit for beach lovers and those who want to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The weather is warm, and all attractions are fully open.
20°C to 30°C
68°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, French, German
- English: Moderately spoken, particularly 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
Monterosso al Mare is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid using them at night
- • Be wary of strangers offering help or services, as they may be trying to scam you
Getting there
By air
- Cristoforo Colombo Airport • 90 km from Monterosso al Mare
By train
Monterosso al Mare Station
By bus
Monterosso al Mare Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The Cinque Terre Express is a convenient and scenic way to travel between the villages. Trains run frequently, but schedules can be affected by weather and season.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Local taxi services, but not widely available
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town
Fegina
Day trips
Vernazza
5 km from Monterosso al Mare • Half day to full day
Vernazza is one of the five Cinque Terre villages, known for its charming harbor, historic church, and stunning views. It's a great place to explore the local culture, enjoy the beach, and hike the surrounding trails.
Manarola
8 km from Monterosso al Mare • Half day to full day
Manarola is another of the five Cinque Terre villages, known for its stunning views, historic buildings, and delicious wine. It's a great place to explore the local culture, enjoy the scenery, and sample the local wine.
Portovenere
15 km from Monterosso al Mare • Full day
Portovenere is a beautiful coastal town known for its historic churches, stunning views, and delicious seafood. It's a great place to explore the local culture, enjoy the scenery, and sample the local cuisine.
Festivals
Settimana Santa (Holy Week) • March or April (dates vary by year)
Festa di San Giovanni Battista (St. John the Baptist Festival) • June 24th
Cinque Terre Wine Festival • September (dates vary by year)
Pro tips
- Visit the beach early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views
- Hike the Cinque Terre trails in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds
- Try the local pesto alla Genovese, a traditional Ligurian sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil
- Take a boat tour to see the Cinque Terre villages from the water and enjoy the stunning coastal views
- Visit the nearby town of Portovenere for its historic churches, stunning views, and delicious seafood
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
