gita giornaliera alle Cinque Terre da Firenze

Amazing towns/views/food. Luka the guide walking too fast, no waiting for people wasn’t good. Also horrible crowded trains (you go buy bus, train and a lot of walking). Bus was smelling pee and filthy. But the region is gorgeous.

Lucca was a good guide. It was a difficult day because of an intervening railway strike and we had a loud and verbally abusive tour member, but he managed to take it all in stride with calmness and consideration. It was a terrific day and Cinque Terre was beautiful.

It is a very strenuous trip but worth it. The only thing you should be aware of, is to take your bathing suit. You spend quite a bit of time where swimming is basically all there is to do. Other then the fact we were not made aware of having a swimsuit, the trip was wonderful with plenty of time on each village to explore.

Anna did a fantastic job leading and showing us Cinque Terre. She navigated the group through the different transportation methods and meeting times. She openly discussed the trip options and got consensus with the group based on free time and the amount of other tourist visiting. We had time to enjoy 3 out of the 5 towns and got to spend the most in the biggest (Monterosso). The views were spectacular. I befriended others in my tour group. Definitely take advantage to swim if you can. I could have swam, but I was worrie that I did not have enough time to dry off. (Which I did) The water felt very nice. The included lunch option was delicious from wine, appetizer, entrees, and dessert. Then ending the day with a boat ride back to the initial arrival point was spot on and relaxing. Anna went above and beyond, she helped us get back to our spots in Florence via trolley/tram. FYI you need to take the trolley/tram for the meet up spot. Most people will probably depart near Santa Maria Novella train station.

An all day excursion! Leaving our hotel at 6 am to meet the tour guide at 7 am at the bus station, Luca provided running commentary on the cultural, economic and historical aspects of each area we traveled. Departing the bus at la spezzia, we boarded a train for a 10 minute jaunt to the first town in Cinque Terra. Luca was clear with recommendations on what to see in each village and directions on what time to meet him to catch the next train. Cinque Terra is quite hilly and can be challenging for those not in shape. Each village is beautiful and at the last village, an authentic Italian meal is served, if you choose that option of the tour package. The restaurant, however, while good, does not have a water view. After eating there is lots of time for shopping and swimming! A ferry took us back to la spezzia where we boarded the bus for the hour and a half ride back to Florence, arriving by 8:30 pm. A long day, but well worth it if you have a limited time to see Cinque Terra

Fantastic tour with memories for a lifetime. The tourguide, Luca, was informed, calm but compassionate and accommodating of anyone’s needs. Great command of language with just enough narrative and time to take it all in. The driver Artem made the challenging task of the Italian driver smooth as silk. The group size (40 people) was manageable, and just perfect as you could be social and make friends from around the world or keep to yourselves and enjoy the privacy. Great mix of guidance and on-your-own exploration. The lunch was EXCELLENT at La Barcaccia, a full Italian style multi course lunch with the wine flowing freely. If you have only one day in Italy, do this - luxury a/c tour buses, trains, trails, climbing, swim the Italian Riviera beaches, even a Ferry Ride on return so you can view all of the Cinque Terre towns from the Sea, like a Renaissance Adventurer returning home from a long journey. Just know its a long day, a little crowded and hot this time of year, and built on a rocky coastline in the 1300’s - use common sense, meet the guide at the appointed times (ours held up signs), and by all means ENJOY THE TOUR OF A LIFETIME!